Wipe HDD with "diskpart >> clean all"

[TorehanB]

Hi everyone,

I was triying to wipe my HDD with diskpart >> clean all to overcome "Windows could not configure one or more system components" issue which I post to technet forum afew days ago.

But I have some concerns about wiping process.

Most of the notebooks are being sold with hidden partition which contains OEM Windows 7 and required driver files for a clean systems recovery. That partition made hidden by the manufacturers as factory defaults.

I was wondering if diskpart can handle with this hidden partition?

If not, that won't be a actual wiping the HDD that may reason of the issue mentioned in the link.

Any comment would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Torehan

 

[ignatzatsonic]

My understanding is that diskpart "clean all" command does wipe hidden partitions.

I think you can also delete hidden partitions specifically. Use the diskpart "detail disk" command to obtain detailed information about the current in-focus disk. That will tell you if the partition is hidden. Then select that partition and type in “delete partition override”.

 

[TorehanB]

Thank you for your comment.
Well, yes after using "detail disk", it can be seen there is no hidden partition. That means this is not a possible reason previously referenced issue.

That may be a completely different topic but my aim was to talk about issue that referenced in my first post.

What could be the reason? Why installation of 64bit couldn't be completed whereas 32bit could?

 

[seavixen32]

If you check this tutorial, you will see the the "clean all" command does indeed wipe the drive completely, including any hidden OEM partitions.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/52129-disk-clean-clean-all-diskpart-command.html

I can't comment on your Technet thread, because the link appears to be dead.

 

[TorehanB]

Sorry for that, link fixed.

 

[seavixen32]

Cheers.

You say the 32-bit version installs OK.

I suppose there is a possibility there is a problem with the 64-bit DVD.

Is there any chance you can borrow a 64-bit disk from a friend and try that?

 

[TorehanB]

I have allready tried that. I have two different Windows 7 Ultimate DVD and both ends up with the same problem.

I think the clue for the reason of the problem is in the differences between 32bit and 64bit confugration process.

What are the system components that are being mentioned in the error?

 

[gregrocker]

The value of Diskpart "Clean" command for install failures is to wipe the boot sector of possibly corrupt or conflicting code blocking install. It isn't necessary to run "Clean all" which is more for overwriting data securely and does no more than "Clean" for this critical boot sector purpose.

"Clean" will destroy everything on the HD so that it is recoverable only by Data REcovery software, "Clean all" not even that.

Where did you get Win7? You said you've tried two disks - what is their source?

Try writing a verified ISO to flash stick using Universal USB Installer with Win7 in dropdown, boot under USB, Removable or HD's in one-time BIOS Boot Menu.

I would find a HD which can afford to be wiped and try "Clean" command with your 64 bit install problem.

If these fail we can continue troubleshooting your issue here.

 

[TorehanB]

Disks are two different legal copies of Windows 7 Ultimate DVD which one is belonged to me the other is belong to my father.

What do you mean a verified iso? Is it OK if I would create iso image of my DVD with iso maker program e.g Magic Iso ?

The value of Diskpart "Clean" command for install failures is to wipe the boot sector of possibly corrupt or conflicting code blocking install. It isn't necessary to run "Clean all" which is more for overwriting data securely and does no more than "Clean" for this critical boot sector purpose.

"Clean" will destroy everything on the HD so that it is recoverable only by Data REcovery software, "Clean all" not even that.

Where did you get Win7? You said you've tried two disks - what is their source?

Try writing a verified ISO to flash stick using Universal USB Installer with Win7 in dropdown, boot under USB, Removable or HD's in one-time BIOS Boot Menu.

I would find a HD which can afford to be wiped and try "Clean" command with your 64 bit install problem.

If these fail we can continue troubleshooting your issue here.

 

[gregrocker]

Yes you can use that or ImgBurn to extract ISO from DVD.

Or install UltraISO trial version, on Disk Tab Select Open DVD, on Bootable tab select Write Disk Image, Format stick, Write. Boot under USB, Removable, or HD's.

 

[TorehanB]

Thanks, I will give a try..

What makes you think that using bootable USB is more benefitial for installation process instead of DVD ?

I will give feedback as soon as possible.

 

[seavixen32]

Thanks, I will give a try..

What makes you think that using bootable USB is more benefitial for installation process instead of DVD ?

I will give feedback as soon as possible.

The simple answer is that it's quicker.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2432-usb-windows-7-installation-key-drive-create.html

 

[TorehanB]

Smart

 

[gregrocker]

Using Flash Stick install also helps us determine if the problem is in the ISO, DVD burn or OD.

 

[TorehanB]

Hi guys,

I've just tried to install Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit by using USB iso image on a different partition in my HDD. But I end up with the same configuration error. (Windows could not configure one or more system components)

There are 3 different partition;

100 MB - System Reserved
246 GB - Windows 7 32bit
219 GB - Where I 'm trying to install 64 Win7 64bit

Note: I used Windows 7 Disk Management to resize the 465 GB partition letting the new partition (216 GB) to be "Unallocated Space". The idea behind it is to let windows installer does the format.

So what do you suggest?

Should I try to install from USB stick after a diskpart >> clean ?

 

[gregrocker]

The problem may be that 64 bit installer cannot update the System files (as it should to configure a Dual Boot) on the System REserved partition due to 32 bit Win7 being there.

You can check this by creating an Active target partition for 64 bit install using free Partition Wizard bootable CD, or using Step 2.2 here: SSD - HDD Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

You can also back up an image of 32 bit to delete all partitions with installer or wipe the HD, clean install 64 bit, then try reimaging 32 bit to a partition to see if a Dual Boot can be set up from either OS using EasyBCD whose earlier editions are still free.

I would use the free Acronis premium cloning/imaging app which comes with any WD or Seagate HD, free Macrium Reflect or Paragon 11 for maximum flexibility of what/where you can image.

You start the desired partition by marking it Active using Diskpart or PW CD, then running Startup Repair 3 Separate Times

 

[TorehanB]

The problem may be that 64 bit installer cannot update the System files (as it should to configure a Dual Boot) on the System REserved partition due to 32 bit Win7 being there.

Actually I'm not sure if this is the problem. Because in my early trial and errors I've tried to make clean install of only 64 bit Windows 7 but this was also problematic.

I will try to make the partition active and see what is going to change.

Thanks

 

[theog]

Try deleting all partitions, than reboot.

Take a look at those tutorials:
For Standard BIOS, 32bit & 64bit.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/52291-partition-hard-drive-windows-7-install.html

For uEFI BIOS, 64bit only.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorial...e-firmware-interface-install-windows-7-a.html

 

[TorehanB]

OK, I give up.At last, I've tried everything exept UEFI install and I have no hope that this could help...

I will send the notebook to the technical department of the manufacturer and wish to get it back in 15 workdays.

Thanks for you valuable time and wise comments.

 

[seavixen32]

Thanks for the update Torehan and thanks for your kind comment, it is appreciated.