Wiping Out Everything on Dell XPS 8100 Desktop

[paulyjames]

Okay i applied 240000mb.


Now i see

Total Space Free Space
Disk 0 Partition 1 234.4gb 234.4gb Primary

Disk 0 Unallocated Space 231.4gb 231.4gb



You say it doesn't matter but since i put 240000mb, thats what is shown. So that mean if i put 100000mb or 100gb... then the numbers would be different here...

 

[gregrocker]

Yes. This is how you'd set up your partitions.

Can you choose that partition to format and install?

But it should have also created the 100mb System Reserved partition if all partitions were deleted first.

 

[paulyjames]

So you want me to click on disk 0 partition 1 with 234.4gb and click format right? Then click next afterwards?

And leave the disk 0 unallocated space with 231.4gb alone?

There isn't 100mb reserved partition on the screen.

 

[paulyjames]

I clicked format then it gives me a message do i want to do this and i clicked yes. I had this same message earlier when i tried to do it.



Then i clicked next on bottom right and got same message


setup was unable to create a new system partition or locate an existing parittion. see the setup log files for more information. I clicked format waited a bit... same message...

 

[gregrocker]

Ok work through the steps for http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/324687-windows-7-installation-failure-overcome.html

To help detect if you have a UEFI BIOS when you enter BIOS setup look on all Tabs for any settings for UEFI, CSM, Legacy BIOS.

 

[paulyjames]

okay i see that. So im suppose to unplug the usb flash drive first from the desktop? NOt really sure i want to do this as i cant really click eject here and dont want to damage the usb flash drive. I use to always just plug/unplug flash drive until i read thats how u damage it.


So im suppose to just take the flash drive out like that then restart? Just want to make sure. I got the new flash drive recently.

 

[paulyjames]

I just took the usb out. I then exited then clicked f2 and then just exited. I had thought it was f2 instead of f12.


Now i get the messgae


No boot device available
wait for enter key to retry

sata 1: installed
sata 2: installed
sata 3: none
sata 4: none

 

[gregrocker]

Cancel install and Shut down to unplug stick.

Wiping the hard drive most often solves these issues so you can skip to Step 6 after booting stick to run Commands to see if that helps. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/324687-windows-7-installation-failure-overcome.html

 

[paulyjames]

I unplugged the stick first and then canceled the install. I then clicked f2 and then clicked exit. Now it has the same message...


with no boot device...

 

[paulyjames]

Im basically stuck at this same screen now after turning it on and off...


I assume i have to click f12 now to boot?

 

[gregrocker]

Yes you still must boot the stick.

Do you notice any EFI Boot choices?

 

[paulyjames]

I put the stick back in and then restarted the computer.


Right now its back to the install windows again....

 

[paulyjames]

Where do u want to install windows


disk 0 unallocated space 465.8gb total and free. Then clicked driver and then put 240000mb and i see same thing like last time


disk 0 partition 1 234.4gb

disk 0 unallocated space 231.4 gb

 

[paulyjames]

Cancel install and Shut down to unplug stick.

Wiping the hard drive most often solves these issues so you can skip to Step 6 after booting stick to run Commands to see if that helps. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/324687-windows-7-installation-failure-overcome.html

How am i suppose to do this? You want me to hold on to power button to shut down right? Then unplug the stick. Then power on again? Yet if i do this, wouldn't the first thing that show up is that boot error? Or am i suppose to press f12 the moment i power computer again...


srry very confusing.

 

[gregrocker]

If you cancel the install and are observant you will see restart or Shut Down choices.

Otherwise press the power button once to power off in boot mode.

Obviously you need to tap the boot key at first screen

 

[paulyjames]

Is the boot f2 or f12?


If you cancel the install and are observant you will see restart or Shut Down choices.


I cancelled the install twice. There was no option of restart or shut down. When you click the x button it automatically restarts...

 

[gregrocker]

Restart is good enough.

F12, same as when you booted it before a few minutes ago.

Look for any EFI choices and report back

 

[paulyjames]

Please select boot device

Cd/dvd1-hl-dt-st DVD+/-rw gh5
RAID: WDC WD5000AAKS-75VOA
Diagnostics
Boot to utility partition
enter setup

 

[gregrocker]

Enter setup to reset to defaults, save and exit.

I don't see flash stick listed. Boot it to run commands.

 

[paulyjames]

Enter setup to reset to defaults, save and exit.

I don't see flash stick listed. Boot it to run commands.

Im suppose to have the flash stick in the computer? I didnt have it in when i did this...