Solved Yet another "Windows cannot copy files to this disk" message

[funalien]

Hello,
I'm trying to install Windows 7 64bit to HP dc7800 Ultra slim desktop PC from USB flash drive (since PC hasn't got CD/DVD drive). At the partition selection step I get message "Windows cannot copy files to this disk".
I've already googled a lot and read this forum topics, but still can't overcome this issue.

I've tried the following:

• format HDD and create partition table with DISKPART via win7 disk command promt,
• format HDD and create partition table with GParted (creating to primary patition: ~50 GB NTFS '"WIN7" and ~100 GB NTFS "DATA",
• wipe all data from HDD writing random data,
• create bootable USB flash with different tools (Windows 7 USB/DVD Download tool, Novicorp WinToFlash),
• memtest86+ both operating memory modules (2 x 2GB) for 6 passes,
• leave only one module connected to motherboard (with each),
• reset CMOS setting in 3 ways (via BIOS, removing power cable and CMOS battery, pushing CLR_CMOS button on motherboard),
• set HDD as the first boot device

but nothing helped.

I've searched in BIOS for different HDD emulation modes (AHCI, IDE), but the only present setting present:
Storage -> Device Configuration -> Hard Disk (SATA0):
Emulation type: Hard Disk, None,
Multisector Transfers: 8, 16, Disabled,
Translation Mode: Off, Automatic, Bit Shift, LBA Assisted, User.

What can I do? Your help is appreciated.

UPD:
Tried removing USB flash key and refresh the partition list in partition selection menu. Didn't help.
Checked HDD with built in HP DPS selft test tool in BIOS.

 

[gregrocker]

Work through these steps for Overcoming Windows 7 Installation Failures - Windows 7 Help Forums

 

[funalien]

I've gone through all the steps above, but that didn't help me.

Now I'm thinking about connecting the ATA/IDE optical drive to a secondary connector. The motherboard has to connectors:

• The first one connector, used for HDD, is SATA.
• The second is free, and it's a miniature copy of ATA connector. I've found out what it is a Compact Flash interface. It's said to be compatible with ATA using CF-IDE adapter. However, I'm not sure, whether it is compatible. I've found no more information about CF (as miniature ATA connector).

I've tried to search for cables to connect such devices, but found nothing in the local stores (kilobaitas, fortakas).



Attach a photo of the connector on the motherboard (sorry for the quality). The connector is in the top right corner.


Any ideas?

 

[gregrocker]

I would use the SATA connection.

Is there a newer BIOS update?

Have you tried a different HDD?

Try once again with a fresh ISO from link in tutorial, written to flash stick this time with UltraISO Software To Create Bootable USB Flash Drive.

If this fails try moving HD to another PC to install, then if it won't start on the HP Adjust Win7 to boot on new hardware with Paragon Adaptive Restore CD

 

[funalien]

Yes, there is a newer version of BIOS. Mine is 01.04, the newer is 01.32.
While trying to install it via BIOS flash rom, after selecting usb device and pressing F10, system freezes.
Should I try the older versions (01.28, 01.24)?
However, there is nothing said about IDE/SATA compatibilty in changelog.

 

[gregrocker]

Can you install the native Vista 32 bit on there? If so it may be easier to upgrade BIOS.

Can you try Win7 32 bit?

 

[funalien]

gregrocker, thank you for helping me.
Following your advice,
> "If this fails try moving HD to another PC to install, then if it won't start on the HP Adjust Win7 to boot on new hardware with Paragon Adaptive Restore CD"
I found out, that my HP 4540s has a SATA connection for HDD, so I will try now this option and message in this thread about the results of my experiment.

Results:
1. The installer allowed to install OS Win 7 64x on partition.
2. It has created a "system reserved" partition 0 before primary installation partition. This didn't happen while partitioning on HP dc7800 from USB. Can this cause the problem? And how can I avoid this?
3. Installation ended successfully. Now I will try to migrate to the HP dc7800.
3.1 At the fresh installation of Windows 7 I run sysprep. It took too long and the task manager showed no activity. After restarting the system sysprep causes message "A fatal error occured while trying to sysprep the machine". Following this steps and MS hotfix didn't help, too.
3.2 Installing the drive to the HP dc7800 and running it causes reboot on Windows black start screen.
3.3 Trying to install Windows 7 on the HP dc7800's hard drive with a new boot partition...

Continue tommorow

> "Can you install the native Vista 32 bit on there? If so it may be easier to upgrade BIOS.
Can you try Windows 7 32 bit?"
I will try this anyway.

 

[funalien]

Is there any way to run Paragon adaptive restore 2010 from USB drive?

It's possible to make bootable USB with a similar Physical-to-Physical (P2P) EASEUS Todo Backup software.

 

[gregrocker]

Can you run PAR from disk? I don't know how to run PAR from flash stick but you can try writing it with YUMI – Multiboot USB Creator | USB Pen Drive Linux.

Did you try starting it without adjusting? Sometimes it will start. If it hangs at boot animation it means it is indeed drivers which need adjusting.

 

[funalien]

Yes, I tried and pc restarts on "windows is starting" screen.
No, I can't connect any drive to the only left connector - compact flash pin.

 

[gregrocker]

This means it should start with the P2P Adjust. Do you have a CD drive? Can you borrow a USB CD drive?

I'd try writing PAR using Yumi as it will sometimes work with the undesignated listing.

I asked the PAR tutorial author to consult with you on this.

 

[Kaktussoft]

YUMI Can make a multi boot flash disk. Even unknown ISO's can be added. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/292068-make-windows-7-bootable-after-motherboard-swap.html there is the ISO that you need

 

[funalien]

I must take a break waiting for ps/2 to usb adapter for my laptop for some reason. (Writing from a phone, cannot use pc). I will get back ASAP.

 

[funalien]

Hello!
I've got the answer for this problem.
I solved it this way:
1). I've connected the hard drive to another SATA compatible PC and started installing MS Windows 7 from the USB. I was able to select the proper partition to install Windows on it.
2). Before the installation step "Completing installation" (image) a PC reboots. I powered off the machine, then removed the hard drive and returned it back to the destination PC.
3). Then, I've continued the installation without booting from any installation device, just from hard drive. After finishing everything works fine.

So, thanks for you help!
I hope what this topic will be useful for windows community.