Windows 7: Unable to mount ISO as virtual CD-ROM

When I mount the drive in another machine and explore the HP_RECOVERY partition, there is a file in the root of the volume labeled bcdbackup. Why would that be there??

Can recover BCD if boot fails.

Requested Screenshot?

I thought you said it would be a lot easier to just do a clean install rather than troubleshooting it?

I'm going to use a Windows 7 Ultimate, 64-bit SP1 system builder DVD to install on a single, 431.51 GB volume with no system reserve partition. a 500 GB NTFS volume will be formatted after first boot, backup and clean system image created.

Let us know how it goes.

Tips for getting and keeping a perfect reinstall in my sig pic below.

Thanks, will do. Clean installs are familiar territory for me, BCD issues not so much.

It's been on "expanding Windows files" for well over an hour, do you think something is wrong already? Should only take 30-40 mins max in my experience.

I did a clean all on the disk and then ran 'create part primary size=441866'
Disk should be perfectly healthy

Try a new ISO burn/write, wipe the Hard drive from these steps for Overcoming Windows 7 Installation Failures - Windows 7 Help Forums

It may go faster if you just follow the steps from the top. Report back results including any verbatim error messages and point of failure.

Had we seen the HD screenshot we might have spotted something that's affecting you now. Wipe the HD to be sure.

I did a clean all on the disk and then ran 'create part primary size=441866'

It is progressing, just much slower than I am used to. It took over an hour to get to 80% (that was when I posted last), I just looked again and it was at 96%. Do you think I should let the install complete, or just scrap it and start anew?

Thanks so much for the quick and informative answers, too! :)
And your patience of course!

I would try a new installer to see if its the problem, then create a full disk Primary Active install partition by not specifying any size, run a full Disk Check followed by the HD maker's HD Diagnostic extended CD scan.

These are the most likely suspects, but I wouldn't skip any of the other steps for Overcoming Windows 7 Installation Failures - Windows 7 Help Forums