Windows not installing...

**RO Citizen** · August 30, 2011, 03:34 PM

I'm having a serious problem with my PC. Might seem banal, but it isn't: I just can't install Windows. Any Windows.

Since some weeks ago, the PC started restarting when playing games (while before it didn't), and sometimes jsut random. I made all the usual scans (anti-virus, defrag, registry cleans, look at temps, etc.), and all was fine. I even caleld a friend who's a pro, and he got a CD with some other tests (RAM, CPU and GPU tests he said), but still no problems, especially overheating ones. Note the computer wasn't slow.

I decided to reinstall Windows 7, well I actually asked my friend to do it for me

We didn't stay near the comp while installing, and when I got there there was an error saying "...Windows failed to install...press OK to restart installation". I then tried 3 more times to install it, but to no avail. Also, I've observed that the computer restarts and then tries to go into Windows when the phase "completing installation" starts. I've got another Windows 7 CD from a friend and tried with it, but it doesn't boot it that at all...

I then tried with my old Windows XP, to at least save my files from D: Unfortunately, it restarts when the formatting C: part starts

I'm really desperate, and out of options. I've already prepared the warranty papers to go to the shop. Could it be hardware? I'm pretty sure I and my friend did the installation right, because I did this before on the same comp with the same CD, 2 times with 7 and x times with XP.

Here are my specs:

Asus manufacturer, and it was a built-in computer, 1 year old
Intel i7 860 @2.80Ghz
Samsung 1 TB HDD
4 GB RAM DDR3 Kingston
Ati HD5670 @1 GB
Asus P7..... mobo (it's pretty late at me now, I'll look it the morning for it)
Windows 7 Ultimate/Windows XP Professional

Any help appreciated with rep and eternal worship

**PoleCat** · August 30, 2011, 05:02 PM

Random rebooting could be many problems but yours sounds like PSU related to me. You say it was a pre-built system? They usually use crappy PSU. Can you tell what the voltages are on your system? Use something like Speedfan and post the results here. Otherwise get those warranty papers out. Good luck!

**RO Citizen** · August 31, 2011, 03:07 AM

Unfortujately I can't install that program, because I don't have an OS, lol. But I did had a program before, CPU hardware I guess, with voltages 3.3, 5 and 12.

**PoleCat** · August 31, 2011, 07:10 AM

Originally Posted by RO Citizen

Unfortujately I can't install that program, because I don't have an OS, lol. But I did had a program before, CPU hardware I guess, with voltages 3.3, 5 and 12.

Well I was more interested in the variances to be honest.

Did you format the drive before trying to install Windows? That has an effect.

Really it sounds like a hardware issue somewhere in the line. I suggest getting your old data of of your drives by any means possible and then send that system back for repair. There are a few ways of doing this.

Since you have no bootable drive you'll need to manually remove your disks and install them in another system and copy them over - the old school solution. But there are other ways as well. I personally use a product called EZ-Connect by Kingwin that allows you to direct the drive in the inoperable system to another drive in a usable system to make backups. You don't have to take the drive out - just make sure the system is cold and grounded and the drive is unplugged from the unusable system (as in power and SATA/IDE connectors). This will allow a safe and easy file transfer. The unit itself is self powered and doesn't require a draw from the system it's transferring to.

The problem though is if your system has warranty assurance tape across the back of the side panels. In that case you'll void the warranty by slitting the tape.

Either way something isn't working on that system. Without being able to see and work on it I don't think there's more I can add. Sorry and good luck!