Solved can't install windows vista

[dannycastro]

I tried to do a clean install after my explorer.exe kept crashing. so far I have tried like 10 times no success.
I have ran all of the recovery options like startup repair memory diag, at the prompt I ran disk part and formatted partitioned and activated partition. I also tried to repair master boot, fix boot etc. The install process gets hung up on completing installation everytime for a long time like 2 hours. I have left it running overnight and come back to a black screen with the white cursor. I am not sure what the problem is I am thinking mmaybe its the hard drive drivers I have tried loading them via usb during install (drivers downloaded from gateway support) but not sure if I need to burn them on a iso or streamline into vista disc. please help......its been like a week and I have to use my phone to do everything.

 

[Allan D]

Hello DannyCastro,

This symptom (blank screen with cursor at the top left side of the screen) in most of the cases indicates Hard Drive issues. I can try assisting you with troubleshooting. Please try the below mentioned steps and check if this helps:

1. Power off the computer and disconnect all the power sources and external devices.
2. Press and hold the power button for 10-15 seconds and then release.
3. Put the Power Source back and power on the computer and check if the computer boots normally.
4. If the computer doesn't boot normally in step 3, check in the BIOS if the Hard Drive is detected.
5. If the Hard Drive is not listed in BIOS, Load the BIOS Defaults and then restart the computer.
6. If you again get the same screen, try re-seating the Hard Drive (if you wish to do it yourself you can refer to service manual).
**Note: Before you start working with insides of the computer, please go through the pre-removal instructions mentioned in Service Manual, this is for your and machine’s safety.

7. After re-seating if the Hard Drive is not detected again, try connecting the hard drive on a different computer if available.
8. If the Hard Drive is still not detected, you need to replace the Hard Drive.
8. If the Hard Drive is listed in Step 4, run the Diagnostics provided by the manufacturer on the Hard Drive.
9. If the Hard Drive Test gives any error please contact your computer company's support for further course of action.

Hope this helps!

 

[richc46]

Welcome
Since you did not mention if you have an upgrade CD or a regular retail, I have provided both instructions
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/68767-clean-install-upgrade-vista.html?ltr=C
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/117366-clean-install-full-version-vista.html
If you still cannot install, it sounds like a hardware problem.

 

[dannycastro]

ok so my motherboard sees the hard drive marked wdc wd2500bevs-22usto. I reseated drive and mobo stills sees the drive. I tried to reinstall and still hanging on completing installation now (been about 1.5 hours) I am using the full install disk. it's weird because when I run disk part to check drive its says complete successfully. I guess I will have to check it in another computer. no luck so far thank you so much for your post and help.

 

[Allan D]

Hello DannyCastro,

In order to assist you further, I would like to know the name of the system manufacturer and the model number. I would also request you to run the hardware diagnostics on the hard drive to check the functionality of the hard drive.

Please write back with the results.

 

[dannycastro]

Hi Allan,
I filled out all of the system data

Processor	Intel® Dual-Core Mobile Processor T2390 1.86 GHz | 1 MB L2 Cache | 533 MHz FSB
Chipset	Intel® GM965
Display panel	15.4-inch Ultrabright™ WXGA TFT display (1280 × 800)
Memory	3072 MB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM (1 × 1024 and 1 × 2048) Operates at 533 MHz Total slots: 2 DDR2 slots | Available slots: 0 DDR2 slots
Video controller	Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 Up to 384 MB of Dynamic Video Memory
Webcam	1.3 Megapixel
Fingerprint reader	No
HDMI connector	No
Audio	High definition audio - 2 channel
Hard drive	250 GB 5400 RPM SATA hard drive
Optical drive	8X Multi-Format Dual Layer DVDRW with DVD-RAM Write maximum: 8X DVD +/-R, 6X DVD-RW, 8X DVD+RW, 2X DVD-R DL, 2.4X DVD+R DL, 5X DVD-RAM, 24X CD-R and 16X CD-RW discs Read maximum: 8X DVD-R/RW/ROM, 4X DVD+/-R DL, 5X DVD-RAM, 24X CD-R/RW/ROM discs
Modem	Integrated V.92 56K modem
Network	10/100 Ethernet LAN 802.11n wireless LAN
Memory card reader	5-in-1 Memory Stick® Memory Stick Pro® Multimedia Card™ Secure Digital™ XD MiniSD and RS-MMC (when used with adapter that is supplied with card)
Interfaces	Three - USB 2.0 ports One - VGA port RJ-11 modem port RJ-45 LAN port Headphone/SPDIF Audio Out jack Microphone jack One - Lock slot Power input
Pointing device	Touchpad with vertical scroll zone
Expansion slot	Expresscard® Type 54
Battery	6-cell Lithium-ion

I have a Gateway M-6337 (stock) I was running vista 32bit home premium. I am so sorry I am pretty tech savvy but can you please be a little more specific about what diagnostics you want me to do with the drive.

 

[Allan D]

Hello DannyCastro,

Run a diagnostics of the hard drive provided by the manufacturer and check the functionality of the hard drive.

 

[dannycastro]

I guess I should let you know this is an older computer and I do not have any of the original boot disc or drivers do you think I can download the tools I need from WD or Gateway?

 

[dannycastro]

ok so I feel stupid I ran all diag all scans came back good. wd dlg was the software I used. I wiped the hard drive and just in case it was the installation dvd I burned a new copy and ta da works great I guess it was a bad burn/disk thank you so much for all your help

 

[Allan D]

Hello DannyCastro,

I am glad to know that the issue got fixed. Thank you for letting us know about the resolution.
Please feel free to write back to the forum for any further queries.