Regardless of what I try, I'm unable to start Windows 7 on my hard drive.
Regardless of what I try, I'm unable to start Windows 7 on my hard drive.
I typically format my drives using the command line in Windows. I’m not familiar with any other methods. Haha
I’m confused about what’s happening. It seems the installation isn’t proceeding as expected. Did KillDisk actually destroy the hard drive? I used it to erase it, but now I’m trying to install an OS by using a Windows 7 ISO on a virtual disk. All tests suggest the drive is still functional, and it works on both PCs I’ve used.
Experiencing frequent strange screens during startup or when launching Windows. The display appears distorted, pixelated, and looks like a digital artwork of nothing. This issue occurred recently after a short period ago and was previously functional. I’m feeling very frustrated since this was a working PC just days ago. I’m unsure what steps to take for resolution. The BIOS reset didn’t help. I’m considering testing the DVD-RW drive on different channels, though I’m not optimistic. Could it be that everything is malfunctioning due to a failing CMOS battery? The drive is quite old. Additionally, I’m wondering if improper channel settings might be causing the problem. I have one hard drive and one DVD-RW drive—what channel assignments should they use?
Your HDD model isn't specified, and the question seems to be asking about your motherboard as well.
It was a bizarre occurrence with this unusual screen display. It kept happening multiple times, and I had no idea why I was doing it. Eventually, I removed the VGA to VGA connector from the video card and moved it elsewhere. When I reconnected it to its original position, the image improved. I’m still confused about what’s going on. Still, it helped me understand my actions. Now I’m working on a long-format hard drive setup. I think this is my third attempt at fixing the issue, and hopefully it will let Windows 7 32-bit install correctly. It’s been a frustrating day handling PC problems, but I found some entertainment in watching exciting soccer matches at the World Cup. Thankful for that!
You might attempt to start with a Linux USB drive and format the disk, though it's unusual that the Windows 7 setup isn't allowing the HDD formatting. Edit: seems like the connection might have been unstable? Which graphics card are you using?
It was a really odd day working on this computer, but I feel like it’s finally finished. I installed Windows 7 32 bit and updated all the drivers. Still puzzled about why the hard drive sometimes didn’t appear in the BIOS. I also wasn’t sure why disconnecting the video card cable was necessary during the setup of Windows 7. I kept wondering if something went wrong during installation because of issues with the media, the drive I used, or my PC’s hard drive. Probably when you notice visual problems, you should reconsider and try video-related steps—like reconnecting the cable to the card, inspecting the monitor, and checking the video card. I learned a few things and am relieved the PC is now functioning correctly. I’m also relieved I persevered instead of giving up, especially since I wouldn’t want to stay up all night. Maybe I’ll update this later and share more, but right now my head is a mess and I still have a lot to do. As for lending this machine to others—my parents and daughter—they don’t listen and keep me through this because they think the PC got damaged by some virus. I just can’t do that anymore. Seriously, when I warn people not to install unnecessary software during downloads and they ignore me, leaving me with a broken machine that won’t remove itself, it’s frustrating. Anyway, time to start installing Steam and downloading games for this old gaming PC. Thanks to everyone who offered help in these threads—I really appreciate it!