windows 7 - Can't install any OS after replacing hard drive

07
2014-07
  • archit.engg

    I recently upgraded my computer's HDD from 320 GB to 500 GB. It's a Toshiba L650.

    I tried to install Windows 7 on it but due to some file error I wasn't able to install it successfully. While installing Windows I made some partitions and later when the Windows 7 didn't install successfully I deleted the partitions by connecting that HDD to some other computer externally.

    So, I tried installing Linux from a DVD now and at boot time – before the actual installer starts –, it shows:

    no bootable disks found, insert bootable disk and press enter.

    I made sure to set the boot order to CD/DVD. I've also verified the HDD is running (the light is blinking) and that the disk size is supported by the system.

    • Answers
  • Tom

    Delete the partition, recreate it, then format it. Any file-based problems will be gone.

    Both Windows and Linux can do all of that during the installation, you just have to select "advanced" options during the install to get to the disk partition/change options.

  • tao

    Not an answer but tidbits of helpful info.

    1 - Partitioning:

    grab yourself a copy of gparted > http://gparted.sourceforge.net/

    2 - Boot Sequence for Toshiba:

    From the Toshiba Manual:
    "To change the boot drive, follow the steps below.
    1. Hold down F12 and boot the computer.
    When the TOSHIBA Leading Innovation >>> screen appears, release the F12 key.
    2. Use the up and down cursor keys to select the boot device you want and press ENTER"

    3 - IDE/SETA Compatibility Mode for Toshiba:

    The BIOS contains an option called SATA mode;
    If it’s set to AHCI then you will need SATA drivers.
    If the compatible mode has been chosen, then you will not need the SATA drivers.
    The HDD controller will work and appear in IDE mode.

    4 - Fixing the MBR in Windows 7:

    http://www.tomshardware.com/news/win7-windows-7-mbr,10036.html
    [also covers setting active partition]

    5 - Repair broken bootloader's:

    http://www.supergrubdisk.org/


    • Related Question

    windows xp - How do I make a bootable partition on my hard drive for a fresh os install?
  • CT.

    I have a nettop which has no dvd drive. Could I make a small partiton on my hard drive, put all files from a win xp install disk image into that partition, and somehow make that bootable?

    It currently has windows 7 installed.


    • Related Answers
  • Tyler

    You could do that. You would want to set the drive as bootable using bootsect.exe. Of course, once once XP has installed itself your MBR will be overwritten and Win7 will no longer work, so assuming XP installed properly you'd just follow the MS Knowledgebase article on getting Win7 to boot again from within XP http://support.microsoft.com/kb/919529 if it doesn't go as planned you'll need to see about booting from a USB drive (which is probably the way to go anyway). And the way I would personally chose to do it (if not for the suggestion below) would be to create a bootable barebones partition as big as the XP partition you'd like boot completely into that and then just install XP from the install files.

    A better way:

    You can use WinSetupFromUSB and it should do everything for you. Of course, if you're install XP for fear of the Win7 RC running out, you have until March 1, 2010. If you just want to start from scratch with XP wiping everything, then this would also be the method I would use (random stray tiny partitions are not worth it).

    As always I recommend backing up your essential data to a medium not connected during the install (whether it be using dropbox, a network share or an external hdd).

  • Morten Bergfall

    >> bootsect /nt52 {drive:}

    Replace /nt52 with /nt60 for Windows Vista and beyond