What to do when all partitions wont let me reinstall

[chrisjames105]

Okay so none of the partitions I can possibly choose will let me reinstall windows vista.

There are 3 options:

Disk Partition 2 9.8 GB
Disk Partition 3 62.2 GB
Disk 0 Unallocated Space 2.5 GB

The first two say "Windows is unable to find a system volume that meets its criteria for installtion" when I choose that.

The last one isnt big enough I guess.

What do I do?

[EzyStvy]

1) Try a different drive

2) Zap the partitions on the current drive and create a new one..

[Iamjosh]

If you have any data on those partitions, then perhaps burn onto the media or transfer it to another device.
Second, during the install of your new os, vista will allow you to delete all those partitions and then create new partitions, prior to installing the os.

[EzyStvy]

From a Private Message that should have been posted in his thread:

Ok so I deleted the ones on there and created a new one and it still says "Windows is unable to find a system volume that meets its criteria for installtion"

Which OS are you trying to install?
Is the hard drive a SATA drive?

If SATA, try looking in the BIOS for an option to set the drive to IDE Mode.

[Iamjosh]

thanks Steve.

@ OP /

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927520

[chrisjames105]

I am trying to install Windows Vista home eiditon on a Dell laptop. I do not know what a "sata drive" is as you asked me... & how do I get to the BIOS?

[EzyStvy]

Google is your friend!

You could have easily found out what both are in minutes

When you first turn on the pc you see press F2 to enter Setup (that is the same as the BIOS) Once in there look to see if you can find an option to run your hard drive in IDE Mode.

Did you click on the link IamJosh posted above?

AND - somewhere in Your user manual are instructions for re-installing Vista. This partition->Disk Partition 2 9.8 GB has all the needed info similar to what is on the DVD..If its not too late you should read the manual OR Download one from Delll's web site.

[chrisjames105]

Ok so I went into BIOS, didnt see anything for the hard drive so I loaded defaults and the installation worked!!! But now I cant online to download the WLAP driver. I hooked up my ethernet cable and its not hooking up to the internet. I did this with a different laptop a few weeks ago and it worked. I just hooked up the ethernet cable from the laptop to the router... But this time its not working

[chrisjames105]

Nevermind! I just had to install the ethernet controller driver. As well as the other drivers. Problem fixed. Thanks for all your help!

[EzyStvy]

In a short time - you'll be a pro/expert