Windows 7 Upgrade Gone Wrong

[AlfAlmeida]

I was upgrading from Windows XP Home Premium (32bit) to Windows 7 Home Premium (32bit). The Windows 7 Adviser gave my PC the all clear except for some small software but as Win 7 would clear C: drive I did not bother removing. The only error I am aware of making is not disabling Norton 360. I did not bother with the Windows Transfer Program as I wanted to start from scratch. All my files had been transferred manually to an external hard drive.

The initial (custom) installation went fine, the program fetched whatever drivers were necessary from the internet. The problem arose when the installation shut the system for the first time. There was a lot of activity initially from drive C: but nothing appearead on the monitor which remained black. Then everything just went quiet although the PC did not shut down!

This situation went on for about three quarters of an hour and not knowing what to do, I turned the PC off manually with the intention of reverting to Win XP using a bootable CD with Acronise True Immage and the clone I had previously made of C: drive and saved on an external hard drive. This has not worked as the PC will not boot and I am not even able to access the BIOS. Nothing comes up on the monitor which is in perfect order as I am using it with this my old PC. Please helpppppp someone!!!

[David M]

You will need to select Custom installation. Unfortunately, Custom does not preserve your folders. You will be doing a clean installation.

Depending on how much RAM your computer is capable of utilizing, I would consider a full installation version of Windows 7 64 bit. What are your computers hardware specifications?

A clone will only duplicate the OS and data you have on your existing C: drive or whichever drive you cloned.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/w...p-to-windows-7

[AlfAlmeida]

It was a Custom Installation I was trying, as I said in my post. Thanks for your prompt reply David.

[David M]

Sorry, I misread what you said. My thinking is that you were attempting an upgrade and not a clean installation. Upgrading an OS involves buying the upgrade which keeps your files intact....like going from XP to Vista for example. I don't have any ideas for you but glc will be along probably sometime today.

[glc]

Sounds like you had a coincidental hardware failure. Take the computer apart and follow this:

Having problems with a new build? Try this.

If this is successful, add one component at a time till it fails again.

[AlfAlmeida]

Thanks,glc. You were absolutely right! Unfortunately, it was the motherboard that failed. My repairer wants to fit a new motherboard which I consider might be a "cheapy" at only £45 (about $67), as there are no replacement original HP motherboards. It seems it is only that or a new PC!

[David M]

Which brand and model number motherboard does the repair guy want to install?

What is the model number of the HP that failed?

[AlfAlmeida]

I'm seeing the man on Monday to get a full report. My PC is an HP Pavalion desktop, but I can't tell you the model off hand as it is in the repair shop.

[David M]

People part out computers and then sell them on Ebay. This way you could get the same exact board. If you take this route, go with a vendor who does this professionally, has exceptionally high ratings and who has hundreds of reviews.