Windows setup could not configure windows to run on this computer’s hardware

[MDTran]

My old (Seagate) hard drive dies and just replace with an equivalent new (WDC) hard drive 

(WDC WD10EZEX-08WN4A0).   I ran the recovery disks.  But, when the "Setup is starting services" is performing, the system stops with a dialog messge either, "Windows could not complete the installation.  To install Windows on this computer, restart the installation." or "Windows setup could not configure windows to run on this computer's hardware."

I have tried the reinstallations several rounds.  I have run system diagnostics several times wih all passes.  I have run system recovery and startup repairs several times -- all seem to go well.  I have run tests on all hardware with all passing results.

System Configs:

- Intel i7-860 Processor

- Win7 Home Premium

- Model: HPE-257c

- BIOS Revision: 5.11  01/28/10

- Core Vesion: 08.00.15

- Product Number: BK424AA-ABA

- Build ID:  A1NAv6PrA6

I would appreciate greately of any help, assistance, or advice  in fixing this problem/issue.

My contact:  MD

Call/text:  408-506-1339.

Thanks very much!

- MD

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

See if this works...It is the only suggestion I can offer.

I have zipped up and attached the drive controller drivers that W7 uses, below.

Download and unzip the files to their folder.

Get a USB flash drive and copy just the file contents of the folder to the flash drive.

With the W7 installation media and the flash drive in the PC, boot from the W7 installation media.

After you select the install now option, select the Drive Options - Advanced menu, then select the Load Driver option.

You should now see the storage driver files listed.

If you check the box, it will only include the compatible driver.

Follow the prompts, and hopefully W7 will complete the installation process.

[MDTran]

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly, Paul!

I have tried your attached zip file and others in the link 

https://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&DwnldID=22194&ProdId=2101&lang=eng&OSVersion...=

I was able to see the flash drive to boot from.  When I click on it, some how, I don't see

"After you select the install now option, select the Drive Options - Advanced menu, then select the Load Driver option."

But, the system goes thru the normal Windows startup and setup.  When the

"Setup is starting services" process executes, the same error message dialog pops up.

What have I done wrong? Any other idea?

Thanks Paul!

- MD

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

I goofed up the instructions a bit.

You don't boot from the USB drive. 

You boot from the W7 installation disk.  After you get to the Install Now, screen, the next step is to select the Load driver option.

If you see the list of storage files on the drive, after you select the load driver option on the bottom left side of the screen, and check the box to only include the compatible driver for the storage controller.

W7 should then load the sata driver and continue to install.

See screen 7 at the link below.  That will give you a visual of what I am trying to write.

You want to select the Load driver option on screen 7.  Then check the box to only include the compatible driver, click next, and proceed with the W7 installation.

https://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html

If at the end you still are getting the 'Windows could not complete the installation' message, unfortunately I don't know what else could be causing that error.

[MDTran]

Hi Paul,

Thanks for your help.

I didn't have the W7 installation disc but only have the recovery discs.  I have been working on obtaining the W7 installation disc.  Thru various trials from the keys from internet and didn't work.  I finally contacted Microsoft for help.  They tried to direct me back to HP Support but I finally convince the rep that all I need is the install disc.  She finally gave in  to give me the W7 install *.iso file, using my Desktop Win7 key.   I was able to use your links to conver it to a boothable drive.  

I try your instructions and see the Load drivers and Drive Option (Advanced).  The install didn't see the drivers from the flash I provided.  I tried to load other drivers of the same links you provided and see the same.  I tried to "rescan" for the drivers but failed miserably.  Finally, I was about to give up the drivers as well as fixing the PC and bringing it in to BestBuy or Frys technicians.

Today, after I woke up, I give it once more trial.  I skip loading the drivers altogether and go to clean installation from the boothable drive.  Wow, it works finally !!!!!!  Windows went thru a smooth W7 installation and I am customizing my PC now.

Thanks for all the help, advice, patience, and persistence, Paul!  Much is appreciated!  Without your help and links, I would be glueless!

Again, thanks.

- MD

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Glad to know that you finally got W7 to install!

[LucianoSMA]

SOLVED:

I used the procedure below in a computer HP EliteDesk 800 G1 TWR, and worked perfect:

Windows 7:

1. At the error screen, press Shift+F10 to open a command prompt.
2. Type cd \ and press Enter.
3. Type cd c:\windows\system32\oobe and press Enter.
4. Type msoobe and press Enter. The installation process should now automatically continue.
5. Remove the installation media and the system should finish the installation and boot into Windows.

Windows 10:

1. While on the screen where the error appears, press Shift+F10 to bring up the command prompt.
2. Type CD C:\windows\system32\oobe and hit Enter.
3. Type msoobe and hit Enter.
4. You may then be prompted to create an account name and password, and set the time and date. Click Finish when done.