Computer hangs at setup is preparing your computer for first use. Win 7 x64

[Abet Computers]

I am having an issue with this HP Compaq CQ56 I had to replace a crashed hard drive computer hangs at setup is preparing your computer for first use.

It will not boot past I have been waiting 2 hrs

Tried reinstalling a few times, via USB, DVD, and External DVD nothing changed all get hung up on the "setup is preparing your computer for first use"

Running Windows 7 HP x64

I have tried installing Vista, and 8 both hang during setup as well, Ran HD test, and Swapped RAM and full diagnostics ( all passed )

Someone got any ideas?

Running on 4 hrs of sleep...................... and I am dwindling fast.

 

[Vicenarian]

Perhaps some BIOS settings or peripheral hardware?

 

[Abet Computers]

nope cheap BIOS - nothing editable except clock and boot sequence

 

[FremontPC]

At that point, I'd be looking at the RAM. Did it get an upgrade somewhere along the line? Check 'em and see if they match, pull the one that isn't oem first.

Is the factory restore partition intact?

 

[Abet Computers]

I tried the RAM, the computer came to me with them saying it was movin g really slow and could not open up programs and it would blue screen, so ran the diag, it popped up instantly with failed HDD and they said they would like to max out the RAM ( i upgraded from 3GB to 4GB kept 1 original RAM and whatnot...............

I popped in a new HDD and a 2GB Chip replaced the 1GB

Took out a Samsung HM250HI replaced with a Western Digital WD2500LPVT

I cloned the Recovery partition with no avail ( got the error )

I wiped the new HDD and used OEM Disk installed VIA Disk, got the error, then I Mounted it to a USB and got the same error, Ran long diagnostics on the New HDD and came back clean, ( extremely frustrated at this point ) posted here, and just waiting to try things.


As I am typing this I think I may have just found the issue, ( gonna swap the HDD maybe???? )

Will update in 20 minutes.

 

[FremontPC]

Good deal. Could be the hdd, perhaps slave it and check it with Crystal Disk Info either before or after the fact.

Review this thread too, if no joy in swapping the hdd:

http://www.sevenforums.com/installa...-setup-preparing-your-computer-first-use.html

Wherein you look at the setup logs and see what gives.

 

[Abet Computers]

what do you know, I put in a used HDD and the thing installed smooth as butter???????????????

Used HDD that works - Western Digital WD1200BEVS


I popped in the New HDD WD2500LPVT into an Acer Aspirer v5 and it installed 7 smooth as butter as well.


any suggestions on why it will not boot into the Compaq?

IDK just glad its fixed for now, got to go out and get new HDD

Goodnight Technibble

 

[FremontPC]

Glad you got a handle on it!

BIOS update needed or Setup is picking the wrong driver on the CQ? Have a good night. You earned it!

 

[brandonkick]

As stated in some other threads, HDD diagnostical software isn't 100% reliable.

As to why that new drive works in one machine and not another? All I can assume is what has already been stated. BIOS needing updated or setup not using correct driver for whatever reason.

I don't know.

 

[tlaybourn]

Maybe due to Advanced Disc Format drive?

Had similar issues recently, had to install latest Intel RST driver at W7 install time (the old F6 routine).
Couldn't use restore partition as no way of loading driver.

In my case I got an error "could not install configure Windows on this computer’s hardware".
See http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2466753

 

[Abet Computers]

Maybe due to Advanced Disc Format drive?

Had similar issues recently, had to install latest Intel RST driver at W7 install time (the old F6 routine).
Couldn't use restore partition as no way of loading driver.

In my case I got an error "could not install configure Windows on this computer’s hardware".
See http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2466753

yep that's it!!!!


Filler....................

 

[FremontPC]

Thought that was only an issue with XP, but no. I take it your Win7 install disc wasn't SP1?

 

[Simplypoised]

I just finished working with an Acer Aspire 5552-7650. It kept saying that this program has known compatibility options: I searched the net and found this link that fixed the problem. I wanted to share. I can't start a thread yet.

http://global-download.acer.com/SupportFiles/LiveUpdater/Pages/ALUFix.aspx
Simplypoised

 

[PcTestCard.com]

I would suggest to check if there is any damaged capacitor.

Also check the HDD data cable.

How is the installation speed of the Windows? Are we using the original HP Restore CD or just installing using OEM Windows Disc?

Hope this helps.
Bill
Tech Manager, WPTinc.