Windows 7 CD Problem... Cant get back to my desktop

Question

I just got a Alienware X51 and accidentally put the Windows 7 disc in that came with the pc in and when it finished installing it completly shut down my computer and then I could not see the screen anymore.  So I went out and bought a HDMI to DVI adapter so I could see the screen again like the support people on the phone told me to do. That fixed the problem with not being able to see the screen. They now are sending me a new hard drive because at the screen to reinstall windows 7 to get back to the desktop the screen freezes.  So they say the hard drive is creating the problem.  They are making me pay 100+ dollars to fix all this and I am worried that I wont be able to fix this computer. SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME!

Philip_Yip · Accepted Answer

Hey just came across this here. Ensure your keyboard and mouse are attached to the 2 USB 2.0 ports and not USB 3.0 ports.

The Windows 7 install should no longer freeze at this screen. Use your Dell Reinstalaltion DVD opposed to the .iso.

Philip_Yip · Answer

Neither of your problems should happen after a Windows 7 reinstallation.

Please attempt to clean install Windows 7 by following my wiki A Clean Install of Windows 7.

Note there are 3 monitor drivers listed for OS deployment under Windows 7 64 bit. One for the S2230MX monitor, one for the U2212HM Monitor and one for the U2412M Monitor. My guess is that installing these during the Windows 7 installation should fix the monitor problems without the need for the adaptor. What one do you have?

Please download the correct one of the three, or all of them and save the extracted contents to USB (i.e. it should be a folder you are saving to a USB and not a Rxxxxx.exe file). This is mentioned in step 6 and mid step 8 with regards to SATA drivers in the wiki. In your case you shouldn't need SATA drivers but instead load the monitor drivers in their place.

With reference to my guide at what screen do you get freezes?

I doubt a Windows 7 install would break the hard drive however, power down the system, press F12 when powering up and run the diagnostics with any extended tests.

Shockwav33 · Answer

Thanks for the reply and help although im not very understanding all of what your saying?  Would you mind helping me over skype or something?  The screen freezes when I get to the Windows 7 Startup Pick Your Language Screen.  I bought a DVI to HDMI adapter so that I could see the screen, dell support told me I had to do this in order to get to see the screen.  I dont understand your monitor paragraph.  I ran the tests and ePSA test says shows me that when it gets to hard drive a big red screen appears then goes away and it skips the hard drive step temporarily and then at the end of the test it tells me everything looks fine.  I really need anymore help you can provide but I do not want to wreck my computer anymore then it is.  So im afraid to mess with anything atm.

Shockwav33 · Answer

Oh another thing is that I am not RE - installing Windows 7... It was already on the computer when I got it, I just put the disc in and installed it when it was already there.  (I know im so dumb for doing this)

Philip_Yip · Answer

In that case ignore the mention of the pre-installed monitor drivers.

Please download a 64 bit Windows 7 .iso that matches the version that came with your computer (Home Premium, Professional or Ultimate - it will say on your Windows sticker and Dell disc). Then make a Windows 7 bootable USB. Download links and instructions to make the bootable USB stick are here.

Insert the USB stick and remove the Dell Windows 7 Reinstalaltion DVD. Reattempt the install of Windows 7 using the USB stick. Let me know if you get stuck at the same screen or not.

Shockwav33 · Answer

I already tried using another Windows 7 and it still freezes at the screen

Shockwav33 · Answer

Yes it freezes there and idk what those things are but I dont think I have them.  My monitor is a 24 in led monitor Insignia

Philip_Yip · Answer

So it freezes here, you can not change any of the options and you can't click next?

The monitor are preinstalled system drivers i.e. you install them before the OS is installed, what monitor do you have?

Do you have a second computer and a 4 GB or greater USB stick?

Shockwav33 · Answer

I tried putting it on usb it did not work

Philip_Yip · Answer

This is really strange I have never had that problem with a Windows 7 install. I am out of ideas for the moment. I don't think it should be the hard drive that is bad however it may be worthwhile waiting for the new one they send you. P.S. are they going to send you one with the OS installed?

Shockwav33 · Answer

Fixed problem computer is back up and running

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Windows 7 CD Problem... Cant get back to my desktop

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