iamenrique

I built my new PC a few months('bout 5). Besides a few crashes with older programs- I had no issues to speak of. Recently though, Firefox, which is probably the #1 program I used, began to crash at least once daily if not more. This began to annoy me the frequency of crashes only inxcreased as time went on. I attempted to do a system restore but the earliest date was only 2 weeks prior. I did it anyway but then I started to have programs with my antivirues(avira) due to being out of date, etc. So I took the oppurtunity to instead switch to Avast Antivirus. Since installing Avast(and even after installing Avira), my computer has had many more problems. The problems all relate to computer startup- if it makes it past the login screen it takes many minutes for windows to completely finish startup processes, and even after if I attempt to run any program the entire system will just hang. Completely Freeze. I've even got a BSOD. That is if it even starts up, its now more likely not to. It seems to take at least 3 or 4 restarts to get the computer going past the login screen. Most of the time, I just get a black screen after the windows loading screen.

What I want to do is do a fresh clean install of vista like my hard drive is a virgin. I've saved the few files I care about and everything else can just go.

I've already tried to put in my OEM Vista x64 bit disc and repairing the install, but it found nothing to repair, then I tried just installing Vista overtop of my other install(just clicking install after I boot from the CD) butit said something to the effect of that some files are missing so no changes were made.

I just want to wipe my hard drive and do a fresh clean install of Vista. How do I go about that?

Thanks.

iamenrique

BUMP

I tried installing Vista(overtop of old install) using the boot disk. It gave me this message: Windows cannot install required files. Make sure all files required for installation are available, then restart installation. Error code: 0x80070571

Then I tried to use the startup repar option from the boot disk. The startup repair found this error: "System volume on Disk is corrupt" it ran CHKDSK and it fixed a bunch of stuff I guess.

I tried using my computer normally after that and it froze once, and another time after startup I got a blue screen that said "A problem has been detected and windows has been shutdown to prevent damage."


Any help?

blah789

So many errors suggest hardware problems. Is your computer properly cooled? If unsure, run HDTune to find out your hard disk temperature, or look in the BIOS menu for your motherboard and CPU temperatures. If in doubt, just leave the case open for better air flow (unless you have a cat or something that could try getting in), and maybe aim a fan at the case if you can't think of a more sophisticated solution ATM.

It's possible it's malware, but if you reformat and things come back, that's unlikely to be the culprit.

Other things to look at are bad components or bad memory. Memory can be tested with memtest86+ (just google it - leave it overnight to run - with proper cooling of course).

There's some potential for hard disk problems, but it wouldn't be my number 1 suspect. If you already have a CD that came with it (MaxBlast, SeaTools, Data LifeGuard) you can pop it in the drive, boot from the CD, and run diagnostics. If not, look inside your case and find out the make of your hard drive (and maybe its model too), then go on the manufacturer's web site and download diagnostics (they usually come in CD images).

To answer your original question:
The most direct way I can think of is using DBaN. It's Darik's Boot and Nuke and comes in bootable floppy or ISO format (you boot from them). It will destroy all the data on your hard disk, so use it cautiously. Remember to backup your important files to alternate media like CD, DVD, a flash drive, an external or internal hard drive. A good way to speed up DBaN is to change the default method to a QuickWipe, and to turn off verify; both options are in the menu when you start the program.

In case of super-persistent problems:
This is really a last resort method to isolate the problems: taking all the parts out (be sure to wear an antistatic wristband!!! static is the number one (or one of the top) killer of computer parts), and insert only the minimal equipment needed to install vista (keyboard, mouse, graphics card, hard drive, and DVD drive), then see if it runs smoothly. Then once it's done, insert one component at the time and download drivers for it, and see if anything causes crashes. (Of course for the testing to be valid, you may need to run Vista for some time to see whether problems develop).

One last item to not overlook is the power supply. I don't know how to test those or what to look for, so you may have to ask around the forum.

simpswr

To do that you must boot from the Vista install dvd . . to do that, enter BIOS ( Setup ) and set the first boot device as DVD/ROM. Put your Vista DVD in the drive and disconnect all external peripherals except the monitor, keyboard and mouse

Once you set your BIOS to boot first from DVD . . when it restarts you will see a black screen with a prompt "Press any key to boot from CD" . . do that and you will be able to delete any or all partitions and recreate one or more, then proceed to formating and installing Vista

That message can pass quickly, so have a finger on the keyboard when you boot. This will delete all data on the drive so be sure you have your important data backed up. The prompt will appear after every reboot, but do not press any key on subsequent reboots. The setup process will continue with no action required from you.

iamenrique

Okay, so I know why I was having a hard time attempting to do a format/clean install of Vista... I think

When I went to advanced disc options(from the vista boot disc menu) to try to format or partition the harddrive it showed the hard drive as having some 400000 GB- my hard drive is a 320GB model. It wouldn't let me partition or format it- I knew something was up.

After restarting a few times and getting the error after POST that says "Disk boot error Insert system volume and press enter." I was finally able to both start it up and then after that format and install a new version of Windows. Unfortunately this did not help and after I still get crashes and the "disk boot error message"

I tested it, and this is the same message that pops up if I unplug my HD and turn on the computer.

It still works sporadically and at the moment I am attempting to use Western Digital's diagnostic tools on it.

simpswr

Let us know what the diagnostics say . .

iamenrique

Both quick test and comprehensive test indicated no errors or problems in my hard drive. I was used Windows Memory diagnostics and there were no problems with my RAM either.


I'm at a loss.

The only other thing I can think of is that the power supply has a faulty connection that only sometimes has an effect on my system. I dont know how to test this though.