Why won't my new PC read my HDD for it's Windows 7 OS?

kaio37k

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Recently, I upgraded every component of my PC execpt for my 2 HDD's and my SSD, but I bought the computer used. It came with Windows 7 on an HDD but it was the Chinese version, no problem I thought as I already have it on one of my HDD's, but when I booted the PC up with only my drives, it crashed at the Windows logo I then got a VERY quick blue screen then it restarts the process. I've tried changing the boot priority and forcing boot on my OS drive but to no avail. I put the sellers drives back in and it works again (that's how I'm typing this).
What is the problem?
P.S. I no longer have my Windows 7 OS CD.
 
Solution

clutchc

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If you are trying to use an existing install of Win7 from a different machine on the new machine, that is the reason. When Win7 was installed on the HDD originally, Win7 set itself up for the components it recognized on the old MB. Now it is "confused". Occasionally, you will find a couple MBs that are close enough to being the same that it will boot. But most of the time not.
 

kaio37k

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Is there any way to 'fix' it other than re-installing it? I no longer have my Windows 7 Installation disk.
 

kaio37k

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Is there anyway to 'transfer' the OS? Because I no longer have the Windows 7 installation disk.
 

clutchc

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If you have the COD with product key, you can download an .ISO for the Win installation DVD and burn one your self. When you go to activate it, use your product key. Otherwise it will go into subset mode after 30 days.
http://www.w7forums.com/threads/official-windows-7-sp1-iso-image-downloads.12325/

One other possiblilty if you don't have a product key. Try booting to safe mode w/networking. If it boots. Install the drivers for the new MB. You may even have to do a Windows Update when in safe mode. If still no joy, run CCleaner while in SM and do the Clean and Registry portions both. That may clean up registry errors that are keeping you from booting. http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner
 

USAFRet

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Undone. No prob.
But a full reinstall is your best option.
 

kaio37k

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It seems like I'll have to go with the first option, but I have a few questions I hope you can answer first.
1. If I install Windows 7 with the original chinese Windows 7 drive in, will it be wiped?
2. If I cannot keep the chinese Windows 7 Drive in while installing the Englsih verison, then will I ever be able to access that drive on this computer without wiping it clean?
3. How do I only remove the OS from the drive?
 

kaio37k

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I'm going to re-install but can you answer these please?
1. If I install Windows 7 with the original chinese Windows 7 drive in, will it be wiped?
2. If I cannot keep the chinese Windows 7 Drive in while installing the Englsih verison, then will I ever be able to access that drive on this computer without wiping it clean?
3. How do I only remove the OS from the drive?
 

USAFRet

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If you have another drive, install the English version on that. You can always connect the other drive via USB, and see whatever files are on it. Or connect it normally and boot from it.
 

clutchc

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1) yes, unfortunately. Any clean install of Win7 will format the HDD.
2) I don't understand your question. Don't you have Win7 installed on your old drive?
3) Erase the Win7 folder and its sub folders. But that won't accomplish anything for you.

You can install Win7 in any language the DVD has available on it.
 
Solution