"Window's Setup could not configure Window's to run on this computer's

[jimmoy]

I'm trying to upgrade to Window's 7 64-bit from Vista 64-bit using a disk I burned from the ISO provided to me. Shortly after the second restart, in what seems to be the final stage of the upgrade, the error message detailed in the title appears. The upgrade advisor OK'ed all my hardware (and software for that matter), but said that "We had a problem checking your system for compatibility with Windows 7.". Despite this it still says that I can run 7. I meet the minimum specs (and then some), and have uninstalled all my security software as I've seen recomended in other threads.
I've heard suggestion elsewhere that something to do with SATA mode (my HD is a SATA model) could have something to do with it, but no suggestion as to how I could confirm that.
I should also mention that I never validated my copy of Vista (as I had no idea that I needed to at the time, and all instructions I've found on how to validate since refuse to work), despite it being genuine (which I can prove if need be). Could this have something to do with it?

Just ask if you need me to post system specs. or any other info, I'll be checking back often.

Any ideas would be much appreciated, I've sunk £100 into buying this (I stupidly missed the student offer), but so far all its got me is a week and a half of frustration and a mostly empty bank account.

Thanks in advance.

 

[sturm]

I would do a fresh/clean install instead of an upgrade. Back up all your important info and wipe the drive during the install.

 

[JessicaD]

Jimmoy,

In your BIOS what are your SATA settings? (AHCI, Compatibility, IDE, RAID, etc?) If your SATA HD is set to AHCI you may need to load the appropriate drivers prior to the initial. Also, you might want to consider a custom or "clean" install as Sturm suggested as you may receive better performance as well as an enhanced experience.

Should you require additional assistance and as well as further guidance, Microsoft does have an official Windows 7 Support Forum located here http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/category/w7itpro/ . It is supported by product specialists as well as engineers and support teams.

Jessica
Microsoft Windows Client Team

 

[jimmoy]

Hey, thanks for responding.

My BIOS (Phoenix AwardBIOS v6.00PG, which I already updated) makes no mention of AHCI or compatibility. It does have 'Extended IDE drive' and 'Access mode' (which has large or auto as options) in my HDs submenu (though with only auto and none as options), and elsewhere mentions 'SATA DMA Transfer' and 'SATA spread spectrum'.

Aside from that, there's no mention of SATA in the BIOS. Could any of those could mean the same thing or similar?

I can't really do a clean install, as I just don't have the space on my external HD to back-up even a fraction of my files (even just the irreplaceable ones). If I knew I would have to do a clean install, I probably wouldn't have bought this in the first place.

I've also asked much the same question at the site you suggested, but I haven't heard anything for a week, so I thought I'd try here.

Thanks again.

 

[r_manic]

Best answer selected by r_manic.