Cannot Install WINDOWS 10 on New build

[kevinzou442]

I recently built a gaming pc and was starting up and installing Windows using a USB flash drive. It was installing until I accidently unplugged the power cable and both my monitor and pc shutdown. I have a 1TB WD Blue hard drive and when I try to start up my pc again and install Windows, it says an old version of windows already exists. I try to install it again, but everytime the download gets to 100%, it restarts and tells me to download Windows again.

Should I return the hard drive to microcenter and ask for a replacement? Or can I reset the hard drive?

 

[Barty1884]

You're told to "download" Windows again? I've never seen that error message but, if that's the case, you may well have corrupted the USB with the ISO on it.

While cutting the power shouldn't necessarily damage the HDD, if it did, why would Microcenter replace it for you? That's user error.

Realistically though, recreate your USB drive on another system - boot to the USB and use Diskpart to fully format the drive (just to be safe), although probably not necessary.
Then, proceed with the install & do not cut the power!

Opening a an elevated cmd:
https://winaero.com/blog/open-command-prompt-boot-windows-10/

Basically Shift+F10 when you're asking for region/time/language at install.

Using Diskpart:
http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/cleaning-up-a-drive-format-vs-secure-wipe-ssd-and-hdd/useofdiskpart/#LaunchingDISKPART

 

[USAFRet]

I recently built a gaming pc and was starting up and installing Windows using a USB flash drive. It was installing until I accidently unplugged the power cable and both my monitor and pc shutdown. I have a 1TB WD Blue hard drive and when I try to start up my pc again and install Windows, it says an old version of windows already exists. I try to install it again, but everytime the download gets to 100%, it restarts and tells me to download Windows again.

Should I return the hard drive to microcenter and ask for a replacement? Or can I reset the hard drive?

It installed enough to think there is an OS on it. And then you pulled the plug.

No need to make a new install USB.
Start the install over, booting from your USB.
When it asks 'where', select Custom.
You'll be presented with a list of all existing partitions.
Delete ALL of them, resulting in one blank space.
Proceed, letting the OS create what it needs.