Trying to install Windows 7 Ultimate onto my new Inspiron 15 (3520) laptop... Help...

Hi DJR,

It can be annoying when Windows 7 fails to install. Please reply to this post with the requested information:

1. Are you receiving any error message while trying to install Windows 7 on a partition?
2. The capacity of the partition on which you are trying to install Windows 7?

In order to install Windows 7, you must delete all the existing partitions on the disc.  Once that's done, you can get the install done.

It loads from the CD and it shows the first black & grey screen which says 'Windows loading files' and then the installation freezes at the second screen that says 'Starting Windows' with the four coloured balls.

Hi DJR,

Thank you for your reply and for providing an update on the status. I suggest you to run a hardware diagnostics to check if all the hardware components are working properly. Please follow the steps provided in the following link:
http://dell.to/OUGnqT

Please let me know the results of the test.

I have an Inspiron 3520 and have tried to install Windows 7 and it is also hanging at the Starting Windows 7 screen. I have run the diagnostic utility and found no errors. Any idea why this would be? I have tried with UEFI as well as Legacy boot options and neither worked. 

It is on the first boot of Windows 7 after a clean install. I have an MSDNAA Windows 7 license, and I've tried with both a DVD and a bootable USB stick. The install seems to complete fine either way, but on the first boot after install, it never progress past the pulsing Window logo screen that says "Starting Windows".

HorsieGirl, could you possibly provide some more info on how you corrected the problem? Did you dual boot Linux and Windows to get it to work? And what Linux distro (if it matters)?

Hi HorsieGirl,

Thank you for your reply and I am glad to know that the issue has been resolved.

jkbrown1986, are you experiencing this issue during the first boot Windows screen after installation or while booting from the Windows 7 installation disk?

Hi jkbrown1986,

Thank you for your reply and for providing the requested information. I suggest you to change the SATA Operation settings in the BIOS to ATA and check if the system boot properly.

Please follow the steps provided below to change this setting:

1. Restart the laptop and start tapping F2 at the Dell logo.
2. On the BIOS screen, navigate to the “Advanced” menu and select “SATA Operation”.
3. Change it to ATA from AHCI.
4. Press “F10” to save and exit.

Let me know about your findings.

Hi jkbrown1986, unfortunately we have not received feedback from you on this topic. If you need continued support, please respond to my message. Other community members who need assistance please start your own topic in a new thread.