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Clean Install Before Migrating
I currently have an OptiPlex 960 with Windows 7 32 bit. I would like to install a clean copy of Windows 7 64 bit before I migrate to Windows 10. I have a Dell Windows 7 64 bit reinstallation DVD from another pc that I'm planning to use for the installation. I've run Performance Information and Tools and it indicates this pc is 64 bit capable.
I purchased a new hard drive for the install and attempted to do the installation from the reinstallation DVD. When I get to the point of installing Windows 7, I get the message:
"Windows cannot be installed to this disk. This computers hardware may not support booting to this disk. Ensure that the disks controller is enabled in the compute BIOS menu"
I've tried changing the boot order, but I get the same error.
I appreciate any insight you have.
Regards,
Brad
Brad-N
2 Posts
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Posted May 14th, 2016 09:00
To try to make some progress I took the new hard drive that I purchased for the fresh install and put it in another Dell desktop (also OptiPlex 960) I have, then reinstalled Windows 7 64 bit from the reinstallation disk. This installed without incident on the other desktop.
I then took this hard drive and put it back in the OptiPlex 960 that I want to upgrade and tried to boot, but it wouldn't boot. When trying to boot up it failed with the message:
Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause. To fix the problem insert your windows installation disk restart computer and repair your computer.
I put in the reinstallation DVD, rebooted and tried to do the repair but was unsuccessful.
Since it wouldn't boot with a clean copy of Windows 7 64 bit, does that indicate that machine will not support 64 bit (even though Performance Information and Tools indicates it will)?
Regards,
Brad