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Cannot install Windows 7!

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Shuster -  
Hello,

I recently formatted a laptop hard drive to install Win7 (because it was slow on Win10).

I am now facing a problem: I can install Win10 (from a USB drive), Linux (from a CD), but I cannot install Win7 from either a USB drive or a CD (I’ve tried with two ISOs from different sources).

Let me explain: when I plug in a USB drive or a CD with Win7 on it, the BIOS does not detect it (no boot options available). Additionally, I don't think it's an issue with the files since I've tried from two different sources.

I eagerly await your help.

E.D.

5 answers

  1.  jumulka
    Hello,
    downloadable Windows 7 iso <remove by moderation, Warez link>

    Do you only have USB 3 ports?
    If so, in the BIOS settings, disable "xhci extension" (something like that), otherwise, include the USB driver in the installer: https://downloadcenter.intel.com/en/download/25476/Windows-7-USB-3-0-Creator-Utility

    If the drive is not present in the BIOS, it may be in the boot devices (depending on the computer, usually it's Escape)

    Depending on whether you install in MBR, the BIOS must be in legacy mode.
    2
    1. Shuster
      I'm currently trying the Windows-7-USB-3-0-Creator-Utility, but what I find strange is that with the same USB 3.0 key, I can install Win10 and Linux :/
      0
    2. Shuster
      I just tried Windows-7-USB-3-0-Creator-Utility and it doesn't work.
      As for mbr and legacy, I don't understand.
      0
    3. Shuster
      I re-watched and I'm indeed in legacy mode without xhci. But it doesn't come from the USB since it doesn't work on the disk either (knowing that I've already used this disk).
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    4. jumulka
      the key may not necessarily appear in the BIOS, you need to try to access the boot devices.

      otherwise in the boot order in the BIOS you can configure to launch USB first.
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    5. Shuster
      But what I don't understand is that I can install Win10 and Linux but not Win7. Even with two different methods (USB drive and CD).
      0
  2. Malekal_morte- Moderator
    Hello,

    If the computer is recent and sold with Windows 10.
    You need a Windows 7 license, plus, Windows 7 may not work depending on the type of processor.

    --
    Please press any key to continue the disinfection...
    1
    1. Shuster
      It's not the license that's the issue. The thing is, my BIOS doesn't detect either the hard drive or the USB drive with Win7 on it.

      The PC originally came with Win8.1.
      0
    2. Malekal_morte- Moderator
      @ShusterSo you don't have a license, so you won't be able to activate it.
      And the fact that you're having trouble launching the installation is probably because you have a computer that's too new.
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  3. Gest83
    Hello

    "I recently formatted a laptop hard drive to install Win7 (because it was lagging on Win10)."
    Since which tool did you format the disk? Windows 10?

    If it's a recent PC it smells
    of active UEFI and Secure Mode in the BIOS

    Nice weather, beautiful sea
    0
    1. Shuster
      I deleted all the disk partitions using cmd, then I combined everything into one partition (formatted it in the process).

      How can I address the BIOS security now?
      0
    2. Gest83
      @ShusterHi

      You need to tinker in the BIOS for the secure feature; you should look around in the Boot and Security tabs if available.
      I have an MSI, and I can manage "Secure Mode" under Security
      and "UEFI" "Legacy" etc. under Boot.
      One detail about my MSI: when I change the settings and then save with F10, it reboots and always returns to the BIOS. I have to turn it off manually, then it starts normally.

      Another alternative is to look for a UEFI-compatible Windows 7 ISO; it exists, I had one in my hands a long time ago, but I think I had to burn it to a DVD.

      Note: Your initial message:
      "installing Win7 (because it was slow on Win10)"
      What kind of processor is it?
      W10 is the factory install.

      Have you thought about putting in a 120 or 250 GB SSD for the system with a clean install of W10?
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    3. Shuster
      In the options I checked and it's indeed set to Legacy. (but I find the BIOS menus are oddly arranged, and I have very few customizable options).

      Now I don't know what to do to fix the issue :/

      As for the PC, it originally came with Win 8.1.
      0
    4. Shuster
      Ah! I managed to boot my PC from a USB stick with Win 7.

      BUT ... new problem: first the loading Windows is loading files is correct, then the PC completely freezes on Starting Windows =_=
      0
    5. jumulka
      the iso can be, download it:
      <removed by moderation, download links are not official>
      and put it on the USB stick with rufus with "mbr for bios and uefi"
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  4. Shuster
    I FINALLY SUCCEEDED !!

    I had misconfigured my USB key. So I used Rufus.
    Once I managed to boot from my key, I encountered another problem: the installation of Win7 was stuck on "Starting Windows".
    I then tinkered with the BIOS and (I don't know how) I managed to resolve this issue.
    Thanks to everyone for your help ;)
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    1. jumulka
      well done ^^
      0
  6. Phil17
    I had the same problem
    In the BIOS, under Devices, USB Configuration, USB virtual KBC support: set it to "Enabled"
    This is a Lenovo M710.
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    1. serhum
      I am also going to install a seven on a M710. Apart from this setting, did you change anything else in the BIOS?
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    2. Phil17
      In the BIOS, you also need to:
      - Under Boot, set CMs to "Enabled"
      - Still under Boot, set Boot Mode to "Legacy"
      And there you go.
      Then there may be an issue with the graphics card, as the graphics driver provided by Lenovo for Windows 7 does not work, nor does the one provided by Intel. You need to do a lot of tinkering.
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    3. Malekal_morte- Moderator
      @Phil17Why enable CMS and not install in EFI? What is the benefit?
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    4. Phil17
      For me, I could only install Win7 using this option.
      To be tested ....
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    5. Malekal_morte- Moderator
      @Phil17Did you have an error when selecting the disk partition?
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