Can't get Windows7 to load after PC upgrade

[address_unknown]

Hey all

I just pretty much built a new pc, and put my HDD from my last machine into the new machine, because i've done that before successfully.

However, on initial start-up i cant get the HDD to load windows. I've tried using my win7 disc and clicked "repaired my computer", then did the start-up error fix thing, but I still can't get windows to load. I've set up the bios boot priority for the HDD first of course.

Help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[BTA]

I assume it bluescreens? This is usually due to either controller differences, or the Windows install being done originally as IDE but the new setup is set to ACHI.

Check your bios under the SATA controller settings, if you're set at ACHI try changing it to IDE. If it still won't boot, you might have to put your old rig together (you can just plug it all in on top of the table or a box or something, boot it up, and install the sata controller drivers/software for your new motherboard. Then throw the hard drive back in your new system and try it.

If it still wont work you are probably looking at a full reinstall.

 

[monkeydelmagico]

If it still wont work you are probably looking at a full reinstall.

I've never had good luck taking a HDD from previous build and just repairing.

 

[tami]

You definitely need to do a clean install. It's never a good idea to toss a HDD from an old computer into a new one - the motherboard and drivers may cause issues preventing the OS to load.

You'll be happier that you did.

 

[sm625]

I just wanted to chime in with agreement about re-using previous installations on new hardware. Dont do it unless you absolutely have to. If reinstalling windows is an option, always take it.

 

[QueBert]

With every version of Windows I've ran, I've never once did a clean install when I built a new system.

Do this, boot into safe mode, go your control panel, and in "programs" remove anything related to the old system driver wise. This would be intel/amd chipset drivers, if it's a different video card, those too. Then go into system and under devices remove the IDE/ATAPI Controllers and you should be able to reboot into Windows normally. From there install chipset drivers for your new Motherboard if Windows needs them. I have done this probably 8 times on my new hardware, and about 50 times for clients of mine without a single problem. A lot of people will recommend you never put an old HDD in a new build without doing a clean Windows install. I've never heard really good reasoning here for this though, I think a lot of people do it because they were told you should do it by someone else. It can't hurt to try what I suggested, the worst scenario is it won't work and you'll have to do a clean install. But it's never not worked for me, and it's not very difficult at all. Much easier than doing a clean install and reinstalling all your applications.