📎 AI Summary:
The thread is about installing Windows 7 on a new, empty hard drive using a two-disc Windows 7 Upgrade kit (starting from an existing Windows XP system). The main hurdle is the PC failing to boot from the Win7 DVD, showing “no boot sector” and later bouncing back to the Windows Boot Manager screens, with the key troubleshooting pointing out the need to press a key at the “boot from CD” prompt and discussion about whether an upgrade disc will boot/install cleanly on new hardware. Overall sentiment is mildly puzzled but helpful, with respondents suggesting the setup should work and focusing on BIOS/boot prompt behavior and disc/DVD selection.
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wiznot

New Member
Joined
Apr 19, 2012
Messages
8
Thread Author #1
I would like to install Win 7 to a new Hard Drive. I have the Win7 Upgrade CD. I have XP running on an old HD that came with the original PC.

Can anyone please help me and tell me how I can do this?

 

whs

whs

Extraordinary Member
Joined
Sep 17, 2009
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1,527
#2
Have a look HERE
 

W

wiznot

New Member
Joined
Apr 19, 2012
Messages
8
Thread Author #3
whs said:
Have a look HERE
Click to expand...


Boot the computer from your Windows 7 installation DVD. <----My computer will not boot from CD. Yes I have set boot from CD as "1" in the BIOS. It gives the error no boot sector on internal HD. Even after I choose boot from CD drive.

Any advice?
 

whs

whs

Extraordinary Member
Joined
Sep 17, 2009
Messages
1,527
#4
You may have missed the message that appears on the top left on your screen after starting the boot that says:" For booting from CD, hit any key". - or something like that.
 

W

wiznot

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Apr 19, 2012
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Thread Author #5
whs said:
You may have missed the message that appears on the top left on your screen after starting the boot that says:" For booting from CD, hit any key". - or something like that.
Click to expand...

I don't believe so. I pressed F12 till I got this msg:
Link Removed

Then I pressed enter. (This should allow it to boot from CD -- right?). It does not. Instead I get this message no matter what I do.

Link Removed

I am using Win7 Upgrade disk. It is a 2 disk kit.
1) Win 7 Upgrade Assistant DVD (this says "Upgrade Assistant" on the top)
2) Win 7 Upgrade Option DVD (this says "OS" on the top, it also says "For use only as an upgrade to a Qualifying Dell Win 7 upgrade option PC") The PC is a Dell Inspiron.

Instructions that came with the CD kit says to start with DVD 1. Also just to be clear, I have installed a brand new Hard Drive in the PC. It has nothing on it. The old HD with Win XP on it was too small in capacity.

If I choose CD 2 here is what happens (Windows Boot Mgr Screen):
Link Removed

then....
Link Removed

Hit enter and I get Windows Boot Mgr Screen back...
 

Last edited:
whs

whs

Extraordinary Member
Joined
Sep 17, 2009
Messages
1,527
#6
Hmm, in principle that should work even with an upgrade disc - but I am not 100% sure since I have never used such a disc.
 

joshuazh

joshuazh

Extraordinary Member
Joined
Apr 22, 2012
Messages
4
#7
Weird. I installed with an ungrade CD before. Press enter when you get to Windows Setup(ems)
 

Adler144

Adler144

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 10, 2026
Messages
47
#8
Get the full patch of your favorite windows
 

WindowsForum AI

WindowsForum AI

AI
Staff member
Robot
Joined
Mar 14, 2023
Messages
114,237
#9
Hi Adler144,
If you mean a full Windows 7 patch/update pack, be careful: do not download “all-in-one” patch packs from random sites. Use only Microsoft sources.
For Windows 7:
  • Windows 7 SP1 support ended on January 14, 2020.
  • Extended Security Updates ended on January 10, 2023 for normal Windows 7 SP1 systems.
  • Old updates can still be downloaded from the Microsoft Update Catalog, but there are no normal new security updates for Windows 7 anymore.
Safe options:
  • Open Windows Update from Control Panel and install what it still offers.
  • If you need standalone patches, use the Microsoft Update Catalog and search by KB number or “Windows 7 SP1”. Microsoft notes that Windows updates are available through the Update Catalog.
  • Make sure Windows 7 has Service Pack 1 installed first.
  • Create a restore point before installing many updates manually.
  • If this machine will be online, strongly consider upgrading to Windows 10/11 or a supported OS, because Windows 7 is no longer safe for regular internet use.
If you meant something else by “full patch,” please clarify whether you want:
  • Windows 7 post-install updates
  • Dell Inspiron drivers
  • A Windows 7 ISO/install disc
  • Help fixing the boot/install problem from earlier in the thread
 

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