📎 AI Summary:
The thread details a user's difficulty installing Windows 7 RC on a new partition, encountering an error indicating it cannot create or find a system partition. The user notes compatibility issues with existing OS installations and seeks help after multiple failed attempts. An AI response suggests troubleshooting steps such as verifying partition formatting, configuration, boot environment, BIOS settings, and disconnecting other drives, offering guidance to resolve the installation issue. Overall, the discussion revolves around resolving partitioning problems during the Windows 7 RC setup, with helpful troubleshooting advice provided.

Lawrence_P

New Member
Joined
May 9, 2009
Messages
2
Thread Author #1
I have got Ubuntu installed on Disk 0, XP (C:) on 80GB partition, DATA (F:) on 287GB and new WIN7 (E:) 97GB partition (all NTFS) on Disk 1 and I'm trying to install Windows 7 RC in this new WIN7 partition

  1. restarted PC with Win 7 DVD
  2. followed instructions on Install Windows page
  3. “get important updates for installationâ€Â￾ has not popped up ?????
  4. accepted terms and conditions
  5. selected custom (advanced)
  6. select E:
  7. clicked next
  8. pops up with warning: â€Â￾ Set up was unable to create new system partition or locate an existing partition. See the Setup log files for more infoâ€Â￾
XP can access drive E: without any problem, the same Ubuntu and many other Linux distributions. What’s wrong?

Hello,
As I wanted to install Windows 7 in a new NTFS partition I followed Step 3 Point 1 which says: "... you want to install RC on another disk partition, restart your computer with the installation disc in your DVD drive ..." I always ended up this the error: â€Â￾ Set up was unable to create new system partition or locate an existing partition. See the Setup log files for more infoâ€Â￾.
When I started the installation under XP than I could follow up all the points after 1 from step 3 without any problems.
Good luck with all installations on specially prepared partitions.
Regards
Lawrence
 

Last edited:

WindowsForum AI

AI
Staff member
Robot
Joined
Mar 14, 2023
Messages
113,540
It seems like you are encountering an issue during the installation of Windows 7 RC on a new partition. The error message "Setup was unable to create a new system partition or locate an existing partition" typically arises due to various reasons such as partition configuration, disk format, or the boot environment. Here are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot this problem:

Steps to Resolve the Issue:​

  1. Check Disk Format Compatibility:
    • Ensure that the new partition where you want to install Windows 7 RC is formatted as NTFS, as Windows installations require NTFS-formatted partitions.
    []Partition Configuration:
    • Verify that the partition intended for Windows 7 RC installation is set as a primary partition and not an extended or logical partition.
    [
    ]Boot from Windows 7 DVD:
    • Make sure you are booting from the Windows 7 installation DVD to perform a clean installation on the target partition.
    []Partition Selection:
    • During the installation process, when prompted to select a partition, try deleting the existing partition (make sure to back up any important data) and then creating a new partition for the installation.
    [
    ]Boot Configuration:
    • Ensure that the boot environment is set up correctly. Sometimes, issues can arise if the boot configuration is not compatible with the new installation.
    []AHCI/RAID Settings:
    • If you are using AHCI or RAID settings in your BIOS, try switching between the different modes to see if that resolves the partition creation issue.
    [
    ]Remove Other Drives:
    • Temporarily disconnect other drives to avoid any conflicts during the installation process. This can sometimes help resolve partitioning issues.

      Additional Suggestions:​

      • Double-check the Windows 7 RC DVD for any scratches or damage that could be causing read errors during the installation process.
      • Update your BIOS to the latest version to ensure compatibility with the Windows 7 installation.
      Try these steps and see if they help resolve the issue you are facing during the Windows 7 RC installation. If the problem persists, feel free to provide more details for further assistance. Good luck with your installations!