HUGE PROBLEMS with my M18X.

So, the other day, I kept getting this stupid "Rundll32.exe" error, and I even factory restored it 5 times and I still kept getting it.

So, my friend decided to help out and fix my laptop, and here's my situation:

• 1) I have 2 HDs. (C) Drive and (X) Drive.
• 2) Apparently, my old Windows was deleted on my C, leaving both HDs empty without ANY windows files, but, my (X) drive had the Windows 7 install files.
• 3) I boot my computer from the 2nd HD, and I install Windows on the first HD (C). Installation was not successful, so I went into the BIOS and changed my HD setting from RAID to ACHI and I booted up from my 2nd HD (X) and the installation on HD (C) of Windows 7 works.
• 4) Here's my problem. I have to boot from the 2nd HD, because apparently when I switch it back to my 1st HD, it goes to the "Starting up Windows" splash, then I get a brief blue screen, then black screen, then it reboots, like what the ?
• 5) I cannot shrink my (C) HD apparently, and I cannot delete my 2nd HD (X) for some reason either.

I need help, A LOT OF IT, and here is my goal:

• 1) Clear both HDs, and install Windows 7 on my 1st HD (C).
• 2) When 7 is installed, combine partitions so I have 1 HD of 1.5TB, instead of 2 seperate HDs with 750GB each.
• 3) The ability to boot from my 1st HD, and not my 2nd HD.

UPDATE: Here is the latest of my problems!:
1) I have two un-allocated partitions.
2) I combined them in the BIOS, so now I have one big one that is 1.3TB.
3) I cannot install Windows 7 on ANY partition, because I get this stupid error "setup was unable to create a new system partition or locate an existing system partition. See the Setup log files for more information".

If someone can help me, I really appreciate it!

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but putting your two 750GB's in RAID0 would accomplish your goal, wouldn't it?

I have two 320GB's in RAID0 (until I get my new Crucial SSD's); The system sees them as a single 600GB HD, and I partitioned from there with no issues.

I believe there is a RAID guide in this forum to help you with the setup, but it's pretty easy to do.

 

U need to set up a raid0 array first. That will "combine" both drives. Then install windows.

I'm at work. Basically goto into the raid bios first. Setup your array. Reboot in bios, switch back from achi to raid, save settings, reboot. Boot from DVD

Then install windows.

I'm at work. If u need more help, let my know. Getting off in a few hours.

 

By default windows writes the bootloader to the first drive first partition. So if you are trying to use the drives in reverse order you might have to remove the second drive install windows then put the other drive back in.

Alternatively you can just switch the HDD disk order in the bios. Had to do this for my patriot as I was lazy and didn't want to remove the screws and such when installing the SSD (standard HD in Port 0, SSD in Port 1).

If you don't want to raid windows might be able to extend the partition (and shrink it), can't remember the limits and IIRC I think it will go across physical drives just not 100% on that one.

 

crappy part is, i do not have my windows 7 disc that AW gave me, so I'll have to boot from a USB, is that okay?

 

Ya should be fine, I used the windows tool to convert my cd to a bootable usb since it is much faster to install.

(can't remember the name but type bootable USB win7 in google and you should get a link to it, it's an MS tool)

 

Ok, well something ed up, and here I am.

1) I have two un-allocated partitions.
2) I combined them in the BIOS, so now I have one big one that is 1.3TB.
3) I cannot install Windows 7 on ANY partition, because I get this stupid error "setup was unable to create a new system partition or locate an existing system partition. See the Setup log files for more information".

I AM SO STUCK :\

 

have dell/AW send you another disk they should only charge you shipping if anything at all, let them know you did not get one.

 

Trying to calm down, but look at the new problem posted that I have

 

Set up to raid, in the raid menu choose raid 0, and you should be able to select both disks to be combined. Then boot from Win 7 disc (Set bios boot to CD) and format your drive. It should be seen as a single drive. It should install to the RAID 0 setup.

 

I went to the configuration menu (CTRL + I) and set it up, it did show up as one drive (1300+GB) but I still got that stupid set up error. Whats also funny is, I have to use both a USB and CD both with Windows 7 on them, because apparently its not letting me boot from my CD :\ LAME.

 

Here's what I got so far:

 

bump, can anyone help me out with this problem?

 

Have you tried formatting it yet? Then you should be able to install from there.

 

I formatted it on that screen above, and it didn't work.

 

Im getting an Alienware CD with Windows 7 on it. Let's see if that'll fix everything. Gotta wait till thursday