Windows 11 Pro Clean Install Failure

zbook · Sep 23, 2023

If it were a HD then you could perform deep cleaning: diskpart clean all or HD sanitizer (some HP computers available in HP BIOS menu)

With SSDs extra ware is a tradeoff for deep cleaning.

Diskpart - difference between "format" and "clean"? - Windows 7 Help Forums

What is the functional difference between these two switches when focused on a certain partition/volume? Thanks.

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Disk - Clean and Clean All with Diskpart Command

How to "Clean" or "Clean All" a Disk with the Diskpart Command

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Erase Disk using Diskpart Clean Command in Windows 10

How to Erase a Disk using Diskpart Clean Command in Windows 10

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Format Disk or Drive in Windows 10

How to Format a Disk or Drive in Windows 10

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Wynona · Sep 23, 2023

Got the second SSD Drive Data (E) installed and set up! WooHoo!

I wish I'd known how to do this a long time ago!

I think I'll go to bed now. :hug:

Berton · Sep 23, 2023

johnlgalt · Sep 26, 2023

Wynona said:
Thank you, @johnlgalt.

Even if I never get this computer back up to snuff, I'm learning a lot!

I guess I've been lucky, in that I've done numerous clean installs without issue. Thing is, because of non-issues, I haven't taken the tine to learn some of the things y'all are showing me. I have ventured to create a second partition on a drive when I needed it, but, well . . . that's not saying a whole lot.

I found a youtube video on how to use diskpart, which seems really good. I now have to go back and watch it again, then, again . . .

Glad you got it all worked out.

And my apologies, I didn't take into consideration that using diskpart is not something that you are familiar with, I'd have given step by step instructions in that case.

TechnoMage2021 · Sep 26, 2023

Wynona,
I wish I were not so far away, as it would be nice if I were there to give you a hand with that 'Teaching' machine.
I can't imagine that you have a lot of data files on that PC, to save, so Re-Installing Windows should be a snap.

Bypassing all the Yada, Yada, Yada, and Mumbo Jumbo, all you need is a Flash Drive with the Windows 11/pro/64 install ISO on it.
Preferably installed there by Rufus. I have such, which I'd be glad to share with you.

The windows installer has the capability to delete partitions, Format Partitions, and do everything necessary to prepare a drive for Windows.
NO other programs or processes are required.* I've already done this so many times now, it's like putting on my socks.
* The computer in question must also be able to boot up from a USB Flash Drive.

Some years ago, I taught a Computer Familiarization Class to Adults, for the Community Education Dept. I had a Blast! My students found it fun too. My oldest student was a man from England, who was 86 years old. I had two elderly gentlemen come back for the second class and bring their wives.

Then after that, I taught a class to County Employees.
They enjoyed learning more about the computers that they operated every day, as terminals to an IBM Mainframe.

The PC's I had to use at the time were nothing like the ones we have today. The OS of the day was DOS 3.0. And we booted up the PC's using 5.25" Floppy Disks.

You really have it made, being able to use Windows 11. I envy you!

Good Luck,
TM

Wynona · Sep 26, 2023

johnlgalt said:
Glad you got it all worked out.

And my apologies, I didn't take into consideration that using diskpart is not something that you are familiar with, I'd have given step by step instructions in that case.

Gotterdone, and learned something along the way, so no apology necessary! You sent me in the right direction.

I'm still looking at things, but life is getting in the way. I am going to get things caught up and then I'm going to start learning things I've been told here. Maybe when the Chemo is done somewhere around Thanksgiving, I'll have more time . . . I'm zonked for about a week after every other week treatment and can't concentrate, so there I be . . .

The hurrier I get, the behinder I get . . . :woozy:

Wynona · Sep 26, 2023

TechnoMage2021 said:
Wynona,
I wish I were not so far away, as it would be nice if I were there to give you a hand with that 'Teaching' machine.
I can't imagine that you have a lot of data files on that PC, to save, so Re-Installing Windows should be a snap.

I have lots of data files on its own Data Drive D which is still in the machine. Depending on whether I get it back up and running; I will move it to the "substitute" teaching machine or leave it where it is.

TechnoMage2021 said:
Bypassing all the Yada, Yada, Yada, and Mumbo Jumbo, all you need is a Flash Drive with the Windows 11/pro/64 install ISO on it.
Preferably installed there by Rufus. I have such, which I'd be glad to share with you.

I have bootable Flash Drives created with both Rufus and Media Creation Tool.

TechnoMage2021 said:
I've already done this so many times now, it's like putting on my socks.
* The computer in question must also be able to boot up from a USB Flash Drive.

As have I. This is different, although I don't think I have anything Gramma's lye soap won't take off. It could be in the Registry, or maybe in the BIOS (drive location).

TechnoMage2021 said:
Some years ago, I taught a Computer Familiarization Class to Adults, for the Community Education Dept. I had a Blast! My students found it fun too. My oldest student was a man from England, who was 86 years old. I had two elderly gentlemen come back for the second class and bring their wives.

The class I teach is composed of the Senior Activity Center members who are eager to learn new things. Which describes me to a T. I do best when I'm given paths to follow, hence researching as I go. I will follow each and every lead I've been given here because there's always something to learn. A great "f'r instance" is the hint @johnlgalt gave on "DiskPart". I now have another valuable tool I wouldn't have if he'd just given me a step-by-step . . . I'd have followed the 'structions blindly . . .

I'm still not out of the woods, but I've found a trail to follow . . .

TechnoMage2021 said:
You really have it made, being able to use Windows 11. I envy you!

Pretty much any computer can run Windows 11 . . . Really nothing special to do at the time. Some of my students have older computers and I've helped them install Windows 11. So far, they're all updating as they should . . . waiting for the other shoe to drop. . .

TechnoMage2021 said:
Good Luck,
TM

johnlgalt · Sep 26, 2023

Wynona said:
The class I teach is composed of the Senior Activity Center members who are eager to learn new things. Which describes me to a T. I do best when I'm given paths to follow, hence researching as I go. I will follow each and every lead I've been given here because there's always something to learn. A great "f'r instance" is the hint @johnlgalt gave on "DiskPart". I now have another valuable tool I wouldn't have if he'd just given me a step-by-step . . . I'd have followed the 'structions blindly . . .

Lol! Well, allrighy then! I see that you, even being a generation ahead of me, you like to learn things on your own too!

Now I'm not so sorry about not providing the step by step!

Also - glad to see you're still going strong even with your chemo, stay safe and see you when the slate is clear!

Berton · Sep 26, 2023

Wynona said:
Maybe when the Chemo is done somewhere around Thanksgiving, I'll have more time . . . I'm zonked for about a week after every other week treatment and can't concentrate, so there I be . . .

Good luck. I had 6 months every 2 weeks back in 2019 for Hodgkins Lymphoma, saw Dr. last week and will again in 6 mos. and then 6 mos. after that and should be good if nothing changes. My down day from chemo on Thu. was Sat., lost a bunch of weight, hair and muscle tone but got the weight back.

johnlgalt · Sep 26, 2023

Same to you then, @Berton - glad to see you're still going strong even with your chemo, stay safe and see you when the slate is clear!

Berton · Sep 26, 2023

johnlgalt said:
Same to you then, @Berton - glad to see you're still going strong even with your chemo, stay safe and see you when the slate is clear!

@johnlgalt, thanks.

Wynona · Sep 26, 2023

johnlgalt said:
Lol! Well, allrighy then! I see that you, even being a generation ahead of me, you like to learn things on your own too!

Now I'm not so sorry about not providing the step by step!

Also - glad to see you're still going strong even with your chemo, stay safe and see you when the slate is clear!

Thank you, @johnlgalt. Well, I guess one week out of two ain't too bad. My good week began yesterday, but I need to finish building nest boxes for my chickens. They're first year pullets and will lay eggs on the floor if no nest box.

One thing I found out the other day from @Bree in a similar thread. He said the Flash Drive has to be pulled if it's listed before the "C:\" drive. I'm not so sure it is; will look when I get back to my "dirty ratfink" clean install. BTW, I guess it's always been listed first in my machines heretofore; don't know if or why it's not in my teaching machine. I only use that machine once a week for Genealogy and Windows 11classes, so haven't paid too much attention to its inner workings.

Oh, yeah, being a generation ahead means I had to come up with my own solutions; we had to depend on ourselves instead of gurus like y'all helping us out.

I really appreciate one and all of you who have given me support with this problem. Each and every post has some meaning for me. Thanks a bunch everyone!

johnlgalt · Sep 26, 2023

Berton said:
@johnlgalt, thanks.

You're very welcome!

Wynona said:
Thank you, @johnlgalt. Well, I guess one week out of two ain't too bad. My good week began yesterday, but I need to finish building nest boxes for my chickens. They're first year pullets and will lay eggs on the floor if no nest box.

And you're very welcome, as well!

Never had to deal with chickens myself, though an old friend who lived down the road from me when I was in my teens did. They didn't care for me all that much, so I tended to give them a wide berth.

Wynona said:
One thing I found out the other day from @Bree in a similar thread. He said the Flash Drive has to be pulled if it's listed before the "C:\" drive. I'm not so sure it is; will look when I get back to my "dirty ratfink" clean install. BTW, I guess it's always been listed first in my machines heretofore; don't know if or why it's not in my teaching machine. I only use that machine once a week for Genealogy and Windows 11classes, so haven't paid too much attention to its inner workings.

Are you talking about during installation?

Wynona said:
Oh, yeah, being a generation ahead means I had to come up with my own solutions; we had to depend on ourselves instead of gurus like y'all helping us out.

Ha! I had to do a lot of that myself, as there were not a lot of computer literate gurus before the days of the Internet that were easily accessible, and thus I'm very much (mostly) self-taught when it comes to both my knowledge and skill set.

The best part, though, is that I'm still learning things. One of the reasons I love this stuff.

Wynona · Sep 26, 2023

"Are you talking about during installation?"

Yes. Once it announces the first restart, the bootable Flash Drive needs(ed) to be pulled; otherwise, for whatever the reason, the flash drive rebooted and started the installation all over. However, this time, everything went haywire.

That's why I need to go into the BIOS or registry to see what the boot order is. This could be the key I'm looking for.

Berton · Sep 26, 2023

Many BIOSes display the boot order when holding down the F12 key when pressing the power on button.

Wynona · Sep 26, 2023

Berton said:
Many BIOSes display the boot order when holding down the F12 key when pressing the power on button.

Thanks, @Berton. I'll try that tomorrow morning.

Fabler2 · Sep 27, 2023

Wynona said:
Thanks, @Berton. I'll try that tomorrow morning.

There should be a 'one time boot menu' available on HP. This is a boot menu that does not alter the boot list in the UEFI. Offhand I think you tap ESC key then F9 key, or just try F9 to start with, making sure the USB flash drive is connected first. Also if you have altered the boot menu in UEFI change it back to default first.
Selecting the USB drive in the 'one time boot menu' makes removing the USB flash drive not necessary during installation of Windows.

Wynona · Sep 27, 2023

Fabler2 said:
There should be a 'one time boot menu' available on HP. This is a boot menu that does not alter the boot list in the UEFI. Offhand I think you tap ESC key then F9 key, or just try F9 to start with, making sure the USB flash drive is connected first. Also if you have altered the boot menu in UEFI change it back to default first.
Selecting the USB drive in the 'one time boot menu' makes removing the USB flash drive not necessary during installation of Windows.

Thank you, @Fabler2.

There is a "one time boot menu" available on all HPs. Spam the Esc key, then choose between four options which way you want to go. F9 brings up the "one time boot menu". There's also a choice of getting into the BIOS, I believe. Faulty memory . . .

In my experience (except for this time), if I leave the flash drive in, I'm taken back to beginning installation. Also, if memory serves correctly, I walked away on the first installation (didn't pull the flash drive) and the first reboot took me back to beginning installation.

I'll see what happens when I get back to that computer. Nest boxes are calling; hopefully to be finished today and I can do the teaching computer stuff before my time runs out.

Pool tonight, Genealogy and Windows 11 classes tomorrow, and pool again Thursday night. Busy, busy, busy . . . Monday starts the same old, same old . . .

Fabler2 · Sep 27, 2023

Wynona said:
Thank you, @Fabler2.

There is a "one time boot menu" available on all HPs. Spam the Esc key, then choose between four options which way you want to go. F9 brings up the "one time boot menu". There's also a choice of getting into the BIOS, I believe. Faulty memory . . .

In my experience (except for this time), if I leave the flash drive in, I'm taken back to beginning installation. Also, if memory serves correctly, I walked away on the first installation (didn't pull the flash drive) and the first reboot took me back to beginning installation.

I'll see what happens when I get back to that computer. Nest boxes are calling; hopefully to be finished today and I can do the teaching computer stuff before my time runs out.

Pool tonight, Genealogy and Windows 11 classes tomorrow, and pool again Thursday night. Busy, busy, busy . . . Monday starts the same old, same old . . .

Wow it's a wonder you have the time for Windows

Just make sure your UEFI boot settings is the main drive first then use the one time boot menu to boot from the flash drive. Good luck.

johnlgalt · Sep 27, 2023

Wynona said:
Thank you, @Fabler2.

There is a "one time boot menu" available on all HPs. Spam the Esc key, then choose between four options which way you want to go. F9 brings up the "one time boot menu". There's also a choice of getting into the BIOS, I believe. Faulty memory . . .

In my experience (except for this time), if I leave the flash drive in, I'm taken back to beginning installation. Also, if memory serves correctly, I walked away on the first installation (didn't pull the flash drive) and the first reboot took me back to beginning installation.

I'll see what happens when I get back to that computer. Nest boxes are calling; hopefully to be finished today and I can do the teaching computer stuff before my time runs out.

Pool tonight, Genealogy and Windows 11 classes tomorrow, and pool again Thursday night. Busy, busy, busy . . . Monday starts the same old, same old . . .

That's ... odd. The whole point of the One time boot menu is for that instance, and rebooting should boot back into the normal boot device set in the UEFI settings.

To make things easier for me, I've removed all other boot devices from my UEFI settings. I can always enable a USB device and boot from it when I need to, but otherwise, everything I never use to boot is removed. Naturally, UEFI is also password protected so no one can make changes to it without first entering a password. And this is on my private machine at my home lol.

This is even more important for public-accessible machines, as you never know if a nefarious individual comes along and slaps in a USB device and boots from it. I recommend that you check into this for future use once you've got the machine set up again.

Better safe than sorry.