Can't install Windows 7 on Acer Aspire M1100

Question

When I install Windows 7, everything goes smooth but as soon as it's done and Windows needs to reboot for the last time before getting the desktop, the computer stucks to Verify DMI Pool Data............. and then, nothing.

I change the CMOS battery, I tried so many setup in BIOS, even load default settings... Nothing worked. The HDD light is not flickering anymore, no HDD activity. CTRL-ALT-DEL doesn't work. It's just impossible to load Windows 7.

I tried Windows XP and this works fine. I also tried the Acer (Futureshop) recovery CD and I get an Hexademical error message stating the install cannot continue.

Is there a BIOS flash apps somewhere or a fix I can apply to have Windows 7 Ultimate installed on my computer.

Any takers?

Answer 1

Have you tried running the upgrade advisor to see if there is a known hardware issue? Upgrade Advisor

Did it ship with Vista?

Is AHCI mode enabled in BIOS?

Answer 2

Repairing The Windows 7 Installation might fix it

1. Insert the Windows 7 DVD and restart your computer
2. Boot from the DVD.
3. Choose your language and click Next.
4. Click Repair Your Computer and then select the operating system you want to repair.

If that doesn't work:

1. Insert the Windows 7 DVD and restart your computer
2. Boot from the DVD.
3. Choose your language and click Next.
4. Click Repair Your Computer and then select Command Prompt and try the following commands (a single command might work, or you may need to use multiple):

bootrec /fixMBR bootrec /fixBoot bootrec /rebuildBCD bootrec /scanOS

Note: there is a space before the /

Answer 3

I also faced exactly the same issue on the same model. I also followed the same suggestions to fix the boot sector, used many partition utilities and spent roughly the same time as the OP. Looking at the specs for the Aspire M1100 motherboard, it seems to suggest that only XP and Vista are compatible:

M1100 Specs