I'm at a loss... (fresh install troubles)

I've done several searches, but the information I've turned up has not really dealt with my specific problem yet.

I'll try to be as succinct as possible.

Had an HDD problem, Dell sent me a new drive, and I replaced my C: with this new drive. Started with the MediaDirect disc, installed Vista 32bit with the disc that came with my 1720, and loaded up Vista.

Tried to install the drivers from the Resource CD, but the installers won't expand/unzip/install automatically like the disc says they should. I just get a blank command prompt that flashes for a second before disappearing. So, I downloaded all the drivers I thought I needed from the Dell website.

All was well (after this, my 3rd time reinstalling) for about a day, before I tried reinstalling the Bluetooth drivers that were giving me problem. All of a sudden my computer freezes during installation, so I have to do a hard shut-down. Upon booting back up, and following the BIOS screen, I get a quick flash of blue screen, and then the "Windows failed to start due to a hardware change" screen. Can't start in safe mode, in last good configuration, nothing. Basically my computer is doomed to restart forever unless I can find a fix.

This time I'm installing the AHCI drivers at the beginning of the Windows installation, instead of trying to afterwards. I read different reports here about whether Vista installs them automatically or not.

Otherwise, I'm not sure what to do. Why does the resource cd not install my drivers when I tell it to? Dell sent me a refurbished 400GB Samsung drive in place of my 320GB. Think that might be a problem? I went through the clean install guide here several times and I don't think I'm doing anything wrong. This isn't the first time I've ever re-installed an operating system, either.

My laptop specs:
Inspiron 1720
2.5GHz dual-core
4GB RAM (yes, I know it's not all utilized.)
400GB Samsung primary and 320GB Samsung secondary.
Vista Ultimate 32bit.

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks

 

That is an interesting issue that you seem to be having. I would try downloading the Ultimate boot CD, or Dban, or Drive nuke, or any of the programs that allow you to wipe out your drive completely first. First I would test the HDD to make sure that it is healthy, and then I would wipe it out. Let that run like all night, or at least for a few hours to make sure that the MBR is clear. I would then begin the process of re-installing everything.

I sounds like your primary issue is related to driver installations. Are you allowing Vista to install drivers for you, or are you trying to install the drivers over what vista has installed? The bluetooth may be your culprit or . . .

You may need to check to see if your HDD is running in ACHI mode or not. Now that the drivers are installed you may be running in an incompatible mode.

 

When I install Vista, I just let it do it's thing. When Windows starts, the generic drivers for most things are installed, but I need to go in and update to the appropriate ones.

My HDD is running in AHCI mode. I installed the Intel drivers at initial installation this time so hopefully I can avoid any would-be problems with that. I'm going to try to install all the drivers I need again, then wait to see if this installation fails. Then I'll try your suggestion, unless something more conclusive comes along.