Installation Unsuccessful

[MatthewThornett]

When I insert the DVD, I click on 'Install Now' and the whole installation
process works fine. But, right at the very end, it says 'Completing
Installation'. Then, it says 'The installation was unsuccessful so the
computer is reverting back to your previous version of windows'. Then my
computer restarts back as Windows XP.
I have made sure I have all the system requirements and have downloaded and
run the upgrade advisor.
I have installed the vista home premium on my laptop first and it works
fine. It just doesn't seem to want to install on my desktop computer.

Someone please help.

 

[Bill Daggett]

When I insert the DVD, I click on 'Install Now' and the whole installation
process works fine. But, right at the very end, it says 'Completing
Installation'. Then, it says 'The installation was unsuccessful so the
computer is reverting back to your previous version of windows'. Then my
computer restarts back as Windows XP.
I have made sure I have all the system requirements and have downloaded and
run the upgrade advisor.
I have installed the vista home premium on my laptop first and it works
fine. It just doesn't seem to want to install on my desktop computer.

Someone please help.

That normally happens when there is some critical incompatibility
during an upgrade installation.

 

[David B.]

First thing to do is make sure the machine meets the minimum requirements
for Vista.

 

[Bill Daggett]

Well what should I do differently to make it install properly? because I've
tried installing it with upgrades and without upgrades... What should I do?

Vista doesn't like something about your computer's hardware, and that
won't be easy to figure out if the compatibility wizard says it's all
OK.

Figuring it out would require some significant hands-on time and a lot
of spare parts... i.e., you're not going to find out this way.

Stick with XP or get ready to spend a lot of money on more hardware.

 

[Peter Foldes]

Install what ???

 

[MatthewThornett]

Windows Vista Home Premium. I am in the vista category lol.

 

[DL]

You origonally stated " I have installed the vista home premium on my laptop
first "
does this mean you are trying to install using the same dvd & key?

If that is the case; 1 dvd + 1 key = 1 PC

 

[MatthewThornett]

Oh ok, so if I reinstall Windows XP bak onto my laptop, can I then install
vista HP onto my desktop computer?

 

[Bill Daggett]

Oh ok, so if I reinstall Windows XP bak onto my laptop, can I then install
vista HP onto my desktop computer?

No. The problem was NOT one with activation, although IF you had
succeeded in installing it, you WOULD have had that problem.

Your hardware is incompatible. Stay with things as they now are on
both computers.

 

[MatthewThornett]

But I want vista on my desktop computer, that was really the reason why I
bought it. I'll have to look into the hardware capabilities on the desktop
computer.

 

[DL]

Assuming the desktop has the basic cpu / memory / mobo / HD, specs required
for Vista, remove/disconnect any third party devices leaving only a dvd
drive, single hd and try again
If it still fails something is up with one of your primary devices
Try a memory check from www.memtest.org

 

[Curious]

I suggest that you post all of the specs for your desktop computer here
maybe someone here can help determine what the problem component is?

 

[darkrats]

If it's a compatibility issue with a device/driver you could hit ALT-F4 when
you get the message that says "completing installation". It should cause
setup to skip that portion of the installation, and go right to the desktop.
Then you can get a look at the Device Manager and see what drivers are still
needed.

 

[Rick Rogers]

Uninstall your antivirus application.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
Vote for my shoe: http://rick-mvp.blogspot.com

 

[MatthewThornett]

I fixed this problem at last. It was something to do with the installation
updates as it tried installing vista without entering the product key and it
installed fine. I then registered it later.