[ARK24]

That's a good idea, I'm busy today but I'll give you an update sometime tomorrow!

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Sounds like a plan 

[phillpower2]

Sounds like a plan 

[ARK24]

I downloaded and flashed BionicPup64 8.0 onto my USB, booted it up in RAM on the laptop, and installed gsmartcontrol. I ran the short self-test on the installed HDD, which completed without error. Was there another specific tool you wanted to me use? (I could run the extended self-test, but it's estimated to take 2hrs 40mins).

 

Just to make sure the HDD is clear (although I'm not sure it would make any difference, but I'm trying everything I can think of right now), I'm currently running shred. Edit, nvm shred is taking too long I'm just cancelling it, wouldn't help anyway.

 

I think best option is to get a hold of a disc with Windows on it, or at least find a Windows machine that I can burn a disc with, which I might not be able to do until next week.

Edited by ARK24, 26 March 2020 - 07:24 PM.

[phillpower2]

Thanks for the update 

 

The fact that you were able to boot Pup from the USB device and the HDD passed the testing that you did it does look like an issue with the Windows ISO 

 

Waiting for Windows on DVD is what I would do, our postal service is still working here in the UK but not sure where in the world you are but anyone that you know that has it or could burn you an ISO on DVD and post it to you.

[ARK24]

I'll be receiving a recovery/ install disc in the mail anytime between April 2nd and April 24th, I'll give another update once I get the disc and try the process again.

[phillpower2]

Thanks for the update 

 

Can you post a link to the type of disk you have purchased so we can take a look.

[ARK24]

https://www.ebay.com...353.m2749.l2649

[phillpower2]

Looks good, the April 2nd and April 24th shipping time is a bit hit and miss though 

[ARK24]

Best Answer

Alright, the DVD arrived. I put it in and get the message "Press any key to boot form CD or DVD..." after which I press a random key on my keyboard and nothing happens, the screen changes and shows the message:

>>Checking Media Presence......
>>No Media Present......

So I changed the boot mode to "Legacy" and it instantly started up the Windows installer via the disc. I have my fingers crossed that the fresh install will finish with no problems, I'll post another update soon once it's done.

 

Update: everything seems to have installed fine, yay! Thanks for all your hard work in helping me out through this, phillpower!

Edited by ARK24, 25 April 2020 - 03:54 PM.

[phillpower2]

Great news and thanks for letting us know that things were sorted, a job well done on your behalf as well 

 

You are welcome btw 

 

NB: Final nag from me, start creating new system restore points before installing updates or any of your programs/games etc.