Windows 10: Windows Installation Error; Will not install on Partition

Hey there,

I am trying to install Windows 10 10130 onto my laptop's blank partition that is 400 GB. Upon installing I noticed it gives me an error that says "We couldn't create a new partition or locate an existing one." I'm not sure what this means, as I have repeatedly formatted and erased the partition to no avail. I do have another partition with Windows 8.1 installed, so I am trying to salvage that and get the Windows 10 installed onto the other one.

P.S. for some strange reason. On boot, It asks me to pick either Windows 8.1 or Windows 8, and Windows 8 isn't installed...

This laptop is a mess. I bought it used, and it has only given me issues. Luckily I have my Desktop so it's not like I rely on this laptop. I appreciate your assistance! *Smile

:)

 

Error when trying to reinstall Windows 10

Hi

I'm trying to re-install Windows 10 on a system that was upgraded from Windows 7 Home.

I was unable to repair the install and got a "drive locked" error, so I decided to wipe the partition and re-install from scratch but I now can't create the partition.

I get the following errors:

Windows setup "We couldn't create a new partition" Error 0x8cb209a0

If I try to install to the existing partition I get the error:

"Windows cannot be installed This is an MBR partition EFI systems need to install to GTP disk" (or words to that effect)

Installing from a USB memory stick created by the media creator tool.

Any advice gratefully received.

 

Recovery Problem-Can't Setup Windows

But now when I tried to install Windows 7 and I formated C (a error message pop up tell that Partition not formated but it formated!) anyway when I press install, a new screen pop up and on it "The
installation was cancelled"

"windows could not format a partition on disk 0. the error occurred while preparing the partition selected for installation. Error code: 0x80070057"

 

It would help if you post a screen shot of Disk Management then we can go from there.

 

@topgundcp This is the Disk Management Window.

 

Ths is very strange partition arrangement. You have an unallocated partition sitting in between the recovery and C partition. and Windows might get confused of how to install it. You might want to move the C partition to the left and have the unallocated partition at the end.

You can download: Bootable Partition Manger | MiniTool Partition Wizard Bootable Edition
and use: Rufus - Create bootable USB
Boot up your Laptop and move drive C: to the left next to the Recovery partition.
Try to install Windows again. (It looks like that you are using the legacy MBR, so you need to install with MBR stype partition)

WARNING: When working on partition. It is advisable to make a backup image of your current Windows first.

 

What Igor said to Dr Frankenstein, "Sir, you have created a Monster!"

Resize that C: partition to include all of the Unallocated space and you should be good to go.

good luck

*Cool

 

Is this program something I have to run in Windows or do I have to boot into it?

EDIT: I tried booting into it and it gave me an error.

 

After you download the ISO. From Windows, use Rufus to create a bootable USB stick to boot up from then you can move the partition. You should get a screen similar to this, right click on C: drive and select Move/Resize, then click Apply to commit the change:

 

EDIT: Used the program. Will attempt installing Windows once more.
EDIT 2: The program ran into an error saying it was an I/O failure. I restarted the laptop and I noticed that I was able to extend the C:\ partition into the space. I will now try to shrink the volume and install Windows 10.

 

It works! Thank you @topgundcp *Smile
Yet, it still says Windows 8 is installed *Redface

 

EDIT: Removed that strange image tag... See latest post for image.

 

That's a BIG picture! I won't reply with quote! *Wink

 

Sorry I was able to fix it... I guess the forum doesn't like Spartan *Wink Here's the Disk Management window, for real this time...

 

Here's what I suggest, this is a bit of work, but in the long run the system will run better.

• If there is data on the laptop that is of any value, back it up
  
  
• Create an OEM recovery drive (see Dell manual or website)
  or create a Win8 Recovery drive
  See: Recovery Drive - Create with USB Flash Drive in Windows 8
  
  
• Create a system image of the machine
  See: System Image - Create in Windows 8

Now you have a way back to where you started.

Download Win8.1 install media and create a bootable DVD or Flash drive
Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 ISO - Download or Create

Here's why you backed up your system:
Boot to the install media and press Shift F10 at the first screen - this launches a Command prompt window

Launch diskpart and enter the following commands (*** are comments, not part of the commands)

lis dis *** This gives you a list of drives, select the 400 GB drive sel dis 0 *** Verify the disk #, the 400 GB drive might be a different number lis dis *** the selected drive will have an asterisk '*' on the left
*** be certain you select the correct drive, the next command wipes it clean clean *** this erases the first and last 100 MB on the drive-essentially removing all disk partitioning information exit *** exit diskpart Then, press the [X] in the upper right corner of the Command prompt window to close it
-- typing exit in the Command prompt might exit the install - not sure. You're back at the install
See: Clean Install - Windows 8

When Win8.1 is finished installing and you have an account set up
Shrink the C: drive to 100 GB

Minitool Partition Wizard might be easiest for the next steps since Windows Disk Mgmt doesn't have the option to create an extended partition - diskpart does, but Disk Mgmt just keeps creating primary until there are three of them, then it 'helps' you and creates the next (4th) partition as an extended partition.

Create an extended partition using the rest of the space
Create a 100 GB logical drive in the extended partition for your data
Create a 40 GB logical drive in the extended partition for a 2nd OS (Win10)There's plenty of space left - you can leave it unallocated or slice it any way you see fit. I carve off a good chunk at the end of the drive for cold storage (program install packages, infrequently accessed data, some backups-but the back is on the same drive, so if the drive fails......these are not important files)

Read through the tutorials and ask any questions before taking that step.

I think the main issue is the 39 MB System Reserved partition - it should be a minimum of 100 MB.