Computer keeps restarting while installing windows 10

Question

I've been trying to install windows 10 onto 2 PCs. One being an old dell workstation and the other being an older home computer. I've installed new hard drives and when installing windows 10 from a USB it goes as normal (I've installed windows 10 seven or eight times) until the very end, when it finishes installing a prompt comes up saying that the computer needs to restart to continue. When it does restart the whole process restarts (downloading windows 10 that is) and I can't get into windows. I thought redoing the download would fix the issue but it persists. I've wiped the hard drives again as well as tried a new USB and the problem still continues. Is there a solution that I'm not seeing? The USB is highest on the boot order as I saw on other threads of this so that shouldn't be the issue. Thanks!

Answer 1

Hi Layne. I'm Greg, an installation specialist and 8 year Windows MVP, here to help you.

The problem there is you're using the old method of setting the boot device in the BIOS Boot Priority list which is not how to install with a flash stick. It needs to have the proper boot order restored of the hard drive first for a Legacy BIOS, or the WIndows Boot Manager for the modern UEFI firmware which replaced BIOS.

Use only the BIOS Boot menu key to trigger the flash stick, as a UEFI device if offered: https://www.sysnative.com/forums/hardware-tutor...

Otherwise the boot order in BIOS will just restart the flash stick install.

Follow the illustrated Clean Install steps in this tutorial which compiles the best possible install that will stay that way as long as you stick with the tools and methods given: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Make sure during the booted install to follow the illustrated steps to delete all partitions down to Unallocated Space to get it cleanest, then click Next to let it auto-create the needed partitions, format them and begin install - this makes it foolproof.

You will get and keep the best possible install to the exact extent you stick with the steps, tools and methods in the linked tutorial. It's a better install than any amount of money could buy.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

Answer 2

Hi Layne, when you start the installation, you changed the boot order to boot from the Installation media, during the installation process, your system will reboot, at that point, you may need to go into your BIOS and change the boot order so your system boots from your Hard Drive, otherwise the installation may start all over again - do not remove the installation media at this point

Answer 3

Please check the link below to see if your PCs are compatible with Windows 10.

There is a lot of hardware out there that is not.

If you need me to help you please send me the make and model of the machines.

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

Answer 4

Just looked up both of those models and neither are supported for windows 10.
This is probably why you can’t get windows 10 installed.
I am very sorry.
You can always contact dell support to see if there ever will be support for those models.

Answer 5

Alright well that's good to know. But I couldn't see anything along those lines online, but I'm probably looking in the wrong places. The Workstation is a dell precision T3500 with a xeon w3530 in it. Then the "home computer" is a dell inspiron 530 with a core 2 duo e8400 in it. Thanks!