Windows 7 "Setup is starting" freezes

I have HP Pavilion dv6 Notebook PC ,it came with 2 drives, C & Recovery. I re-partitioned the hard using a windows 7 bootable dvd, I deleted the 2 drives, and then created a C and another one, installed the windows on the C and everything was ok until I restarted the computer, the windows didn't start, I forced it shut down, and then tried to re-install the windows again but it freezes on 'Setup is starting' screen.

I searched the problem, solutions like 'disable fdd' or 'disable non-essentials' didn't work, actually the bios screen doesn't give me many options, the menus are :

Main -- the device features

Security -- Power-on password

Diagnostics -- Primary Hard Disk & Memory test

System Configuration -- Language, Card Reader / 1349 Power Saving, Fan always On (enable/disable) & Boot options.

I even tried to boot from a USB drive but this too didn't work, since the Boot options only supports the following:

CD-ROM, Floppy & Internal Network Adapter boot.

Could this be a Hardware problem ?

thanks in advance.


I had the same issue with my Dell Inspirion 15R SE. The cause of the hang is the Graphics Output Protocol (GOP). Windows 7 doesn't support it and hangs here. The solution was to enable the old VGA option ROM loading (disabling fastBoot) in the UEFI.


As per your comments, it's not likely to be a hardware issue, much more likely to be either

a faulty installation of the OS
missing OS drivers fault reading the harddrive (hard drive or faulty cable)

So, first off, check out why it's freezing, via the Event Log, or check the mini dumps if you get the BSOD.

Use Windows Updates to make sure you have the latest drivers, although to be honest, if you know the manufacturer of the hardware (CPU, Graphics and Audio etc) then you're better going to their website to download the latest drivers direct)

If these provide nothing, try reformatting and reinstalling the OS again.

If you can't get this far, then it is probably a faulty install - put in the W7 disc, and start the machine. Hit F8 to get the boot menu, and choose to boot from DVD


The problem could be your created partition didn't meet the minimum system requirements. Consequently, all your data will be removed. Try to do factory reset to bring back all things. However, you should unplug first whatever additional device such as usb or printer then do the following:

  1. Go to control panel
  2. Select recovery manager
  3. Click system recovery
  4. The recovery manager will ask if you want to restore into original factory shipped. Click yes.
  5. Your computer will restart and you hard drive will start functioning.

If your computer didn't start when you press the power button. Just press F11 and recovery manager will appear. Nevertheless, if you need to recover your computer through recovery disk. You can do the following:

  1. Turn on your computer and insert the recovery disk.
  2. Turn off your computer.
  3. Unplug your usb and printer.
  4. Turn on your computer
  5. Press Esc key immediately and repeat every second until select boot device menu open.
  6. If select boot menu open. Choose the selection by arrow up. On the other hand,if start menu open instead of boot menu. Press F9
  7. Two selection will appear recovery from hard drive or disk. Select Run Program from disk then select next.
  8. Choose the recovery option based on your type of recovery disk.

I hope this will help.