[randygator]

I was trying to install Windows 7 RC on my mini. Originally with Umbutu
I finally got the ISO image onto to a DVD and booted the mini with an external USB DVD drive. It booted up and started the installation till it got to the partitions part.
This is probably where I SCREWED up. I deleted the partition and formatted to one partition because the Windows install said I need 5764MB (?) of free space. We ll now I have one partition with 3.7GB and Windows says it still won't install (needs 5.7GB).
Well now it won't even boot and install the Unbutu DVD.

Now what do I do??????? Help me O-B-1 you are my only hope.

[MikePA]

I've successfully followed these instructions with the RC and RTM.

[randygator]

What instructions are you referring to?

BTW the only thing that comes up on my screen is MBR FA:

[MikePA]

I updated my post with the link.

[holmes4]

It's best to delete all the partitions and tell Windows to install to the unformatted space. It will format as needed.

[randygator]

The problem now is it will not boot on Win7 or Umbutu DVD.
Just sits with MBR FA: and sits and sits

[holmes4]

Sounds as if the Master Boot Record is hosed. Boot from the Win7 DVD and select Repair.

[randygator]

The problem is it won't boot.
No matter if I let it boot from the SSD or if I make it boot from the DVD drive it just sits there with
MBR FA:
All I can do is shut it off and start it again and same result!!
It doesn't seem to know how to read the DVD drive.
How is this done with a new drive or a formatted drive?
I think this is what I now have a formatted drive with only one partition.

[MikePA]

Does your DVD drive work on other PCs/Macs?

[randygator]

Yes I was using it and started the Win7 install when it identified the partitions it couldn't install to due to lack of free space.
It looks like I should have paid more attention. I guess it needed almost 6GB and my SSD is only 4GB so when I deleted partitions and reformatted I still don't have enough space and now I apparently don't have any drivers to operate the DVD for Boot-up.
This would be true for any reformatted drive, so how do I get the mini to accept the driver so it will boot from the DVD?

For now I can go back to Umbutu (I have the boot DVD and have used it several times before to start anew) until I can get a larger SSD installed (16GB or 32GB). But somehow I need to get the mini to boot from the DVD.