Windows installation depends on "files are being expanded" - what to do?
If the Windows installation hangs at the point "Files are being expanded", the installation medium is damaged in most cases. We'll show you how to solve the problem.
Windows installation hangs at "files are being expanded"
If you have tried to install Windows on the original DVD or a self-burned DVD, it will go wrong in some cases. Windows 7 and Vista in particular sometimes have problems with the drive.
- If you downloaded the ISO file from Windows and burned it to the DVD yourself, do it again, but at a slow speed. You can select the speed during the burning process - do not choose the full speed here, but only half the speed.
- If you have a second computer on hand and have a little technical understanding, it is worthwhile in many cases to also change the drive. However, this should only be available if the instructions in the next paragraph cannot be carried out.
Windows installation fails - install from USB stick
If the installation from the Windows DVD does not work, you can also download Windows free of charge from our CHIP download area and install it using a USB stick. You can find detailed step-by-step instructions in the practical tip on installing Windows using a USB stick. You need..
- ..the suitable ISO file for Windows 7 Home Premium (32 bit), Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit), Windows 8 (32 bit) or Windows 8 (64 bit).
- ..the free tool UNetbootin for installing the ISO file on your USB stick.
- ..a USB stick with at least 4 GB of memory.
- ..instructions for changing the boot order in the BIOS. This ensures that your computer starts the installation from the USB stick and does not start up Windows as usual.
In the next practical tip we will show you how to format a USB stick for Windows and Mac.