Solved: Setup was unable to create a new system partition or locate an existing system partition

Tech Tips July 27, 2016

There are many ways to fix “setup was unable to create a new system partition or locate an existing system partition“.

This type error has different methods of fixing. It seems one solutions does not apply for everyone.

Here I am going to post 3 different methods to solve “Setup was unable to create a new system partition or locate an existing system partition”  issue starting with the easiest one.

Method 1

1. Unplug any USB external drive.

2. While in the this Window unplug the Windows installation USB from the PC for 15 to 30 seconds.

3. Plug the USB back to the PC and click on refresh.

refresh win 7 install

4. Re-try to install Windows.

Method 2

Re-start the the PC and log into the BIOS by pressing the proper Function key.

How-To-Setup-BIOS-To-Boot-From-CD-Or-DVD1

Once there Locate the SATA Configuration and change the option from EHCI to IDE.

Save settings by following the instructions on the screen.

Setup-was-unable-to-create-a-new-system-partition-or-locate-an-existing-system-partition-1

Method 3

1. When you see the error in question, press Shift+F10 to open the command prompt.

2. In the command prompt type diskpart and hit Enter.

3. Then type list disk and hit Enter.

4. Type select disk  X (X being the local drive.), and then hit Enter. In my case the disk where I want to install Windows 7 is Disk 0, so the command would be “select disk 0”

5. Type clean and hit Enter.

6. Now type create partition primary size=5000 and hit Enter.

7. Now type format fs=ntfs quick and phit Enter. This command will format the partition using NTFS.

8. Type assign and hit Enter. This will assign a drive letter to the partition.

9. Type active and hit Enter.

10. Type list volume and hit Enter. To list the drive letters of the Windows installation media (USB/Disc).

Solved-Setup-was-unable-to-create-a-new-system-partition-or-locate-an-existing-system-partition

Solved-Setup-was-unable-to-create-a-new-system-partition-or-locate-an-existing-system-partition-2

11. Type exit and hit Enter.

12. Change directory to the USB flash drive, in my case: cd e:

13. Copy all the Windows installation files from USB drive to C: drive by entering the following command: xcopy e: c:/e /h /k

14. Remove the installation USB drive from computer and restart.

15. From here you should be able to install Windows without an issue.

Video Tutorial:

About The Author

Miguel

I started this tech blog back in 2011 as a place to write down processes I took to fix my client systems and network. Now I write some tips and tricks to help others with the tech issues that one might encounter.

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Latest Comments

  1. mjr3m

    How can I move program files folder location in boot pls help

    Reply
    • Miguel

      Can you be more specific?

      Reply
  2. mohamed hassan

    thanks for your help

    Reply
  3. Me

    Great tutorial works like a charm

    Reply
  4. jeff pica

    wonderful ,thanks .save me lot of time

    Reply
  5. Hadi

    You are my favorite YouTuber:) always help

    Reply
  6. ibrahim

    thanks keep it up

    Reply
  7. Hfz

    Thanks bro. Really help. Keep it up. Thumbs up

    Reply
    • Johnny hernandez

      Seen your video this morning and had my computer up and running in no time .Thanks man

      Reply
  8. Abdx Haxer

    Thaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaank uuuuuuuu maaan

    Reply
  9. Brody

    BRO THIS GUY IS A GODDDD!!! LET’SGO BROO DUDE YOUR AWESOME!!!

    Reply
  10. Hithayadhulla

    nice way..explain clearly.thank you .using knowledge to serve people…..be continues the way

    Reply
  11. Bobby Darin

    This worked great Miguel! Thank you so much!

    Reply
  12. Pradeep Patel

    Thanks a lot sir ……

    Reply
  13. Sugumar

    Thank you sir

    Reply
  14. Ahmad

    Thanks a ton for your tutorial. Excellent.. Saved a lot of yime and headaches.

    Reply

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