Wednesday, August 2, 2017

"Windows setup could not configure to run on this computer's hardware" error during Windows 7 or Windows 10 installation

Windows setup error during installation of Windows 7 or Windows 10

When performing a full install or re-install of Windows 7 or Windows 10, you may receive the error "Windows setup could not configure to run on this computer's hardware" right after or during the "Completing installation" stage of the process. The installation process will not continue past the error. If you restart the computer, the install process will arrive back at the same error with no further progress.

Manually run msoobe.exe to finish the install

A possible resolution to this issue is to manually run the msoobe.exe program to allow the install to complete. Follow the steps below to manually run the msoobe.exe program:
Windows 7:
  1. At the error screen, press Shift+F10 to open a command prompt.
  2. Type cd \ and press Enter.
  3. Type cd c:\windows\system32\oobe and press Enter.
  4. Type msoobe and press Enter. The installation process should now automatically continue.
  5. Remove the installation media and the system should finish the installation and boot into Windows.
Windows 10:
  1. While on the screen where the error appears, press Shift+F10 to bring up the command prompt.
  2. Type CD C:\windows\system32\oobe and hit Enter.
  3. Type msoobe and hit Enter.
  4. You may then be prompted to create an account name and password, and set the time and date. Click Finishwhen done.
    NOTE: If this is a retail version of Windows 10, you may also be prompted to enter a product key for Windows 10. Enter the product key and click Finish.
  5. The installation process should then complete and allow the computer to boot into Windows.