[HELP] Cannot format computer after download VirtualBox

[sciflee]

So I downloaded virtual box yesterday and used my bootable ISO CD to install windows 7 on it. After awhile, I felt like I have no need for it anymore. In addition, I wanted to reformat my computer (NOT virtual box) so I used the same CD and restarted my computer and proceeded with my windows installation. However, during my windows 7 installation, I get this error "device driver is not found". Then I checked my BIOS to see if it could detect my Seagate HDD, but it is not detected as my primary master. The only thing detected is my CD/DVD driver. After further investigation, I found out that my computer is trying to reformat VirtualBox instead of my actual computer. When I tried to locate device drivers during the installation, I saw that "My computer" was the 30gb that I allocated for VirtualBox when I have a 500gb HDD. With that said, I am clueless as to what to do. I really want to reformat my computer but this error won't let me go any further.

I cannot even get pass the startup page to access my computer. Even without the bootable ISO CD, it stops at a page and says "Reboot and select proper Boot device". I am unable to use that computer unless I reformat. Can anyone suggest me on what to do? I'm clueless. I'm not a computer guy so please provide me step by step on what to do.

[BillG]

Sounds like you cd drive is still assigned to the virtual machine in the VirtualBox settings.

Does this still happen if you cold boot your system with the installation disc in the drive?

[sciflee]

Sounds like you cd drive is still assigned to the virtual machine in the VirtualBox settings.

Does this still happen if you cold boot your system with the installation disc in the drive?

Yes, it still happens.

[noteirak]

I wanted to reformat my computer (NOT virtual box)

Your actual physical computer? So you had to burn the ISO in a real CD and put it into your CD drive, your hardware one, yes?

[sciflee]

I wanted to reformat my computer (NOT virtual box)

Your actual physical computer? So you had to burn the ISO in a real CD and put it into your CD drive, your hardware one, yes?

Correct. I already had the ISO in a CD and I put it in my actual physical computer. When I get to the windows installation, it says "device driver not found". It seems like the windows installation is trying to reformat my Virtual Box instead of my actual computer. I cannot even get back to my computer because it would not let me pass the startup page.

[dlharper]

Are you sure you have blown this ISO correctly?

I note, for one thing, that you say you have put it on a CD. This may just be a slip, but a Windows 7 ISO is over 3Gb. It will not fit on a CD, and has to go on a DVD. If you have only put it on a CD, then it is not all there.

I presume also that you have blown the disc from the ISO, and not merely put it as a file on the disc.

Once you have started from a Windows DVD and repartitioned and formatted the hard disk, then there is nothing left on it. Former installations of VirtualBox, or any other program, cannot make any difference to the process.

[sciflee]

Sorry, it is a DVD-R with 4.7gb on it. I have definitely put the ISO correctly on the disc because I have used it before to install windows. The disc is not the problem, I'm sure of that. I've tried the disc on a useless computer and has worked fine.

Also, when it gave me the 'device driver is not' found error I had an option to locate a driver. When I clicked it, there's a popup that allow me to view "My computer" and several folders. The contents are exactly the same as my virtual box PRIOR to reformatting my computer.

Are you sure you have blown this ISO correctly?

I note, for one thing, that you say you have put it on a CD. This may just be a slip, but a Windows 7 ISO is over 3Gb. It will not fit on a CD, and has to go on a DVD. If you have only put it on a CD, then it is not all there.

I presume also that you have blown the disc from the ISO, and not merely put it as a file on the disc.

Once you have started from a Windows DVD and repartitioned and formatted the hard disk, then there is nothing left on it. Former installations of VirtualBox, or any other program, cannot make any difference to the process.

[Martin]

Is the "missing" device driver for the DVD drive or for a storage controller?

[sciflee]

Is the "missing" device driver for the DVD drive or for a storage controller?

Not sure what is a storage controller, but the missing device driver it's referring to is my 500gb seagate HDD.

[jorgensen]

Then I checked my BIOS to see if it could detect my Seagate HDD, but it is not detected as my primary master. The only thing detected is my CD/DVD driver.

So it is a BIOS problem, and has nothing to do with VirtualBox.
The DVD drive must have first priority when booting, which can be done in the BIOS or usually the F11 key.
Also the harddisk must be registered by the BIOS.

[sciflee]

Then I checked my BIOS to see if it could detect my Seagate HDD, but it is not detected as my primary master. The only thing detected is my CD/DVD driver.

So it is a BIOS problem, and has nothing to do with VirtualBox.
The DVD drive must have first priority when booting, which can be done in the BIOS or usually the F11 key.
Also the harddisk must be registered by the BIOS.

I've tried changing the boot order, making the CD/DVD driver first. It detects the windows installation CD, but I cannot finish the installation because it could not locate my HDD. How do register your harddisk on the BIOS?

[mpack]

This has now officially passed well beyond the remit of this site. For support on how to install Windows on a physical PC, please visit a Microsoft forum. For information on your host PC BIOS, ask your PC or hard disk manufacturer. Come back to us if you have a problem with VirtualBox.

Locking this one.