Windows 7: Stuck on starting windows screen

I can't get past the Starting Windows screen.

My machine is:
Motherboard: ASUS Rampage III Extreme (USB 3.0, SATA 6Gb/s, 3X SLI capable)
Processor: Intel Core i7 980X
Motherboard Liquid Cooling by EK Waterblocks
Power Supply: 1.5 Kilowatt Silverstone Strider
Graphics Card: Dual 2GB GDDR5 ATI Radeon HD 5970 Liquid Cooled
Memory: 12GB Corsair Dominator GT DDR3 2000Mhz (6x 2GB) Tri Channel Memory
OS: Windows 7 Ultimate x64
Monitor: HP ZR30w

The motherboard bios is up to date, I've also tried the latest CCC (as well as older ones).



I can go into safe mode. If I delete all the ATI drivers (and run Driver Sweeper) then I can boot into normal mode. Once I install the latest CCC or just the DD the device shows the "Starting Windows" message and the windows logo and then freezes at the end and is stuck showing the logo and message.

If I use the ATI 9.12 DD then it shows a black screen after the Starting Windows. If I use 10+ then it just stays on the starting windows screen.

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Does the pc boot up correctly if you use the drives installed by Windows updates?

I removed all the ATI drivers, booted into normal mode. Uninstalled Catalyst and all ATI software. Rebooted and then Windows prompted me to find and install the software for my 5970. I followed the instructions, rebooted and then got stuck on the Starting Windows screen again.

Windows has all patches applied too.

So it still does it without the CCC?

Yes tried installing just the DD and it still gets stuck at the same spot.

Is this a new build? Do you have a old/spare video card laying around you can test with?

Sorry it's a new build (just had it shipped to me yesterday) and I don't have any other machines or cards

what is the wattage on the PSU?

It's a 1.5 Kilowatt Silverstone Strider

Hi
when you install the ATI drivers does the Asus gamer osd program install?
Ashley