I'm at wits end =(

I recently rebuilt one on my computers into a new case (and added new harddrives and video card).

Afterwards I attempted to install Windows 7 PRO 64bit. It hangs at the first "Starting Windows." I have been browsing these forums and just about every other one on the net trying EVERY solution I have come across. These are my specs:

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E6750
RAM: G.Skill F2-8800CL5Q-8GBPI (2GBx4)
VGA: EVGA GTX460 1GB
PSU: Ultra X3 1000watt
MOBO: Asus P5E
HDD: (1) OCZ Agility 60GB SSD, (1) Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB

This is what I have tried so far:

(1) I have removed everything except 1 stick of ram, PSU, 1 optical drive, and 1 hard drive and VGA.
(1b) I have tried 2 different hard drives, both brand new, 1 SSD and 1 mechanical
(1c) I have tried 3 different optical drives, from 2 different manufacturers, 1 of which I bought brand new to perform these tests.
(1d) I have replaced every SATA data cord.
(1e) I have tried a spare ATI video card.

(2) I have disabled everything possible in the BIOS.
(2a) I have flashed the BIOS
(2b) I have loaded defaults to BIOS
(2c) I have removed the battery for 24 hours
(2d) I have tried installing as IDE, RAID, and AHCI

(3) I have bought a new keyboard.
(3a) I have tried and am currently using a ps/2 keyboard.
(3b) I have tried 2 different mice and currently I am using no mouse.

(4) I have changed the voltages and timings on RAM to match manufacturers specs. I currently have RAM at suggested voltage, but underclocked AND with loose timings (I really thought the RAM was the issue)
(4a) I had run MEMTEST on the RAM prior to the re-build, and all sticks pass together and individually
(4b) I have tried all 4 sticks of RAM in all 4 slots of the motherboard. I have tried 1, 2, 3, and 4 sticks of RAM. I am currently on 1 stick which I have changed out with the other 3 sticks and tried in various slots.

(5) I have tried 2 different Windows 7 PRO 64bit disks (both of which tested fine on multiple other computers)

(6) I have let the computer sit for 2, 10, 24 and 48 hours after it hangs.

(7) I have tried removing and reinserting the Windows disks after it hangs.

None of this has had any effect whatsoever. There are likely a multitude of other suggestions that I've tried (and failed) that I do not remember. Is there something I am missing???? I'm really out of clever ideas =(

kword88 said:

when it gets to "starting windows", how long did you wait? i would give it at least an hour.

I have given it up to 48 hours, lol

DocBrown said:

What type of monitor connection? VGA, DVI, HDMI ?

The video card has twin DVI and the monitor is VGA so I'm using a VGA/DVI coupler

Also: I have made a bootable flash drive, as was suggested elsewhere, and that too has the same exact problem. I figured I'd better mention that as I forgot in my OP

DocBrown said:

What is the make & model of the monitor? What output connections are on the spare ATI video card?

I have tried two monitors, a Hp w2408h and a Dell Ultrasharp 19 inch (older model)

Both video cards have twin DVI connections (gtx 460 and HD2900XT). How they are connected (DVI, HDMI, or DVI/VGA coupled) doesnt seem to make a difference, unfortunately.

In every case I've tried, Windows loads files and then freezes at "Starting Windows". The colorful logo does not even show up.

DocBrown said:

Does you MB have a VGA connection, so you can try without a video card ?

No, the MOBO is an Asus P5E. No integrated graphics. Also, if it matter, this system is a re-build...not entirely a fresh build. This is the same motherboard, RAM, CPU and VGA that was previously running Win7PRO64 flawlessly. The only thing that has changed is the cooling system, hard drives and case.