Update:
Just to try it one more time I tossed the windows 7 install disk and tried the install. This time it worked, Windows 7 is installed and I am downloading updates. Hope this isn't a precursor of things to come though, since I really didn't change anything to get it installed.
Thanks all for the help, I'll post back when updates finish.
Does your mobo have the latest BIOS version update? If so, reset the CMOS: Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS
Now in BIOS setup, check the SATA controller setting. Try AHCI first, then IDE mode.
Unplug all other HD's and peripherals.
Using the partitioning steps in Diskpart optimizing tutorial, follow Step 2.2 to partition at 100gb install partition and mark Active.
Edit: Seems it overcame the hurdle. Here are some other tips:
The installer is mostly driver-complete, with newer arriving quickly via optional Windows Updates. Just in case, have your Ethernet/Wireless driver on flash stick or CD so you can get online to Update quickly. Then enable hardware driver auto-updating: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/w...-your-hardware and check optional Updates.
Any drivers then missing in Device Manager can be found on the Support Downloads webpage for your model computer or device. Driver Install - Device Manager
Install updates and then programs slowly over time to gauge performance after each. Don't let any programs write themselves into msconfig>Startup as they slow startup, become freeloaders on your RAM/CPU and can spy on you. I only allow AV and gadgets. Startup Programs - Change
Use a lightweight free AV like MS Security Essentials which works perfectly with Windows 7 Firewall. http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/
When it is finished, clean and order the HD perfectly using state-of-the-art free CCleaner then Auslogics Disk Defragger monthly.
CCleaner - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com
http://download.cnet.com/Auslogics-D...-10567503.html
Then save a Windows 7 Backup image externally so you never have to reinstall again, just reimage the HD or replacement using DVD or Repair CD. Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup
I was THIS close....
heh, thought it was all fixed - Then in the middle of installing updates I got the lovely BSOD, stop error.
Probably the wrong forum for this but the code was:
STOP: 0xF4 (0x3, 0xFFFFFA80088E0860, 0xFFFFFA80088E0B40, 0xFFFFF800033D65D0)
Checked for the .dmp and .mdmp files but none were created. Any thoughts?
***EDIT*** I'm thinking it sounds like a bad HDD, what do you think? Should I go pick up a new HDD and test it out on that?
These are Windows Updates from after you completed install and had arrived on desktop, correct?
You first want to install optional Updates for any drivers that are delivered as this can affect performance to complete the updates.
Boot the WIn7 DVD Repair console, run Startup Repair which will offer System Restore. If not, boot back in to Recovery TOols list to System Restore to before updates. Startup Repair
Install updates in small groups until you hit on update which bluescreens. SysRestore and narrow it down to exact update, open a Support case with Windows Update and in our Updates forum.
That is correct, these are updates from after I arrived at the desktop.
I am now back with a new HD (wanted to get one in case I needed it and before the store closed)
I will try the suggestions that you made in your last post, thanks.
Update:
Trying to restore to the first restore point before updates were installed I got this error message:
"System Restore did not complete successfully. You computer's system files and settings were not changed. Details: An unspecified error occurred during system restore. (-x8000ffff)"
Just a thought, but if the HD currently installed randomly works / not-works, would that cause errors when the OS was trying to read /write to the drive?
Try performing System Restore in Safe Mode, by tapping F8 at reboot.
Try another restore point.
Test your HD using maker's diag/repair extended CD scan: http://www.carrona.org/hddiag.html followed by Disk Check run from DVD's Command Line accessed by pressing Shift + F10 at first screen.
Did you ever complete Diskpart "Clean All" or Partition Wizard "Wipe" from Disk tab? This needs to be done to wipe any corrupt boot code.
The safe mode restore to a different restore point was successful. I will start updates by priority you listed above.
Also, I ran disk check yesterday before I came to this forum for help. The test came back clean (it took almost 4 hours to complete so I'd rather not go through that again if I don't have to)
***Edit***System Crashed before I could find any optional updates to download
I'd boot the DVD Repair console to run Startup Repair repeatedly to see if it finds anything to repair.
If not, I'd test the HD with maker's diag/repair extended CD scan.
Trying install to the new HD for comparison might be your next move.
You can download driver updates for Asus Sabertooth x58 Motherboard from here:
ASUSTeK Computer Inc.-Support- X58&SLanguage=en-us
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