Windows 7: Can Install 32 bit; cannot install 64 bit version

Just as a tip, question them again, but tell them you are trying to install VISTA x64 (as should be the same)... then you should get their help

I dont know if this was suggested but try pulling all but 1gig of ram, and then try to install. we could also use info on the HD.

Thanks

Ken

Was talking with a pal just now over a cup of cappuccino, he had precisely the same problem, also with an Athlon 64 X2 processor (3800+). Solution was to remove second RAM (he had two * 2 gig) and ALL EXTERNAL DEVICES (printer, USB HD and DVD).

After succesfull installation he had just reconnected external devices and second RAM, everything works.

Cant imagine why it works just know it does. Glad you and your friend are working

Ken

Datter, I haev not. I coudl get Asus' attention by posting a bad review at Newegg (I think it is called "coercion" ... and they contacted me via email (and a voice mail I returned but can't get them to call again) and the technician said he succesfully installed Win7x64 on a M4A78 plus, showing me the screen shots to prove. Nice and dandy, but doesn't solve my problem. He offered to test my board itself, but they stopped responding when I asked where to send it. Maybe I need to post yet another review...

In the meantime I tried other things (I had already tried with 1x2G stick and 1x1G stick from the other computer that runs Win7x64, tested memory extensively with Memtest, no difference). I installed and ran Windows PE (Vista based, Windows 7 based won't work eithe, it is definitely relatd to Windows 7). Under the WinPE nvironment I could run the setup and had a Win7x64 in one of my drives. Guess what, it doesn't boot! it stops at the very same spot. I also tried a VHD, same story (at one point I had 7 distinct instances of Windows 7 installed, only the x86 working). I tried to replace the boot.bin file in the Windows 7 ISO file, since that is known to cause problems (see UNAWAVE - Code 5 Error whilst booting Windows 7 DVD), but it gives me an error when booting, I don't have a Vista 64 boot.ini I can use, so my resulting DVD was not good.

I've just about given up. I removed all "attempts" from my drive (I left one just in case) and I am running Win7x86. I wanted to be able to use more memory, but it is not looking worth it anymore. If Asus will take this board back and replace it I will do. I won't send it back for testing, I am afraid I will end up with the same board and a few dollars shorter on shipping charges (I already have more than 10 useless installation DVDs with every configuration you can think of)

Datter, what is your system's configuration? Maybe we can find some sense in the common elements. Although I have seen posts about this problem in very different systems.

Thanks evrybody for trying to help so far.

Thanks Kanineplus. See my other post, I coerced them to talk to me, no help yet. I had called them and said that I was installing Vista, but that technician sonded even offended by my question, saying "there is no way" the problem is with the motherboard. He was the one telling me to call Microsoft. I can even imagine: "hey Mr. Gates, this piece of software of yours doesn't work on my computer, you better change it..."

Wallyinc, have you really tried to install it with minimum hardware configuration? Like zigzag3143 earlier suggested, leave RAM to slot 0 and take all other RAM out. Disconnect all external devices, even second display if you have it. Leave only mouse and keyboard. Make a clean install. (And get a Jamaican voodoo-doll of Bill Gates, put one needle in dolls heart and another to genitals. It don´t help but it gives you the right mood to continue fighting with install!)

I am very sorry you have so big problems, can not think anything else.

Thanks Kari
that is basically what I did. I tried the memory in every slot. disabled everything else but keyboard and mouse and only one monitor (which I tried in both DVI and the VGA (or whatever it is called)
I used a Brazilian voodoo doll...

Have you changed your BIOS settings? The only things coming to my mind which could (?) help you are.
1) If you have changed your BIOS settings, reset BIOS to factory settings
2) If you have not updated your BIOS lately, do it now
3) completely wipe and format your hard disk
4) Use only basic hardware setup when doing a clean install, i.e. no USB or Firewire devices except possible mouse and KB

When it is still not working, it is (in my opinion) a driver issue and you should install 32-bit version.

Kari

P.S.
Funny, I had never thought that it works but I have to believe, because of what Ken (zigzag3143) told here and what my friend told about his own experience. I say funny because isn´t this capability to use more RAM than 3 megs one of the reasons to install a 64-bit version?

Wally

I can only think of two things that would effect this. the BIOS, and the ISo image. Im just wondering what IM missing

Ken