Windows 7: Installation stalls at "Setup is starting"

I am having a problem with the installation of Windows 7 on my laptop, currently running Vista. I have tried a Clean install from both a DVD and a Bootable Flash drive, both sit at "setup is starting" any suggestions?
Setup went fine on my desktop machine that was running XP
Thanks

seaattle

Was the image (iso) the same for the xp machine and vista machine? If not maybe bad image, if so maybe bios setting. could you tell us more abt the install and your system.

TIA

Ken

Did you try running the installation from within Vista using a virtual drive ?

The free ( unregistered ) version of PowerIso will be fine for that.

Just click where it says download - install it.

http://www.poweriso.com/

Use Vista Disk Management to make another partition.

Set 1 virtual drive - pick up the 7 iso - rt click the new extra dvd drive you see - select Install - point it at the new partition you just created.

Thanks Ken, I made a couple different copies of the dvd so im sure its fine, but wasnt sure about the speed of it so i made the flashdrive, the machine is a newer acer 6930 laptop, vista premium SP1, 3GB memory, Intel Core 2 Dup 2 Ghz, 32 bit system. Drivers seem up to date.

Try having a look at this. It's from Windows 2000 but the principles are the same. Eliminate what's causing the problem.
Windows Setup Hangs When "Setup Is Starting Windows" Screen Appears
I would start with things like webcam, infra red port if it has them.

Tried it ... still same problem, sticks at setup is starting, must be hanging on something? Keep the suggestions coming, something is sure to work.

Have enough free space? Have other programs running? Have security programs keeping things locked down? Special drivers for Hd? Pending installation's requiring reboot? Windows update is current and fully updated? Have you done a system cleanup recently?

I'd extract the iso to a folder on the root drive and just run the installation from there.

Did you try disabling devices in BIOS to see if it gets past the 'setup is starting' screen?

Yes, I tried , I disabled the web cam, the bluetooth, there is no anti virus running. I've checked drivers, cleaned registry.
Ive tried setup from DVD, From fashdrive, from virtual drive, partitioned hard drive. nothing farther tha... "Setup is Starting".....
Must be something with the Acer that it doesnt like.