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#1
Windows Fails To Start (DURING INSTALL!)
Hi folks,
I'm trying to install Win 7 on a self-build machine made from left-over parts. All starts well enough with the initial transfer of installation files (black screen, white bar moving from left to right) and then the 'Starting setup' (or something to that effect) screen appears for a second or so before crashing to black screen with the message:
windows failed to start.a recent hardware or software change might be the cause.to fix the problem:
insert windows installation disc and restart your computer.
Bearing in mind that windows has not actually even begun to install yet, this error is not particulary helpful- nor is STATUS:0X0000225 - an unexpected error occurred, well duh
Anyhow, first step was to check the install disk, booting from it in my laptop got to the main setup pages (choose partition etc) without any issue so unlikely to be that.
Next was to check my ram using the windows memory checker ( the only option available on screen), it passed fine but to be on the safe side I substituted ram proven to work in another current machine. Same issue and again the memory check passed successfully.
Next up was the hard drive. I'd like to use a 32gb SSD but to remove this potential cause I switched to a 320gb HDD again proven in another pc. Same issue.
Next I disabled the raid array and unplugged my three samsung drives (hey you never know) and still same problem.
On the off chance I removed all usb devices (including an internal card reader). Still no joy.
The only thing left to change now is my sempron 145 to a spare Dual Core Athlon I've got lying around but I specifically purchased the 145 for this machine on the basis of it's low power consumption (it'll be on 24x7).
This is driving me nuts as I can't even get far enough to meaningfully debug,any suggestions would be much appreciated!
Thanks!