Windows 7 - Win7 Pro 64-bit installation hangs

I have a problem. Whenever I try to install Windows 7 Pro it always freezes at some points - these seem random but usually at Expanding Windows files. I tried installing from a dvd at first but went on to a usb stick so it is not a disc problem. I read several threads about pulling out RAM sticks and did this. I now run with 2gbs of memory. I reset the bios and tried again - to no avail. Also tried safe mode in which case the installation actually finished, however the installation seemed to be corrupt as the os froze after login. Specs:

- nforce 650i
- xfx nvidia 8800 gts 640
- intel quad q6600
- corsair 1gb x2
- two WD hdds

Additional information: the installation seems to run very slowly until the actual installation starts, in which case the Copying Windows files takes less than 3 seconds to finish and then hangs after the next process has started. Any ideas?

Do a quick memtest and see how that checks out.. also, as cheap as memory is, you might want to upgrade to a min of 2gb....

I did run a memory diagnostic; everything checked out fine. I do have more than 2gb of ram, I have 3 but removed two 512mb sticks as some people did with success - for me it didn't change anything.

Welcome to the forums, henkotso
Besides only one memory stick, you might want to strip your system of all non-critical devices, such as the video card (if you have onboard video) or the other HDD. Your problem could be related to several things, from the memory voltage to the PS power. Also, have you tried to load the specific drivers for your HDD during installation? That might help
Good luck and keep us posted

You didn't list your PSU.

Having any USB devices plugged will cause these types of problems when installing Windows 7.

Thanks for the help! Sorry about the PSU - it's a Corsair 520W. I also tried without any usb devices connected (except when I installed from one obviously), including mouse and keyboard. I dug up some old PS/2 gear and used that but it didn't have any effect. I guess the next step would be to do what wallyinnc said and remove most the non-essential stuff, however this seems strange as I have never had any problems like this installing other versions of Windows before and I usually format once or twice a year. Also, loading specific drivers for the hdd - how would one go about doing that? Thanks again, people!

A simple bios upgrade did the trick. Wooho!

Glad your working

Ken