Problem with new full install of Win 7 Pro. Repeated BSOD and reboots

Have tried repeatedly to do a new full install, after HDD failure, using downloaded ISO file. Have never gone past format without BSOD & reboot. Installed new HDD & after the first several tries, did a low level format to erase any residual junk. Have tried fresh external partitioning with and without format - no change. Have rechecked BIOS numerous times using settings that make most sense - no change. Used built-in diagnostics to check memory & hard drive. For additional check of all hardware, installed WXP Pro SP1. No problem - system operates normally. Retry W7 instal - same problem returns. Original COA is for Win 7 Pro so everything should be fully compatible. Using IDE setting in BIOS and have all known internal security disabled. Need help!

Downloaded ISO file from where?

32 bit or 64?

"low level format" with what?

Have you done a "clean all" with Diskpart, followed by making ordinary partition and formatting it in Diskpart?

I'd at least be wondering about the downloaded ISO and whether it burned properly.

Have you attempted an install with that burned disk on any other PC (or drive) as a test to see if you can get farther?

32 bit. Microsoft: Windows 7 Direct Download Links. LL format with universal ll format software after which passed a full comprehensive s by s test. Used same DVD to do a temp install on an old Inspiron laptop wiyh full success. I have done much with building & repairing PC's since Windows 286 but this problem has me stumped.

Sorry, also did the Diskpart bit during one of the many attempts.

Hmmm.....notice you say the COA sticker is for Win 7. Are you positive Win 7 has in fact been on this hardware?

Superficially, sounds like a hardware issue.

Have you run the Win 7 compatibility checker gizmo at MS? Can't recall exactly what it's called.

Do you have the latest BIOS for the board or is there any indication in HP support docs that Win 7 is a no-no?

What operating systems have ever been on this hardware? Guessing you bought it used?

160 GB drive, so guessing it is quite old.

Not mine. Trying to help out a friend who runs a small-all volunteer non-profit. She tells me it was running Win 7 before the HD crash. She didn't know enough to make a system image before the crash. I installed the new HD, trying to keep the cost down. As far as I know, there has never been anything but the original OS on it and the COA certainly looks genuine. It was donated to her about 6 months ago so she doesn't have any paperwork with it other than the COA sticker. I know I checked for firmware upgrades but I've been through so many iterations I don't specifically recall if it has the latest BIOS revision. There has to be an operating OS to use the Win 7 Compatibility Checker and probably to upgrade the BIOS so I think I'll reload WXP and look into both. Unfortunately, tomorrow's a busy day and I'll have to let it go for awhile. Thanks for your help.

Sorry you were not given the steps which resolve 90% of installation failures: Overcoming Windows 7 Installation Failures - Windows 7 Help Forums. Don't skip any steps, including creating and formatting a new installer using the exact links and tools given. If less than 4gb RAM use 32 bit (x86) ISO for best performance.

If you were able to run bootable diagnostics from the old hard drive then it probably is OK unless it tested bad. Try it.

Once it starts installing then follow the rest of these steps for getting and keeping a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

Have done a full install of WXP SP3 with drivers to fully evaluate hardware operation. Updated BIOS to latest configuration, added chipset drivers, etc. May have uncovered an anomaly in the power supply system. Same symptoms encountered during attempted W7 installation occur when trying to boot WXP with battery(86%). Seems OK with AC adapter on WXP. Also, originally supplied with 2 GB ram & now has only 1 GB(2x512) - why?. Going to continue with evaluation using WXP to fully check-out hardware & probably order new ram and then depending on results, reattempt install of W7. Thanks for all your help, will continue with above plan.