Windows 7: RC1 Install hangs at "Starting Windows"

Hi just to let you know, I have been trying to install Windows 7 from Vista from both a 32 bit upgrade and 64 bit clean install - both were hanging on 'Starting Windows' screen. Getting back to Vista gave me a message that Windows & could not be loaded as it was incompatible. I had run the compatibility checker without issue.

Having read your thread, I noted that I have 2 banks of 512Mb RAM (original fit) plus 2 banks 2 Mb RAM = Total 5Mb), which worked fine under Vista. I remove the 4Mb modules, leaving the 2 512Mb (total 1Mb as built) - the install now goes sweet as a nut.

I was using full retail versions so this is a bug in Win 7 - it clearly doesn't like mixed modules of RAM.

Regards

Dave

Try the RAM in descending order of MB. Biggest RAM in first slot, etc.

Thanks gregrocker, but the RAM was already configured that way, each of 2Mb modules in slots 1 and 2, with the 512Mb Modules in 3 and 4.

In its current configuration I swapped back the 512 modules into slots 1 and 2 (as built) and its runnning fine now - my next try is to replace the 512 Mb with the 2 Mb modules to see if that will work....

Regards

Dave

Hello, same issue here.

Install Windows 7 Prof 64bit retail with 4 GB RAM. Upgraded to 8GB and Windows would hang at "Starting Windows". Boots with 6GB fine. Tried booting with the CD with 8GB, hangs at "Starting Windows". Upgraded BIOS, BIOS recognizes the 8GB. This is identical RAM, Corsair XMS2. 4 x 2GB mods. Was going to reinstall everything but since I can't boot to the CD, I won't get far.

Still looking for answers. Subscibed to post and will return if I find anything.

bumped

Interesting.

Tried to install student version last nite and that's the same place where mine was hanging up...just after it copies files, presents the animated window thingy then, black screen with a WORKING mousepointer. Tried installing from both CD and USB. I presumed it was a bad Windows 7 d/l so, redownloaded it today, with the intention of burning new install media and giving it another shot. Also tried removing 2 of 3 ram sticks...no luck. (New pc build w/ i7 & EX58 MB)

Ended up installing XP Pro last nite with no prob. Was going to try installing Windows 7 from within XP but just realized that probably won't work...seen too much info on XP x86 ---> Windows 7 x64 usually failing.

You cannot install 64 bit from within 32 bit environment.

Did the install fail at exactly the same place (after loading and showing the Windows 7 color flame animation?) using both DVD and USB installs from boot?

Were you using a TV or another monitor on the machine?

Try downloading and unzipping 64 bit SATA controller drivers onto stick and browsing for them at Custom install screen when it calls for drivers.

I did a 64 bit clean install. Worked for about 2 days and then it got stuck at windows starting screen. After hours of trouble shooting I replaced my keyboard because the num lock start flickering. Its booted just fine afterward. Any weak component will keep it from booting.