Windows 7 installation hanging on Intel SSD X25-M

I'm really trying to gauge opinion on this problem.

For a few months I was using Windows 7 just fine on an Intel X25-M SSD drive. I had the Intel Rapid Storage Technology software installed, as well as Intel's SSD Toolbox.

Then I decided to try the Windows Server 2008 R2 trial. After using Windows Server for a few days, I decided to go back to Windows 7. I literally had nothing else installed except drivers. On the last day I used Server, I noticed file searching slowed down slightly, it wouldn't be as snappy as before.

So, I copied the Windows 7 installation files to a USB flash drive, so I could boot from this to install it. Installing Windows 7 has been a nightmare and I still haven't accomplished it. The problems I experienced were:

1) On the screen where Windows asks me where to install Windows, I deleted the old partitions on the SSD drive, and re-selected the drive, clicked Next and a yellow triangle appeared with Windows telling me I couldn't install Windows on this drive, and to check the log files. I tried it repeatedly, nothing. I picked the drive and clicked "New" first to create a new partition, same result.

2) I rebooted, this time it would let me install but it took a long time. Eventually the install hangs on the "Completing Installation" stage, and Windows still isn't installed on it. I left it on this stage for an hour and switched the PC off.

My system is currently NOT overclocked and I've never had any problems with any piece of hardware. Any ideas? I'm suspecting my SSD drive, so I'm going to put in a regular HDD and try that instead - I suspect it'll work. Also, my USB flash drive is fine, I actually used another flash drive - same result.

Try another method loading ISO to flash: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31541-windows-7-usb-dvd-download-tool.html?filter[2]=General%20Tips
How to: install Windows (any version from XP to Win7) from a USB/flash drive | Featured | dotTech
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2432-usb-windows-7-installation-key-drive-create.html
I use UltraISO trial version, load ISO, Write to Disk on Bootable tab, format first.

Wipe the HD first before install: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91339-ssd-hdd-optimize-windows-reinstallation.html

Try clearing the CMOS: Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS

You have the latest BIOS version update, SATA controller set to AHCI first?

Test, swap RAM, remove all but 2gb for install. Test HD using maker's full diag/repair CD scan.

Thanks, I'll try those suggestions and report which one worked. Yes, latest BIOS installed (1307) for the Rampage II Gene, and another yes, AHCI mode is selected.

Well I had a little luck, of sorts. After reading a few thousand posts, most of which seem to refer to wiping the drive which on its own did not help. I decided to change the Boot Priority in my motherboard's BIOS. I tried setting it to:

1st Boot Device - Intel SSD
2nd Boot Device - Disabled
3rd Boot Device - Disabled

Guess what? Windows 7 installed perfectly! The strange point is, I never changed the Boot Priority, not for a long time, even when I was running Windows 7 from before, to Windows Server - until now.

I'm going to set the Boot Priority back to DVD drive first, then Intel SSD and see if it fails, then put it back to the settings above, and re-install. I don't understand why this would make a difference, but it did.

Different question, what's the expected life of an SSD? Is it shorter than a traditional HDD? Are they supposedly as reliable?