Problem with clean install: constant rebooting

I've got a problem with my recently bought (retail) Windows 7 home premium, which fails to install correctly (I've read the tutorial).

I had XP and want a clean install. I booted via the dvd using the 64-bit version, chose languages etc. (step 3 in the tutorial) and custom install (step 6). I deleted the two partitions I had, and used all 'unallocated space' to install the OS on. It all went smoothly: copying, expanding, installing features and updates.. no problem. Then, the system rebooted itself, as it told me it would. so again, no problems so far.
When it rebooted, I first chose not change the boot sequence and see what happened - this didn't work, as upon booting via the dvd I got back to the language selection menu (screen 3 in the forum's tutorial).
So, I rebooted the system and changed the boot sequence: hard disk first. Again a reboot, and then I got the screen 'Windows starting' with the 'coloured balls' forming the windows logo.
This is where it went wrong: the system reboots itself, and this is continuous process. Windows then gives you the option to go to safe mode or to repair the installation - when I chose safe mode, Windows actually 'progressed' booting until i got the message 'cannot finalise the installation in safe mode, please reboot' or words like that. So this didn't work, nor did the repair: windows 7 doesn't seem to think anything needs to be repaired and I have no idea what needs to be repaired.

Is this a driver issue? I have no hardware connected other than the Maxtor HD and the video card. The hardware seems to work properly during installation. I have tried both the 64-bit and the 32-bit discs, which give the same results. If it is a driver issue, how and when during the installation process am I to install these?

(I have at least located some of the mainboard/SATA drivers (MSI Global ? Computer, Laptop, Notebook, Desktop, Mainboard, Graphics and more), but not all are explicitly compatible with windows 7.)


These might be stupid questions, but I'm not very experienced with these matters so I would really appreciate some help! thanks!


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Two notes: (1) I didn't run the Windows 7 upgrade advisor, being (stupidly) confident that it would run on my system. Moreover, I didn't have SP2 installed at that time (even more stupidly), so I couldn't run the program in the first place.
(2) I can't call Microsoft, since it's weekend and, more importantly, I don't have the product ID which you need to enter first before you get a number to contact them (at least, that's how it works in the Netherlands). Obviously, having bought the reatil version, I do have a legit product key but this (apparently) is not the same thing as a product ID.

Welcome to Seven Forums.

Good job filling out the system specs.

Is this the tutorial your referring to Clean Installation with Windows 7?

Have you updated the BIOS?

Any Over Clocking of the RAM, CPU or GPU?

We have seen issues with RAM, try taking out all RAM except one card. Re-start the existing Win7 install if still loaded, or re-install. If this doesn't work replace with different RAM card in a different slot and try again.

If you have on board graphics, remove the graphics card. If no on board graphics try using a VGA cable if possible.

If you get to a point where you can run memtest and hard disk test, you should run them to rule these out.

Let us know your progress.

Thanks for the help, it worked!

I took out some internal memory and did the installation with just 1x 2GB, and it worked fine. I just added the 2x 1GB and it is fine: I have 4GB again.

So, an update of the BIOS was not necessary. I have never done that and are reluctant to do this, espcially since everything is working fine now. Would you advise me to do the update anyway or leave it as it is (I have Award 1.4, 1.9 is available for my mainboard)?

So thanks again for the (swift!) help, I've got my computer back..


PS to answer your other question: I haven't overclocked my cpu or gpu by the way - I could 'easily' do this because my case has extra fans and everything is very cool as it is.

Ya, do the bios update. Read about warnings and instructions. If you follow, everything will go fine. It's simple.

Another case of install ram removal fix. Nice. I wonder what the actual problem is and why users run into this. And why removing temporarily actually fixes.

Your welcome.

Glad it worked for you.

As mentioned by torrentg, I would update your BIOS. Read up on it and follow the instructions.

Let us know if you have any other questions.