Installation files are frequently corrupted, and movies won't play.

Unplug all other HD's and peripherals,

Boot into BIOS setup, reset to defaults, save changes. If an EFI BIOS, enable Legacy BIOS or Compatibility Support Module, set DVD drive first to boot, HD second. Then set SATA controller to AHCI. Save changes and Exit.

Then boot into installer DVD or flash stick burned or written using tool and latest ISO for your licensed OS version here.

At first installer screen Press Shift + F10 to open a Command Box, type:

DISKPART
LIST DISK
SELECT DISK 0 (after confirming Windows 7 target HD #)
CLEAN
CREATE PARTITION PRIMARY SIZE=102400 (for 100gb partition, adjust as desired)
FORMAT FS=NTFS LABEL="WINDOWS 7"
ACTIVE
EXIT
EXIT

Next click Install Now, then Custom install to Clean Install Windows 7 to the partition you created. If it fails then report back at which step and the verbatim error message.

In addition read over these steps to understand the tools and methods which work best to get and maintain a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7. The steps are the same for retail.

After install you can adjust partition size or Create new partitions for data, etc. in Disk Mgmt.You are creating the partition here for the purpose of marking it Active which overcomes certain install failures.


I gave you the test for your HD several days ago. Boot and run the HD Diagnostic
extended CD scan followed by a full Disk Check to check the HD integrity.

Otherwise you can swap in the other HD to try installing to it.

gregrocker said:

Unplug all other HD's and peripherals,

Boot into BIOS setup, reset to defaults, save changes. If an EFI BIOS, enable Legacy BIOS or Compatibility Support Module, set DVD drive first to boot, HD second. Then set SATA controller to AHCI. Save changes and Exit.

Then boot into installer DVD or flash stick burned or written using tool and latest ISO for your licensed OS version here.

At first installer screen Press Shift + F10 to open a Command Box, type:

DISKPART
LIST DISK
SELECT DISK 0 (after confirming Windows 7 target HD #)
CLEAN
CREATE PARTITION PRIMARY SIZE=102400 (for 100gb partition, adjust as desired)
FORMAT FS=NTFS LABEL="WINDOWS 7"
ACTIVE
EXIT
EXIT

Next click Install Now, then Custom install to Clean Install Windows 7 to the partition you created. If it fails then report back at which step and the verbatim error message.

In addition read over these steps to understand the tools and methods which work best to get and maintain a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7. The steps are the same for retail.

After install you can adjust partition size or Create new partitions for data, etc. in Disk Mgmt.You are creating the partition here for the purpose of marking it Active which overcomes certain install failures.


I gave you the test for your HD several days ago. Boot and run the HD Diagnostic
extended CD scan followed by a full Disk Check to check the HD integrity.

Otherwise you can swap in the other HD to try installing to it.

Right I've encountered a slight issue, when I entered the BIOS I noticed that error messages had been disabled when they were supposed to be enabled by default, I reset to default and got an error notifying me that my CPU wasn't supported, they clearly disabled error messages to conceal this.

I looked on the supported CPU list for my motherboard (M5A78L-M LX3) and it wasn't listed, is this dangerous and is it a call to send the entire PC back? I feel like they're the ones responsible even though I chose this CPU from a drop down menu when I ordered, back then I had no clue about hardware, I just knew that the CPU that I chose was better than the default, they shipped the PC to me knowing that it wasn't compatible and attempted to hide it, which is what I'm not happy about.

The default build had a Phenom II x4 945 which I changed to a Phenom II x4 965 BE in case you were wondering. The motherboard that I have only supports up to a 95w CPU, the 965 is a 125w CPU.

I would send it back. Glad you found out what was causing the problems.

gregrocker said:

I would send it back. Glad you found out what was causing the problems.

I'm doubting that this is the main issue too, which gives more reason to send it back because there must be other issues, thanks for all the help both of you were very helpful!

Oh, and don't worry, when I get it all sorted I won't be installing AVG, I'll go for MSE!

Let us know how it goes.

gregrocker said:

Let us know how it goes.

If you're still available, what kind of problems could an incompatible CPU cause? It'd be nice to know exactly what I'm talking about when contacting them.

I would ask in our hardware forum as they specialize in that area, while I handle more installation and performance issues.

I feel like I should update you on this thread, the issue isn't completely solved but I've made quite the discovery. It appears that the issue actually is down to memory, despite MemTest86+ going over 10 passes in total without finding any errors, I'm having no issues installing programs and games when running on a specific stick of memory, I'll continue to update the thread an I'll let you know when the issue is completely sorted.

The moral of the story is, never trust MemTest86+.