Windows 7 Installation Freezes On My New Build

rpowell28 · 13 Aug 2010

You can begin install from safe mode up until the first reboot (after it goes through "copying windows files", "expanding windows files" etc.). Then it requires you to run in normal mode to proceed any further.

Thanks for the suggestions with the drivers, I will give that a shot if I can come across some more free time. I tried installing from xp and the same thing happened (went through first part of install, rebooted, and froze at "starting windows").

Do you think picking up a new hard drive would have a chance of solving the issue? The hard drive I am using is really the only old piece of hardware I'm putting into the machine. I have been using it for a long time, going on about 5 years now. I thought clearing out the hard drive and reformatting it would change something but maybe I just need a whole new HDD?

I could also return the mobo and try replacing it with a different one

gregrocker · 13 Aug 2010

Have you tested the HD with maker's diagnostics CD scan linked?

It can also repair problems to return a failing HD to service.

rpowell28 · 13 Aug 2010

I would try that but i dont have another pc to connect my hard drive to

gregrocker · 13 Aug 2010

It is a bootable CD scan so you can run it on your current rig.

Isn't that how you tested your RAM? Memtest86 cd?

rpowell28 · 13 Aug 2010

I'll run the Maxtor PowerMax 4.23 Bootable CD .ISO image file listed on that link when I get back home later today. Thanks!

neo101 · 13 Aug 2010

Make sure you don't have a usb memory stick plugged in when you boot up - I found that out the hard way!
Coz Win 7 checks for that first and won't boot properly.

Did you set up the bios so that your hard drive is first bootable item in the list.

5yrs old - is it a sata hard drive? - coz you would need to load special driver first?

Another thing, different motherboards like different settings of jumper on hard drive pins on back - if ATA.
Try swapping between cable select and master - test. If the pin layout isn't written on the hard drive get it from manufacturer website/google

rpowell28 · 13 Aug 2010

It is set to boot from CD first, as I have been trying to install multiple times. I will switch it back to having the hard drive as the first bootable item.

It is a SATA drive. Not sure what you mean by swapping between cable and master?

neo101 · 13 Aug 2010

did you load the sata/scsi driver when Win 7 asked you?

Try putting the hard drive sata lead on another motherboard connector.

once again - are you loading 64bit or 32bit operating system?

rpowell28 · 13 Aug 2010

I am trying to install 64bit

I dont recall Win7 asking me to load sata/scsi drivers. I guess I could always try burning some to a disk and putting the disk in during installation

gregrocker · 13 Aug 2010

rpowell28 said:

I dont recall Win7 asking me to load sata/scsi drivers. I guess I could always try burning some to a disk and putting the disk in during installation

From one day ago:

gregrocker said:

Try installing your video card driver and mobo/SATA drivers at the Load Drivers prompt located where you choose where to install Windows.