Double installation causing problems

gregrocker said:

You're a little shy on the RAM to be running 64 bit. It might be worth it to try again on a 32 bit install. Check for latest BIOS update, if none clear the CMOS then set SATA controller to AHCI: Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS. Wipe the HD, unplug everything else.

I don't have a floppy drive so I can't safely flash the BIOS. Even in AHCI mode and all unnecessary components (even kb+mouse) unplugged I was able to install the 32 bit version only once. All other attempts crashed at one point or another during installation and it had the same browser issue, anyway.

Also, I've cleared CMOS as well as completely wiped my HDs several times between installations.

Did installing chipset in XP SP2 Compatibility Mode help any?

It wasn't necessary. The newest chipset drivers are Win7 compatible. Only the older ones listed on the Abit homepage as drivers for the mobo aren't. It hasn't been updated in years so it's no wonder.

Do you have any drivers cued in optional Windows Updates and are your Updates current? SP1 is likely just going to be a rollup of first year's updates.

I have all critical and recommended updates installed.

I would contact Abit support to find out their modern method to install the BIOS update. They are almost all installed more safely via Windows now. Floppy is not even a reasonable option any longer.

When you speak with them, ask about issues with 32 bit Win7 install, and performance issues. They may have a forum to air this.

SP1 did not solve the problem, either. It looked good for a while but then I crashed again. I don't think it's possible/worth the hassle to overcome this issue with Windows 7.

gregrocker said:

I would contact Abit support to find out their modern method to install the BIOS update. They are almost all installed more safely via Windows now. Floppy is not even a reasonable option any longer.

Many new mobos have backup BIOSes but I doubt the AB9 Pro does. If I flash from Windows and something goes wrong, the mobo is dead for good. I'd rather just go back to XP as other than fast boot ups and pretty window borders, Win7 isn't that big of an improvement.

When you speak with them, ask about issues with 32 bit Win7 install, and performance issues. They may have a forum to air this.

Again, Abit went belly up and they no longer have any staff to talk to. :P

Reading back over the thread, I am not completely clear that you wiped one HD and tried install of 32 bit to a Primary partition which is marked Active. And that no other HD was plugged in at the time.

To wipe partition: SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation
In section of tutorial on Creating Partition, add these DISKPART commands after Create Partition Primary:
Select Partition 1
Format
Active
Exit

There are other standard troubleshooting steps which also need to be done to know everything was tried: Test RAM with memtest86 CD for 5-6 passes or overnight, test HD's with maker's diag/repair full CD scan: http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=287

A last resort is to move HD to another machine to do install, return HD to see if it will start up as it often will, swapping out all drivers and requesting several restarts. If not, boot into Safe Mode to install chipset and display drivers, or run Startup Repair from DVD.

Acronis 10+ can also reimage Win7 with the drivers removed so it starts easier on new hardware, while Paragon Adaptive Restore will remove drivers from the HD install before moving it.

Well, I took the easy way out and re-installed XP and it's been working like a charm so far. At least I now have Win7 for when I upgrade in the near future.

Be sure to run the Win7 Upgrade Advisor to deal with each issue it brings up.

Take a look at the latest BIOS update for your mobo and see if there is a (safer) method to install from XP. Unzip the file to desktop to read the ReadMe file to see what issues it deals with as it may be what you need to overcome this.

It is also incorrect that a BIOS is ruined if it fails during flashing. The fix is to simply flash it again correctly. If you need help doing this someone here can walk you through it. But in the meantime I would google, read everything you can find, and post the question of whether you need this BIOS update.