Windows 7 Installation

gregrocker said:

The memtest86 CD will continue running passes until you stop it. I would run at least 5-6 passes, or overnight to really stress test the RAM good.

What happened when you tried to get into Device Manager using steps in tutorial?

Have you looked over the rest of Dave's posts? Follow his guidance closely.

I was able to get into W7 Device Manager. My system may work just a bit different but I got there. Now that I know I can, I will go back to document the sequence so that I can do it like I knew how.

Right now I have the memory test running. It appears to have completed one test with no errors. I need to watch it for a while to make certain that I am reading the score board results correctly.

While doing that, I will study yours and others recommendations - making a to-do list as I go.

I was in error when I reported that I had run a memory test. I did a test but not this one. I think the one I had run was a test made available by the W7 installation disc.

Were there any Devices in error (marked by an ! mark?) in Device Manager? What driver did Display have?

If it failed while loading drivers, uninstalling the Device which is failing or suspected to be failing can allow the installation to complete the desktop where you can install the needed driver.

That said, the unprecedented delay in your install hasn't preceded any case I remember with drivers failing to load in final drivers-loading phase. So hardware should be prime focus now and Dave has given you some good leads and also will follow through if you interact with him.

Dave76 said:

You can download your motherboard manual from here:
M2N32-SLI Deluxe User's Manual for English Edtion(E2697)

This manual shows the two yellow RAM slots closest to the CPU, the two black slots on the outside.
If this is the same as your motherboard, this manual you need to use.
If you have a manual that shows yellow-black-yellow-black RAM slots and your motherboard isn't configured that way, it is the wrong manual.

You can install your RAM cards in the two yellow RAM slots, they should be together and closest to the CPU.
When running memtest86+ you can put a single RAM card in any slot for the test. It is best to test with the slots that you are using now.

I recommend running memtest86+ with both RAM cards installed, in slots A1 and B1.
It is best to run the test for a full 7 passes, overnight is the easiest.
If you get any errors you can stop the test.

If the tests has no errors or does not stop by itself, that means it has passed this test.

If you get any errors in the first test, then follow the instructions below.

For the single RAM card test:
Take the RAM card out of slot B1, test the RAM card that is in slot A1.
It is best to run the test for a full 7 passes, overnight is the easiest.
If you get any errors you can stop the test.

Pass or fail, take the RAM card out of slot A1 and put the other RAM card into slot B1 and run memtest86+ again, same as above.


Have you checked you CPU core temperatures recently?

Are you installing Windows 7 32 bit or Windows 7 64bit?

I am running the memory test right now with a pair of RAM sticks installed in A1 and B1. Two tests have been completed with no errors. It will continue to run at least until I retire this evening (or it fails).

I have not checked the CPU core temperatures in the last few days but the system normally runs cool.

I am installing Windows 7 32 bit. I have a disc for the 64 bit configuration. Are there any compelling reasons for why I should install 64 bit.

gregrocker said:

Were there any Devices in error (marked by an ! mark?) in Device Manager? What driver did Display have?

If it failed while loading drivers, uninstalling the Device which is failing or suspected to be failing can allow the installation to complete the desktop where you can install the needed driver.

That said, the unprecedented delay in your install hasn't preceded any case I remember with drivers failing to load in final drivers-loading phase. So hardware should be prime focus now and Dave has given you some good leads and also will follow through if you interact with him.

There were two errors and I did not check for the installed driver.

I will answer those questions after the memory test is completed.

Dave76 said:

You can download your motherboard manual from here:
M2N32-SLI Deluxe User's Manual for English Edtion(E2697)

This manual shows the two yellow RAM slots closest to the CPU, the two black slots on the outside.
If this is the same as your motherboard, this manual you need to use.
If you have a manual that shows yellow-black-yellow-black RAM slots and your motherboard isn't configured that way, it is the wrong manual.

You can install your RAM cards in the two yellow RAM slots, they should be together and closest to the CPU.
When running memtest86+ you can put a single RAM card in any slot for the test. It is best to test with the slots that you are using now.

I recommend running memtest86+ with both RAM cards installed, in slots A1 and B1.
It is best to run the test for a full 7 passes, overnight is the easiest.
If you get any errors you can stop the test.

If the tests has no errors or does not stop by itself, that means it has passed this test.

If you get any errors in the first test, then follow the instructions below.

For the single RAM card test:
Take the RAM card out of slot B1, test the RAM card that is in slot A1.
It is best to run the test for a full 7 passes, overnight is the easiest.
If you get any errors you can stop the test.

Pass or fail, take the RAM card out of slot A1 and put the other RAM card into slot B1 and run memtest86+ again, same as above.


Have you checked you CPU core temperatures recently?

Are you installing Windows 7 32 bit or Windows 7 64bit?

Thanks Dave for the input.

I have the test running now. So far there have been 6 tests complete with no errors. I am testing two memory sticks (2GB) in A1 and B1.

I have not checked temperatures recently but before I started to install W7 I checked regularly. This system runs cool. I will get some specific temperatures after this memory test.

I have been attempting to install the 32 bit version.

Dave76 said:

That is good news.

What was the outcome of the last Windows 7 installation?
Did it finally install?
Did you stop the installation?

Did you get the motherboard manual from my link?

D/L CPUZ(<-Link) and post a snip of the CPU, Mainboard, Memory, and SPD tabs.
For posting the information , enter 'Snipping tool' in the Start button > Search box, hit enter. Select the area you want to post and save to a convenient place.

How to Post a Screenshot in Seven Forums


After you post the CPUZ information, download the Western Digital hard drive diagnostic program.
Western Digital Lifeguard – run both Quick Test and Extended Test.
If your OS (Operating System) is not working you can download the Data Lifeguard Diagnostic for DOS (CD). Follow the instructions on the website to burn it to a CD, it will run like the memtest86+ program did.

The W7 installation advanced (very slowly) to "Completing Installation" and never went further. Gave it hours to do so. I finally shut down.

Yes, I have a copy of the proper ASUS MOBO Manual.

Western Digital Lifeguard is running the extended test at this moment.

Will D/L and run CPUZ next.