Expanding Windows Files Error - Former Linux Hard Drive

Hi guys,
I need some help. I am trying to load Windows 7 to a brand new HHD, but I am having problems loading Windows 7, as I cannot go beyond the "expanding windows file" step.
I will try to be brief with all I have try based on suggestions from other posts, but first my system:

Dell Vostro V13
Processor Intel(R) Celeron(R) CPU 743 @ 1.30GHz
4GB of Ram (Kingstong I believe)
Hard Drive Hitachi - 320GB
BIOS Version A05
Board Name 0R45H1 Vendor Dell Inc.

a brief background: I was running windows 7 without any problem, but all of the sudden it was taking forever (like 2 hours) to load windows. Since I thought it could be a bad HDD I bought a brand new HDD. Since I didn´t have a copy of Windows 7 I decided to load Ubuntu 11.10 on the brand new HDD. Days later I decided to format the HDD and load windows 7, but I´ve been stucked in the "expanding windows files" problem.

Things I have tried on other Threads:
Switched and reduced (4gb to 2gb) RAM
Enable and Disable all the different options under the Advanced setting on my Bios
Flash my bios with the latest able option from Dell
Burned different copies of Windows 7 DVD and created a bootable usb
Format my HDD using some "low format" program

The funny thing, is that if I take my HDD and I put it on another laptop, I am able to install windows flawlessly...however, once I put it back into my laptop, I start getting memory problems (blue screens), specially if I am trying to save files into the hard drive.
The second funny thing is that if I install Linux (Ubuntu 11.10) my computer works perfectly fine, its fast, it does everything right.

Any suggestions on what else to try is welcome.

First you say you Didn't have a copy of Win 7, then you say you are loading win 7. Where did you get your copy of Win 7?

If your Dell originally came with 7 then you had a chance to created the 7 install DVD from files originally on your drive. As you say you didn't have a copy of 7 I take it you never made that DVD when you first got this Dell.

I would suspect the DVD you are using and or the ISO you are using to create the DVD's and thumb drive. That and Dell may of included special software in their 7 DVD for use on that system.

If you call Dell you will be able to order a proper Dell 7 DVD from them for a small fee.

No takers?

I am sure the bootable drive works fine, as I did in fact load windows 7 to the new hard drive by using another laptop. I swapped HDD and it worrked fine. So, I am sure is not the bootable USB

I am not so sure, but given I could install Linux absolutely problem free, I think there are no hardware issues.

So, I am wounder if by having installed Linux (ubunu 11.10) on a brand new HDD could have done something on it that is causing the problem?

thanks

Follow these steps to obtain the latest installer ISO, burn to DVD or write to flash stick, clean reinstall with Product Key on COA sticker: Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 - Windows 7 Forums

If it fails reset BIOS to defaults: Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS While in BIOS set SATA controller to AHCI. Unplug all other HD's and peripherals to try install.

Test your RAM - Test with Memtest86+ for 5-6 passes or overnight. Swap RAM sticks. Remove all but 2 gb to try install.

Test your HD with maker's HD Diagnostic extended CD scan. Wipe the HD with Diskpart Clean Command accessing DISKPART At PC Startup. Linux code can corrupt Win7 OS and installs.

If forced to move HD to install in another computer (plugged in alone), then SysPrep to move HD to another computer

All Linux code must be deleted using the CLEAN ALL command.As you have had linux on the HD you need do a Clean all & full format.
Disk - Clean and Clean All with Diskpart Command


SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

Guys, thanks for the tips. I tried them all, except for Greg´s 5th point. Non of the worked. Thanks anyway!

I could finally solved my problem, which end up being a faulty IDE cable, apparently pretty common problem with Dell Vostro V13. Once the cable was replaced, W7 installed without any problems.

I am still wondering why would Linux (Ubuntu) install absolutely problem free, while it was impossible to install W7 before replacing the IDE cable.

Thanks for all the tips!