Asus N76 UEFI - W7 64 Install Hangs on Logo (DVD UEFI Boot)

rwx · 08 Dec 2012

In Boot Override, when I select an entry, it just boots the entry. It doesn't give me any options.

Wow, so I am.....you know, the great hardware specs made me buy this system and yet, I can't even install Windows 7. What worries me is that, if "Windows 8 Install" is hanging like that, perhaps a "Windows 8" will do so too...I will download the demo version of Windows 8 and have a look. if it does boot properly, I will try to fool the system.

- Extract the contents of the efi\microsoft\boot folder
- Delete the one ones from the Windows 7 ISO (I will make an ISO image out of my DVD)
- Put the Windows 8 ones in the Windows 7 ISO
- Save the ISO

If it works with Windows 8 then the problem must be with those *.efi files that are loading, I assume.

rwx · 08 Dec 2012

Ok everyone, I have good and bad news.

The good news first: I managed to start Windows 7 setup and install it on my SSD by running the setup.exe file of the DVD from within Windows 8.

The bad news: After I restarted the computer, the bood manager gave me two options, Windows Setup and Windows 8. Of course I chose Windows Setup however, the moment Windows 7 started loading, again it started hanging on the Windows flag.

It looks like **This computer cannot run Windows 7**

I don't know how, I don't know why but there it is....The hardware is nearly identical with the old n76 series....

So now I know that my newly purchased (excellent in hardware) laptop cannot run Windows 7

When Windows 8 finally booted again, I was prompted with a very friendly message which refers to the Windows 7 installation.

theog · 08 Dec 2012

To boot your DVD, use boot menu

press enter on the UEFI DVD drive

theog · 08 Dec 2012

gregrocker said:

Win8 PC's have Secure BIOS which must be disabled to install any other oS, then you can install in UEFI mode following these steps: Downgrade Windows 8 to Windows 7

Also Step five, delete partitions.
If you do not delete the partitions, Windows 8 will rebuild it's self.

Clean the HD Drive, using Step one in this tutorial:
SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation
Than type> convent gpt
& than Reboot PC to install.

UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) - Install Windows 7 with

gregrocker · 08 Dec 2012

Since the installer is failing to load making it impossible to wipe the HD with the Diskpart commands, what I'd suggest is using the HD maker's HD Diagnostic extended CD scan to do both the extended test and then Quick Wipe the HD. You can also use Partition Wizard bootable CD to Quick Wipe and then create a Primary NTFS partition marked Active. Both of these disks boot themselves.

If this doesn't help the installer to load correctly then it's most likely a setting in BIOS so I would reset the BIOS to defaults and proceed to install in UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) - Install Windows 7 with - Windows 7 Forums unless you can find the correct setting to bypass EFI and install normally. So far every BIOS we've seen here has allowed this but much has yet to be seen.

However failure to load the DVD is almost always a problem with the DVD so check its condition carefully, see if it will boot and detect HD in another PC, burn another with a fresh official ISO to be sure. You can also write the ISO to flash stick to try that method. Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

rwx · 08 Dec 2012

Ok Greg, theog, I will have a go. One thing though, instead of wiping out the HD, I thought it would be better if I just remove it? No HD, no issues? :) My laptop has a dual HDD support (independent, non-RAID), so I will take the W8 disk out and will leave the SSD one. I hope that works.

I cannot believe legacy MBR is not supported. [EDIT: It is supported, look at the first post of this thread - You need to enable "Launch CSM"] erhaps, ASUS can fix this with BIOS updates?

In relation to the DVD, I have used this DVD before on another laptop. It is fine (I just didn't activate it). It's authentic MS one. I bought it exactly for this purpose which is why I didn't activate it on old laptop. Now, I can't even use it. I will let you all know how I go.

I hope there is a hidden legacy MBR setting somewhere....[EDIT: Yep, it's called "Launch CSM" and it is not hidden, it is in the BOOT section]

gregrocker · 08 Dec 2012

Have you asked Asus Tech Support via chat or phone?

I don't know how they will handle enforcing the pre-install now but typically if you reveal you plan to Clean Install they can refuse to tech support although can't refuse hardware warranty.

So I would pose it as a generic question about accessing Legacy BIOS and press it gently but persistently up the chain until you get a response.

rwx · 08 Dec 2012

gregrocker said:

Have you asked Asus Tech Support via chat or phone?

I don't know how they will handle enforcing the pre-install now but typically if you reveal you plan to Clean Install they can refuse to tech support although can't refuse hardware warranty.

So I would pose it as a generic question about accessing Legacy BIOS and press it gently but persistently up the chain until you get a response.

I just did. I filled out a Technical Inquiry form for both issues - the W7 hanging and the legacy MBR support. For the W7 issue, I sent the inquiry yesterday but no response yet.

What if they say (if they respond) "There is no legacy MBR support"?? [EDIT: There is, it's called "Launch CSM" it is in the BOOT section] This can't be happening, I spent good money on this laptop and focused purely on making sure Secure Boot can be turned off.

gregrocker · 08 Dec 2012

Can you take the laptop back? Most have a return policy and you have good reason. I'd call the store manager regardless.

rwx · 08 Dec 2012

I just took the primary HD out, same story. It hung on the logo.

I bought the laptop yesterday. I don't know about return policy for small shops. This is a place where they build systems. They would tell me "You should have done your research".