Can't complete Windows 7 OEM installation to new build

It's an OEM disk from amazon

It's an OEM from Amazon

So last night I tried USB route. I created an ISO using Burnaware and then used Rufus to created a bootable UEFI flash drive. I got the same outcome. "Windows is loading files.." The first bar loads, then the second bar got all the way across by 3/4s then no further. I left it over night too.

Am I doing the system harm by turning it off and then retrying it, knowing there's a good chance it still won't work?

Recheck all cables and connections. Unplug all other HD's and peripherals,

Boot into BIOS setup, reset to defaults, save changes. (If an EFI BIOS you'll need to decide if you want UEFI BIOS vs. Legacy BIOS. If UEFI follow these special steps for Install, otherwise enable Legacy BIOS or Compatibility Support Module to proceed with normal install.) Set DVD drive first to boot, HD second, set SATA controller to AHCI, Save changes and Exit.

Then boot into Windows 7 installer DVD or flash stick burned or written using tool and latest ISO for your licensed OS version here.

At first installer screen Press Shift + F10, or enter System Recovery Options to open a Command Box, type:

DISKPART
LIST DISK
SELECT DISK 0 (after confirming Windows 7 target HD #)
CLEAN
CREATE PARTITION PRIMARY
FORMAT FS=NTFS LABEL="WINDOWS 7"
ACTIVE
EXIT
EXIT

Next click Install Now, then Custom install to Clean Install Windows 7 to the partition you created. If it fails then report back at which step and the verbatim error message.

In addition read over these steps to understand the tools and methods which work best to get and maintain a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7. The steps are the same for retail.

After install you can adjust partition size or Create new partitions for data, etc. in Disk Mgmt. You are creating the partition here for the purpose of wiping the HD and marking Active which overcomes certain install failures.

I still think theog is correct is saying its a UEFI issue.

what ports do you have on the back of the board for connecting a monitor? HDMI and VGA?

have you tried clearing the CMOS?

I did this yesterday on a new build which theog gave some advice on the UEFI issue. worked a treat.

pull the cable.
hit the power button for 20seconds. to discharge the capacitors.
pull the battery on the board and clear the CMOS
install the battery.
fire up the computer and run UEFI from the CD/DVD and follow the instructions from theog.

I fear I've made a fatal error. Putting it together for the 3rd time to check connections, in my haste I've put the front panel usb connector in the IEEE 1394a port on the mobo. I'd booted it up before I realised. Now no USB connection works, keyboard, mouse - front or back - preventing me from entering BIOS, well from anything really. I've read the manual it says I must never connect a USB cable to this port as it damages the motherboard!?

Un-fricken-believable! It has to be the worst first attempt ever. Looks like its a new mobo tomorrow. Will be back from the store ready to try your suggestions in the afternoon. Fingers crossed. I'm an intelligent guy... Honestly

Hi Dave,

just a quick question... why the ASUS M5A97 evo board?

seems a lot of cash to spend on a first build.

what you using the computer for?

regards
andrew

It seemed the most future proof for what I could afford, Andrew. I intend upgrade regularly and I believe the Windows 7 I purchased wont work if I change my mobo. I liked the USB 3.0 front panel connector and the option to crossfire.

If this is knackered I'm looking at the M5A78L-M. A bit cheaper, but then again it'll be my second one...

fair comment.

Personally i prefer the Gigabyte and MSI motherboards over the ASUS but thats a personal preference.

hope the second run works out for you better....

maybe look to buy a board with a matching connectors to your GPU. I always work from the mobo with the minimal connections needed and once the OS is installed i start to add items one by one.

anything goes wrong then you know that you only have to take 1 step back to find a solution to your issue.