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#11
So I tried removing the extra RAM and the graphics card and attempted a clean installation - still no go.
So I took the formatted drive out of the offending machine and installed it in my primary PC - having first disconnected the two existing drives. Windows 7 installed from the upgrade DVD with no problems, so with mounting excitement I reinstalled the drive in the original machine along with the extra RAM and graphics card.
On first powering up the 'Starting Windows' text appeared but then the machine rebooted and announced that Windows had failed to load; offering the options of repairing the installation or continuing to load Windows as normal. Choosing the repair option gives 'Windows is loading files ...' followed by a blank screen - the machine is then locked up (no further disc activity and the only control that works is the power switch). Choosing to load Windows as normal results in a reboot and the same boot selector screen.
I'm grateful to Gregrocker for the idea of installing the OS using another machine - but have we now established that the PC is incapable of running Windows 7, or is there something else I could have missed?