What is the SATA controller setting in BIOS? Try ACHI. Then try IDE emulation.
Try resetting CMOS: Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS
Try booting from Vista DVD until you get to "Where do you want to install" screen, then switch DVD to Win7.
@theog I have ran that using Windows Memory check tool and memtest86+. No errors
I have also tried just using 1 stick, swapping both in different slots. No go
@Myzr7 I have tried all night as well. From both the 32-bit CD, the 64-bit CD and USB Drive
@gregrocker I've tried both modes. I have also reset Bios all 3 ways. Tried each disk again. Same outcome.
Now after all this. I'm starting to see a small pattern.
*SOMETIMES* After multiple reboots of hitting the reset button. After the 10 seconds of HD in-activity I'll get the usb power back on the mouse NOT the keyboard. But it's a step further than i've gotten thus far. So when the light on the mouse comes back on i'm filled with a little bit of joy. Thinking maybe this is the reboot where it'll keep going.
@gregrocker. Great suggestion to use VISTA disk which works fine and boots perfect. I didn't think I could use the win7 disk. But I will give that a go.
Going on a Business trip for the next 5 days but I will try this as soon as I get home and update the thread.
Thanks so far for the suggestions from everyone
So unfortunately trying to use the Vista disc up to the "Where do you want to install" trick doesn't work. It just says to "please insert install disc 1" every time I make the switch
Starting to think nothing is going to work. I'm thinking i'm going to get burned for $300 or i'm going to have to spend more to get new hardware.
Sorry that trick didn't work for you, as it sometimes doesn't.
On machines wasting too much time troubleshooting failed install, I remove the HD to another machine, install Win7, then return the HD to the problem machine.
If it will start (and all of them have so far - about a dozen) then it switches out all of the drivers, requesting several restarts, with no performance hit at all.
This is not supposed to work on a machine with a different number of cores, but last week did one from single to dual core and it works great.
The other option is to make a system image of another Win 7 installation and apply the image to your HD from an external by booting from reimaging CD.
Update: Thought I had the latest BIOS rev. I did not. I was on Asus 0404 for my board. I flashed bios to 0701 and sure enough the Install went through. I still can't get it to load the windows Desktop it still hangs on "Windows is setting up your computer for the first time" But that's a different issue and i'm much closer than I have been. I can now at least get into the repair screen
Below are the changes made in the different BIOS rev. I figure it may help someone focus in on something with a similar problem
[ 0701 ]
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Fix Cool and Quiet cannot function under Windows Vista.
[ 0602 ]
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Support both AC'97 and Azalia front audio panel.
[ 0602 ]
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Latest beta BIOS.
[ 0502 ]
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Fix ASUS PC Probe will display incorrect PWR fan reading.
[ 0502 ]
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Latest beta BIOS.
[ 0404 ]
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Support new CPUs. Please refer to our website at: ASUSTeK Computer Inc.-Support-
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