Terribly long install time? (Ultimate 64bit)

gregrocker · 19 Jul 2010

gregrocker said:

...check that you have latest BIOS version on the Support Downloads webpage for your computer or mobo model.

Next try clearing the CMOS: Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS

Then check the SATA controller setting. Try AHCI first, then IDE if necessary.

Test your memory using WMD test or memtest86

gregrocker said:

To those, add booting and running the full test for your maker's HD diagnostics/repair CD scan: Hard Drive Diagnostics Tools and Utilities (Storage) - TACKtech Corp.

Have you worked through these yet?

pat247 · 20 Jul 2010

It could be that you have a drive going bad in your system, either CD/DVD or harddrive, or possibly a card reader. Make sure all are empty except the one you have the installation media in.

robinz · 21 Jul 2010

I don't think I have the newest BIOS update, but I have no way to update at this moment. I also tried checking my SATA controller, which was set to IDE, so I tried AHCI with no success. Since this computer is my only one with a CD/DVD-burner I Can not burn and boot anything. Clearing CMOS is next up after I've excluded all possible hardware issues. It's not my DVD-players, not my harddrives and not my GPU.

Edit: It's not any disturbing media, since I've removed everything except 1 DVD-reader and 1 harddrive.

myzr7 · 21 Jul 2010

You may try to remove one of your ram sticks and just use one to clean install your copy of windows 7 retail dvd. If it installs for you then you can put the stick back in. Good luck to you.

robinz · 21 Jul 2010

Actually I just tried removing one of the RAM-sticks and it worked

Thanks for all the help guys. :)

myzr7 · 21 Jul 2010

robinz said:

Actually I just tried removing one of the RAM-sticks and it worked

Thanks for all the help guys. :)

Glad you have now got a good install of win7, we do have one of the best set of how to's on the web so make sure you have a look at it for some good tweeks.
Windows 7 - Tutorial Index

robinz · 21 Jul 2010

Hmm, another problem just popped up. When I put the rest of the memory back it wouldn't start. It gets past "Starting Windows" with the flagg symbol, but it takes several minutes and it just shows a black screen with a moveable cursor of the same screen-resolution as when Windows starts normally. Basicly it seems like it's my desktop without anything on, not even a wallpaper or explorer.

Damn, almost thought I was done with this

Edit: Nothing wrong with the other memory. i can swap between the 2 sticks with no problems. I also tried replacing one of the 2gb sticks with 2x 1gb with the same problem, but when I used only 1 of the 1gb sticks (total of 3gb RAM from 1x 2gb and 1x 1gb) it worked. Seems to me like it's fine until it reaches 4gb. :S

gregrocker · 21 Jul 2010

Check the RAM limits for your mobo.

Kingston has the best tech support in the business, and backs their RAM for life. I would call them and have them help you through it.

Test your RAM first using memtest86 for 5-6 passes.

Your specs say 2gb RAM so I didn't recommend removing a stick for install - I see now it says (x2).

robinz · 21 Jul 2010

Yea, I'll check the limits, but if it was a limitation-problem it wouldn't work on Windows XP, right? Or would it be sufficient that the 32bit version limited it to 3,25gb for my mobo to handle it? Also, BIOS shows the correct amount of 4gb when both my 2gb sticks are connected.

Also, I should probably have checked the formulation of my specs. Now I can atleast update them to the exact info using device manager in Windows. :)

robinz · 23 Jul 2010

I checked my mobo specs, and it should be able to handle up to 8GB RAM.

Another thing I though of was the power supply. Would it be possible that some settings in BIOS is set wrong and is thereby making the power to the RAM-sticks insufficient? My 2GB sticks is recommended to 2V, and I read something about "Auto" being 1.8V, but I don't really know where to check the settings for this (I'm not too familiar with BIOS, I know the basics but not much more).

Edit: Sorry for double-post, but it felt a little odd adding this much info to a 2 days old post.