Cannot get any windows version installed, infinite reboot loop?

[believeinapathy]

I built my own custom PC through parts I ordered from newegg last week. Putting the computer together was surprisingly the easy part, while installing a windows OS has been ridiculous. I tried installing windows xp for a few days after running into 0x7b bsod errors, finally getting it to the point it would set up and then would reboot and put the monitor in sleep mode. I tried vista which just immediately gave me the "putting the monitor to sleep" thing right after it said "starting windows."

Now i'm trying windows 7 and I once again can't do it. It boots up and does the setting up windows bar, then when it goes to "starting windows" it reboots itself, and does that on repeat. I really hope somebody can help, it's incredibly disheartening to spend $500+ just to have it do anything within its power to not work.

I've tried unplugging everything that isn't neccesary, running 1 stick of RAM, I've tried setting it to IDE, RAID, and HCPI. I have tried 2 separate Windows 7 discs. I've reformatted the HD (using xp) multiple times and tried multiple partitions. Windows 7 simply wont even let me get into the installation portion.

Anybody who could help it would be greatly appreciated, I've been trying to troubleshoot this for a few days now and it's getting tiring.

Specs:
BIOSTAR A880G+ AM3 AMD 880G HDMI Micro ATX
AMD Phenom II X4 975 Black Edition Deneb 3.6GHz
G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333
Radeon HD 6850 (currently not in system)
1TB Hitachi HDD
480W Black Steel PSU

 

[gregrocker]

It boots up and does the setting up windows bar, then when it goes to "starting windows" it reboots itself, and does that on repeat.

Are you saying it gets to the end of the installation? At which step does it fail? Clean Install Windows 7

If it fails at the stage where devices are being started you can try entering Device Manager to uninstall any Devices in error (likely Display) to see if install will complete, then update driver from desktop.

Next try resetting BIOS to defaults. Set SATA controller to AHCI.

Where did you get Win7? Did you burn the DVD yourself or is it retail? Where did you get the alternative disk? Try burning the ISO to DVD using ImgBurn at 4x speed, or write ISO to flash stick using Universal USB Installer with Win7 in dropdown menu.

 

[edwar]

you have some bad hardware. More then likely the RAM. But it could also be caused by a overheating CPU. Check all parts for proper fit and then run Memtest 86 to check the RAM. If you get ANY Errors the RAM is NO good.

 

[believeinapathy]

It boots up and does the setting up windows bar, then when it goes to "starting windows" it reboots itself, and does that on repeat.

Are you saying it gets to the end of the installation? At which step does it fail? Clean Install Windows 7

If it fails at the stage where devices are being started you can try entering Device Manager to uninstall any Devices in error (likely Display) to see if install will complete, then update driver from desktop.

Next try resetting BIOS to defaults. Set SATA controller to AHCI.

Where did you get Win7? Did you burn the DVD yourself or is it retail? Where did you get the alternative disk? Try burning the ISO to DVD using ImgBurn at 4x speed, or write ISO to flash stick using Universal USB Installer with Win7 in dropdown menu.

I don't get through installation, I get to where it get into loading windows when it initially boots, and then the bar loads up and then the screen goes to the starting windows screen where it then reboots itself. As i said, everything in this build is new, so i would imagine everything SHOULD be functioning, but i guess manufacturers cant be perfect? I've tried AHCI and ge tthe same result. I've tried multiple burns and tried booting from usb as well.

 

[gregrocker]

Please answer my last question now and work on confirming the installer first.

Then we can proceed.

 

[believeinapathy]

i tried a retail disc that I had froma previous build, then downloaded an ISO and used IMGburn to make a bootable dvd which resulted in the same problems the original retail disc had. I also then tried making a bootable USB which again, led to the same problems.

 

[edwar]

Have you run Memtest 86 yet?

Please do that.

 

[believeinapathy]

Have you run Memtest 86 yet?

Please do that.

I will asap, how would i get to that option? I cant really get past bios or boot menu, but I'm currently in the process of making a livecd to boot ubuntu off it using the "try it" option so I can atleast see if the system is in running order.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

I think Memtest 86 is run from a burned bootable CD.

 

[gregrocker]

Remove one stick of RAM to try install, then swap sticks. Check closely for debris in RAM slots.

Test your RAM - Test with Memtest86+ for 5-6 passes to stress test. You also are testing the slots as described in Jonathan's tutorial.

Did you reset BIOS to defaults? Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS

Next test your HD with maker's HD Diagnostic extended CD scan. Then use CD to wipe the HD, or use Diskpart Clean Command accessing DISKPART At PC Startup.

 

[believeinapathy]

Remove one stick of RAM to try install, then swap sticks. Check closely for debris in RAM slots.

Test your RAM - Test with Memtest86+ for 5-6 passes to stress test. You also are testing the slots as described in Jonathan's tutorial.

Did you reset BIOS to defaults? Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS

Next test your HD with maker's HD Diagnostic extended CD scan. Then use CD to wipe the HD, or use Diskpart Clean Command accessing DISKPART At PC Startup.

I tried the RAM swapping already to no avail. I just ran mem test and while it's only gone through 2 passes, it found 0 errors both times. I will keep it running when I leave for work just in case. I've reset BIOS to default multiple times when i was messing with BIOS settings trying to troubleshoot. And I'll be running the HD Diagnostic from Hitachi when I get home from work tonight and will report back.

 

[gregrocker]

Hitachi Drive Fitness test is the best. After testing if errors were found then full test it again. Then wipe the HD.

 

[believeinapathy]

Hitachi Drive Fitness test is the best. After testing if errors were found then full test it again. Then wipe the HD.

So after trying to run the Drive Fitness test my computer couldnt find the drive, even though my BIOS sees it fine. Also tried running Ubuntu and my computer monitor went into sleep mode after booting...

 

[gregrocker]

If you want to cross check then run Seagate SeaTools DOS CD scan which works on most makes.

Or you can run Disk Check from the System Recovery Options Command Line to confirm the HD is bad. In some cases it may fix the File System enough that the extended CD scan can then fix any surface problems.

But most likely the HD needs replacing.