Can't complete Windows 7 OEM installation to new build

[DaveMusgrove]

Hi all, i'd be very grateful if someone can help me with the following issue

Just finished my first build:
ASUS M5A97 evo
Corsair 600W
AMD FX4300 quad core
AMD Radeon 7870 2GB
Seagate Barricuda 500GB 7200rpm
2x4GB G.Skill DDR3 1600mhz
LiteOn optical drive

I'm trying to install W7 premium OEM. The rig boots up fine, I'm able to access BIOS. When I attempt to use the DVD installation I'm met with "windows is loading files.." The first bar is done in seconds and then the next bar moves a third of the way along and then nothing. And still nothing 3 hours later. It seems I'm doing something wrong? Can anyone help?

 

[ascomputers]

somethings not happy..

can i suggest you take everything out apart from the basics. 1 x stick of ram, no GPU. etc etc.

 

[DaveMusgrove]

Thanks for the reply. It's my first build so be gentle .

Are you telling me to remove the GPU and a stick of RAM and then try the install? Thanks

 

[ascomputers]

yes. take everything out and work from minimal items possible. so mobo, processor, 1 x stick of ram, 1 x CD/DVD rom, keyboard and mouse.

nothing else should be connected to start with. GPUs should be added once you are up and running as you need to install the correct drivers.

don't worry we all have to start somewhere.

 

[DaveMusgrove]

Great. I've had to walk away for a little while for my own sanity. Will attempt that after tea and let you know how it goes. Thanks again

 

[theog]

Sounds like you booting the Windows 7 x64 DVD in Legacy mode, not UEFI mode.

M5A97 EVO R2.0 - Motherboards - ASUS
As the ASUS M5A97 evo has a uEFI/BIOS firmware.
How to install Windows 64 bit on a uEFI/BIOS firmware:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorial...e-firmware-interface-install-windows-7-a.html
or
UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) - Install Windows 8 with

 

[DaveMusgrove]

yes. take everything out and work from minimal items possible. so mobo, processor, 1 x stick of ram, 1 x CD/DVD rom, keyboard and mouse.

nothing else should be connected to start with. GPUs should be added once you are up and running as you need to install the correct drivers.

don't worry we all have to start somewhere.

I've hit a snag. Once GPU has been removed I have no way of hooking up the monitor? Mobo doesn't have a DVI connection?

 

[DaveMusgrove]

Sounds like you booting the Windows 7 x64 DVD in Legacy mode, not UEFI mode.

M5A97 EVO R2.0 - Motherboards - ASUS
As the ASUS M5A97 evo has a uEFI/BIOS firmware.
How to install Windows 64 bit on a uEFI/BIOS firmware:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorial...e-firmware-interface-install-windows-7-a.html
or
UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) - Install Windows 8 with

Once in the mobos bios I have 3 options for boot device priority. Optical drive (which I have used as it has the installation disc in), HDD or optical drive with (UEFI in the corner). I have tried both combinations and I don't get past the "windows is loading files screen", having left it for a number of hours on both occasions.

 

[DaveMusgrove]

Sounds like you booting the Windows 7 x64 DVD in Legacy mode, not UEFI mode.

M5A97 EVO R2.0 - Motherboards - ASUS
As the ASUS M5A97 evo has a uEFI/BIOS firmware.
How to install Windows 64 bit on a uEFI/BIOS firmware:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorial...e-firmware-interface-install-windows-7-a.html
or
UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) - Install Windows 8 with

Once in the mobos bios I have 3 options for boot device priority. Optical drive (which I have used as it has the installation disc in), HDD or optical drive with (UEFI in the corner). I have tried both combinations and I don't get past the "windows is loading files screen", having left it for a number of hours on both occasions.

I've been reading the how tos that you posted. Do I need to use Rufus to create a bootable UEFI flash drive to do the install as I'm getting no where with disc via the bios. If so would I create this on my laptop (or another computer).

 

[theog]

Where do you buy your DVD from?

 

[DaveMusgrove]

It's an OEM disk from amazon

 

[DaveMusgrove]

It's an OEM from Amazon

 

[DaveMusgrove]

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?

 

[gregrocker]

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.

 

[ascomputers]

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?

 

[ascomputers]

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.

 

[DaveMusgrove]

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

 

[ascomputers]

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

 

[DaveMusgrove]

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...

 

[ascomputers]

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.