Installation freezes at Starting Windows

[methuseus]

I have a retail Windows 7 DVD with both 32 and 64-bit versions. Every time I try to load it, the system freezes at the "Starting Windows" screen where the Windows logo is supposed to animate. It freezes before any colors come up though.

I have also tried to install Windows Vista, and even XP, with no results. It always freezes right after all the files have loaded and it starts loading Windows.

I've tried removing one of the two sticks of RAM, and removing everything except the integrated graphics. I've even disabled the hard drive controller except for the one connected to the DVD drive. I've used multiple drives as well. Nothing will make it load, even letting it go overnight it does nothing new.

My motherboard is a Biostar TA790GXE 128M, the CPU is an AMD Athlon II 245, the memory is 2x1GB sticks of Wintec ApmX DDR2 extreme 800 MHz, and the hard drive is a basic Western Digital 500 GB. The DVD drive is a Lite-On DVD+-RW burner.

Anyone have any ideas why I cant seem to install anything on this?

 

[gregrocker]

Do you have the latest BIOS update for your model computer or mobo, from the maker's Support Downloads webpage for your model?

What is the SATA controller setting? Try clearing the CMOS: Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS

Test your memory overnight using memtest86 bootable CD. Try installing with one memory stick.

Download and burn to CD the DOS version of Western Digital Lifeguard and do the full scan. Then zero the HD.

I save troubleshooting time by removing the HD and installing in another machine to install Win7. When returned to problem machine it will swap out all drivers, requiring multiple restarts, but so far performance is normal.

 

[methuseus]

I just tried resetting the CMOS. It seems to be working. I didn't remember changing anything besides the time on first boot... I will reply with whether the install finishes successfully.

Well chalk that up to a lesson learned. If I change some of the settings in the BIOS later, will it allow me to? I only mean things like turning off unused onboard items.

 

[methuseus]

The computer reset to complete the installation and froze at the same exact point. I reset the CMOS again and it booted. Does this mean I might have a dead board?

 

[gregrocker]

How is performance now?

Check for drivers in error in Device manager, and check for Critical or repeat Errors in Event Viewer.

 

[methuseus]

No driver errors in Device manager. I haven't checked the Event Viewer. I have to clear the CMOS every time I reboot.

I will check the Event Viewer, reseat the board, and retest the memory when I get home from work today.

I fear I may have to RMA the board and wait longer.

 

[methuseus]

I figured out that it was an issue with the EIDE cable on my old drives. I replaced it with the one that came with the board and it boots just fine now.