Solved One initial Install Restart, Windows gets stuck in a restart loop

[jefusan]

Hi All,

I have read many, many other threads that address infinite reboot loops, but none of the solutions have resolved my issue. I am hoping the community might be able to help me identify this problem.

I have just recently replaced my CPU and MB with the items listed below. After installing hardware, I ran KillDisk on the HDD, which will zero out the entire drive. The computer boots normally and will load into windows installation without issue. However, once Windows reboots to start windows for the first time, it is unable to do so. The load windows logo screen will load, and approximately right before Windows would normally load my screen goes black, the system turns off, sits off for about 1-2 seconds, and then turns itself back on and repeats this boot process. It turns off and restarts at the same time every time.

Steps I have done so far in an attempt to resolve the issue but failed with no change in the rebooting behavior:

1) removed all non-essential hardware (CPU, 1 stick of RAM, DVD drive, and Video card were the only things left), and tried reinstalling windows.

2) Swapping out one of the 2 RAM sticks I have to make sure it wasn't defective.

3) Trying to install Windows on a new harddrive to rule out that the HDD was defective.

4) trying to boot from the CD (After the initial install had partially finished) to see if HDD was related in anyway.

5) Installed a very simple DVI video card to see if ATI card may be the cause.

6) Resetting CMOS and reinstalling

7) Setting SATA control to AHCI instead of IDE and reinstalling.

Some additional thoughts. It doesn't not appear to be an overheat issue either, as I have looked at the temps through the BIOS tool and all levels (CPU, PSU etc.) looked normal. Secondly, I get an error when I try to load Safe Mode, stating that it cannot be loaded for the initial Windows load. I am in the process of wiping the drive again and trying to reinstall windows XP to see if it is a uniquely windows 7 issue or not. This, however, is my last idea. Does anyone else have an idea as to what may be causing this reboot loop, given all the steps I have taken? Or, more importantly, a way to fix it ? Your help is appreciated.

Thanks,

jefusan

Specs:
MB: Fatallty P67 Performance
CPU: Intel core i5-2500k
RAM: 2, g.skill's rip jaws 8BG DDRS3-1333 (240 pin 1.5V)
Video: ATI Radeon HD 4850 512mb series
OS: Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
PSU: 550 Watt AntecTrue Power
HDD: Western Digital SATA drive WD5000

 

[Lemur]

Sorry you are having these problems. You have already done the most logical things. If it's not the memory, or the video card, or the hard drive, and the only things you have changed are the cpu and mobo, then you might wonder if there is a problem with one of the two. You could always boot a live CD of Ubuntu to see how your computer responds. Or XP installation sounds like a great idea for a test.

 

[jefusan]

Hi Lemur,

Thanks for the quick reply. Clearly, the CPU and MB could be suspect, since they are new and I don't have a separate CPU or separate MB to test with. That said, given that I am able to progress as far as I am with the install (it expands and installs all of the files in the setup screen without issue as far as I can tell), would that rule out both of these parts?

I'm interested to hear your and others' thoughts about this, and possible other issues that might be the cause.

jefusan

 

[Lemur]

Is your bios version 2.0? Might not hurt to update.
[FONT=&quot]Please let me know what the resolution is. I'm a little concerned as I'm ready to order the ASRock 970 EXTREME4 [/FONT]

 

[gregrocker]

Where did you get Win7? Did you burn the DVD yourself? Confirm the ISO integrity using HashTab or download another, burn to DVD using ImgBurn at 4x speed, or write to flash stick using Universal USB Installer.

Next test your RAM - Test with Memtest86+

Test your HD using maker's HD Diagnostic extended CD scan.

 

[jefusan]

I have tried installing Windows Vista....it makes no difference . I will try updating the BIOS version to 1.3 (the highest I found on ACRock's website), and see if that makes any difference. Anyone else have any ideas? I'm pretty much tapped...

RE: Windows 7 disc, I purchased an OEM version from Newegg.com.

 

[gregrocker]

Try burning this to DVD or writing to flash stick using Windows 7 USB-DVD Download Tool:
Win7 Home Premium x64 SP1 English Official ISO download

Check all of your cables and connections for the new hardware. Try flash stick install with the OD unplugged, HD set to boot first, then use one-time BIOS boot menu key to trigger stick booting under USB, Removable or HD's.

 

[jefusan]

Greg, thanks for the ideas.

Currently running RAM diagnostic, will let that run over night to see what it finds.

I've downloaded the ISO file that you linked, but the USB-DVD tool you linked does not recognize it as a legitimate ISO file. I receive an error when I try to select the file. I assume that simply copying the ISO to a USB flash drive will not work. Any ideas?

 

[gregrocker]

Yes use Universal USB Installer with Win7 in dropdown, boot under USB, Removable or HD's using one time BIOS Boot Menu key. Set HD first to boot in BIOS.

 

[theog]

As your Asrock Fatallty P67 has a uEFI BIOS.

Follow Step One only in this tutorial using CLEAN/CLEAN ALL: (do not partition)
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91339-ssd-hdd-optimize-windows-reinstallation.html
Reboot,

& install Windows 64 bit following this tutorial:
How to install Windows 64 bit on a uEFI BIOS:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorial...e-firmware-interface-install-windows-7-a.html


Asrock uEFT BIOS setup, check your manual:
P67 Motherboard Series Manufacturing - ASRock Inc.

 

[jefusan]

Update:

RAM test showed no errors. Same with the HDD

I think you guys are onto something with this being a BIOS issue. I tried following the steps given by theog, but was unable to finish step 2: UEIF interface install of Win 7. I tried setting the UEFI DVD as first and only option in boot list. With a freshly formatted and clean HDD, this resulted in the same reboot loop. However, When I set the DVD drive ot boot with PAVA, it was able to load Windows 7 setup normally. Since both of these options were listed in the boot list, I think that the UEFI boot failed, and what I actually installed was through the PAVA boot. Does anyone have any ideas as to how I can get around this?

The Link above for UEFI install of Windows explains copying the cdboot.efi file from the DVD to a USB drive. I've tried this and still was unable to boot from it...I may need some additional information on how to try this correctly.

After referencing the Fatality P67 Performance manual, it suggests loading the ATA serial drivers to a floppy disk and using that at the time of install for AHCI support. I can't find any floppy disks around town, and when I copy all the files from the MB Support CD, windows does not recongize any of the driver files as ones compatible with my hardware. I'm stuck. Would appreciate some advice on how to fix this apparently UEFI issue.

Lastly, I've also tried instant flashing the BIOS version to 2.0, I'm currently at 1.0, but when I load the file to a USB and connect to the instant flash tool, it gives me a "No image found" error. Is anyone aware of any special steps that I need to take in order to get the BIOS to recognize the image file (I see the USB drive on the boot list, so it appears that it's being recognized in the BIOS, just no image file)?

 

[Lemur]

I have tried installing Windows Vista....it makes no difference . I will try updating the BIOS version to 1.3 (the highest I found on ACRock's website), and see if that makes any difference. Anyone else have any ideas? I'm pretty much tapped...

RE: Windows 7 disc, I purchased an OEM version from Newegg.com.

I could be wrong, but I believe the latest bios version is 2.0, not 1.3. 1.3 is the oldest version.

Please check the following:

ASRock > Products > Motherboard > Fatal1ty P67 Professional > Download

 

[jefusan]

Lemur, you are right, I found v. 2.0. However, I am unable to get the bios instant flash to recognize the downloaded file (unzipped) as an image. I get a "cannot find image" error.

I have tried creating a USB Windows 7 Installer. I get the same reboot loop when I try to boot form the USB drive. Any ideas as to how I can resolve this or the BIOS instant flash issues?

 

[Lemur]

"

1. Create a bootable system USB pen drive.
2. Download an updated ASRock BIOS file (WinZip format with .zip file extension) from the web site, unzip the BIOS file and save all files to the drive you created in step 1.
3. Boot from the disk you created in step 2.
4. At the "A:\" prompt, type BIOSfile.exe, then press <Enter>. For example: A:\P55DX_1.60.exe <Enter> then you will see a message "Please wait for BIOS loading ROM".
5. After 30 seconds, you will see the message "Program ended normally", then you have finished upgrading the BIOS.
6. After finishing upgrading the BIOS, restart your system and press <F2> to enter the BIOS setup utility during boot up.
7. In Exit menu, please select "Load Default Settings" and press <Enter> to continue.
8. Select "Exit Saving Changes" and press <Enter> to exit the BIOS setup utility.
9. Now, system is booting up with new BIOS."

 

[jefusan]

Lemur, thanks for e help.

I have created a bootable USB ( reference steps http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/46707-ms-dos-bootable-flash-drive-create.html) and installed DOS version 2.0 on USB. When I execute in DOS, I get following: ffs checksums =ok, ROM file ROMID is not compatible with existing BIOS ROMID.

The steps I followed appear to use a windows 98 version of DOS, I am not sure if this is the problem or not, any thoughts?

 

[jefusan]

I have resolved flashing bios issue...it helps if you use the appropriate MB files (T.T). Now that I've used performance file, which only has ver 1.3 currently, it updated normally. I am (finally) able to get into windows setup after flashing. Waiting to see if install completes without issue.

 

[jefusan]

Thanks everyone for your help. It appears as though we've fixed the issue. I have installed Windows 7 Home Premium edition, and have not had a random reboot or boot loop occur since I updated the BIOS. Summarizing info and steps here:
My Specs:
MB: Fatallty P67 Performance
CPU: Intel core i5-2500k
RAM: 2, g.skill's rip jaws 8BG DDRS3-1333 (240 pin 1.5V)
Video: ATI Radeon HD 4850 512mb series
OS: Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
PSU: 550 Watt AntecTrue Power
HDD: Western Digital SATA drive WD5000

1) Create a bootable USB Drive via http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/46707-ms-dos-bootable-flash-drive-create.html
2) Go to : ASRock > Products > Motherboard > Fatal1ty P67 Performance > Download to get the most up-to-date BIOS version. Install this on USB from step 1, BIOSFILENAME.exe <enter>.
3) Restart system, enter BIOS, and under EXIT section, select Restore Defaults. You may also make changes to your UEIF or SATA settings at this time for proper WIndows installation<optional>
4) Restart System so that WIndows install CD boots and runs Setup.

Thanks again for the help.