W7 Install Crashes But Existing Install Works Fine?!

[daklone]

I've encountered a problem that I've never seen before and wonder if anyone can help?

I'm trying to install Windows 7 Pro on my Dell Latitude E4310 that I've just swapped the motherboard on (from an i3 to an i5 board), but it fails, causing the laptop to re-boot a few moments after "Starting Windows" appears. I've tried:

Re-set BIOS to defaults;
Update BIOS to latest;
Two different install DVDs (including an original MS one);
Images of both install discs on a USB stick;
Installing in Safe Mode.

None of these work.

When I install in Safe Mode, it seems to re-boot when Disk.sys loads. Normally I would say this is down to a disk fault (duh!), except I've tried two different drives (an SSD and a HDD) with the same result.

The weirdest thing is that the current install of W7 Pro 32-Bit starts and operates just fine using either the SSD or HDD.

Any suggestions that I can try before taking it all apart again and putting the old motherboard back in to try it again?

 

[Paul Black]

Hi daklone,

Welcome to SevenForums!

I'm trying to install Windows 7 Pro on my Dell Latitude E4310 that I've just swapped the motherboard on (from an i3 to an i5 board), but it fails, causing the laptop to re-boot a few moments after "Starting Windows" appears. I've tried:

Re-set BIOS to defaults;
Update BIOS to latest;
Two different install DVDs (including an original MS one);
Images of both install discs on a USB stick;
Installing in Safe Mode.

None of these work.

When I install in Safe Mode, it seems to re-boot when Disk.sys loads. Normally I would say this is down to a disk fault (duh!), except I've tried two different drives (an SSD and a HDD) with the same result.

The weirdest thing is that the current install of W7 Pro 32-Bit starts and operates just fine using either the SSD or HDD.

Any suggestions that I can try before taking it all apart again and putting the old motherboard back in to try it again?

It is probably because the installation DVD [USB] doesn't have the i5 Motherboard drivers. You will need to integrate them into the install.wim and the boot.wim and then create another installation DVD [USB].

I hope this helps!

 

[daklone]

Thanks for your reply Paul, but I'm not sure that's it.

I've tried various W7 flavours and a W8 32-bit disc and they all crash at the same point. I've used all of these discs before and they've worked fine.

Strangely, I was able to install WXP Pro, so I find it hard to believe that it's a lack of driver support.

I also tried a fresh HDD just to make sure that wasn't the problem but no dice with W7 or W8.

 

[daklone]

Oh, and I tried Vista too and that didn't work either.

 

[Megahertz07]

Where did you get the i5 MoBo?
The "Starting Windows" is from booting the Win 7 installation disk or the HDD / SSD?

 

[daklone]

I bought the motherboard from eBay.

The "Starting Windows" if from the install DVD. I've just tried an OEM Dell install disc, just the same. I've also tried disabling all the hardware I can (except the HDD and the fixed bay) in the BIOS, but no different. Tried disabling Virtualization support, no different.

The HDD is in SATA mode by the way.

The motherboard seems to work in all respects, but I just can't run an install.

 

[Megahertz07]

Must be something on BIOS settings.
Do you have Raid option on BIOS?
Is SATA set to AHCI?

Is your target Disk healthy?

 

[daklone]

That's my gut feeling too, but I've disabled everything I can.

HDD is in SATA mode, so RAID off and not AHCI.

 

[daklone]

I think I'm losing my mind...just put the old motherboard back in...same result?!

I MUST have been able to get W7 loaded once, as I have a SSD with it on in the machine. But now it won't take anything.

Question: Could it be to do with TPM? This laptop has it, although the BIOS says disabled.

 

[daklone]

OK, I think I've sussed it.

Both the new RAM modules that I fitted BEFORE I fitted the new motherboard appeared to be working fine, however when I ran the built-in Dell Pre-boot System Assessment tool it crashed when it got to the memory test. I put the old RAM back in and hey-presto, it passes the PSA test and I can run the installer!

Note to self: just because something appears to be working, don't assume that it is. Many weird faults does faulty RAM produce!

 

[Paul Black]

Hi daklone,

OK, I think I've sussed it.

Both the new RAM modules that I fitted BEFORE I fitted the new motherboard appeared to be working fine, however when I ran the built-in Dell Pre-boot System Assessment tool it crashed when it got to the memory test. I put the old RAM back in and hey-presto, it passes the PSA test and I can run the installer!

Note to self: just because something appears to be working, don't assume that it is. Many weird faults does faulty RAM produce!

I am glad that you have managed to get it working. Thanks for posting the solution, it will help other people visiting this thread that have the same problem/question.