Win7 Pro stalls during "Expanding Files" or won't restart

[trstew]

OK, I've looked at a lot of info on these excellent forums, and don't really know where to start. I get as far as Step 2 "Expanding files" using the OEM DVD, then install just stops or wants me to press any key to boot from CD drive.
Am I better off trying an ISO install instead of the OEM DVD? I'm installing to a new HDD with 2 partitions (100Mb reserved and 975 Gb partition, with the rest unallocated). Sata is set to ACHI, RAM seems to be OK (thru 18 passes), everything seems good until Step 2 (as above) stalls or reboots to initial "copying files" step after pressing any key...
Can someone suggest where to start to find the problem???

Thanks for any advice!

 

[gregrocker]

Always delete all partitions during the booted install.

If that isn't enough then Troubleshoot Windows 7 Installation Failures - Windows 7 Help Forums