Windows 7 does not load no matter what...

[redditor]

I have tried Windows 7 install disc.
I have tried Windows 7 repair disc.
In both instances the black "Windows loading files" with the horizontal load bar completes the animation and immediately after it restarts and then back to square one.

 

[Ztruker]

Check memory:
Download Memtest86+ (you want the 2nd one Download - Pre-Compiled Bootable ISO (.zip)). Unzip it then create a CD from the iso file using your CD burning software. There is a good freeware burner called ImgBurn which will do this easily.

DO NOT burn the .iso file directly to CD. It must be used as input to a program that knows what to do with it, like the one I mentioned above.

You can do this on any computer that has a working CD Burner.

You can also use a Flash drive instead of a CD.

Download - Auto-installer for USB Key (Win 9x/2k/xp/7) *NEW!*.
Unzip and run Memtest86+ USB Installer.exe.
It will format the flash drive if you tell it to. I used a small, 16MB flash drive and it had 8.5GB left when done.

Boot the CD or Flash drive and run


Check the hard drive with the manufacturer's diagnostic tools.
7 Free Hard Drive Testing Programs
Hard Drive Diagnostics Tools and Utilities (Storage) - TACKtech Corp.
Bootable Hard Drive Diagnostics

 

[Ztruker]

Also, how much ram do you have?
Has Win 7 ever been installed on this computer before?
What is the make and full model number?

 

[gregrocker]

In addition you can work through these steps for Overcoming Windows 7 Installation Failures - Windows 7 Help Forums.

 

[redditor]

8GB RAM, Windows 7 has been installed and has worked fine in the past. I am downloading those two zips right now. How I understand it is that I do NOT burn the ISO image directly but instead use the second zip to process the ISO zip into a usb stick.
I really do appreciate the help

 

[redditor]

Memtest flickers for a fraction of a second, long enough for me to see the interface and then restarts.

 

[gregrocker]

I'd want to double check it from CD since the flash stick method can be dodgy. Boot the medium in another PC to make sure it boots and runs several passes..

Dont' forget the other steps I gave you because they solve 90% of installation problems.

 

[redditor]

Ok I will try your method right now, let me ask you, should I remove one stick of RAM or leave them both in?

 

[gregrocker]

This is covered in http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/105647-ram-test-memtest86.html

You should be working from the tutorial I gave you http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/324687-windows-7-installation-failure-overcome.html which covers all of this in sequence and resolves 90% of Installation failures.

 

[redditor]

gregrocker
Using your method I cannot get past step 6. I get to step 5 and select boot device (cd/dvd) then immediately it restarts.
Help!

 

[gregrocker]

Did you reset the BIOS to defaults? Then what is the SATA controller setting now?

Does the hard drive show up in BIOS setup under Storage, IDE/SATA devices or Boot Order priority?

Did you run the HD and RAM tests? Will these boot either?

Did you try a new Win7 installer? Does the one you have boot in another PC and proceed normally to see the HD on drive selection screen?

 

[redditor]

Yes BIOS defaults were loaded using F9 (American Megatrends, Inc.) SATA controller lists AHCI.
The Hard Drive does show up in the BIOS and lists the port SATA5. The Hard Drive is listed as the first boot device.
I took your advice about not using USB sticks and went out to best buy and bought DVD-Rs and burned the Memtest iso. It works on a stable PC but not on the PC in question; instead it flickers the interface for a fraction of a second then immediately restarts.

 

[redditor]

As far as a "new" Windows 7 installer I downloaded from Windows 7 Direct Download Links, Official Disk Images from Digital River