Windows has encountered a problem communicating with a device conne...

[doofesh]

Hello,
I have recently built a custom PC. When I wanted to install Windows 7 I got a message saying "Windows has encountered a problem communicating with a device connected to my computer". Somehow I managed to fix this problem, and now I don't remember what I did. Now I am trying to reinstall windows on my PC and got the same message. After I insert the Windows DVD, it starts loading then the error screen appears. I've tried removing and disconnecting every device from the motherboard, and still have the same problem. I get the same error when trying to install on my SSD and HDD. How can I fix this? Thanks

 

[karlsnooks]

Disconnect all devices.
Disconnect the HDD.

When the computer boots up, do you hear any beep sounds and if so what?

Are you using the touchpad on a keyboard?
Are you using a separate mouse?

 

[doofesh]

I do not hear any beeps at startup. The only things connected are a standard microsoft keyboard(no touchpad) and a microsoft mouse. I even tried disconnecting the HDD and SSD and got the same issue.

 

[karlsnooks]

Disconnect the HDD. Leave the SDD connected.

Consult the manual for your motherboard.
Does the motherboard show that a short beep at startup time signifies that all is well.
Sometimes no beep means motherboard failure.

 

[doofesh]

I used to hear a short beep everytime I boot. Today, I updated the BIOS and since then I don't hear anything on startup.

 

[karlsnooks]

try the website of the mfg of your mobo.

You might want to review the process for updating the bios and possibly even "update" to the old bios version.

 

[doofesh]

There is no information regarding motherboard beeps in my motherboard manual. Also, I have followed the exact instructions on how to update/flash the BIOS to the new version.

 

[karlsnooks]

I'm out of ideas.

 

[doofesh]

I even removed the video card and wlan card. Still no beeps. I will check with the store I bought my PC from. Thanks for the help.

 

[karlsnooks]

a good decision.

 

[Layback Bear]

What ever bios you had before you updated install them back. A few tricks.
1. Wright down what bios you have in your owners manual and if you change them write down that new bios number and why you changed them.
2. Don't update bios unless you have a problem and that update address that problem.

 

[gregrocker]

Move the HD to another PC to install Win7 with only it connected. Then SysPrep to move HD to another computer before moving it back to problem PC to start up.

What happens?

This will confirm if Win7 install has anything to do with it. If not it's hardware and you have your Win7 install ready to go to help troubleshoot.

Run the HD tests in Troubleshooting Windows 7 Failure to Boot.\

I would also revert the BIOS flash if nothing else works, since it appears this is the only hardware change made. Can you think of anything else?

 

[doofesh]

I have solved the problem. I switched one of my SATA3 cables in my case that came with the motherboard with a sata 2 cable, and I can finally install Windows now. Thanks all for the help.

 

[Layback Bear]

That wouldn't have been Marvell 3.0 would it? So far I have found it doesn't work well on Intel, Gigabyte and Asus boards. Do I get to add MSI to the list.