Can't install Windows 8.1 on ssd and Asus z97-Ar MB

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Stevebs

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Didn't get any responses in the Windows 8 forum, so I'm trying here.

Very frustrated.

As title suggests, I can't install Windows 8.1 on my new build.

I seemingly get through the install and then get the message "Your Pc ran into a problem and needs to restart." This winds up with the error code 0xc0000001.
I've tried this four times with the same result. Each time I've deleted the drive partitions and reset the drive.

This is a new build, which (I thought) was uneventful.

I am installing to a crucial mx100 ssd.
My system includes i7-4790k
16gb adata ram
Wd blue hard drive - since disconnected so only ssd is available
EVGA Geoforce GTX 760 ACX Video card

I have set the bios settings to default optimized settings. Not sure what I'm missing.

Any help is appreciated.

Steve
 
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ronintexas

ronintexas

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Have you tried with only one RAM stick? I have had a bad RAM stick create all kinds of problems for me (BSOD, Power Issues, Reboot Issues, etc.). If it still fails, try with the other stick of RAM.

Also - double check your BIOS settings for the RAM - you may need to modify the settings to accommodate the RAM.
 
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Stevebs

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Thank you both for your responses.

Brillis - I'm using a full retail version DVD.

Ronintexas - I have tried it with one stick of ram (tried both sticks). I did notice that the Bios showed the Ram running at 1333, when it's supposed to be 1600. I did not change that. Are there any other Ram settings I should be looking at?

This is my first attempt at a build. I thought it went together nicely and then... Can't install the damn OS.
 
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ronintexas

ronintexas

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If you go to ADATA's website (or maybe they put their standard settings in the package), they will give you the optimum settings - voltage, timing, frequency, etc. I doubt the frequency would have much to do with it, but the voltage and timing can make things a bit crazy with the BSOD. Even 0.05 VDC differential from their recommended settings (usually lower - higher usually isn't as big of a problem) can create problems with some RAM.
 
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Stevebs

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Thanks ronintexas. I suppose it's even possible that both sticks of Ram are bad, but I'm not sure how I could know this for sure unless I buy different Ram.

I'll give your suggestion a shot and make sure the optimum settings are in place.
 
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Stevebs

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The Ram settings seem to be correct.

One thing I did not mention is that when I am in the BIOS it has frozen a number of times and I needed to manually shut it down and restart. Does that shed any further light?
 
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ronintexas

ronintexas

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That could be a problem....

What mobo do you have - and have you verified that your BIOS supports the processor (it may require an update)? You may need an old processor to get it updated if this is the problem - usually it never posts with that situation.

It could also be a problem with the CPU and/or mobo.
 
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Stevebs

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I have the asus z97-ar MB. I'm certain it supports the i7-4790K. It does post when I turn it on (with occasional freezes), but I get an error message when trying to install windows.

It seems likely that it's a hardware problem (I think?) but I'm not sure how to determine whether it's the ram or mb. It could be the CPU, but those issues seem to be less common.
 
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Stevebs

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ronintexas - I'm not near my new build now, but I seem to recall the bios is 0902. That might be something! I'll update it later today. Thanks for all of your help. I'll let you know if this works.
 
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Stevebs

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Tried to update the bios by USB, but could not. It started and then just froze. I tried this 7 times and it never even made it 25% of the way without freezing. I'm guessing at this point I should probably replace the board, no?
 
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ronintexas

ronintexas

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Getting an exact replacement without the BIOS being version 1008 or later will probably result in the same issue. If you have another processor that you can use temporarily to update the BIOS - give that a try. If not, a person on this board who had a similar problem went to MicroCenter - they charged him $25 to update the BIOS for him. You could also RMA the board to ASUS and have them update the BIOS - although this could take 1-2 weeks.
 
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Stevebs

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I think I will go to MicroCenter. I won't be able to get there until later in the week, but at this point it makes sense. Thanks for all of your input on this. I'll update when there is a resolution.
 
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Stevebs

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Update...

Took the build to Microcenter and they said the motherboard was bad.

I decided to get a different board and went with the Gigabyte Z97x-UD3H. After putting it back together, this board also needed a bios update to run the processor - but I was able to update the bios with a usb stick.

Once I did that... no more problems. Installed windows and have been installing programs and going online with no issues.

ronintexas - appreciate all of your time and input. Much appreciated.

Looks like I'm done...
 
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