Error during Vista/7 Clean Install - Help!

[taylort232]

I am trying to install a confirmed-good Vista copy to my computer. Every attempt, once it gets to the last item (I believe it is configuring), when it is installing drivers (I believe) it locks up and gives the same error. The error reads "windows setup could not configure windows to run on this computer's hardware." Any ideas?

I've tried:
Two different SATA HDDs
A different SATA cable and port
Unplugging/disabling all unnecessary peripherals/features
SATA ACHI mode
Underclocking the memory
A different Vista copy
A different DVD drive

My setup:
-Intel C2D e6300 @ stock (prime is good @3.1ghz, so I doubt this is the problem)
-120GB HDD SATA (Samsung)
-2gb Corsair Dominator 1066mhz (memtest is good)
-BFG 8800GT OC (just RMA'd the old one, this one is brand new I believe. The desktop was giving me the same error during install with the burned up 8800GT)
-Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3 LGA775 Mobo
-Antec Earthwatts 380w (voltages look good, I doubt this is the problem.)

I guess my suspicions are the HDD(s) and the mobo. The copy of Vista (and Windows 7 does the same thing) unpacks/expands fine, but while configuring it gives me the error. Ideas?

 

[daship]

Try IDE mode, buy a legal copy of OS.

 

[n3f0ur]

Try this: restart pc or power it up, tab DEL for BIOS, load failsafe default, save & exit. Install windows.

You can save your overclock in bios by pressing F11 and load by F12.

 

[kubes]

Pick up a legal copy of the OS.