Can't install Windows 7 on my PC

[Booda84]

I have just built a PC. I turn the power on and it goes into BIOS and everything. But when I try to install Windows 7, it will either freeze on Windows loading screen, a black screen that appears after the loading screen, or on the "Setup is starting" screen that appears after I've entered my language and country. I don't know what to do.


CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9650
GPU: EVGA GTX 560 Ti 1GB
OS: Windows 7 Home Premium (I tried both the 32 and 64 bit versions)
Mobo: EVGA 750i SLI
RAM: 8GB DDR2 800 (4 x 2GB)

 

[cmichael138]

Is your hard drive being recognized?

 

[Booda84]

Yes. I forgot to say that my hard drive is a Western Digital Caviar 500GB.

 

[Booda84]

Is it possible that my motherboard is not compatible with Windows 7? Also, is there a way to make sure my hard drive is working properly?

 

[cmichael138]

You should be able to go into the BIOS to see the information about your hard drive.

Is it an SATA or IDE?

 

[linuxgeek11]

Are you sure you haven't installed win 7 too many times?

 

[Booda84]

Good, I see my hard drive info in BIOS. It's a SATA hard drive.

I don't think I've installed Windows 7 too many times. I tried to install it 4 or 5 times, each attempt ended with the results I mentioned in my first message.

 

[cmichael138]

If Windows 7 has never been fully installed, that's not an issue.

Is this a new hard drive?

 

[Booda84]

Yes, the hard drive is new. All of the other parts are new, too.

 

[cmichael138]

If you have access to another computer, you can download and run the WD diagnostic tool to see if your hard drive is the problem.

http://support.wdc.com/product/download.asp?groupid=613&sid=30&lang=en

 

[Booda84]

There aren't any other computers for me to use. Is the hard drive the only possible problem? If so, should I go ahead and replace it?

 

[cmichael138]

No....that's not the only possibility. Could be a cable, the MB or a faulty disk. Unfortunately, the only way to narrow it down is to test and eliminate components.

Perhaps someone else will chime in with thoughts or other suggestions.

 

[fullforce]

could be corrupted files on your win7 disk try and download another one...

 

[fullforce]

if that dont work try and boot a Linux OS/windows xp (or just another OS) and that will tell you if your pc has a problem with windows 7 or faulty hardware

 

[cmichael138]

Do you have a Windows XP or Vista disk to try and see if either will load?

"could be corrupted files on your win7 disk try and download another one... "
He doesn't have access to another computer.

 

[Booda84]

I tried installing Vista yesterday. Same results as Windows 7. At least now we know the problem isn't the Windows disc.

 

[Booda84]

Was able to get a copy of that hard drive diagnostic tool. The results from both the Quick Test and the Extended Test said "No Errors Found." So if the hard drive isn't the problem, what should I try next?

 

[rozz]

just curious,, maybe bad stick of ram is causing a freeze up?

trying pulling a stick out

 

[Booda84]

I tried each stick of RAM individually. Same results.

 

[cmichael138]

I just read the Eva 750i MB manual and it says that it supports Windows XP and Vista (32 and 64 bit) only. I'll check further to see if there is a BIOS flash that will allow Windows 7. Looks like one of your 1st questions was on target.
whttp://www.evga.com/support/manuals/files/122-YW-E173.pdf

 

[cmichael138]

Looks like the BIOS is from 2009; probably what you have; however, here are some new chipset and networking drivers for Windows 7 (32 and 64) that are dated 5/2/11. If you can get these downloaded and installed:

http://www.evga.com/support/download/default.aspx

Are you able to get in to Safe Mode with Networking