Can't reinstall Windows, even on new HDD

[Gassyass]

My Windows 7 machine was working fine, then in January failed to boot and presented me with "Start Windows Normally" and the "Startup Repair" option.

I took the latter.

The process hung on "loading files"... again and again and again.

I tried booting from the Installation DVD. It went straight into "loading files", and then hung on the "Starting Windows" screen... again and again.

Finally, having disconnected the system drive, started with no DVD in the drive and then restarted, I managed to boot from the DVD as far as the advanced startup options.

Starting in plain-vanilla safe mode resulted in an automatic restart.

I decided to try Safe Mode with Command Prompt, so I could try fixing the MBR in DOS, but it hung on loading files - after disk.sys is loaded.

I knew the ultimate answer was to reinstall the OS. However I couldn't even do that because when I booted from the DVD I don't get that option.

It seemed to me that a key system file must be broken, but without access to a DOS prompt I couldn't replace it [even if I knew what it was!] or run any of the DOS utilities.

I suspected that expensive little SSD, and advice on the forum was that the solution would be a replacement...

So, I went through the tortuous process of getting a warranty return on the Sandisk SSD.

Finally, finally I got a replacement [all the way from the Czech Republic] and fitted it tonight.

Guess what?

It boots from the Windows DVD, goes through the "loading files" sequence and then freezes at "starting Windows".

So... it's not the SSD and I junked all my programs on what it now appears could have been a perfectly good SSD.

Does anybody have any more ideas? If anyone can help save my little remaining hair I would be really grateful.

Just to note some background - I am trying to reinstall Win 7 Professional 64 bit with 12GB ram on a Gigagbyte EP45DSR board with Quad Core processor. The system disk is a 256GB Sandisk - brand new and unused and supplied by Sandisk; this is visible in the BIOS.

I have tried swapping the graphics card, and have disconnected all USB peripherals and removed/disconnected any expansion cards [apart from the graphics, as the MOBO doesn't have onboard Graphics.

I've also tried re-seating SATA cables, and even used a PCIe-SATA interface/expansion card. The result is the same.

I have also cleared CMOS by removing and replacing the battery.

And finally I tried the 32-bit disc just in case [although both discs were supplied direct by Microsoft] with exactly the same result.

 

[Unolocogringo]

Try removing all but one stick of ram and installing windows.
Then reinstall your remaining ram.

 

[Gassyass]

Try removing all but one stick of ram and installing windows.
Then reinstall your remaining ram.

Thank you so much, that worked!!
Wish I'd had this answer before taking somebody else's advice on the Forum and junking the SSD, but on the positive side, my problem is solved, and I have learnt something new and really useful, which is good.
Thanks again

 

[Unolocogringo]

You are welcome, glad I could help.
I have learned so much over the years from here, I try to help and pass it along.