Computer always shuts off during OS installation

[nbailey]

This is my first build. I ordered an
AMD A8 3850 APU to go on a
Biostar TA75M motherboard and
2x4Gig G. Skill DDR3 1866 RAM. I also ordered an
ASUS DVD multi drive. I already had a
Samsung 500Gig hard drive and a
Power supply (Athena Hercules 400W) that replaced my old Dell PSU, but all the pins fit, so I assume it works.

I don't have any other hardware (no video cards, sound cards, etc.). I put everything into a new tower. Bios works great, DVD drive reads Win 7 Ultimate 64 install disk just fine.

After partitioning the clean drive during a custom install, Windows goes through the install process. When it says it will restart, the computer just shuts off. When I turn it back on, it can boot from the new installation until it gets to the "Starting Windows" screen. After a few seconds it shuts down again. If I start it in safe mode, it will get to loading the driver disk.sys, wait a few seconds then shut down.

Windows 8 preview and Win 7 32 bit did the same thing. Ubuntu will not even get the the welcome screen.

I tried updating the BIOS; didn't help. I was able to install any OS on this hard drive using this DVD drive by using my old dell hardware, so I know the DVD drive and hard drive work fine. I figured it might be defective hardware (APU, motherboard, or memory), so I sent them all back to Newegg and got new ones sent back to me. SAME PROBLEM only this time it never made it to the restart screen. It just shuts down whenever it gets to the "Starting Windows screen."

I have spent weeks searching forums, trying new things, and I can't find a solution.

Please help.

 

[JefferyD90]

Did you download the OS or is it a retail version?

 

[azeem40]

It's probably a hard drive problem. Did you try a different HDD?

 

[nbailey]

Same problem on an older hard drive, and the first hard drive took a Win7 installation just fine using a different computer.

 

[nbailey]

Did you download the OS or is it a retail version?

I tried 2 retail versions (Win7 Ultimate 32bit, Win7 Ultimate 64bit). Didn't work. I called microsoft and they gave me in .iso of Win7 Ultimate 64bit that I burned to a DVD. Didn't work. I tried downloaded and burned Win8 preview. Didn't work. I downloaded and burned Ubuntu. Didn't work. I tried an older install of Ubuntu. Didn't work.

It's not the OS. Its the hardware.

 

[nbailey]

Since last night I found that the first RAM I bought (F3-10600CL9D-8GBNT) was not exactly the memory listed on Biostar's compatibility list (F3-10666CL9D-8GBRL).

Would a difference from ....RL and ....NT cause the system to shut down on install?

 

[daship]

Maybe but it sound like a power issue to me. Or an overheating issue. Did you reapply thermal paste in the right amount after taking the CPU out for new hardware?

 

[nbailey]

Maybe but it sound like a power issue to me. Or an overheating issue. Did you reapply thermal paste in the right amount after taking the CPU out for new hardware?

I got a new CPU and new Motherboard the second time. The temperatures displayed in BIOS are normal. It's not overheating. The PSU has worked great for years (and still does) in my Dell dimension 8400. And the PSU's website says it's great for new Micro ATX builds.

 

[JefferyD90]

If the memory is not on the compatibility list, that is more than likely the issue. I sudjest that you ensure that your motherboard is giving your ram the right voltage, timing, and frequency.

 

[nbailey]

If the memory is not on the compatibility list, that is more than likely the issue. I sudjest that you ensure that your motherboard is giving your ram the right voltage, timing, and frequency.

Thanks for the help. I sent back my non-compatible RAM, and ordered some from Biostar's list (which is a small limited list, none of which are 8gig/stick, so how can the theoretical maximum of 32gig be reached?). I'll let you all know in a few days if RAM was the problem.

Thank you all for your help.

 

[JefferyD90]

See what happens is when Biostar (or whoever for that matter) makes their BIOS it looks for the memorys ID number. If it doesnt reconize it then it just throws random numbers at it... Sometimes its fine, sometimes its not.

Biostar is not a recommended motherboard for builds over $500... at that point your need Gigabyte, MSI, or ASUS.

 

[azeem40]

No, memory not being on the list is not a big deal. Try setting the RAM Speed to 1600 MHz and see if it fixes the problem.

 

[JefferyD90]

Sometimes its not on there for a reason Azeem... Im just saying that if the motherboard doesnt "Support" it, dont get upset if it gives you problems.

 

[nbailey]

The RAM was not the problem I ordered 8gigs of RAM that Biostar's website says is compatible, and . . . . same problem.

I am dying here! Is my harddrive too old? Do I need to format it a special way?
Is my PSU the problem? Unless someone has some advice this weekend, I am sending back the lousy Biostar motherboard and getting an Asus or Gigabyte. Stupid Biostar.

 

[JefferyD90]

Could be your hard drive. Try doing a format (not quick).

 

[nbailey]

I know it's not the hard drive, I successfully installed Win7 32bit on this hard drive using my old computer. No problems. I am going to send back that Biostar POS motherboard and get something more reputable. I'll let you all know if that works.

 

[nbailey]

It was the power supply. I borrowed a 500W supply, and installation worked great, first time. What a huge waste of time.

Thanks, everyone, for your help.

 

[nbailey]

Best answer selected by nbailey.