Windows 7 Installation Stuck on Expanding Windows Files (2%)

dwashy

Distinguished
Jun 12, 2009
55
0
18,630
I just built a new computer, and now I am running into some issues with Windows installation.

i3 4130
MSI H81M-P33
8GB Ram (1 stick, DDR 3 1600mhz)
XFX Radeon 7870
500GB 2.5" Hard Drive (3 months old)

I have tried multiple hard drives and each time the 64 bit windows installation gets stuck at 2% expanding windows files.

I've worked on many computers before, but these BIOS are new to me. I haven't built a computer in around 6 years, maybe 5, so UEFI is new to me.

- Switched out hard drives, no change.
- Tooled around in BIOS (but don't quite understand all the options)
- Checked to make sure it's on AHCI (only other option is IDE)
- Updated BIOS to latest firmware and ME
- Tried installing with DVD instead of USB
- Tried loading SATA drivers during installation
- Tried switching SATA ports from SATA 3 to SATA 2

I'm installing windows from a USB drive on a USB 2.0 port (and tried 3). I suspect it might be a motherboard SATA driver issue, but I tried loading the drivers via DVD drive and it gave me a "retry loading signed 32 or 64 bit drivers instead of unsigned drivers".

I also have tried installing windows from a DVD drive and it gets stuck at 0%.

I've ruled out HD failure by testing other drives, all to the same effect. What else could it be? Maybe RAM? I don't really have an extra stick to try, but I may test with MEMtest if I can find the time.

Thanks very much
 
Solution
Sounds like a possible memory conflict or corrupt ISO image. Is the memory you are using listed as supported by MSI? You may need to populate both DIMM slots. Check the MB instructions and do a reset of the bios to default to start with. When you look in the bios does it show correct for the memory? Have you install any MB drivers? Do you have a valid OS license key? Try a fresh ISO image.
Sounds like a possible memory conflict or corrupt ISO image. Is the memory you are using listed as supported by MSI? You may need to populate both DIMM slots. Check the MB instructions and do a reset of the bios to default to start with. When you look in the bios does it show correct for the memory? Have you install any MB drivers? Do you have a valid OS license key? Try a fresh ISO image.
 
Solution
I just checked the motherboard manufacturing page. My exact ram is technically not on the acceptable list for 1600mhz ram (actually there are no Crucial ram sticks on the list anywhere). The BIOS reads it's clock speed correctly, and timings however.

Would clocking it down to 1333mhz make any difference?
 
You were correct, the ISO must have been bad. I've been using that 4GB thumb drive to install ISO's for a few years, it may have also gone bad.

I used a new 16GB thumb drive, and Windows 8.1, and it all worked.

Thanks!