GA-X58A-UD7 (rev2) Won't Boot/Install Windows 7

[yani1shu]

I have a custom build box, here are the specs:

GA-X58A-UD7
Intel Core i7 950
Corsaird TR3X6G1600C8D (x2) = 12GB
HD Raptor 72GB HDD
Nvidia GeForce4 64MB

I have been trying to get Windows 7 (64bit) installed for the past 2 days and keep running into the same problem. It will install from the boot CD (though it does this very very quickly, like in minutes) then when it finishes installing it will power off completely. I turn the machine back on and it will get to the Windows splash screen and sit there for a couple minutes trying to finish the installation before it powers off again.

Steps i have taken to resolve the issue:
Tried 3 different hard drives which i know are good
Removed all the RAM except for 1 stick (so i only have 2GB installed)
Booted into a linux OS from a flash drive with no problem
Upgraded the BIOS to the newest version and reset the BIOS to optimum settings (after removing battery)
Removed all add-on cards, except graphics card which is necessary
I even attached a drive with Windows 7 already installed on it and it wouldn't boot.
I have tested the memory using Memtest and the Windows memory tester, no problems.

The ONLY thing i can think of is the Video card but it works just fine during the initial installation process and booting into Linux so i haven't tried swapping that, mainly because i don't have another one laying around.

Does anyone have any ideas?

Thanks

[Dark Mantis]

Hi and welcome to the Gigabyte Forum.

You haven't mentioned how you have your drives set up, on what ports and in what modes.

I would also suggest that you start with an extended CMOS clear.


Remove the power cable from the mains supply and then press the power switch on the case for a few seconds just to drain any residual energy in the PSU capacitors.

Once done remove the motherboard battery for at least one hour before replacing it.
 
Next plug back into the mains supply and boot.
 
You will now need to enter the BIOS by pressing DEL and load Opimised BIOS Defaults.

Make any other changes to the BIOS settings to suit your self like disabling the floppy drive, disabling the full screen logo and making the HDD the primary boot device and then press F10 to save and exit.

[yani1shu]

Mantis, I have already done the extended CMOS clear. Same result.
As for my drive configuration, I have one ide cd drive and one sata hdd connected. I tried setting the sata to both ide and Ahci. The drive is connected to sata port 0.

[Dark Mantis]

OK. First I would suggest getting rid of the old IDE optical drive and replace it with a SATA version. Very cheap now about a dozen quid. That is because often the motherboards seem to take exception to having both running at the same time.

If you want to you could try copying the Windows files to a USB pendrive and load them from there for now. Remove the optical drive after copying.

[yani1shu]

Mantis, i tried following your suggestions but ended up with the same result. I unplugged the IDE cd-rom and installed Windows 7 from a USB hard drive. I also unplugged all internal connections possible (USB connectors). So now, the only thing plugged into my board is 1 stick of RAM, a SATA hard drive, and a video card. Windows will start up and show the logo swirling around as though it's trying to start up or finish the installation, but then the computer will just shut off. I tried disabling the autoreboot on error feature by hitting F8 while its booting, but it still doesn't give me any error message, it simply turns off.

[Dark Mantis]

hi

What PSU are you using (make and model please) and is it new ?

[yani1shu]

I have a Corsair 750TX-C. It is brand new.

[Dark Mantis]

Well it is unlikely to be that even though it does sound like a power problem. I would suggest double checking all the power cable pins to make sure that none are loose.

Are you using a USB keyboard ?

If so try swapping it for a PS2 and see if that helps. Sometimes these keyboards can be a problem.

[yani1shu]

I am using PS2 keyboard and mouse. I will double check my power connections.

[yani1shu]

Checked my power supplies. Everything looks good, but just to make sure i unplugged everything and plugged it back in. I unplugged all the single power connections (the hdd activity light, reset switch, etc..) except for the power switch. Same result. Attempts to boot then just turns off. Is it possible the board is shorting out? would it make it this far in the boot process if it is?

[Dark Mantis]

Possibly. Make sure that you observe anti-static precautions.

Try removing the motherboard from the case leaving just the CPU/heatsink/fan, buzzer, one stick of memory and PSU intalled.


Lay some cardboard or use the motherboard box that is non-conductive on the worktop and remove the motherboard/CPU/heatsink/fan/buzzer/one stick of memory and PSU from the case and put it on the cardboard.

Add the keyboard and now I know you haven't got any graphics but try and boot.

The system should try and then fail emitting a series of beeps. Please post what sounds it makes.

[yani1shu]

OK! After swapping out the brand new PSU for an older 450W PSU the computer started right up. I have installed all 10GB of RAM and we are zipping along now. Thanks for all your help.

[Dark Mantis]

Cool! all sorted now then. Just because a component is new doesn't mean that it can't be faulty and we have even had instances where we have replaced things more than once with new items only to find it still faulty. It can happen.

[yani1shu]

So i've learned