Windows 7 Windows 7 Pro RTM Freezes on "Setup is starting"

[Atropos89]

I'm a MSDN subscriber, so I have a copy of the Windows 7 Professional RTM. While trying to install it on my desktop, it consistently freezes on the screen that says "setup is starting..." This is the screen immediately following the one where you click the "Install Now" button. My system specs are listed below. I have seen wuite a few threads about problems like this on line, but none of the solutions so far have helped. I also had this problem when trying to install Windows Vista on my desktop, which is why I have stayed with XP up till now. I have tried resetting my BIOS to the defaults, and messing with various functions. Is there anything in specific that needs to be enabled/disabled? I haven't found anything stating incompatabilities with my system, and even ran the little upgrade advisor because I was bored. Any ideas?

CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 @2.4 GHz
GPU: ATI Radeon HD 4850 w/ 1Gb DDR3
Motherboard: DFI Lanparty ICFX2300-T2R/G
RAM: 4Gb 667Mhz DDR2

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems like you're encountering difficulties installing Windows 7 Professional RTM on your system. Here are a few troubleshooting steps you can follow to address this freezing issue: 1. Check Hardware Compatibility: - Make sure that all your hardware components, especially your motherboard, CPU, GPU, and RAM, are compatible with Windows 7. Some older components may not have proper driver support for newer operating systems. 2. Verify Installation Media: - Ensure that the Windows 7 Professional RTM installation media isn't corrupt. You can try creating a new installation DVD or USB from a known good source. 3. BIOS Settings: - While you mentioned resetting your BIOS to defaults, some specific settings may need adjustment for Windows 7 compatibility. - Check if your BIOS settings are configured correctly for Windows 7 installation. Here are a few settings to consider: - Ensure that AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface) is enabled for SATA drives. - Disable any unnecessary peripherals in the BIOS temporarily. - Check for any secure boot or fast boot options and disable them. 4. Driver Issues: - Ensure that you have the latest drivers available for your hardware components. Lack of updated drivers can lead to compatibility issues and system freezes during installation. 5. Memory Issues: - Test your RAM modules for any issues using a tool like Memtest86. Faulty RAM can cause installation failures and freezes. 6. Install in Safe Mode: - Try starting the installation in Safe Mode to see if any third-party drivers or software are causing the freezing issue. 7. Disconnect Unnecessary Hardware: - Disconnect any peripherals or external devices that are not essential for the installation process. Sometimes, conflicting hardware can lead to installation problems. 8. Update BIOS: - Ensure that your motherboard BIOS is updated to the latest version. Newer BIOS versions may have better compatibility with Windows 7. 9. Compatibility Mode: - If none of the above steps work, consider running the setup in compatibility mode. Right-click on the setup file, go to Properties, and select a compatibility mode like Windows Vista or XP. By following these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot the freezing issue you are experiencing during the Windows 7 Professional installation process. If you continue to face problems, feel free to provide more details for further assistance.