can't install an OS on my machine

[flamingchina]

So I decided to try Windows 7, so I attempted to install it on my machine.
It keeps locking up at various points in the installation.
Mostly at the loading screen
I tried loading XP back onto the machine, same thing, just locks up.
It was working fine with XP before...
Any thoughts?

[ricosuave]

I would try install with basic components, just the ram, vid card and see how that goes. You can always add the other parts one at a time later.

Also, I would make sure that all the parts are seated tight, etc as well...

[T@T]

Are you trying a clean install as in a formatted drive?

PS, is win7 even out yet or is this one of the beta's?

[ricosuave]

^ win 7 is not out yet, he's trying to install one of the betas

also, when installing, always choose the 'format' option before installing - I know it sounds funny, but I've seen installs go really weird when they used a HD with an existing o/s on it...

[flamingchina]

yep, linux, xp, Windows 7 RC, all lock up on me...
Have tried different ram, so know it's good... moBo most likely....

[sclitheroe]

Originally Posted by flamingchina

yep, linux, xp, Windows 7 RC, all lock up on me...
Have tried different ram, so know it's good... moBo most likely....

Could be the CPU overheating too...I had a machine at a client site not too long ago that would work fine until there was enough CPU load from the boot process to cause it to overheat and either emergency power off or hang. Linux, Windows, etc, are all going to be decompressing files and whatnot during install, creating CPU load that might be just enough to overheat it.

Check and see if the heatsink is tight and any cooling fans are spinning properly.

[flamingchina]

Installed new MoBo, now checking temps as best as possible
cpu fan spinning and such..
on reboot, cpu temp is at 35-36 this new motherboard, but I seem to remember it being like 55 or so on the old one..
uggh this is frustrating..