Vista Installation Problem

[so1id]

Hi, first of all this site rocks. I've been lurking around for a few months and noticed that you guys are kind and helpful so I finally decided to register :D

Specs:
Core 2 Duo E7200 2.53 Ghz
ECS G31T-M mobo
Kingston 4GB DDR2 ram PC6400
WD 640GB SATA 3.0
Lite-On DVDRW burner IDE
Corsair Earthwatts 500W

My problem:

Whenever I do a clean install Vista 64, it gets up to the 2nd step called "Expanding Files" at about 5% or so and it gives me an error saying "Windows cannot install required files. blah blah blah".

It all started when my old 36gb Raptor failed on me a few weeks ago. I left the computer running the whole night so I could finish downloading a file and when I woke up the computer would load up to the Vista logo bootup screen and reset over and over and over. I downloaded the Diagnostics tool from WD and said that the drive had failed S.M.A.R.T. checks and I would need a new drive.

So I threw the old drive away and ordered a new 640GB WD drive from newegg. It finally came a couple of days ago and hooked it up and started installing. That's when these errors started to pop up.

Here are some of the things I tried:
Installed Win 7 beta, same thing with the error
Installed XP, could not format HD (wtf? not a media problem, since this has always installed for me)
Changed SATA cables with one that I bought from Best Buy (no change)
Switched from the different SATA ports that my mobo had (no change)
Took out a 2gb stick of ram, ran memtest on the single ram stick left, no errors found
Switch from slave-master, master-slave with the DVD burner (no change)
Ran WD Diagnostic Tool on the new hard drive, Quick Test found no errors, running extended test atm

I'm sorry for the long post but I felt it was needed so you guys can hopefully help me out easier...I spent about the last 2 days trying to fix this computer and I really have no clue what to do next.

I would really appreciate it if you guys can help me out with this problem. Thanks in advance.

 

[Airbot]

Hi so1id and welcome,

It may just be that your new drive is bad as well. After all you've done, it seems it may be, it's not unheard of. IMO, I'd send it back for a replacement. You might reset your bios and see if that helps any.

 

[Kernel]

Try to update firmware for DVD Drive Follow this article:
Error message when you try to install Windows Vista by using a computer's DVD drive: "Windows cannot install required files"

Try this incase if you have different computer:
How to perform a flat installation of Windows Vista

70% of changes for hardware failure.

Important point Airbot..thanks

so1id, Reset/Flash your BIOS.

 

[so1id]

Thanks for the replies...the extended test just ended and reported no errors with the hard drive.

I'm not sure how to update the DVD drive's firmware since the only other computer that I have is a laptop. Same for flat installation. I'll try to reset it though and let you guys know how it goes...

 

[bruce2]

Hi so1id, if running out of option, Lol, try to look through the BIOS to see if yours has an option says "stop at error" as such; disable it and try again.

Hope this helps.

Bruce

 

[so1id]

Well, I tried resetting the BIOS last night and the instructions must have been bad or it's just me but the computer doesn't power up at all now. Lol, so I'm just gonna buy a new motherboard and DVD burner. Can you guys give me suggestions on gaming motherboards for under $100? Don't really care for a lot of features, I just want it to be stable and secure. Thanks

 

[bruce2]

Hi so1id, here is a great review I hope you will find it helpful:

Roundup: Six Core 2 Motherboards Under $100 : LGA-775’s Last Hurrah? - Review Tom's Hardware

Please let us know how things go.

Bruce

 

[so1id]

Thanks for the link!

I bought the Asus P5QL Pro motherboard and a Sony Optiarc DVD drive.

I'll let you guys know when I get it and hook everything up.