Built a new computer - problems

Dropkickmurphys

Dropkickmurphys

New Member
Hey guys, I just built a new computer for my mate -- the specs are:

Core i7 2.66GHz
Gigabyte motherboard (cant remember model off the top of my head)
500GB HDD
nvidia gtx285 OC graphics
OCZ 850w power supply
6GB Corsair DDR3 RAM

I am having a problem trying to install windows XP. (I have tried XP64 and my own XP32 to no avail!)

When I try and install XP it will format the drive (VERY SLOWLY!) then restart :S so the process has to be started all over again. If i try and do a quick format, it gets to 20% before it restarts.

I have run a few different diagnostics tests, with no luck.

anyone have any ideas?

thanks!
 
I assume you've got the SATA drivers loaded? Are you sure they are the correct ones? Or, does the board have the IDE emulation mode. That usually makes things much easier to install (IE no drivers to deal with :P)
 
Double check that. If not try it. If so maybe give the SATA drivers a shot. You may also want to give another OS a shot. Something like Linux would be easy enough.
 
I dont have linux to hand, but I have Windows Vista somewhere, was gonna try it yesterday, but I cant find it lol...

Ill double check the SATA/IDE stuff... Cant check the damn manual though, my mate too it with him! HAHA

EDIT: it is definitely running the SATA in IDE mode.
 
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Ubuntu is only 700MB, so the download isn't tremendous. But if you have Vista, that's probably a better route anyway. Or wait another couple weeks for Windows 7 :P
 
Ok I tried to install Vista, it gets to the bit where it starts to install and Just restarts :S

Could this be some sort of data transfer problem? :S
 
Seeing as it messed up during the format earlier, I doubt it's a transfer problem. There's not much transferring going on then. Do you have another drive you could try in that computer?

Also, you might as well check the RAM while you're at it. I'm kind of doubting it's the problem, but might as well remove some of the sticks and go with just one.

All the settings to their defaults? No overclocking, no voltage changes, nothing of the sort? Temps and voltages all look good in the bios?
 
Everything is set at default as its just been built, I have even reset the CMOS a few times.

This is the 2nd HDD I have tried, we went out and bought a new one yesterday as I originally thought it was the HDD.

I have run a Memtest 86+ and it didnt come up with anything, but ill try removing sticks of RAM.
 
Is its just restarting without a blue screen error? If so it is possible it could be the PSU. When you say just one stick in the first slot does that mean you have tried to install with just one stick only?
 
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Plus make sure all the standoffs under the board are in the right places. But yeah I would try another PSU just to check.
 
StrangleHold said:
Plus make sure all the standoffs under the board are in the right places. But yeah I would try another PSU just to check.
Click to expand...

Yeah, im trying my PSU now, have also put my graphics card in as it requires less power

EDIT: it appears to have worked with my PSU.

EDIT 2:It does indeed appear to be a PSU problem... ill keep trying this and if I get any more problems ill post back.

Thanks for the help guys! :)
 
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StrangleHold said:
90% of the time if they just shut down and restart without a error its the PSU.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I did have a strange feeling about that yesterday, just havent had the time to do anything till this eve, been at work all day.

I'm now going to see if it will install windows fine, if it does, ill get my mate to order a new PSU :) hehe
 
My mate bought a new PSU yesterday, put that in and now it will start to boot windows, but wont get all the way, and will just restart :S... no error message, nothing...

It will boot safe mode fine though !? :S
 
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