Install Stops, no video - Clean install

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Guest

Hi~
I'm having a heck of a time installing Vista Ultimate. I had XP on my PC
originally and did the Vista test from the Microsoft site and it said my
computer was Vista ready.

When trying to install Vista, my computer restarts and then the monitor goes
off and nothing happens...I've let it go for hours; overnight even and
nothing happens at all. I have tried several things like flash my
motherboard, clear my CMOS, format the hard drive, unplug all unnecessary
hardware and still get the same problems.

Here is the hardware on my PC now:

Motherboard: Asus P4C800-E Deluxe
Processor: Intel Pentium 4, Socket 478 3.06 GHz
Memory: Kingston PC3200 DDR400, 1 GB (2 x 512)
Video: ATI Radeon 9700 Pro (AGP)
HDD: Maxtor SATA 200 GB (don't remember the model number)
Optical: CDROM and DVDRW (both working properly...aparently)

Has anyone else had this problem? How did you resolve it? As I mentioned,
I'm running a clean install...my frustration level is through the roof right
now as I've been trying this since Monday evening!

Any help would be greatly appreciated!
 
When you state "unplugged all unneccessary hardware," did that include the
video card? :-)
(A very small number of ATIs are causing Black Screens or lockups,
usually after Vista installation. If you have onboard video support, remove
this card, reboot and then install Vista.)

After flashing your BIOS, does it boot into XP okay?
 
No, I don't have onboard video, so I don't really have the option to get rid
of my ATI card. I unplugged such things as my printer, scanner, card reader,
etc.

When I flashed my BIOS I was able to boot to XP, but I've since formatted
the drive as to run Vista as my only OS (I know...mistake!)

Is there a way to bypass the lock up without having to replace my video
card? If not, can you recommend a decent card (AGP, dual DVI, 256 or better)
that will allow me to complete the install?

Thanks for your reply by the way...

Reyno
 
Going out on a long skinny branch...

Is there a video cable receptacle you can plug into other than the video
card? (Look at the little icons next to the receptacles.) If so, do so.
Remove the video card and reboot. It MAY default to an old VGA method of
video. It will look horrendous if it works. But, it won't hurt anything other
than a little time, but may save you the cost of a video card.

Once installed, ensure you get the current drivers for you machine, then
reinstall the hardware.
 
Please understand:
All this is to rule out the video card. We don't even know if it is the
problem.
 
I know. Yet another reason why I'm hesitant to go buy a new graphics card.

I have the Vista drivers for my card; is there a way to install them during
the OS install process or do I have to wait until the OS is fully installed?
 
Starting fresh:

What BIOS did you flash?
Asus updates: P4C800 BIOS is not the same as P4C800E or P4C800 Deluxe
BIOS.
P4C800E BIOS:
http://dlsvr03.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/sock478/P4C800E-DX/P4ced23.zip
It must be installed using:
http://dlsvr03.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/flash/AFUDOS226.zip
Versions prior to 2.07 will "work" but may cause problems.
This update applies to motherboards purchased in a retail ASUS package.
If your motherboard is part of Compaq X07 Gaming PC or Compaq X09 Gaming PC
systems, you should obtain BIOS updates from HP, as using this BIOS may have
adverse effects, such as rendering your system unusable.

The other BIOS update (from HP):
ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp24001-24500/sp24052.exe
(It does not address Vista even in the slightest as it was released
in 2004.)


The VIA Chipset will potentially cause problems towards the end of your
installation. Allow Vista to install without sound and then install the
drivers after installation.
 
This post may come up twice...if it does, I apologize.

I flashed the same version you sent me; update 1023. I didn't use the
AFUDOS utility though, I used ASUS EZ Flash (the manual says you can do
either and EZ Flash seemed easier)...I'll re-flash this afternoon and use the
AFUDOS method.

I bought the card retail, so the HP info doesn't apply.

About the VIA Chipset issue...if I can get to the point where Vista is
installing sound drivers I'll start kissing the sky!

I'll post again once I try the AFUDOS. If you have any more insight before
that, please send it my way.

Reyno
 
I did everything below and still have the same problem...what was I thinking
trying to install this...I should have waited a year before buying this OS!!!
 
I read your reply to my post, thank you. I have never flashed a BIOS before,
not to sure about trying. I don't have the video problem you do, I have the
"blue screen of death" problem. (lol) I have tried new memory, my HD and ATI
X1600 in a different computer and works fine. I'm starting to think it these
Asus motherboards.
 
Reyno wrote:
....
I have the Vista drivers for my card; is there a way to install them during
the OS install process or do I have to wait until the OS is fully installed?
Click to expand...

Aha! I'm working from memory, so adjust as needed: there is one place
during install where you are asked for special drivers. I think (but
I'm not sure) that it's the screen that asks you where you want to
install Vista. I seem to recall that you must keep your eyes open for
it because it's not obvious. I think (maybe) it's at the bottom of the
screen.

Just pay close attention and you'll see it somewhere during the install
process.
 
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