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Question

windows installation will not complete

May 1, 2017 9:47AM PDT

When I attempt to install Windows on a new hard drive in my desktop, the installation never completes. It goes so far then the monitor goes black (enters power saving mode).
I have experimented installing from my retail Windows 7 dvd, also tried installing Vista from the dvd. In each case the monitor goes black before completion, though the computer keeps running. I experimented with Linux and that installed ok.

I have just run the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool, half way through running it the monitor went black again.
Would all this point to a problem with the memory?
I am running Windows 10 Pro 64bit

Graphics card AMD Radeon HD 5700 Series

ASUS P5P43TD motherboard

Processor Intel® Core (TM)2 CPU 6700 @ 2.66GHz 2.67 GHz

Ram 4.00GB

I would much appreciate any advice.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
If memory diagnostic results in black screen
May 1, 2017 9:54AM PDT

And OSes won't install it's most likely hardware but does not tell us it's RAM.

The 5700 and 6700 CPU are very old. So we can't be sure of much other than to clean up the PC, reduce any parts we can such as unplug WiFi, Ethernet, disable sound in the bios along with fresh heat sink compounds, fan checks and a current BIOS.

http://ark.intel.com/products/27251/Intel-Core2-Duo-Processor-E6700-4M-Cache-2_66-GHz-1066-MHz-FSB pegs this PC at over 10 years old.

My advice is to also inspect for BAD CAPS (see google) as you repace heatsink compounds. The PSU SHALL BE over 400Watts, single rail as well.

Post was last edited on May 1, 2017 9:55 AM PDT

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Time to visit repair shop!
May 1, 2017 1:06PM PDT

Thanks for your reply. I think it's time to visit my local repair shop for a new motherboard and CPU.

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Re: new motherboard
May 1, 2017 1:19PM PDT

A new motherboard and a new CPU probably need new (faster) RAM and a new license for Windows, and maybe a new version of Windows (the latest hardware is no longer supported by Windows 7). And it might be a good occasion to replace the HDD by an SSD, or add an SSD and use the old HDD (if still large enough) for data storage only.

So, in effect, you only use the PSU (if not too old) the DVD burner, the memory card reader and the floppy disk (if you have those last three) from the old PC. And maybe the video card, although modern motherboards don't need one if you're not a gamer.

Often, this is a good opportunity to consider buying a totally new PC with 2 years warranty and ready to run instead of having a repair shop replacing nearly everything and install the new Windows. It might even be cheaper.

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Answer
Install
May 1, 2017 8:18PM PDT
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New computer needed
May 1, 2017 11:19PM PDT

I guess I need to be looking for a new computer.