Hello... I can't seem to get Vista 64-Bit to install on my system. I can get Vista 32-Bit to install though. When installing Vista64, the files extract to the HDD without problem, but after the PC reboots for the first time, the "green motion bar" starts for about 10secs then the PC simply reboots over and over again from the same spot. When it reboots I get the option for Safe Mode, Normal, Last Known Good, etc... If I run safe mode I get a message "Windows can't finish installing in safe mode" and forces a restart.

My System:
Asus P5N32-E SLI
4GB (4-sticks) Matched DDRII ((Corsair 4-4-4-4-12)) 800Mhz
Intel Core2 Duo e4300 @ 1.8Ghz
Antec TruePower 650
nVidia 7900GS (no SLI being used)
Main HDD = 320GB SATAII
Other HDDs = 2x 400GB SATAII
More HDDs = 2x 500GB SATAII
CD-Rom = SATA Lite-On 20x SuperMulti

OK... seems I got it working, but I'm not sure what caused it. Here's what I've done...

I removed 2 sticks of my RAM leaving only 2GB in dual channel mode. I then unplugged all my extra HDDs leaving only the main 320GB (required to install onto of course) and my SATA DVD burner (required for installing from the CD).

I then entered the BIOS and changed my RAM settings from "SLI enabled" to Disabled.. this in turned auto changed my ram timings to 5-5-5-5-18.

I then ran the 64bit install again and formatted and and so I'm currently on the Vista 64bit desktop.

I assume it has more to do with the RAM and maybe the ASUS mainboard (going from reading other posts on the net)... but of course I'm not sure.

Next step I'll be getting all updates and changing my system back to previous settings... I'll report back if I'm able to run as I did... or if something needs to remained changed.

TK.

I have heard that happening, when more than 4 gigs of memory are installed, just doing what you did corrected the problem. I dont think that you should have any problem when you put those two ram sticks back and then changing everything back where you had it.

Jim R

Well... I wanted to add another update.

After a few restarts with all my hardware back to original... the computer would have a random crash at startup. (oh no).

So... I turned the RAM timings back down and it still happend (so I turned the timings back up).

I posted on a Vista x64 message board and someone directed me to this update from Microsoft.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929...

After installing and restarting 10 times... I've not had a crash since. Still going to hold my breath for a good month, but it looks good.

So... here are the rules.

If you're installing Vista x64 with 4GB of RAM or more... you might get lucky and it will work... but if not, remove enough RAM to get you at 2GB or less, intsall Vista x64... get all updates... install the above patch... install your hardware drivers... then re-install your extra RAM.

I assume Microsoft will have this issue fixed for SP1 release so that if you're installing SP1 later on, this shouldn't be an issue.

TK.

I've install Vista X64 4 times from Beta to Final and never had a problem with my 4gb of Ram. Also I have done it with XP 64 as well and never had a problem. I don't think it's luck, but more lines of conflict between MS and certain types of ram when you go over the 3gb mark.

Glad you got it fixed though.