Vista 64-bit install problems

[TedKord]

I got my free Vista 64-bit from the Windows Feedback Program. But I'm at a loss now as I try to set up a dual boot with the existing XP Pro.

I already had a nearly empty 40-gb partition on my HD (two drives in RAID mirror SATA). I formatted it with the Vista install formatter, then installed to thet logical drive. It went without a hitch.

Then, it booted on the first boot no problem. I disabled the tv-tuner in my PC, because it doesn't have any 64-bit drivers (Leadtek Winfast 2000XP Deluxe). My printer also doesn't have 64-bit drivers, but that was turned off, so I hadn't gotten around to worrying about that.

On the next boot, it hangs before the vista splash screen. Monitor goes into powersave after showing no signal. Keeps doing this.

So, I reformat and install again. This time, on first boot I manually install nvidia 64-bit drivers for my 7950GX2, thinking that may bee the problem.. Reboot - same thing. It never gets to the login screen, no signal, monitor powers down.

WTH am I doing wrong? My system is in the sig, but to summarize: C2D E6400, MSI P6N-SLI (nvidia 650i), 4X1 GB of Corsair XMS2, Geforce 7950 GX2. I usually OC the C2D to 3GHz, but for this everything is at stock.

Any help would be very...helpful. And appreciated.

 

[ViRGE]

Pull 2GB of memory and see if that resolves your issue. NVIDIA hardware and Vista RTM had problems with 4GB of memory until a hotfix (or now SP1) was installed.

 

[Woofmeister]

Just a little note that even post-SP1 installation I still had problems adding back my 2GBs of memory.

Installing this hotfix solved the problem.

Just don't install your RAM modules until you restart your computer following the hotfix install.

 

[Cybercraig]

Hey Woof, is that 4 X 1gb OCZ-SLI (the black sticks) you are running?

 

[Woofmeister]

Originally posted by: Cybercraig
Hey Woof, is that 4 X 1gb OCZ-SLI (the black sticks) you are running?

Yep, these.

Standby for a detailed post describing the amazing performance gains I'm seeing at stock timings by going to a 64 bit operating system over Vista Ultiamte 32 bit. Just finishing up some confirmatory testing.

 

[Cybercraig]

Are you able to run 4 at 1T? I might be up for another pair.

 

[Scarpozzi]

I installed mine with 4GB of RAM and an NVidia 7600GT last week.

After booting, I saw the loading bar and then my video went to power save mode... I disconnected my KVM switch and went straight to the monitor and had no problems after that. You're not going through a KVM are you?

 

[TedKord]

Originally posted by: Scarpozzi
I installed mine with 4GB of RAM and an NVidia 7600GT last week.

After booting, I saw the loading bar and then my video went to power save mode... I disconnected my KVM switch and went straight to the monitor and had no problems after that. You're not going through a KVM are you?

No, direct to the monitor. Thanks for the other replies, guys. I'll try that hotfix.

 

[Scotteq]

I noticed you are running 4 DIMMS, and see issues with this type of setup fairly often: Please understand that when memory and mobo makers test, certify, and create their default settings, they do so with *two* sticks of RAM. Not four. Double the modules are more stressful on your memory controller, Front Side Buss, and are likely to experience more voltage drop - depending on the quality/quantity of your mobo's voltage regulation. Therefore the factory settings may or may not be adequate for your configuration.


Use Memtest to make sure the modules work individually/in pairs. If so, and I suspect this will be the case, then I'd be willing to bet it's a physical issue with the mobo not being able to drive all 4 DIMMS on the automatic settings...

(1) MANUALLY set all timings to the manufacturer's certified. MANUALLY set the voltages to the max (or near max) of the manufacturer's rating. Manually set tRFC to 54 or greater, and ensure the command rate is set to 2T.

If that works - (12 hours P95 Blend with no errors is a reasonable standard for a working overclock on a computer that's not n 24/7) - then consider lowering the voltage - still staying in the recommended range. If you change a setting, run P95 again.

Do not over volt your RAM - You may want to invest in some software that measures the actual voltage, rather than rely on what you set: If you're losing a few 100ths or even 10ths to voltage drop it's an important detail to know and compensate for. Some Bios' may have a setting for "vDrop" or "vDroop" - use it if it's there. If not, you'll have to bump the mains to make up the difference.



If that doesn't work: (2) Bump the voltage to the North Bridge by one setting, and try again. So if the NB voltage is 1.3 then bump it to 1.31, or whatever the next higher setting is.

If that still doesn't work (3) Relax your timings a notch: For example, if your RAM is 4-4-4-12, then try 5-5-5-15.



In my case, I have 8GB of 800 Mhz OCZ Reapers at 4-4-4-12, 2T, 2.05volts. tRFC is 54. FSB is set to 1.33. DFI UT LP P35 T2R mobo. There was no need to loosen timings on my setup. Your Mileage probably Will Vary.