Abit AN-M2HD Won't Complete Vista Install

[s_kinton]

Right, I upgraded my HTPC over the weekend and couldnt get it to install Vista. In the end I had to hook up the HTPC HDD to my main PC, install Vista and then put it back into the HTPC and rejig all the drivers.

I needed to re-install Vista yesterday and cannot get it to install. Its a pita to keep taking the HDD out and using my main PC, when it should work.

The install goes fine until it gets to the 'completing installation' bit and then it just hangs and does nothing. A restart tries to boot windows but says that setup failed and to reinstall!

The HTPC spec is as follows:

Abit AN-M2HD with BIOS 15 (latest)
AMD x2 4000+
2x1Gb DDR2 at 1.85v (stock voltage for this mem)
80Gb Hitachi SATAII for os

Any suggestions?

[s_kinton]

After playing with this board some more, the USB support is terrible.

I've tried 3 USB keyboards on this machine and its hit or miss as to whether it will work before windows. Meaning I cant get into the BIOS or safe mode etc. Truly annoying.

I've never known a board have such issues. Ive got USB support set to OS in the BIOS I think. Would love to check but cant get to it!!

[BUFF]

Not got a PS/2 keyboard or USB-PS/2 adapter around?

[s_kinton]

Not got a PS/2 keyboard or USB-PS/2 adapter around?

I thought I had, but unfortunately not, Im stuck with USB. I've never known a board have such poor USB support like this.

[s_kinton]

Anyone got any suggestions on this?

[s_kinton]

Well I finally got it sorted. I used a ps/2 keyboard to change the BIOS settings for USB. I set ketboard to BIOS and mouse to OS. It now lets me use my USB keyboard pre-os.

The issue with the install completing was resolved by taking out 1 stick of DDR2. It completed the install and I put the stick back in - all is good. No idea why it doesnt like my second stick in there for Vista install.

After finally getting the HTPC sorted, I turned on my main PC this morning to find repetitive BSODs before getting into windows and safe mode won't work