[SOLVED] Windows 7 32-bit installs but 64-bit stalls

Acer is one of the companies that has the Plug & Play option in the bios of some or all of its machines. It must be set to yes. Did you check on this?

OK. Please forgive me I was using the wrong terminology in my posts.(Install versus Update).

My BIOS does not have the Plug&Play OS setting.

Here is exactly what I did the first time for the 64-bit version

1) backed-up all my files
2) Had the system boot from the DVD and I performed a Custom Install
3) The screen where all the files unpack and it checks-off 5 items worked fine
4) It did a reboot that went well
5) On the second reboot it says starting Windows, the four color window is in the middle of the screen and on the bottom it says Microsoft Corporation.

It just hangs at this point (> 60 mins). I have to use the power button to turn the system off.

I went through the same procedure and was able to install the 32-bit version without a problem.

I have one of those stupid 6 in 1 card readers and I read elsewhere that may be a problem. I can't figure out where to disable it.

I looked at Paul Thurrott's Supersite for Windows and with the 64-bit install I never get to the point of entering the activation code.

Install the latest video driver from ATI or NVIDIA, in safe mode and it should fix it at that point:

NVIDIA

Drivers & Support | GAME.AMD.COM

Once to normal mode, install again so the Control Panel is installed too.

It shouldn't be hanging at the four color window during startup.

How old is your laptop? Is it truly 64 bit capable?

How are your RAM settings?

Installing a video driver won't help at this point because you can't get there to install it, so that's a moot point.

What model of Acer laptop is it? Give us some more info please.

My bad, I misread your post and thought you had a full install of 64 bit. (I speed-read posts which is often well, but not 100% heh heh.)

You can try this method to install while disabling the video adapter driver and see if it goes any better for you:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials...tallation.html

It is an Acer M3100-215DX. It is three years old. It is a desktop and it "passed" the Windows 7 upgrade advisor for 64-bit.

What exactly do you mean by RAM settings?

I can't even get it to launch in Safe Mode.

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!!!

I disabled the video and the 6 in 1 card reader and it launched. Once it launched I re-enabled the video and it hung again. So I need to update that driver.

Thanks again. Very much appreciated.

You're welcome.

One more satisfied member