New Build - Windows fails to install or installs corrupted files
New Build - Windows fails to install or installs corrupted files
New Build
Intel i9 13900K
Corsair Vengeance DDR5 5600 4 sticks of 16gb
MSI MAG B760M Mortar Wifi
Samsung 970 1tb m.2
Corsair RM850e PSU
No GPU or additional peripherals
Alternative parts used for troubleshooting:
- Crucial DDR5 4800 2 sticks of 32
- Off Brand 1tb m.2
- Samsung SATA 870 1tb EVO
Testing steps attempted:
- Various installation media (different USBs, ports, Windows 10/11, installation disks)
- Installing Windows with only one RAM stick in DIMMA2 slot, testing all six sticks
- Testing both M.2 slots with drives and connected SSDs
- Updating BIOS
- Using RMA motherboard (returned with "repaired ok" note)
Updated attempts:
- Performed memtest using USB drive three times with no errors
- Connected via Wi-Fi instead of Ethernet on the board
- Disabled Fast Boot mode
Results observed:
- Windows installation is rare and often fails to update
- When it does, updates are incomplete or non-functional
- Immediate closure when opening a window
- Uncertain next steps due to lack of replacement parts
- Persistent frustration with no clear solution
Any suggestions on possible causes? The PSU, motherboard, or something else?
The motherboard QVL may include either or both RAM kits. Disabling XMP memory overclocking could improve your chances. Using two DIMMs might offer more stability than four. Consider installing two 4800MT/s DIMMs in the recommended slots (A2, B2). Have you tested the PC with MemTest86+ on USB and performed a full memory scan? Do you have a high-quality CPU cooler, such as a 240/360mm AIO or Noctua NH-D15? Ensure the cooler makes proper contact with the CPU top.
It appears your system may have mismatched RAM. Begin with a 2 stick kit of RAM purchased as a matched pair and placed in the two suggested slots. Execute memtest86 or memtest86+. Boot from a USB stick without using Windows. You can obtain them from:
MemTest86 - Official Site of the x86 Memory Testing Tool
MemTest86 is the original self-booting memory testing software for x86 and ARM computers. It supports both BIOS and UEFI, with options to boot from USB.
www.memtest86.com
Memtest86+ | The Open-Source Memory Testing Tool
Memtest86+ is a free, open-source, standalone memory tester for 32- and 64-bit systems (supports UEFI & BIOS).
www.memtest.org
If a full pass completes without errors, your RAM should be functioning correctly. It also indicates that your CPU and motherboard appear to be in good condition. Performing additional passes occasionally may reveal further issues, though this takes longer. It’s generally not necessary unless you strongly suspect a RAM problem.
Check if the Windows version you have is the official one downloaded directly from Microsoft. If Windows won’t update, it’s likely due to poor internet connection. This could be caused by missing LAN drivers or Wi-Fi adapter drivers. MSI often requires installing their installer first, which then installs the appropriate drivers. I’ve found the MSI forums to be quite useful for this issue in the past.
MSI Global English Forum
...forum-en.msi.com
Neither of my kits appears on the motherboard QVL
XMP Overclocking is disabled
I installed the two sticks as per the manual, A2 and B2
Memtest passed and ran again overnight, also passing with no errors.
Yes, I have a good cooler, the Noctua NH-U125, installed correctly
Thank you very much for your time.
I purchased all my RAM in pairs within original packaging.
I installed them following the MB manual, using A2 and B2 slots.
Memtest was successful; I ran another test overnight and it also passed without any errors.
I have confirmed internet access during Windows installs—by briefly visiting websites until the window closes.
I can try installing programs like Discord or Steam, but the window often closes before installation completes, and sometimes I manage to open a few smaller windows updates.
Updating 22H2 on both Windows 10 and 11 has been unsuccessful.
I’m still puzzled about what’s causing these persistent installation problems, especially since I can install without internet using the official Windows installation disk with a connected SATA drive.
All my installation media are genuine.
Thank you very much for your help.
I retried the installation after completing memtest without any issues. I made a new Windows USB drive and tried to gather more useful details that could help identify the problem. Initially, the setup process worked, but then I encountered a blue screen with a "Page fault in non paged area" message. The loop restarted, asking for region selection and other details, before finally saying there was an installation issue but suggested checking internet connection. I connected via Ethernet and Wi-Fi, but the problem persisted. Later, I used a completely new drive just to rule out corruption from previous secure erase operations. This time it repeatedly stuck at the "getting ready for installation" screen, showing error codes like "0xC0000005" and "windows installation encountered an unexpected error. Verify the installation sources are available, and restart the installation." I’ve experienced this error multiple times using different media—USB, DVD, and installation disks—and failed many attempts, with the installations often becoming corrupted. What could be causing this?
Verify the CPU temperature within the BIOS settings. Inspect the CPU socket for any bent or damaged pins. Ensure the SATA controller is configured as AHCI and that fast boot is turned off. During Windows 10 installation, consider disabling secure boot.
CPU temperature is at 37°C in BIOS. The CPU socket was verified by me and MSI; it was previously configured to AHCl. Fast boot was disabled, but it was enabled again, yet I encountered an error 0xC0000005 during the installation setup process. Thank you for your assistance and time.
I've identified the problem for others in the future. It involved my CPU, and to bypass the turbo boost, I had to disable it in the BIOS. The CPU must then be returned.