Q6600 - trouble installing a (64-bit) OS

[idata]

Dear Intel Processor Board Community,

I am running a Q6600, DG33TL, 4GB 800Mhz RAM, Nvidia 8500, and (32-bit) Windows 7 (RC). Monday, I decide that I wanted to see if I could improve my user experience by moving to (64-bit) OS. So I download and burned the 64-bit version of Windows 7 (RC).

Failed Attempt # 1 to install (64-bit) Windows 7 (RC) went like this: I inserted the DVD into my DVD-ROM whilst the (32-bit) version of Windows 7 was running and simply double-clicked on the 'setup' executable from within My Computer. Guess what happened? Yep, it gave me an error 'Hey dummy your OS is not compatible with the program your trying to run - it may be that one is 32-bit & the other is 64-bit.' Doh!

Failed Attempt # 2 to install (64-bit) Windows 7 (RC) went like this: I did a hard reboot in order to boot from my DVD-ROM drive. O.K. I don't have the best memory...but to the best of my recollection this is what I saw:

1.

2.

Which version of the CD-ROM would you like boot?

Lines 1 & 2 are totally blank and the system is asking me to choose between them? That's just confusing!

So I choose (1) and guess what happens? Yep, it freezes my system.

to the point that I must turn off/on the power at the power supply.

Failed Attempt # 3 ...I choose (2) and guess what happens? Yep, it freezes again.

Question:

1.) I have noticed that Amazon stresses the fact that they only sell the 'BX80562Q6600 SLACR, with G0 stepping' version of the Q6600. How can I tell what version and stepping my Q6600 is? What's wrong with the non-SLACR version of the Q6600?' Could that be my problem?

2.) What is likely causing my system to present (2) blank options for me to choose from when I attempt to boot from DVD-ROM? Why do you think it freezes when I make a selection?

3.) By moving to a (64-bit) OS would you expect my user experience to improve? Any drawbacks of moving from a 32-bit OS to a 64-bit OS that I should be aware of?

Thanks

buymycorp

[idata]

Hi There,

to answer your questions:

1) To tell which revision you have of your cpu, try looking on the box that your product came in, failing that you would have to remove your heatsink fan, remove the thermal paste and check the details written ontop of the cpu. i highly doubt the cpu is causing your error.

2) it sounds to me like a bad burn of the windows iso. i would try burning the iso again using a slower speed.

3) you will see very little difference in moving from a 32bit to 64bit os. it does however add extra addresses for more RAM to be "seen" by the system. in 32bit your os will see up to 3.5gb of ram, but with 64bit you will see 4gb+. other than that it adds no real benefits.

also it has been known for drivers to be scarce for 64bit os's.

kindest regards

Steve

[idata]

Hi there,

Please note: You can not install a 64 bit OS on a running 32 bit OS. You will need to do a clean fresh installtion. I did on my system by following the instructions below.

To be honest, there is nothing with the board and CPU, the CPU supports Operating System 64 bit.

Website to check it: http://ark.intel.com/cpu.aspx?groupID=29765&code=Intel%c2%ae+Core%e2%84%a22+Quad+Processor+Q6600+(8M+Cache%2c+2.40+GHz%2c+1066+MHz+FSB http://ark.intel.com/cpu.aspx?groupID=29765&code=Intel%c2%ae+Core%e2%84%a22+Quad+Processor+Q6600+(8M+Cache%2c+2.40+GHz%2c+1066+MHz+FSB)

I will advise you to do a CMOS clear on the BOARD.

Then try to flash the bios on the BOARD using the RECOVERY Method.

Bios Version 0517

Website: http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&Inst=Yes&ProductID=2806&DwnldID=17260&strOSs=150&OSFullName=WindowsVista*64&lang=eng http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&Inst=Yes&ProductID=2806&DwnldID=17260&strOSs=150&OSFullName=WindowsVista*64&lang=eng

Instructions for the BIOS RECOVERY:

1. Copy the recovery file BIO file (*.bio) to a formatted usb disk.

2. Place the usb disk in the target system.3. Shut down the system and unplug AC power.4. Open the chassis and remove the BIOS Configuration Jumper. See the Technical Product Specification for details including the location of this jumper.5. Power the system on.6. Wait 2-5 minutes for the update to complete. When the usb drive LED is lit, the system is copying the recovery code into the FLASH device.7. System will either turn off when the recovery process is completed or it will prompt you to turn off the system.8. Remove usb disk9. Replace the BIOS Configuration Jumper.10. Restart system.

Note: these can be found on:

Website: http://downloadmirror.intel.com/17197/eng/BIOS%20Update%20Readme.pdf http://downloadmirror.intel.com/17197/eng/BIOS%20Update%20Readme.pdf

Once this is done, I will proceed to the steps below:

Connect your hard disk drive to the first SATA port.COnnect your optical drive to the last SATA port.Go into the BIOS, Advanced >> Configure SATA as IDE.Go to Boot Menu, Make Sure CD ROM Drive is the First device and the hard disk drive is the second priority.SAVE and EXIT.

Insert your OS CD.

Press any key to boot on the CD.Then it should work as usual.

Driver Download: Windows Vista 64 bit

Website: http://downloadcenter.intel.com/filter_results.aspx?strTypes=all&ProductID=2806&OSFullName=Windows+Vista*+64&lang=eng&strOSs=150&submit=Go%21 http://downloadcenter.intel.com/filter_results.aspx?strTypes=all&ProductID=2806&OSFullName=Windows+Vista*+64&lang=eng&strOSs=150&submit=Go%21

If it fails, try another OS CD like a Vista 64 bit as a test.

Other than this, I dont see why it should not work. I am sure that it will work fine after the BIOS update as if you check in the RELEASE NOTES of the BIOS, it mentions fixes on EFI boot images are not seen on IDE CD/DVD devices.

Regards,

Aryan.