Unable to install (and boot) unless in safe mode

[Guest]

Compaq Presario (Laptop) 2132RS
Mobile AMD Athlon XP 1800+ 1.52GHz
512MB RAM
ATI RADEON 320M Integrated Graphics

I was unable to install Vista (x86) from the disk. It would go to the first
screen where it's preparing the files for installation, then to the loading
screen with the "Windows c 2006 Microsoft Corporation" at the bottom and it
just hangs there.

So I decided to install it from within Windows XP. It made it through the
first install section fine and then rebooted. And the same thing happened
(hung at the loading screen). So I rebooted manually and started in safe
mode and it booted fine and continued the install progress. The same
sequence happened for all of the additional required reboots.

So right now I have Vista installed and I am still unable to get to it
unless I am in safe mode. It would be nice to see what all the fuss is
about. LoL I spent at least 2 hours going through posts on here and none of
them addressed my problem. I've tried upgrading every driver I can. I've
unplugged everything (even my network cable & AC power supply) during reboot
and it still won't boot normally.

And just to specify again.. When trying to install normally (i.e. not in
safe mode) I could never get past the 2nd screen (1st screen is black with
progress bar at the bottom and the second has the loading bar with the
Microsoft copywrite on it). I have noticed that sometimes the lights on my
keyboard flash and then it hangs after that, but not all of the time. Just
an observation.

I've tried rebooting in safe mode, safe mode with networking, enable boot
logging (don't notice anything different than safe mode), kernel debugger
mode (won't load), low-resolution video mode (won't load), and others.

I'd really like to try this out in a mode other than safe mode. Can anyone
provide assistance? PLLLLEASE!

 

[Jane C]

Your integrated graphics card isn't supported in Vista. There are no
drivers for it available at the ATI site either.

 

[Guest]

Yeah I didn't see the video card listed on the ATI website, but the graphics
driver was installed with "(Microsoft Corporation)" listed after it so I
assumed it was update to date. I even downloaded the ATI driver installer
for Vista and it said my graphics drivers were up to date?

Even if I "uninstall" the ATI device, on the next reboot (in safe mode, of
course.. LoL), it automatically detects and installs the device and drivers.
Thoughts???

~Jenny

 

[Jane C]

A basic graphics driver was installed, but as your ATI card is not supported
and has no Vista drivers, it will not install, so you're stuck in Safe Mode.

 

[Jane C]

Actually, there is a standard vga graphics adapter that Vista can install
which should give you proper access to your desktop, so I'm stumped as to
why it's not working for you. I'm pretty sure that I got to the desktop
with the Standard VGA one (I'd been experimenting with installing and
uninstalling graphics drivers and somehow ended up with the Standard VGA one
at one stage.).

 

[Guest]

Jenny -
Get a hold of a Windows XP Pro disk. Partition Your drive (I have a 60
Gig) 25 g for Windows XP / E:\10 Gigs for My documents (I keep all keepables
and data there) / D:\ 25 Gigs for Vista. The You install to C:\ for Windows
XP. Your "MY Documents" are Safe on the E:\drive then You Install to D:\.
Vista can act up all it wants.
Also I have a Gateway 7215GX running a AMD 3000+(2.19 Ghz) 32Bit, 768
Megs of Ram, 64 Mb of Shared Video (Radeon IGP 320M). Our Computers are not
on the supported list for Vista. I know this works and will help to stablize
your install.
We only have the Microsoft Radeon 320M driver - Maximum resolution 1024
X 768. Please don't waste your time installing the ATI Vista drivers - Those
don't work.

God's Speed.