Problems installing & using os

[no_1_dave]

Not sure what to check next.
Built a pc for my dad below:

Intel Pentium Dual-Core E2200 "LGA775 Core 2" 2.20GHz (800FSB) - Retail
Gigabyte GA-73PVM-S2 NVIDIA GeForce 7100 / nForce 630i Chipset (Socket 775) PCI-Express DDR2 Motherboard
OCZ ModXStream Pro 400w Silent SLI Ready ATX2 Modular Power Supply
OCZ 4GB (2x2GB) PC2-6400C5 Dual Channel Vista Gold Series DDR2
Samsung SH-S223F/BEBE 22x DVD±RW SATA Dual Layer ReWriter (Black) - OEM

When I go to install Vista the problems start.
1) Vista copies files, then hangs for ages on the background before loading the install options etc up
2) Once installed the PC wont get passed the "verifying DMI pool data" screen of the bios where it should then load Windows.

I thought it was bootmgr so I did a repair install but the diagnostic said nothing was wrong. I have tried taking out all components & reseating them, i've tried different SATA ports for the HDD & DVD Drive, i've tried with 1 stick of ram, i've tried with DVD drive unplugged, i've updated the bios, basically i'm out of options. It posts fine, then doesnt go any further when it should be loading windows

Anyone else ever had this?

 

[no_1_dave]

Re-installed twice & tried resetting cmos.
Booted into a Linux USB stick to flash the bios perfectly fine.
Also setting up my the windows account was fine, problem was only after final reboot before being able to use windows.

 

[no_1_dave]

Tried all that & no luck
I'm trying a new HDD as we speak, an IDE one instead of SATA, i'll see if it then works.
I doubt it will though as I was able to boot a Gparted DVD & view the partition etc so doubt there is anything wrong with the hard drive.

 

[no_1_dave]

Other HDD worked until I installed some stuff, then the same thing started happening

 

[no_1_dave]

Drivers & Adobe reader

 

[no_1_dave]

any joy on this, i have the same trouble?

I was trying to get away with using my OEM vista that I have already registered meaning I needed a crack, once I just bit the bullet & bought another copy (this time retail so I can keep using it) it worked.