vista 5308 installation hangs up after dvd boot

I've burned the Vista CTP February 2006 ISO file to a DVD+RW disk with Nero.
When booting my HP XW8200 with this DVD, the Vista installation shows the "Windows is loading files..." progress bar but then hangs up. The screen is black with a very, very dim "Windows (c) 2006 Microsoft Corporation" text being barely visible. The system is completely locked up, not even Ctrl-Alt-Del works. Looks like the system hangs while trying to load the first graphics-based screen ...
Hardware: HP XW8200, dual 3.6 GHz, 3 GB RAM, single 18GB SCSI drive, NVidia Quadro FX540 graphics card.
Hopefully next CTP will be better ...
Jari

Redownload off Connect the latest build - 5308.60 (right at the bottom of the page) and try a reinstall.
-- Zack Whittaker Microsoft Beta (Windows Server R2 Beta Mentor) » ZackNET Enterprises: www.zacknet.co.uk » MSBlog on ResDev: http://msblog.resdev.net » ZackNET Forum: www.zacknet.co.uk/forum » VistaBase: www.zacknet.co.uk/vistabase » This mailing is provided "as is" with no warranties, and confers no rights. All opinions expressed are those of myself unless stated so, and not of my employer, best friend, mother or cat. Let's be clear on that one!
--- Original message follows --- "Jari Salminen" wrote in message

I've burned the Vista CTP February 2006 ISO file to a DVD+RW disk with Nero.
When booting my HP XW8200 with this DVD, the Vista installation shows the "Windows is loading files..." progress bar but then hangs up. The screen is black with a very, very dim "Windows (c) 2006 Microsoft Corporation" text being barely visible. The system is completely locked up, not even Ctrl-Alt-Del works. Looks like the system hangs while trying to load the first graphics-based screen ...
Hardware: HP XW8200, dual 3.6 GHz, 3 GB RAM, single 18GB SCSI drive, NVidia Quadro FX540 graphics card.
Hopefully next CTP will be better ...
Jari

..60 is not any different from .17 except that Longhorn Server 5308 is finally included, also, its an unstaged build, which means it will take longer to install. Some persons are seeing installs on this build that range from 50 mins to 2.5 hours, so if you have the time, go ahead, download it.
I would try alternative methods, such burning the ISO file at a lower speed, or using alternative methods of installing such through Daemon Tools 3.02 Or create a dedicated logical partition and launch setup from within Windows XP. Also, that hang does not necessarily mean its non-responsive, could be a long detection process taking place, leave it for about an hour or 2 (2.5) :-p and check back on it. -- -- Andre Windows Connect | http://www.windowsconnected.com Extended64 | http://www.extended64.com Blog | http://www.extended64.com/blogs/andre http://spaces.msn.com/members/adacosta
"Zack Whittaker (R2 Mentor)" wrote in message

Redownload off Connect the latest build - 5308.60 (right at the bottom of the page) and try a reinstall.
-- Zack Whittaker Microsoft Beta (Windows Server R2 Beta Mentor) » ZackNET Enterprises: www.zacknet.co.uk » MSBlog on ResDev: http://msblog.resdev.net » ZackNET Forum: www.zacknet.co.uk/forum » VistaBase: www.zacknet.co.uk/vistabase » This mailing is provided "as is" with no warranties, and confers no rights. All opinions expressed are those of myself unless stated so, and not of my employer, best friend, mother or cat. Let's be clear on that one!
--- Original message follows --- "Jari Salminen" wrote in message I've burned the Vista CTP February 2006 ISO file to a DVD+RW disk with Nero.
When booting my HP XW8200 with this DVD, the Vista installation shows the "Windows is loading files..." progress bar but then hangs up. The screen is black with a very, very dim "Windows (c) 2006 Microsoft Corporation" text being barely visible. The system is completely locked up, not even Ctrl-Alt-Del works. Looks like the system hangs while trying to load the first graphics-based screen ...
Hardware: HP XW8200, dual 3.6 GHz, 3 GB RAM, single 18GB SCSI drive, NVidia Quadro FX540 graphics card.
Hopefully next CTP will be better ...
Jari

I've had the same issue now with the last two or three builds from MSDN. I'm not in the official beta, but I've been struggling to install Vista on a Toshiba Tecra A4-S211 (Centrino 1.6GHz, 1GB RAM, ATI Mobility X600). The problems Jari described sound almost exactly like what's going on with me.
I've never had problems installing OSes from DVD before. I've got the MSDN DVD's that I've installed XP with and those run just fine.
The hang issue happens exactly at the screen which used to have the window logo, with "Codename Longhorn" under it. The grey bar scans by a few times, but then it locks up. My whole system just goes quiet. HD light stays lit ,fans spin down, DVD drive stops spinning. It's just quiet. I don't think that qualifies as hardware detection... I have left it for a few hours too, nothing changed.
Not sure what else to do. Daemon tools didn't work, it did the same thing.
"Andre Da Costa [Extended64]" wrote in message

.60 is not any different from .17 except that Longhorn Server 5308 is finally included, also, its an unstaged build, which means it will take longer to install. Some persons are seeing installs on this build that range from 50 mins to 2.5 hours, so if you have the time, go ahead, download it.
I would try alternative methods, such burning the ISO file at a lower speed, or using alternative methods of installing such through Daemon Tools 3.02 Or create a dedicated logical partition and launch setup from within Windows XP. Also, that hang does not necessarily mean its non-responsive, could be a long detection process taking place, leave it for about an hour or 2 (2.5) :-p and check back on it. -- -- Andre Windows Connect | http://www.windowsconnected.com Extended64 | http://www.extended64.com Blog | http://www.extended64.com/blogs/andre http://spaces.msn.com/members/adacosta
"Zack Whittaker (R2 Mentor)" wrote in message Redownload off Connect the latest build - 5308.60 (right at the bottom of the page) and try a reinstall.
-- Zack Whittaker Microsoft Beta (Windows Server R2 Beta Mentor) » ZackNET Enterprises: www.zacknet.co.uk » MSBlog on ResDev: http://msblog.resdev.net » ZackNET Forum: www.zacknet.co.uk/forum » VistaBase: www.zacknet.co.uk/vistabase » This mailing is provided "as is" with no warranties, and confers no rights. All opinions expressed are those of myself unless stated so, and not of my employer, best friend, mother or cat. Let's be clear on that one!
--- Original message follows --- "Jari Salminen" wrote in message I've burned the Vista CTP February 2006 ISO file to a DVD+RW disk with Nero.
When booting my HP XW8200 with this DVD, the Vista installation shows the "Windows is loading files..." progress bar but then hangs up. The screen is black with a very, very dim "Windows (c) 2006 Microsoft Corporation" text being barely visible. The system is completely locked up, not even Ctrl-Alt-Del works. Looks like the system hangs while trying to load the first graphics-based screen ...
Hardware: HP XW8200, dual 3.6 GHz, 3 GB RAM, single 18GB SCSI drive, NVidia Quadro FX540 graphics card.
Hopefully next CTP will be better ...
Jari

Did you try installing it on a dedicated logical partition by launching setup from within Windows XP? -- -- Andre Windows Connect | http://www.windowsconnected.com Extended64 | http://www.extended64.com Blog | http://www.extended64.com/blogs/andre http://spaces.msn.com/members/adacosta
"Brad Gravesen" wrote in message

I've had the same issue now with the last two or three builds from MSDN. I'm not in the official beta, but I've been struggling to install Vista on a Toshiba Tecra A4-S211 (Centrino 1.6GHz, 1GB RAM, ATI Mobility X600). The problems Jari described sound almost exactly like what's going on with me.
I've never had problems installing OSes from DVD before. I've got the MSDN DVD's that I've installed XP with and those run just fine.
The hang issue happens exactly at the screen which used to have the window logo, with "Codename Longhorn" under it. The grey bar scans by a few times, but then it locks up. My whole system just goes quiet. HD light stays lit ,fans spin down, DVD drive stops spinning. It's just quiet. I don't think that qualifies as hardware detection... I have left it for a few hours too, nothing changed.
Not sure what else to do. Daemon tools didn't work, it did the same thing.
"Andre Da Costa [Extended64]" wrote in message .60 is not any different from .17 except that Longhorn Server 5308 is finally included, also, its an unstaged build, which means it will take longer to install. Some persons are seeing installs on this build that range from 50 mins to 2.5 hours, so if you have the time, go ahead, download it.
I would try alternative methods, such burning the ISO file at a lower speed, or using alternative methods of installing such through Daemon Tools 3.02 Or create a dedicated logical partition and launch setup from within Windows XP. Also, that hang does not necessarily mean its non-responsive, could be a long detection process taking place, leave it for about an hour or 2 (2.5) :-p and check back on it. -- -- Andre Windows Connect | http://www.windowsconnected.com Extended64 | http://www.extended64.com Blog | http://www.extended64.com/blogs/andre http://spaces.msn.com/members/adacosta
"Zack Whittaker (R2 Mentor)" wrote in message Redownload off Connect the latest build - 5308.60 (right at the bottom of the page) and try a reinstall.
-- Zack Whittaker Microsoft Beta (Windows Server R2 Beta Mentor) » ZackNET Enterprises: www.zacknet.co.uk » MSBlog on ResDev: http://msblog.resdev.net » ZackNET Forum: www.zacknet.co.uk/forum » VistaBase: www.zacknet.co.uk/vistabase » This mailing is provided "as is" with no warranties, and confers no rights. All opinions expressed are those of myself unless stated so, and not of my employer, best friend, mother or cat. Let's be clear on that one!
--- Original message follows --- "Jari Salminen" wrote in message I've burned the Vista CTP February 2006 ISO file to a DVD+RW disk with Nero.
When booting my HP XW8200 with this DVD, the Vista installation shows the "Windows is loading files..." progress bar but then hangs up. The screen is black with a very, very dim "Windows (c) 2006 Microsoft Corporation" text being barely visible. The system is completely locked up, not even Ctrl-Alt-Del works. Looks like the system hangs while trying to load the first graphics-based screen ...
Hardware: HP XW8200, dual 3.6 GHz, 3 GB RAM, single 18GB SCSI drive, NVidia Quadro FX540 graphics card.
Hopefully next CTP will be better ...
Jari

Actually I wiped the whole system at one point and tried to install it by itself. That was a previous build (December CTP I think) but I have not done that yet for the the February CTP. I may give that a try at some point this week. Right now I'm installing on another machine here so I need to keep my laptop up for a bit.
If I get it working I'll let you know.
Thanks, Brad
"Andre Da Costa [Extended64]" wrote in message

Did you try installing it on a dedicated logical partition by launching setup from within Windows XP? -- -- Andre Windows Connect | http://www.windowsconnected.com Extended64 | http://www.extended64.com Blog | http://www.extended64.com/blogs/andre http://spaces.msn.com/members/adacosta
"Brad Gravesen" wrote in message I've had the same issue now with the last two or three builds from MSDN. I'm not in the official beta, but I've been struggling to install Vista on a Toshiba Tecra A4-S211 (Centrino 1.6GHz, 1GB RAM, ATI Mobility X600). The problems Jari described sound almost exactly like what's going on with me.
I've never had problems installing OSes from DVD before. I've got the MSDN DVD's that I've installed XP with and those run just fine.
The hang issue happens exactly at the screen which used to have the window logo, with "Codename Longhorn" under it. The grey bar scans by a few times, but then it locks up. My whole system just goes quiet. HD light stays lit ,fans spin down, DVD drive stops spinning. It's just quiet. I don't think that qualifies as hardware detection... I have left it for a few hours too, nothing changed.
Not sure what else to do. Daemon tools didn't work, it did the same thing.
"Andre Da Costa [Extended64]" wrote in message .60 is not any different from .17 except that Longhorn Server 5308 is finally included, also, its an unstaged build, which means it will take longer to install. Some persons are seeing installs on this build that range from 50 mins to 2.5 hours, so if you have the time, go ahead, download it.
I would try alternative methods, such burning the ISO file at a lower speed, or using alternative methods of installing such through Daemon Tools 3.02 Or create a dedicated logical partition and launch setup from within Windows XP. Also, that hang does not necessarily mean its non-responsive, could be a long detection process taking place, leave it for about an hour or 2 (2.5) :-p and check back on it. -- -- Andre Windows Connect | http://www.windowsconnected.com Extended64 | http://www.extended64.com Blog | http://www.extended64.com/blogs/andre http://spaces.msn.com/members/adacosta
"Zack Whittaker (R2 Mentor)" wrote in message Redownload off Connect the latest build - 5308.60 (right at the bottom of the page) and try a reinstall.
-- Zack Whittaker Microsoft Beta (Windows Server R2 Beta Mentor) » ZackNET Enterprises: www.zacknet.co.uk » MSBlog on ResDev: http://msblog.resdev.net » ZackNET Forum: www.zacknet.co.uk/forum » VistaBase: www.zacknet.co.uk/vistabase » This mailing is provided "as is" with no warranties, and confers no rights. All opinions expressed are those of myself unless stated so, and not of my employer, best friend, mother or cat. Let's be clear on that one!
--- Original message follows --- "Jari Salminen" wrote in message I've burned the Vista CTP February 2006 ISO file to a DVD+RW disk with Nero.
When booting my HP XW8200 with this DVD, the Vista installation shows the "Windows is loading files..." progress bar but then hangs up. The screen is black with a very, very dim "Windows (c) 2006 Microsoft Corporation" text being barely visible. The system is completely locked up, not even Ctrl-Alt-Del works. Looks like the system hangs while trying to load the first graphics-based screen ...
Hardware: HP XW8200, dual 3.6 GHz, 3 GB RAM, single 18GB SCSI drive, NVidia Quadro FX540 graphics card.
Hopefully next CTP will be better ...
Jari

For Christ's sake's Andre, there IS!!! The .60 solves a LOT of the booting problems and the setup problems. Why won't you just take a little bit of information from someone else on board for once in a while?!? I always try and work with you on these solutions, but every damn time you throw it back in my face as if you're some unruly Godlike figure!
-- Zack Whittaker Microsoft Beta (Windows Server R2 Beta Mentor) » ZackNET Enterprises: www.zacknet.co.uk » MSBlog on ResDev: http://msblog.resdev.net » ZackNET Forum: www.zacknet.co.uk/forum » VistaBase: www.zacknet.co.uk/vistabase » This mailing is provided "as is" with no warranties, and confers no rights. All opinions expressed are those of myself unless stated so, and not of my employer, best friend, mother or cat. Let's be clear on that one!
--- Original message follows --- "Andre Da Costa [Extended64]" wrote in message

.60 is not any different from .17 except that Longhorn Server 5308 is finally included, also, its an unstaged build, which means it will take longer to install. Some persons are seeing installs on this build that range from 50 mins to 2.5 hours, so if you have the time, go ahead, download it.
I would try alternative methods, such burning the ISO file at a lower speed, or using alternative methods of installing such through Daemon Tools 3.02 Or create a dedicated logical partition and launch setup from within Windows XP. Also, that hang does not necessarily mean its non-responsive, could be a long detection process taking place, leave it for about an hour or 2 (2.5) :-p and check back on it. -- -- Andre Windows Connect | http://www.windowsconnected.com Extended64 | http://www.extended64.com Blog | http://www.extended64.com/blogs/andre http://spaces.msn.com/members/adacosta
"Zack Whittaker (R2 Mentor)" wrote in message Redownload off Connect the latest build - 5308.60 (right at the bottom of the page) and try a reinstall.
-- Zack Whittaker Microsoft Beta (Windows Server R2 Beta Mentor) » ZackNET Enterprises: www.zacknet.co.uk » MSBlog on ResDev: http://msblog.resdev.net » ZackNET Forum: www.zacknet.co.uk/forum » VistaBase: www.zacknet.co.uk/vistabase » This mailing is provided "as is" with no warranties, and confers no rights. All opinions expressed are those of myself unless stated so, and not of my employer, best friend, mother or cat. Let's be clear on that one!
--- Original message follows --- "Jari Salminen" wrote in message I've burned the Vista CTP February 2006 ISO file to a DVD+RW disk with Nero.
When booting my HP XW8200 with this DVD, the Vista installation shows the "Windows is loading files..." progress bar but then hangs up. The screen is black with a very, very dim "Windows (c) 2006 Microsoft Corporation" text being barely visible. The system is completely locked up, not even Ctrl-Alt-Del works. Looks like the system hangs while trying to load the first graphics-based screen ...
Hardware: HP XW8200, dual 3.6 GHz, 3 GB RAM, single 18GB SCSI drive, NVidia Quadro FX540 graphics card.
Hopefully next CTP will be better ...
Jari

OK sorry about that... I suppose I could have said that in a more mature fashion...
-- Zack Whittaker Microsoft Beta (Windows Server R2 Beta Mentor) » ZackNET Enterprises: www.zacknet.co.uk » MSBlog on ResDev: http://msblog.resdev.net » ZackNET Forum: www.zacknet.co.uk/forum » VistaBase: www.zacknet.co.uk/vistabase » This mailing is provided "as is" with no warranties, and confers no rights. All opinions expressed are those of myself unless stated so, and not of my employer, best friend, mother or cat. Let's be clear on that one!
--- Original message follows --- "Zack Whittaker (R2 Mentor)" wrote in message

For Christ's sake's Andre, there IS!!! The .60 solves a LOT of the booting problems and the setup problems. Why won't you just take a little bit of information from someone else on board for once in a while?!? I always try and work with you on these solutions, but every damn time you throw it back in my face as if you're some unruly Godlike figure!
-- Zack Whittaker Microsoft Beta (Windows Server R2 Beta Mentor) » ZackNET Enterprises: www.zacknet.co.uk » MSBlog on ResDev: http://msblog.resdev.net » ZackNET Forum: www.zacknet.co.uk/forum » VistaBase: www.zacknet.co.uk/vistabase » This mailing is provided "as is" with no warranties, and confers no rights. All opinions expressed are those of myself unless stated so, and not of my employer, best friend, mother or cat. Let's be clear on that one!
--- Original message follows --- "Andre Da Costa [Extended64]" wrote in message .60 is not any different from .17 except that Longhorn Server 5308 is finally included, also, its an unstaged build, which means it will take longer to install. Some persons are seeing installs on this build that range from 50 mins to 2.5 hours, so if you have the time, go ahead, download it.
I would try alternative methods, such burning the ISO file at a lower speed, or using alternative methods of installing such through Daemon Tools 3.02 Or create a dedicated logical partition and launch setup from within Windows XP. Also, that hang does not necessarily mean its non-responsive, could be a long detection process taking place, leave it for about an hour or 2 (2.5) :-p and check back on it. -- -- Andre Windows Connect | http://www.windowsconnected.com Extended64 | http://www.extended64.com Blog | http://www.extended64.com/blogs/andre http://spaces.msn.com/members/adacosta
"Zack Whittaker (R2 Mentor)" wrote in message Redownload off Connect the latest build - 5308.60 (right at the bottom of the page) and try a reinstall.
-- Zack Whittaker Microsoft Beta (Windows Server R2 Beta Mentor) » ZackNET Enterprises: www.zacknet.co.uk » MSBlog on ResDev: http://msblog.resdev.net » ZackNET Forum: www.zacknet.co.uk/forum » VistaBase: www.zacknet.co.uk/vistabase » This mailing is provided "as is" with no warranties, and confers no rights. All opinions expressed are those of myself unless stated so, and not of my employer, best friend, mother or cat. Let's be clear on that one!
--- Original message follows --- "Jari Salminen" wrote in message I've burned the Vista CTP February 2006 ISO file to a DVD+RW disk with Nero.
When booting my HP XW8200 with this DVD, the Vista installation shows the "Windows is loading files..." progress bar but then hangs up. The screen is black with a very, very dim "Windows (c) 2006 Microsoft Corporation" text being barely visible. The system is completely locked up, not even Ctrl-Alt-Del works. Looks like the system hangs while trying to load the first graphics-based screen ...
Hardware: HP XW8200, dual 3.6 GHz, 3 GB RAM, single 18GB SCSI drive, NVidia Quadro FX540 graphics card.
Hopefully next CTP will be better ...
Jari

So the install is complete at this point? or this just boot from the Setup DVD?
There are a couple of BCDEdit commands we might want to try just for grins if it is the first one. I don't know if this will fix it, but i have had a similar behavior with an IBM notebook that was fixed by doing a "bcdedit /set {default} detecthal 1"
worth a shot....
josh http://windowsconnected.com
"Jari Salminen" wrote in message

I've burned the Vista CTP February 2006 ISO file to a DVD+RW disk with Nero.
When booting my HP XW8200 with this DVD, the Vista installation shows the "Windows is loading files..." progress bar but then hangs up. The screen is black with a very, very dim "Windows (c) 2006 Microsoft Corporation" text being barely visible. The system is completely locked up, not even Ctrl-Alt-Del works. Looks like the system hangs while trying to load the first graphics-based screen ...
Hardware: HP XW8200, dual 3.6 GHz, 3 GB RAM, single 18GB SCSI drive, NVidia Quadro FX540 graphics card.
Hopefully next CTP will be better ...
Jari

I downloaded the Vista 5308 from MSND Subscriber Downloads, so I have no access to any other builds.
I just wanted to report this problem and hoping that it will be fixed to the next CTP builds ...
Jari
"Zack Whittaker (R2 Mentor)" wrote:

Redownload off Connect the latest build - 5308.60 (right at the bottom of the page) and try a reinstall.
-- Zack Whittaker Microsoft Beta (Windows Server R2 Beta Mentor) » ZackNET Enterprises: www.zacknet.co.uk » MSBlog on ResDev: http://msblog.resdev.net » ZackNET Forum: www.zacknet.co.uk/forum » VistaBase: www.zacknet.co.uk/vistabase » This mailing is provided "as is" with no warranties, and confers no rights. All opinions expressed are those of myself unless stated so, and not of my employer, best friend, mother or cat. Let's be clear on that one!
--- Original message follows --- "Jari Salminen" wrote in message I've burned the Vista CTP February 2006 ISO file to a DVD+RW disk with Nero.
When booting my HP XW8200 with this DVD, the Vista installation shows the "Windows is loading files..." progress bar but then hangs up. The screen is black with a very, very dim "Windows (c) 2006 Microsoft Corporation" text being barely visible. The system is completely locked up, not even Ctrl-Alt-Del works. Looks like the system hangs while trying to load the first graphics-based screen ...
Hardware: HP XW8200, dual 3.6 GHz, 3 GB RAM, single 18GB SCSI drive, NVidia Quadro FX540 graphics card.
Hopefully next CTP will be better ...
Jari

Install vista in safe mode (everytime after reboot press f8 and choose "safe mode"). after instalation disable pcmcia bus driver. for my toshiba it worked.
"Brad Gravesen" wrote in message

I've had the same issue now with the last two or three builds from MSDN. I'm not in the official beta, but I've been struggling to install Vista on a Toshiba Tecra A4-S211 (Centrino 1.6GHz, 1GB RAM, ATI Mobility X600). The problems Jari described sound almost exactly like what's going on with me.
I've never had problems installing OSes from DVD before. I've got the MSDN DVD's that I've installed XP with and those run just fine.
The hang issue happens exactly at the screen which used to have the window logo, with "Codename Longhorn" under it. The grey bar scans by a few times, but then it locks up. My whole system just goes quiet. HD light stays lit ,fans spin down, DVD drive stops spinning. It's just quiet. I don't think that qualifies as hardware detection... I have left it for a few hours too, nothing changed.
Not sure what else to do. Daemon tools didn't work, it did the same thing.
"Andre Da Costa [Extended64]" wrote in message .60 is not any different from .17 except that Longhorn Server 5308 is finally included, also, its an unstaged build, which means it will take longer to install. Some persons are seeing installs on this build that range from 50 mins to 2.5 hours, so if you have the time, go ahead, download it.
I would try alternative methods, such burning the ISO file at a lower speed, or using alternative methods of installing such through Daemon Tools 3.02 Or create a dedicated logical partition and launch setup from within Windows XP. Also, that hang does not necessarily mean its non-responsive, could be a long detection process taking place, leave it for about an hour or 2 (2.5) :-p and check back on it. -- -- Andre Windows Connect | http://www.windowsconnected.com Extended64 | http://www.extended64.com Blog | http://www.extended64.com/blogs/andre http://spaces.msn.com/members/adacosta
"Zack Whittaker (R2 Mentor)" wrote in message Redownload off Connect the latest build - 5308.60 (right at the bottom of the page) and try a reinstall.
-- Zack Whittaker Microsoft Beta (Windows Server R2 Beta Mentor) » ZackNET Enterprises: www.zacknet.co.uk » MSBlog on ResDev: http://msblog.resdev.net » ZackNET Forum: www.zacknet.co.uk/forum » VistaBase: www.zacknet.co.uk/vistabase » This mailing is provided "as is" with no warranties, and confers no rights. All opinions expressed are those of myself unless stated so, and not of my employer, best friend, mother or cat. Let's be clear on that one!
--- Original message follows --- "Jari Salminen" wrote in message I've burned the Vista CTP February 2006 ISO file to a DVD+RW disk with Nero.
When booting my HP XW8200 with this DVD, the Vista installation shows the "Windows is loading files..." progress bar but then hangs up. The screen is black with a very, very dim "Windows (c) 2006 Microsoft Corporation" text being barely visible. The system is completely locked up, not even Ctrl-Alt-Del works. Looks like the system hangs while trying to load the first graphics-based screen ...
Hardware: HP XW8200, dual 3.6 GHz, 3 GB RAM, single 18GB SCSI drive, NVidia Quadro FX540 graphics card.
Hopefully next CTP will be better ...
Jari