issues with Vista install

[Hoopster81]

Hey guys,

I am having a problem trying to install Vista. I got a new Inspiron the other day and want to do a format/reinstall.

I boot from the installation DVD and Windows enters set-up. I choose "custom installation" and see two partitions listed. I try to format the main partition - nothing happpens. I then press "next" to get installation started on that partition even though the format hasn't happened. Windows starts installing. It finishes some stuff and reboots. It then starts finishing up the install when I get hit with the blue screen of death. The computer then reboots and tries to start Windows. It cannot and gives me the following message:

The computer restarted unexpectedly or encountered an unexpected error. Windows installation cannot proceed. To install Windos, click OK to restart the computer, and then restart the installation.


This has happened twice now, and I seem to be caught in a vicious cycle. Could the RAM be bad? I bought new RAM for it but havn't put it in yet.

Anyways, I'd be grateful for any help.

Thanks