Solution #1 : Swapping Graphics Cards

As the problem is due to the ATI Catalyst Control Panel that came with Windows 7, we can avoid it by using any non-ATI graphics card during the installation process. You can switch back to your ATI graphics card after you successfully installed Windows 7 AND downloaded and installed the latest ATI Catalyst driver and control panel. You can also choose not to install the Catalyst Control Panel, and just the new ATI graphics driver if you wish.

However, this solution requires you to have a non-ATI graphics card handy. If your motherboard has a built-in GPU (non-ATI), you can use that instead. Just go to the BIOS and set it to use the onboard GPU instead of the external graphics card. There's usually a BIOS option for that, e.g. Primary Graphics Adapter or Primary VGA BIOS.

We have been reminded that you can switch permanently to a non-ATI graphics card, or opt for a non-ATI graphics card when you build a new system, to avoid this problem. However, we have to point out that this "black screen of death" problem only exists during the installation process. Once you update the ATI Catalyst Control Panel, you should face no further issues with your ATI graphcis card.

Solution #2 : Switching Monitors

This was the solution Chai stumbled upon. He managed to solve the "black screen of death" by switching to a different monitor. As ludricrous as that may seem, it worked!

However, the problem actually lies with the default ATI Catalyst Control Panel, so you will still need to update the ATI Catalyst Control Panel software before you switch back to your other monitor. It also requires you to have a spare monitor.

Solution #3 : Deleting The Driver

This method is best for those who cannot get hold of a spare graphics card or monitor. This is what you should do :

• After you select a partition to install Windows 7, click Next to begin the installation process.

• After Windows 7 completes expanding and installing the files, it will reboot to complete the installation.

• When it reboots, do NOT choose to load from the hard disk drive. Instead, choose to boot from the Windows 7 DVD.

• Instead of choosing to install Windows 7, click on the Repair your computer option.

• Ignore all suggested options until you are presented with a list of options. Select Command Prompt.

• When Command Prompt loads, type "del C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\ATIKMDAG.SYS" and hit Enter to delete the problematic ATI Catalyst Control Panel component.

• If you get the error "File not found", you may have typed in the wrong drive letter. Please remember to replace C: with the drive letter of the partition where you installed Windows 7.

• After deleting the default ATI driver, close Command Prompt by typing "quit" and pressing Enter. Allow Windows 7 to reboot.

• Deleting the ATIKMDAG.SYS file will force Windows 7 to install the default ATI graphics driver without the Catalyst Control Panel, allowing you to load the Windows 7 desktop.

• Finally, download and install the latest ATI graphics driver and Catalyst Control Panel for Windows 7, and you are done!

Other Microsoft Scoops :

• The Microsoft Windows 7 Free Upgrade Program
• Microsoft Windows 7 Free Upgrade Program Screw-Ups!
• Microsoft Windows 7 Graphics Improvements
• Direct3D Improvements In Windows 7
• Windows Anytime Upgrade For Windows 7 Revealed!
• Windows Office 14 Details Leaked!
• An Inside Look Into The New Windows 7 Experience Index!
• Microsoft Internet Explorer 8.0 RTM Details
• The Microsoft Windows 7 SKU Strategy Revealed!
• The Latest Microsoft Windows 7 Roadmap
• Microsoft Office 2007 Service Pack 2 Details
• Windows Vista Service Pack 2's Latest Release Schedule
• Latest Details On Windows Vista Service Pack 2
• Installing DirectX 9 Can & Will Kill DirectX 10

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