I'm trying to install an OS on my newly setup rig. Here are the  the specs.

Intel 1.3ghz i3

Asrock H61M-ITX connected via vga to samsung lcd

2pcs 4gb DD3

Western Digital 2Tb HD (green)

usb keyboard and mouse connected

Here's my problem. I've tried several times to install winxp, 8.1 and 10 using CD and USB boot but I always encounter problems.

winxp - after reformating and restarting I get stuck in a light blue screen, mouse cursor still moves

win8.1/10 - after reformatting and restarting it gets stuck at the windows logo with the rotating dots. 

Both installations take take soooo long. I waited for the whole thing for over 24 hours and it is very slow. I tried the same installers on my lenovo laptop and they work fine and fast too.

Removing and using only one of my memory sticks

Tried both CD and usb boot (my dvd rom drive is a USB dvd rom)

-Tried to use the USB slots directly at the board and not the extensions.

-Tried using only of the two memory sticks. Tried each one of them.

-Cleaned static. 

-Reformatted HD on another PC

-Changed board to default settings

-Changed Boot priorities

-Changed storage settings from IDE to AHCI vice versa

Is there any setting on the board I need to tweak?

Thanks. Im really at a loss right now.

It sounds like you have a hardware conflict or incompatibility somewhere. You can also try your Hard disk on a different SATA port. Additionally clear CMOS with all your hardware installed and try again, you may have a UEFI hiccup that needs clearing. Use the method http://forum.asrock.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=630&title=how-to-clear-cmos-via-battery-removal" rel="nofollow - here for the best results.

Until we know what CPU you are using I would recommend against updating your BIOS as it has been known to cause serious problems on socket 1155 boards if done incorrectly. With that said, what is your BIOS version?

Thanks! I'll check the exact CPU when I get home. Not sure since it was just handed down to me by my brother.

I'll try to clear CMOS too.