Unable to access Hard Drives in Windows 7 installation


  1. tleejr5349
    Posts : 2
    Windows Ultimate 7 64 bit
       New #1

    Unable to access Hard Drives in Windows 7 installation


    One evening I attempted to install windows 8. After the installation it repeatedly booted back into the windows installation. After removing the install disk, it booted into windows 7 normally. I decided to install a clean copy of windows 7 and that's when the problem appeared. The windows insall will not allow me access to ANY hard drive shown. Says unable to find windows partition or something like that. I've tried reformatting all the drives and same message always comes up. I cannot re-install Windows 7?
    Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
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  3. sammyone
    Posts : 17
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
       New #2

    It MIGHT be because Windows 8 installed as a GPT Partition...

    But, Windows 7 and Vista can only see a GPT Partition as a non-booting data drive, unless using an UEFI BIOS.

    Which MIGHT be why your Windows installation 'cannot see' an INSTALLABLE drive.

    I would suggest Booting from a LINUX Bootable CD or USB Stick and reformat the Hard Drive to MBR,
    i.e. delete the partition and recreate it as MBR and format to NTFS

    Then reinstall Windows 7...

    Hope this was helpful
    Last edited by sammyone; 28 Sep 2013 at 01:23. Reason: slight change of wording... make more understandable
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  4. gregrocker
    Posts : 50,642
       New #3

    Unplug all other HD's and peripherals,

    Boot into BIOS setup, reset to defaults, save changes. (If an EFI BIOS you'll need to decide if you want UEFI BIOS vs. Legacy BIOS. If UEFI follow these special steps for Install, or enable Legacy BIOS or Compatibility Support Module to do a normal install.) Set DVD drive first to boot, HD second, set SATA controller to AHCI, Save changes and Exit.

    Then boot into Windows 7 installer DVD or flash stick burned or written using tool and latest ISO for your licensed OS version here.

    At first installer screen Press Shift + F10, or enter System Recovery Options to open a Command Box, type:

    DISKPART
    LIST DISK
    SELECT DISK 0 (after confirming Windows 7 target HD #)
    CLEAN
    CREATE PARTITION PRIMARY
    FORMAT FS=NTFS LABEL="WINDOWS 7"
    ACTIVE
    EXIT
    EXIT

    Next click Install Now, then Custom install to Clean Install Windows 7 to the partition you created. If it fails then report back at which step and the verbatim error message.

    In addition read over these steps to understand the tools and methods which work best to get and maintain a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7. The steps are the same for retail.

    After install you can adjust partition size or Create new partitions for data, etc. in Disk Mgmt. You are creating the partition here for the purpose of wiping the HD and marking Active which overcomes certain install failures.
    Last edited by gregrocker; 29 Sep 2013 at 12:26.
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  6. tleejr5349
    Posts : 2
    Windows Ultimate 7 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       New #4

    Unable to Access Hard Drives


    Would like the thank you for your quick reply. Your information was very accurate. I was able to follow it and get my system back up and running. You were very kind to take the time to help me out and I thank you so very much!
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  7. gregrocker
    Posts : 50,642
       New #5

    Very nice to hear of your success.

    Be sure to stick with these same steps in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 to set up and keep a perfect install, based on what's worked best in tens of thousands of installs we've helped with here.

    Let us know if there are any performance issues. Here are basic Troubleshooting Steps for Windows 7
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