Problem Installing Win7 x86 - Missing Drivers

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  1. Posts : 12
    Windows 7 v7600
       #1

    Problem Installing Win7 x86 - Missing Drivers


    Hi All,

    First time poster so take it easy! :P

    I'm having trouble installing Win7 x86 onto a 160GB and the BIOS has no AHCI settings that I can find.


    Motherboard = MSI 945PL NEO
    Processor = Pentium 4 3.40 GHz
    RAM = 2x 2GB DDR2
    HDD = ST3160811AS – Seagate 160GB


    Windows 7 Ultimate x86 has been installed on that hard-drive previously; in fact, the Windows installation is still present. *This has since been removed and a new NTFS partition written using G-Parted.*

    However, as I have changed the motherboard / processor / RAM = Windows won't load.
    I get to the screen saying "Install Now" and when I click on that, I get the following screen:
    http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/281...0730004840.jpg
    The weird thing is, when I click on "Browse" I can actually view the 160GB hard drive and all the files.
    The same situation when I try to run a start-up repair – I can view all the files and system restore points etc
    I've tried downloading the ICH7 drivers from the Intel site as well as the motherboard drivers from the MSI site = no luck. The Windows installation will load the drivers but keep stating there are no drives to show.
    I've tried plugging the HDD into different SATA ports on the motherboard = no go.
    Any ideas on how I can get Windows to detect the drive?


    Also, here are the relevant settings from the BIOS:
    Under 'Integrated Peripherals'
    -> Sata Devices Configuration
    -> ATA/IDE Configuration = Compatible
    -> Legacy IDE Channels = PATA Pri, SATA Sec


    The other options under 'Legacy IDE Channels' are:
    -> Sata Only
    -> PATA Pri, SATA Sec
    -> SATA Pri, PATA Sec
    -> PATA Only


    I have even tried plugging in a 2-port SATA RAID card and connecting the HDD up to that, but same issue. Even when i provide the correct drivers on a USB stick.


    I'm completely stuck here. Any ideas anyone?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 11,408
    ME/XP/Vista/Win7
       #2

    As you have used a 3rd party Partitioning tool, I would clean the HD with Windows partitioning tool.
    SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation
      My Computer

  3.    #3

    Make sure you have the latest BIOS update, then set SATA controller to AHCI to try install.

    If BIOS is latest, reset BIOS to optimal settings: Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS

    Unplug all other HD's, boot from DVD, select Custom Install, choose Drive options to delete all partitions, create New and Format. Do not rely on dated Gparted tool for modern formatting.

    If these fail try wiping the HD of possible corrupt boot code per tutorial Theog linked, or try another HD.
    Last edited by gregrocker; 03 Aug 2011 at 11:15.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 12
    Windows 7 v7600
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Hi gregrocker,

    Thanks for your reply but I think you haven't read my post properly. There is no Windows installation on the disk anymore - I used G-Parted to wipe and remove all partitions and write a new, blank NTFS partition.
    Also, did you view my screenshot? I am unable to get to the custom installation screen.
    Please re-read my post
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 11,408
    ME/XP/Vista/Win7
       #5

    theog said:
    As you have used a 3rd party Partitioning tool, I would clean the HD with Windows partitioning tool.
    SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation
    Will the HD show in Diskpart?
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 12
    Windows 7 v7600
    Thread Starter
       #6

    " Will the HD show in Diskpart?"

    Testing that now, I have a feeling it will be yes because the drive is browseable / viewable when I click on browse to look for drivers.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 12
    Windows 7 v7600
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Yep...all there. Comes up fine in Diskpart - no worries. What now?
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 11,408
    ME/XP/Vista/Win7
       #8

    Follow the tutorial in post 2. Using Diskpart.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 22,814
    W 7 64-bit Ultimate
       #9

    theog said:
    As you have used a 3rd party Partitioning tool, I would clean the HD with Windows partitioning tool.
    Hello eliminatrix, welcome to Seven Forums!


    Here's additional information at these links below.

      My Computer

  10.    #10

    My post corrected above.

    Wasn't sure why you were running Startup Repair if old installation which might be salvaged was not on HD.

    Try the other steps first as wiping the HD is only necessary against possible boot sector corruption, for which Diskpart "Clean" command is sufficient. Secure erase ("Clean All") is only necessary for security reasons, per the Administator of this forum.
      My Computer


 
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