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#101
Where is the 32GB SSD? Can you see it? Can you remove it?
I cannot see it. I took the laptop apart today and could not identify it.
Did you ever try installing W7 with both hard drives in the laptop?
What happens if you swap the drives (keeping just one installed)?
It's my understanding that utilizing the second hard drive, it will erase the data on it. I'd like to keep that as a last resort until I can back the data (approx. 350 GB).
When both HD are installed, Windows installer identifies the data drive, but not the primary C: drive.
If I install on the 2ndary data drive, will that then become primary drive? What will happen to the data that is on it?
Yes, definitely backup your data from the Data Drive before proceeding.
I believe you are correct, the data will be lost if you install Windows on the Data drive. The question is: why is the other hard drive not being recognized? You don't want to install Windows on the Data Drive, you want to re-install on the "C" drive.
The most obvious reason is that the "C" drive is defective, for both the BSODs and the non-recognition problem.
If all the drives are connected, will the optical drive read (operate)? You might want to download the Hitachi Drive Fitness Test for bootable CD or USB Stick and run a diagnostic on the drive(s). To see if it spots any problems that may explain this.
http://www.hgst.com/support/index-fi...gacy-downloads
Last edited by TVeblen; 27 Sep 2012 at 20:57. Reason: HDFT Link
From everything I've read and been told in this list, the mSSD being connected to the HD via RAID is what is causing it. I'll try the DFT and see if it works.
I found this:
Disabled mSSD on new dv7 Quad Core!
Sounds like your problem. There are some solutions there that may help. But it sounds like that mSSD is just a bad idea.
I'm currently trying to partition the drive on Lubuntu to allow a dual boot with windows 7. I'm muddling my way through the tutorials and forums to figure out how exactly to partition it and figure out which is the SSD.
Holy crap I just got it fixed.
Loaded Lubuntu. Partitioned the SSD and now when I load windows from DVD @ boot all my drives are showing up!!!
Thank you all for all of your assistance. I know it was trying and it had to be frustrating. I truly appreciate it.
One quick question though. Should I also reformat the system part of the drive and install the Windows 7 there?
I know you advised to clean the disk and should I still do this?
Thank you all for your assistance. Is there a way I can make a donation to this forum as a way to say thanks???
Jim