Solved No Drive Detected in Installing Windows 7

Lnknprkfrk28

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Hi Guys, needing a little assistance here.

-I just built my custom PC with an MSI P67A-C43 mother board, with Intel I5 quad core. Everything ran perfectly in turning the PC on and everything, however when trying to install my brand new Windows 7 CD, it could not locate the drive to install it within. At first it did locate it, and then after wards the percentage in expanding the files while installing the Windows CD was frozen at 14%, so i decided to restart the PC and reinstall it, however this time the drive was not found, was giving me that error message. The hardrive I am using is a Seagate ST31500541AS 1.5TB 900RPm hard-drive. I'm under the impression that the hard drive might be defective.

-It was odd how the drive was found in the begining, but after trying it 5 more times, restarting and trying, restarting and trying, it could not locate it, kept giving me that error. I checked the setup and switched some wires back and forth and everything, but it was a no go. I have read that maybe something in the bios might have to be configured however, I did that also. Will a new hard-drive fix this issue? Any feedback is helpful.

Error Message : "No Drive found for Installation" -I am getting to the windows install screen, a few times it did go through, however got stuck in 14%, so i tried again, and no drive is being located to do the install at all now. Hard Drive defective?


FYI: These parts are all brand new, I just bought the barebone kit and put it together. But this error is driving me nuts.
 
Last edited:

My Computer My Computer

OS
Windows 7 64 bit.
CPU
Intel Core I5 2500K Quad Core
Motherboard
MSI P67a-c43 B3 Intel P67 Motherboard - ATX, Socket H2
Memory
Patriot PGV38G1333ELK G Series Sector 5 Desktop Memory 8gb
Graphics Card(s)
Geforece GTX 550 Ti Video Card
Sound Card
N/A
Monitor(s) Displays
ASUS 21"
Hard Drives
Seagate ST31500541AS Hard Drive 1.5TB 900RPM 32MB Cache, SATA-3G
PSU
VisionTek 900349 Power Supply 800w
Case
Thermaltake V3 Black Edition Mid Tower
Hello Lnknprkfrk28, welcome to Seven Forums!


Is the PC BIOS detecting the Hard Disk Drive?
 

My Computer My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
* BFK Customs *
OS
W 7 64-bit Ultimate
CPU
Intel Q9550 Yorkfield
Motherboard
ASUS P5Q Pro
Memory
8GB Dominator 8500C5D
Graphics Card(s)
ATI : XFX 5870
Sound Card
Realtek HD Audio 7-1
Monitor(s) Displays
1x 47" LCD HDMI & 3x 26" LCD HDMI
Screen Resolution
1920x1080P & 1920x1200
Hard Drives
1x 80GB Intel X25-M G2 SSD : 1x 500GB & 1x 640GB WD Caviar Black(s)
PSU
Corsair 620HX
Case
Cooler Master RC-690
Cooling
Tuniq Tower 120, 2x 140mm and 3x 120mm case fans
Keyboard
Microsoft 500
Mouse
Razer Diamondback 3G
Internet Speed
14 Mb/s
Other Info
1x Koutech 3Gb/s SATA HDD Hot Swap Rack
shutdown pc and unplug from the wall for a minute or 2 and give it another go.
 

My Computer My Computer

OS
7 Pro
Thanks!

Hello Lnknprkfrk28, welcome to Seven Forums!


Is the PC BIOS detecting the Hard Disk Drive?



Thanks Bare Foot Kid, Yes the Bios is detecting the Hard Drive. I mean i tried everything and its a no go. Upon installation it does not detect the drive. It did detect it before a few times, but completely stopped after a while. Do you think its a defective hard drive? I mean every part is brand new. I believe the error occurs when i try to install Windows 7.
 

My Computer My Computer

OS
Windows 7 64 bit.
CPU
Intel Core I5 2500K Quad Core
Motherboard
MSI P67a-c43 B3 Intel P67 Motherboard - ATX, Socket H2
Memory
Patriot PGV38G1333ELK G Series Sector 5 Desktop Memory 8gb
Graphics Card(s)
Geforece GTX 550 Ti Video Card
Sound Card
N/A
Monitor(s) Displays
ASUS 21"
Hard Drives
Seagate ST31500541AS Hard Drive 1.5TB 900RPM 32MB Cache, SATA-3G
PSU
VisionTek 900349 Power Supply 800w
Case
Thermaltake V3 Black Edition Mid Tower
Didn't work tried it

shutdown pc and unplug from the wall for a minute or 2 and give it another go.


I did this maybe 7 times, did not work.
 

My Computer My Computer

OS
Windows 7 64 bit.
CPU
Intel Core I5 2500K Quad Core
Motherboard
MSI P67a-c43 B3 Intel P67 Motherboard - ATX, Socket H2
Memory
Patriot PGV38G1333ELK G Series Sector 5 Desktop Memory 8gb
Graphics Card(s)
Geforece GTX 550 Ti Video Card
Sound Card
N/A
Monitor(s) Displays
ASUS 21"
Hard Drives
Seagate ST31500541AS Hard Drive 1.5TB 900RPM 32MB Cache, SATA-3G
PSU
VisionTek 900349 Power Supply 800w
Case
Thermaltake V3 Black Edition Mid Tower
Find the appropriate info/app in the link below to test the HDD, new HDDs have been known to be bad, I just had to RMA a new (used very little) 640GB WD C. Black because of bad sectors that had to have come to me that way.


 

My Computer My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
* BFK Customs *
OS
W 7 64-bit Ultimate
CPU
Intel Q9550 Yorkfield
Motherboard
ASUS P5Q Pro
Memory
8GB Dominator 8500C5D
Graphics Card(s)
ATI : XFX 5870
Sound Card
Realtek HD Audio 7-1
Monitor(s) Displays
1x 47" LCD HDMI & 3x 26" LCD HDMI
Screen Resolution
1920x1080P & 1920x1200
Hard Drives
1x 80GB Intel X25-M G2 SSD : 1x 500GB & 1x 640GB WD Caviar Black(s)
PSU
Corsair 620HX
Case
Cooler Master RC-690
Cooling
Tuniq Tower 120, 2x 140mm and 3x 120mm case fans
Keyboard
Microsoft 500
Mouse
Razer Diamondback 3G
Internet Speed
14 Mb/s
Other Info
1x Koutech 3Gb/s SATA HDD Hot Swap Rack
Find the appropriate info/app in the link below to test the HDD, new HDDs have been known to be bad, I just had to RMA a new (used very little) 640GB WD C. Black because of bad sectors that had to have come to me that way.


Thanks! I will try that, I have already requested a new Hard Drive replacement for the one I have right now from Tiger Direct, waiting on that to plug in. I just hope that will fix the issue, but want to make sure its not another issue that is causing the error. Everything else on the PC runs great, turns on and everything, just the installation part.
 

My Computer My Computer

OS
Windows 7 64 bit.
CPU
Intel Core I5 2500K Quad Core
Motherboard
MSI P67a-c43 B3 Intel P67 Motherboard - ATX, Socket H2
Memory
Patriot PGV38G1333ELK G Series Sector 5 Desktop Memory 8gb
Graphics Card(s)
Geforece GTX 550 Ti Video Card
Sound Card
N/A
Monitor(s) Displays
ASUS 21"
Hard Drives
Seagate ST31500541AS Hard Drive 1.5TB 900RPM 32MB Cache, SATA-3G
PSU
VisionTek 900349 Power Supply 800w
Case
Thermaltake V3 Black Edition Mid Tower
Be sure to post back here with an update.
 

My Computer My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
* BFK Customs *
OS
W 7 64-bit Ultimate
CPU
Intel Q9550 Yorkfield
Motherboard
ASUS P5Q Pro
Memory
8GB Dominator 8500C5D
Graphics Card(s)
ATI : XFX 5870
Sound Card
Realtek HD Audio 7-1
Monitor(s) Displays
1x 47" LCD HDMI & 3x 26" LCD HDMI
Screen Resolution
1920x1080P & 1920x1200
Hard Drives
1x 80GB Intel X25-M G2 SSD : 1x 500GB & 1x 640GB WD Caviar Black(s)
PSU
Corsair 620HX
Case
Cooler Master RC-690
Cooling
Tuniq Tower 120, 2x 140mm and 3x 120mm case fans
Keyboard
Microsoft 500
Mouse
Razer Diamondback 3G
Internet Speed
14 Mb/s
Other Info
1x Koutech 3Gb/s SATA HDD Hot Swap Rack
Be sure to post back here with an update.


Will do, I should have the new drive on Thursday, and will try it out. I will keep you updated, appreciate the help.
 

My Computer My Computer

OS
Windows 7 64 bit.
CPU
Intel Core I5 2500K Quad Core
Motherboard
MSI P67a-c43 B3 Intel P67 Motherboard - ATX, Socket H2
Memory
Patriot PGV38G1333ELK G Series Sector 5 Desktop Memory 8gb
Graphics Card(s)
Geforece GTX 550 Ti Video Card
Sound Card
N/A
Monitor(s) Displays
ASUS 21"
Hard Drives
Seagate ST31500541AS Hard Drive 1.5TB 900RPM 32MB Cache, SATA-3G
PSU
VisionTek 900349 Power Supply 800w
Case
Thermaltake V3 Black Edition Mid Tower
Ny pleasure mate! :)
 

My Computer My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
* BFK Customs *
OS
W 7 64-bit Ultimate
CPU
Intel Q9550 Yorkfield
Motherboard
ASUS P5Q Pro
Memory
8GB Dominator 8500C5D
Graphics Card(s)
ATI : XFX 5870
Sound Card
Realtek HD Audio 7-1
Monitor(s) Displays
1x 47" LCD HDMI & 3x 26" LCD HDMI
Screen Resolution
1920x1080P & 1920x1200
Hard Drives
1x 80GB Intel X25-M G2 SSD : 1x 500GB & 1x 640GB WD Caviar Black(s)
PSU
Corsair 620HX
Case
Cooler Master RC-690
Cooling
Tuniq Tower 120, 2x 140mm and 3x 120mm case fans
Keyboard
Microsoft 500
Mouse
Razer Diamondback 3G
Internet Speed
14 Mb/s
Other Info
1x Koutech 3Gb/s SATA HDD Hot Swap Rack
Where did you get Win7? If you burned the DVD yourself, confirm the ISO integrity and burn another using ImgBurn at 4x speed with Verify. To cross-check installer integrity, write to flash stick using this tool with WIn7 in dropdown menu: Universal USB Installer then boot under USB or HD's.

Next boot the HD diagnostics CD for your make HD, run Extended Test to see if the drive is good. It can repair a drive. Then boot into System Recovery Options on DVD Repair console, open a Command Line and run Disk Check with /r switch on each partition.

If you confirm the drive and file system are good, then reset the BIOS: Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS

While in BIOS setup, set SATA controller to AHCI to try install. Unplug all other HD's and peripherals.

If installation continues to fail, try wiping the HD of possible boot corruption from Repair console Command Prompt: Clean with Diskpart Command

Report back on each of these steps, or ask back any questions.
 
Last edited:
The part about unplugging all other peripherals (including any secondary HDs) can be important.

Having a card reader or USB stick plugged in can (under certain BIOS configs) cause this /exact/ problem. Where it starts installing, then on fist reboot it cannot find the HD...
 

My Computer My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Scratch built
OS
Windows 7 x64 Ultimate
CPU
i7 960
Motherboard
Asus P6X58D
Memory
12 Gig Corsair Dominator
Graphics Card(s)
Nvidia 480
Sound Card
Maudio Delta 44 + breakout box
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell UltraSharp U2410 24in and Samsung 21 dual monitors
Screen Resolution
1920x1200 and 1280x1024
Hard Drives
Primary: Intel X-25M G2 160G SSD
Secondary: Segate baracuda 1.0 TB
HDs in AHCI mode.
PSU
Corasair TX850
Case
Cooler Master HAF
Cooling
Corsair H50
Keyboard
Logitech G15 + N52 game pad
Mouse
Logitech MX518
Internet Speed
15kbs down 4.5kbps up
Other Info
WEI 7.6
CPU & RAM 7.6
Graphics 7.9
Hard disk 7.7
Where did you get Win7? If you burned the DVD yourself, confirm the ISO integrity and burn another using ImgBurn at 4x speed with Verify. To cross-check installer integrity, write to flash stick using this tool with WIn7 in dropdown menu: Universal USB Installer then boot under USB or HD's.

Next boot the HD diagnostics CD for your make HD, run Extended Test to see if the drive is good. It can repair a drive. Then boot into System Recovery Options on DVD Repair console, open a Command Line and run Disk Check with /r switch on each partition.

If you confirm the drive and file system are good, then reset the BIOS: Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS

While in BIOS setup, set SATA controller to AHCI to try install. Unplug all other HD's and peripherals.

If installation continues to fail, try wiping the HD of possible boot corruption from Repair console Command Prompt: Clean with Diskpart Command

Report back on each of these steps, or ask back any questions.


It's a brand new windows 7 CD. There shouldn't be an issue.
 

My Computer My Computer

OS
Windows 7 64 bit.
CPU
Intel Core I5 2500K Quad Core
Motherboard
MSI P67a-c43 B3 Intel P67 Motherboard - ATX, Socket H2
Memory
Patriot PGV38G1333ELK G Series Sector 5 Desktop Memory 8gb
Graphics Card(s)
Geforece GTX 550 Ti Video Card
Sound Card
N/A
Monitor(s) Displays
ASUS 21"
Hard Drives
Seagate ST31500541AS Hard Drive 1.5TB 900RPM 32MB Cache, SATA-3G
PSU
VisionTek 900349 Power Supply 800w
Case
Thermaltake V3 Black Edition Mid Tower
The part about unplugging all other peripherals (including any secondary HDs) can be important.

Having a card reader or USB stick plugged in can (under certain BIOS configs) cause this /exact/ problem. Where it starts installing, then on fist reboot it cannot find the HD...


Thank you for the information, I am waiting for a new hard drive, I will try that and keep you guys updated. Thanks!
 

My Computer My Computer

OS
Windows 7 64 bit.
CPU
Intel Core I5 2500K Quad Core
Motherboard
MSI P67a-c43 B3 Intel P67 Motherboard - ATX, Socket H2
Memory
Patriot PGV38G1333ELK G Series Sector 5 Desktop Memory 8gb
Graphics Card(s)
Geforece GTX 550 Ti Video Card
Sound Card
N/A
Monitor(s) Displays
ASUS 21"
Hard Drives
Seagate ST31500541AS Hard Drive 1.5TB 900RPM 32MB Cache, SATA-3G
PSU
VisionTek 900349 Power Supply 800w
Case
Thermaltake V3 Black Edition Mid Tower
Where did you get Win7? If you burned the DVD yourself, confirm the ISO integrity and burn another using ImgBurn at 4x speed with Verify. To cross-check installer integrity, write to flash stick using this tool with WIn7 in dropdown menu: Universal USB Installer then boot under USB or HD's.

Next boot the HD diagnostics CD for your make HD, run Extended Test to see if the drive is good. It can repair a drive. Then boot into System Recovery Options on DVD Repair console, open a Command Line and run Disk Check with /r switch on each partition.

If you confirm the drive and file system are good, then reset the BIOS: Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS

While in BIOS setup, set SATA controller to AHCI to try install. Unplug all other HD's and peripherals.

If installation continues to fail, try wiping the HD of possible boot corruption from Repair console Command Prompt: Clean with Diskpart Command

Report back on each of these steps, or ask back any questions.

It's a brand new windows 7 CD. There shouldn't be an issue.
The part about unplugging all other peripherals (including any secondary HDs) can be important.

Having a card reader or USB stick plugged in can (under certain BIOS configs) cause this /exact/ problem. Where it starts installing, then on fist reboot it cannot find the HD...

Thank you for the information, I am waiting for a new hard drive, I will try that and keep you guys updated. Thanks!


What about the rest of the steps? Did I waste my time typing them out for you? These suggestions are based on helping with thousands of install issues here.

Due diligence has not been done to just assume it's HD, which is detected in BIOS. What if HD diagnostics show there is no problem? Troubleshooting is not like making a wish.
 
Where did you get Win7? If you burned the DVD yourself, confirm the ISO integrity and burn another using ImgBurn at 4x speed with Verify. To cross-check installer integrity, write to flash stick using this tool with WIn7 in dropdown menu: Universal USB Installer then boot under USB or HD's.

Next boot the HD diagnostics CD for your make HD, run Extended Test to see if the drive is good. It can repair a drive. Then boot into System Recovery Options on DVD Repair console, open a Command Line and run Disk Check with /r switch on each partition.

If you confirm the drive and file system are good, then reset the BIOS: Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS

While in BIOS setup, set SATA controller to AHCI to try install. Unplug all other HD's and peripherals.

If installation continues to fail, try wiping the HD of possible boot corruption from Repair console Command Prompt: Clean with Diskpart Command

Report back on each of these steps, or ask back any questions.

It's a brand new windows 7 CD. There shouldn't be an issue.
The part about unplugging all other peripherals (including any secondary HDs) can be important.

Having a card reader or USB stick plugged in can (under certain BIOS configs) cause this /exact/ problem. Where it starts installing, then on fist reboot it cannot find the HD...

Thank you for the information, I am waiting for a new hard drive, I will try that and keep you guys updated. Thanks!


What about the rest of the steps? Did I waste my time typing them out for you? These suggestions are based on helping with thousands of install issues here.

Due diligence has not been done to just assume it's HD, which is detected in BIOS. What if HD diagnostics show there is no problem? Troubleshooting is not like making a wish.


I am going to follow exactly what you stated, and keep you updated. I do appreciate your time in helping me out. Just a bit frustrated that a new product isn't working that's all. I will go through the steps you suggested. Thanks!
 

My Computer My Computer

OS
Windows 7 64 bit.
CPU
Intel Core I5 2500K Quad Core
Motherboard
MSI P67a-c43 B3 Intel P67 Motherboard - ATX, Socket H2
Memory
Patriot PGV38G1333ELK G Series Sector 5 Desktop Memory 8gb
Graphics Card(s)
Geforece GTX 550 Ti Video Card
Sound Card
N/A
Monitor(s) Displays
ASUS 21"
Hard Drives
Seagate ST31500541AS Hard Drive 1.5TB 900RPM 32MB Cache, SATA-3G
PSU
VisionTek 900349 Power Supply 800w
Case
Thermaltake V3 Black Edition Mid Tower
Let us know how it goes and feel free to ask back any questions.


I will definitely let you know, as soon as I go through those steps. Thank you!
 

My Computer My Computer

OS
Windows 7 64 bit.
CPU
Intel Core I5 2500K Quad Core
Motherboard
MSI P67a-c43 B3 Intel P67 Motherboard - ATX, Socket H2
Memory
Patriot PGV38G1333ELK G Series Sector 5 Desktop Memory 8gb
Graphics Card(s)
Geforece GTX 550 Ti Video Card
Sound Card
N/A
Monitor(s) Displays
ASUS 21"
Hard Drives
Seagate ST31500541AS Hard Drive 1.5TB 900RPM 32MB Cache, SATA-3G
PSU
VisionTek 900349 Power Supply 800w
Case
Thermaltake V3 Black Edition Mid Tower
Its fixed!

Be sure to post back here with an update.


Will do, I should have the new drive on Thursday, and will try it out. I will keep you updated, appreciate the help.


Hey guys, appreciate everyones help with this issue. I was correct, the hard drive they had shipped me was defective. I recieved the replacement new one today, and plugged it in and Walah! It started working with no issues what so ever. The original hard drive was defective. Thank you everyone, and appreciate everyones help with this.

*Have two last questions : Anyone know what free anti-virus program I can download that is good? Also how can i switch my startup to old school classic on Windows 7 64bit? Any feedback is great. Thanks!
 

My Computer My Computer

OS
Windows 7 64 bit.
CPU
Intel Core I5 2500K Quad Core
Motherboard
MSI P67a-c43 B3 Intel P67 Motherboard - ATX, Socket H2
Memory
Patriot PGV38G1333ELK G Series Sector 5 Desktop Memory 8gb
Graphics Card(s)
Geforece GTX 550 Ti Video Card
Sound Card
N/A
Monitor(s) Displays
ASUS 21"
Hard Drives
Seagate ST31500541AS Hard Drive 1.5TB 900RPM 32MB Cache, SATA-3G
PSU
VisionTek 900349 Power Supply 800w
Case
Thermaltake V3 Black Edition Mid Tower
Find the appropriate info/app in the link below to test the HDD, new HDDs have been known to be bad, I just had to RMA a new (used very little) 640GB WD C. Black because of bad sectors that had to have come to me that way.


Thanks! I will try that, I have already requested a new Hard Drive replacement for the one I have right now from Tiger Direct, waiting on that to plug in. I just hope that will fix the issue, but want to make sure its not another issue that is causing the error. Everything else on the PC runs great, turns on and everything, just the installation part.

+1 BFK. :thumbsup:
 

My Computer My Computer

OS
ME/XP/Vista/Win7
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