Windows 7 Will Only Boot if Boot Drive is the only Drive Plugged In

[k4show]

Last night I could only boot with my ssd plugged in and now it won't boot at all even after 3 or 4 startup repairs.

 

[gregrocker]

Set SSD first HD to boot in BIOS setup.

Then what error if any are you receiving?

If it persists then this time follow the steps given to wipe the HD with Clean Command and only use the tools and methods given in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 to assure you get a perfect reinstall.

I would also test the HD first using the HD maker's HD Diagnostic extended CD scan, followed by Disk Check run from Command Line after formatting a partition using the commands in Step 2.2 here: SSD - HDD Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

 

[k4show]

Set SSD first HD to boot in BIOS setup.

Then what error if any are you receiving?

If it persists then this time follow the steps given to wipe the HD with Clean Command and only use the tools and methods given in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 to assure you get a perfect reinstall.

I would also test the HD first using the HD maker's HD Diagnostic extended CD scan, followed by Disk Check run from Command Line after formatting a partition using the commands in Step 2.2 here: SSD - HDD Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

My SSD is set to first boot, all other HD devices are disabled from boot in the BIOS. I do not receive an error upon boot, the one error I received once was a disk read error.

Do you a think a reinstall is necessary?

 

[gregrocker]

I think you should run the HD tests given in my last post first. Report back.

 

[k4show]

I have an OCZ Vertex 3, I don't see OCZ listed, which manufacturer's tool would you recommend?

 

[gregrocker]

Check the OCZ Support Downloads webpage for your model to see what they want used to test it.

If it's still within one year warranty I would contact them via chat or phone to find out.

 

[k4show]

Seatools tells me that it can't find any hard drives.

EDIT: Took the drive out of AHCI mode and Seatools was able to recognize.

 

[gregrocker]

Enter BIOS setup to see if HD is detected. If so set it first to boot in BIOS boot order.

 

[k4show]

I had to take it out of AHCI mode, running the long test now.

Also the drive passed, I'm now going to run the chkdsk ask you asked.

 

[gregrocker]

What do you mean you had to take it out of AHCI mode? Was WIn7 not installed in that mode? It really wouldn't change itself unless it was the default setting and the CMOS reset.

 

[k4show]

What do you mean you had to take it out of AHCI mode? Was WIn7 not installed in that mode? It really wouldn't change itself unless it was the default setting and the CMOS reset.

Sorry I should have been more specific, yes Windows was installed in AHCI mode, but in order for Seatools to recognized my drive it had to be in IDE mode. It passed that test, currently running chkdsk /r.

 

[FuturDreamz]

Don't forget to switch it back. Windows doesn't like it when the mode is changed.

 

[k4show]

Okay I removed all my data I need off my drives, cleaned 3 of them (boot, Main and a 500gb to be safe). Then I made a partition on the ssd, made it active and primary, just like the steps outlined in the guide posted here:

"Step 2.2 here: SSD - HDD Optimize for Windows Reinstallation"

Windows appears to install successfully (only my SSD is plugged in during install and after the install). Then when the install reboots, all I get is a black screen, once I got "Disk read error, press ctrl-alt-delete to reboot". Windows was installed in AHCI mode. My install DVD is an iso image from MSDNAA, Windows 7 SP1 64 bit. Please help. I'm open to any options, I have all data backed up.

 

[bigmck]

Okay I removed all my data I need off my drives, cleaned 3 of them (boot, Main and a 500gb to be safe). Then I made a partition on the ssd, made it active and primary, just like the steps outlined in the guide posted here:

"Step 2.2 here: SSD - HDD Optimize for Windows Reinstallation"

Windows appears to install successfully (only my SSD is plugged in during install and after the install). Then when the install reboots, all I get is a black screen, once I got "Disk read error, press ctrl-alt-delete to reboot". Windows was installed in AHCI mode. My install DVD is an iso image from MSDNAA, Windows 7 SP1 64 bit. Please help. I'm open to any options, I have all data backed up.

Does it boot OK now?

 

[k4show]

No it appears to be the same as before, only a black screen when I boot after my BIOS post. Drives are in AHCI mode and were installed that way. Only drive plugged in is my SSD. I once got a disk read error but on reboot that went away. I should also mention I'm running a crossfire setup for my GPU's with dual monitors, I don't think this is the issue since I can run the Windows install DVD just fine. This is starting to get frustrating.

EDIT: I removed the second card, and let it boot off a single GPU, single monitor, still nothing appears on the screen except a flashing underscore for a split second after the bios logo.

 

[FuturDreamz]

Is it possible you're experiencing a drive failure?
Was the SSD ever used in an Intel RST setup?
Are you using UEFI or BIOS?

 

[bigmck]

No it appears to be the same as before, only a black screen when I boot after my BIOS post. Drives are in AHCI mode and were installed that way. Only drive plugged in is my SSD. I once got a disk read error but on reboot that went away. I should also mention I'm running a crossfire setup for my GPU's with dual monitors, I don't think this is the issue since I can run the Windows install DVD just fine. This is starting to get frustrating.

EDIT: I removed the second card, and let it boot off a single GPU, single monitor, still nothing appears on the screen except a flashing underscore for a split second after the bios logo.

Just to confirm, your BIOS is set for the DVD to be first in the boot order and the SSD is the second in line, correct?

 

[k4show]

Is it possible you're experiencing a drive failure?
Was the SSD ever used in an Intel RST setup?
Are you using UEFI or BIOS?

1. It passed the seatools extended test.
2. No I haven't I only have a P67 motherboard.
3. I have a MSI P67-G43, it has a UEFI.

 

[k4show]

No it appears to be the same as before, only a black screen when I boot after my BIOS post. Drives are in AHCI mode and were installed that way. Only drive plugged in is my SSD. I once got a disk read error but on reboot that went away. I should also mention I'm running a crossfire setup for my GPU's with dual monitors, I don't think this is the issue since I can run the Windows install DVD just fine. This is starting to get frustrating.

EDIT: I removed the second card, and let it boot off a single GPU, single monitor, still nothing appears on the screen except a flashing underscore for a split second after the bios logo.

Just to confirm, your BIOS is set for the DVD to be first in the boot order and the SSD is the second in line, correct?

Yes it is set in the proper order.

 

[k4show]

Could my SSD be bad? It passed Seatools so I had thought it was fine.