Invisible Hard Drive

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  1. Posts : 6
    Windows 7
       #1

    Invisible Hard Drive


    When i tried to reformat my computer via a clean windows 7 install, the windows 7 installer couldn't see any drives to install to. So, I dug through the settings a little bit and found that my computer can't see my harddrive either. This is particularly bizarre since the computer works. I can see my C and D drive, and I can access all my files. My computer just won't recognize it in device manager or computer management.

    I figure i need to get my computer to see my drives before i reinstall windows, so can anyone help me out?

    I am running an Acer Aspire 5720Z
    Intel dial core T2330 (1.6 ghz)
    2GB DDR2
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 1,018
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
       #2

    Wait wait wait. Ler me understand this to make sure I'm not missing something. You're saying right now within Windows 7, you can see your C: and D: Drive if you to "Computer" but when attempting to install when booting from the DVD, you can't see the drives there. If that's the case, then most likely what you need are SATA Drivers for your laptop when initially installing. You should be able to obtain these from the Acer Support Site.

    I'm still a bit confused by what you mean when you say "and found that my computer can't see my harddrive either." Could you perhaps clarify that point?
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 6
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Darician said:
    Wait wait wait. Ler me understand this to make sure I'm not missing something. You're saying right now within Windows 7, you can see your C: and D: Drive if you to "Computer" but when attempting to install when booting from the DVD, you can't see the drives there. If that's the case, then most likely what you need are SATA Drivers for your laptop when initially installing. You should be able to obtain these from the Acer Support Site.

    I'm still a bit confused by what you mean when you say "and found that my computer can't see my harddrive either." Could you perhaps clarify that point?
    Yes. That is exactly correct. Also I want to mention that I am using the digital river preorder upgrade version not a bootable disk.

    And yea, i am trying the SATA driver thing now, but im worried it may be a busted harddrive
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 6
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Also, in the event that the harddrive turns out to be bad, is there a way to make the installer bootable? So like, if I replace my harddrive in the laptop with a new one, is it possible to boot the upgrade version somehow and still install fully?
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 17,322
    Win 10 Pro x64
       #5

    crispylinks said:
    Also, in the event that the harddrive turns out to be bad, is there a way to make the installer bootable? So like, if I replace my harddrive in the laptop with a new one, is it possible to boot the upgrade version somehow and still install fully?
    You can create a disk,

    Burn Disc Image - ISO or IMG file

    Or a USB installer,

    Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 6
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #6

    derekimo said:
    crispylinks said:
    Also, in the event that the harddrive turns out to be bad, is there a way to make the installer bootable? So like, if I replace my harddrive in the laptop with a new one, is it possible to boot the upgrade version somehow and still install fully?
    You can create a disk,

    Burn Disc Image - ISO or IMG file

    Or a USB installer,

    Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool
    I considered that, but doesn't that only work for fresh versions? Like, I pre-ordered windows 7 and got the digitalriver version. That version works by executing setup from withing windows. Are you saying I can make something that wasn't intended to be bootable bootable?
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 17,322
    Win 10 Pro x64
       #7

    crispylinks said:
    derekimo said:
    crispylinks said:
    Also, in the event that the harddrive turns out to be bad, is there a way to make the installer bootable? So like, if I replace my harddrive in the laptop with a new one, is it possible to boot the upgrade version somehow and still install fully?
    You can create a disk,

    Burn Disc Image - ISO or IMG file

    Or a USB installer,

    Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool
    I considered that, but doesn't that only work for fresh versions? Like, I pre-ordered windows 7 and got the digitalriver version. That version works by executing setup from withing windows. Are you saying I can make something that wasn't intended to be bootable bootable?
    OK, Look at this one,

    Make bootable iso from student d/l
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 6
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #8

    That....Might do the trick. Thanks, I'll post when i know if it worked.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 17,322
    Win 10 Pro x64
       #9

    crispylinks said:
    That....Might do the trick. Thanks, I'll post when i know if it worked.
    You're welcome,

    Keep us posted.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 6
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #10

    YES!!! It worked. Thanks a lot for all your help guys. I didn't know an EXE could be made bootable through any procedure. Thanks a bunch. I am going to use this to reformat from now on. Cheers!
      My Computer


 
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