A required cd/dvd drive device driver is missing

Hi there guys, im trying to install windows 7 on my friends Dell XPS 625, but I get this error message when I try and install it: a required cd dvd drive device driver is missing.

I have read that its some kind of AHCI problem and that downloading this: AHCI for Windows 7 (AMD RAID/SATA Drivers) and loading it on a USB stick whilst getting the error message will fix my problem?

Also do I have to extract the file in windows first before I put it on the USB? Because I have tried it on a USB and it didnt recognise it

Also the HD has been wiped clean with killdisk so he dosent have an OS right now.

Any help will be great, thanks!

The error is almost always a bad installer. Try writing to flash stick using this simple tool with Win7 in the dropdown menu: Universal USB Installer – Easy as 1 2 3

Boot stick under USB, Removable or HD's by setting first to boot in BIOS setup, or accessing the one time BIOS Boot Menu key by tapping it's hotkey given on first boot screen.

I would first try install with SATA controller set to AHCI in BIOS setup. For any further problems, try DVD install too, check for newer BIOS update on model's Support Downloads webpage, if current reset the CMOS: Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS

Adapt these steps to get a perfect install: Reinstalling Windows 7

kegobeer said:

Yes, you have to extract the drivers and copy them to the USB stick. Once you've done that, start the Windows install and then insert the USB stick. When prompted for AHCI/RAID drivers, press the appropriate function key and browse to the flash drive.

I did this and it didnt work, I also downloaded the windows vista version too, the set up does not recognise the drivers.

gregrocker said:

The error is almost always a bad installer. Try writing to flash stick using this simple tool with Win7 in the dropdown menu: Universal USB Installer – Easy as 1 2 3

Boot stick under USB, Removable or HD's by setting first to boot in BIOS setup, or accessing the one time BIOS Boot Menu key by tapping it's hotkey given on first boot screen.

I would first try install with SATA controller set to AHCI in BIOS setup. For any further problems, try DVD install too, check for newer BIOS update on model's Support Downloads webpage, if current reset the CMOS: Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS

Adapt these steps to get a perfect install: Reinstalling Windows 7

Tried the flash drive windows 7 method which didnt work neither, it boots in to the install fine but it does not see the hard drive of the computer!

In Bios I have USB as first and internal HD as 2nd. Also in the bios it dosent let me change the sata settings, just enable or disable and also RAID mode and IDE mode, no mention of AHCI.

This is getting real annoying now, I dont know whats wrong, please advice. Thanks!

Try wiping the HD then using Step 2.2 to create a partition and mark it Active. Does installer see partition now? SSD - HDD Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

gregrocker said:

Try wiping the HD then using Step 2.2 to create a partition and mark it Active. Does installer see partition now? SSD - HDD Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

2.2? Is that setting the HD as first bootable option?

Edit: Checked the link, but thats done in DOS, the system has no OS at all. The HD has been wiped blank with Active killdisk.

Run the Diskpart commands from the Win7 DVD or Repair CD. Press Shift + F10 at boot to access a Command Prompt.

Step Two #2 is creating an Active partition for install. This sometimes solves the issue with HD failure to show up.

You can also use free Partition Wizard bootable CD to wipe the HD then create a Primary NTFS Partition and Modify>Set to Active.

gregrocker said:

Run the Diskpart commands from the Win7 DVD or Repair CD. Press Shift + F10 at boot to access a Command Prompt.

Step Two #2 is creating an Active partition for install. This sometimes solves the issue with HD failure to show up.

You can also use free Partition Wizard bootable CD to wipe the HD then create a Primary NTFS Partition and Modify>Set to Active.

I did the partition, now its saying "A required CD/DVD device driver is missing" asking me to insert the driver via cd or usb to load it... I mean wtf? why wont this POS install?

Im using the USB method for windows 7 too so why the hell do I need a driver for the drive?

kegobeer said:

Where did you get the Windows 7 installer files - from an original DVD or did you download them? It really sounds like the installation files/media is messed up, so I would use a different copy of Windows and try to install again.

They are downloaded. The thing is, I know the disk is fine - I have used them to on my home computers without no probs. I have tried 3 versions of windows 7 so far and they all give me the same sort of crappy problems.

I have been looking at this old thread: ATI AHCI Compatible RAID Driver and its the same problem as that, I believe the newer drivers dont work so I need the older ones.

Im going to try a Vista install now and see what happens, as much as I like to install win7 on my buddys computer, any OS if better than nothing so he can use it at least.