Installed Win7 but cannot format SSD with original Vista on!!


  1. Posts : 6
    windows 7
       #1

    Installed Win7 but cannot format SSD with original Vista on!!


    I've had my Alienware PC for around 6 years. It came with Vista which was installed onto the Samsung SSD I ordered the PC with.

    This weekend I purchased a new OCZ SSD and also a licensed copy of Win7.
    After much trouble trying to do a clean install onto the OCZ, I gave gave up and instead did the install from Vista, onto the new OCZ SSD.

    As a result, I now have 2 OS from which to choose at startup.
    My idea is to have the OCZ SSD for only my OS, the Samsung SSD only for Programmes and my WD 500Gb 5200rpm only for data.

    So, I want to format my Samsung SSD and start fresh. Win7 will not allow this. It also will not let me change the drive letter of the OCZ SSD to "C".

    Also, I've tried unplugging the Samsung SSD and starting up but nothing happens, which leads me to believe that the PC is booting up from the Samsung SSD even though the OS is on the OCZ SSD.

    Any advice on how I can fix this tricky problem??
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 6
    windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #2

    SORRY everyone, I just saw that Gradam posted the exact same issue back in 2012. Still, I'd appreciate any new advice
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 6
    windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #3

      My Computer

  4.    #4

    When you install WIn7 from another OS it locks out the C letter so it isn't available for the new install.

    I would start it over unplugging all other HD's, do a Clean Install Windows 7 deleting the current partition at Steps 7 and 8 to create and format a new one.

    When you plug back in the other HD's make sure the new SSD remains set first to boot in BIOS setup, then if needed you can boot the old WIn7 HD using the one-time BIOS Boot Menu key, or wipe it with Diskpart Clean Command which gets it cleanest to repartition as a data drive in Disk Mgmt.

    I would also want the OS SSD in DISK0 position if possible, lest any preceding Primary partition might steal the System boot files and flag during repairs or reinstall. You can also avoid this by having all preceding data partitions be Logical: Partition / Extended : Logical Drives - Windows 7 Forums
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  5. Posts : 6
    windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Thanks guru Greg. I initially tried to do a clean install to the new SSD but that didn't work so I tried a clean install to the old SSD and that did not work either. I got the following error message: 0x80300024. The only way I could manage to install was via WinVista, which isn't really what I wanted. I really just want a clean install. Would the lack of correct drivers have something to do with the fact that win 7 refuses to install to the new SSD?
      My Computer

  6.    #6

    Not likely. Where did you get WIn7, how is it burned to DVD or written to flash stick?

    Did you unplug all other HD's and boot the disk correctly. What is the exact error you received and at what step in Clean Install Windows 7 ?

    Is this a UEFI BIOS which requires booting from a UEFI device?
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 6
    windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #7

    It's an original DVD. I did not think to unplug other HD's. I will certainly do this when I spend day 4 trying to fix this. I have no idea what UEFI is, nor have I ever seen this, so I'm going to say no.
    Thanks for the help, Greg. I will try try again and will be sure to update his thread.
    Regards
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 6
    windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #8

    Greg, , I've followed your instructions to the T and I'm happy to say I am now the proud and happy user of a very speedy Win7. Thanks dude
      My Computer

  9.    #9

    Glad to hear it, Kurt. Enjoy Win7.

    Look over these tips, tools and methods to see what also works best to maintain Win7 perfectly.
      My Computer


 

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