Clean install on intel 525 msata

I'm trying to do a clean install on a Intel 525 series mSATA SSD on a Lenovo T520 via USB. W7Pro.

I've had the msata installed in the laptop, formatted, for a month. I wanted to make sure it was stable. Moved some files to it etc....ran Intel tools on it....stable!

Finallly decided to do a clean install via USB.
Removed HDD.
Booted to USB.
No SSD found (it is in the BIOS)
CMD prompt / disk part / list disk / clean
Back to setup
Disk is there but win refuses to install saying 'Computer may not support booting this disk. Ensure that the disk's controller is enabled in the BIOS.'

I don't see anything except SATA which is set to AHCI (w/no option to change it anyways)

Unplug all other HD's and peripherals,

Boot into BIOS setup, reset to defaults, save changes. If an EFI BIOS you'll need to decide if you want UEFI BIOS vs. Legacy BIOS. If UEFI follow these special steps for Install, otherwise enable Legacy BIOS or Compatibility Support Module to proceed with normal install:

Set DVD drive first to boot, HD second, set SATA controller to AHCI, Save changes and Exit.

Then boot into Windows 7 installer DVD or flash stick burned or written using tool and latest ISO for your licensed OS version here. I would use a fresh ISO written with tool in Step 2 as yours is in question.

At first installer screen Press Shift + F10, or enter System Recovery Options to open a Command Box, type:

DISKPART
LIST DISK
SELECT DISK 0 (after confirming Windows 7 target HD #)
CLEAN
CREATE PARTITION PRIMARY
FORMAT FS=NTFS LABEL="WINDOWS 7"
ACTIVE
EXIT
EXIT

Next click Install Now, then Custom install to Clean Install Windows 7 to the partition you created. If it fails then report back at which step and the verbatim error message.

In addition read over these steps to understand the tools and methods which work best to get and maintain a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7. The steps are the same for retail.

After install you can adjust partition size or Create new partitions for data, etc. in Disk Mgmt. You are creating the partition here for the purpose of wiping the HD and marking Active which overcomes certain install failures.

I did not do that exact CMD prompt sequence. I can't even boot the friggin USB anymore. Tells me there is a boot problem and to enter the disc. I'm going to redo the USB and see if that helps.

whs said:

1. Did you properly align the SSD when you formatted it - else you get a BIG performance hit.

2. For installation, look here: Install Windows on MSATA (SSD) Drive

I don't see intel SRT in my bios. It is set to AHCE not compatiblity which is the only other option.

Is this setting for a Compatibility Support Module (CSM)? If so then it might mean you have a UEFI BIOS. If it's not set to Compatibility then you'll need to install to UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) - Install Windows 7 with. But to use a USB installer for a UEFI install it requires special modifications shown in UEFI Bootable USB Flash Drive - Create in Windows. I would use Option 1 which automates this.

These options were explained in the beginning of the steps I gave you which solve 90% of installation problems.

I did list disk / select disk / clean the 1st time so I assume the disk was aligned.

All I see is 'compatibility'. There is nothing else....I don't know if it's a module or not.

Redid the usb (with rufus) and now after the bios, even after redoing the boot order, all I get is a black screen with a flashing cursor in the top left of the monitor.

gregrocker said:

Is this setting for a Compatibility Support Module (CSM)? If so then it might mean you have a UEFI BIOS. If it's not set to Compatibility then you'll need to install to UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) - Install Windows 7 with. But to use a USB installer for a UEFI install it requires special modifications shown in UEFI Bootable USB Flash Drive - Create in Windows. I would use Option 1 which automates this.

These options were explained in the beginning of the steps I gave you which solve 90% of installation problems.

Should I be setting to compatibility instead of AHCI?

Reading a little about UEFI makes me paranoid. Seems like damage can be done to the system. However....I am tired and might just not be reading it right.

I'll try again tomorrow.