MBR error on reinstalling Win7 to clean HD

Just my two cents.

I would recommend setting SSD as the first boot device in BIOS and then use F8 key when powering on to temporally change the boot priority. Usually the flash drive will be listed twice in the boot menu. One with a UEFI prefix and one with normal model name. For an MBR mode install, make sure to choose the one without UEFI prefix.

Also the SSD seems to be a "Crucial M4" model which is famous for buggy firmwares. It will be wise to update the firmware to the latest revision before installing Windows. Bootable image of firmware update disc and instructions can be downloaded from the below link.

Crucial SSD Firmware Updates

Also disconnect the HDD until the installation is finished and Windows is up and running.

I understand that you were in Advanced Mode when you took the screenshot. My question is if you had clicked on the Advanced Tab from the four tabs there along the top.

Is this screenshot made from the Advanced tab? Can we see the settings on all four tabs?



If you click on each setting it will tell you what they do on the right side margin.

Have you tried to install with the stick booted in normal and not UEFI mode? We can see it offers that choice.

In the Second Boot Option does Windows Boot Manager show up when stick is set to UEFI mode? Does the SSD show up? Try each of those. Then see what choices are available when stick is chosen without UEFI and settings are saved. Try install both ways.

OK, I've entered my system specs. Let me know what I missed. Also, regarding disconnecting other drives: I have unplugged the WD data drive. The Crucial SSD drive is plugged in and this is the drive that Windows will be installed on. However, I did not unplug the DVD burner. Should I? I await further direction. Thank you!

Greg, just saw your last post. Let me get those shots and send.....

Aw, geez, I hope I'm gonna be ok......but when I was navigating the BIOS, I inadvertently clicked on Boot Override and selected the stick without the UEFI label. It is proceeding with the install! No MBR message! I'm at Expanding Windows files...51%. I appreciate that you suggested it. My fingers are crossed. Will check in with my progress as this proceeds. Holding my breath...

Installation stalled. "No device drivers were found. Make sure that the installation media contains the correct drivers, and then click ok." ???

Does this look right? It needs a driver... Is it somewhere in here? Thank god for this iPad...

The error most often means a bad installer. Did you ever create a newer installer from a fresh download using tool also provided in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 ? I'm sure I've given you this step several times, but I think you said you had no other PC to do it on, as though one could not be borrowed to complete the step.

What do you mean you clicked on Boot Override to trigger non-UEFI flash stick installer? Is this a setting we have not even been shown yet? Where are the rest of the tabs' settings you were going to finally show us 3 days later after we've asked til our face is blue?

And what are the settings choices for Second Boot device both when UEFI and Legacy stick are selected for First Boot Device?


I understand you were excited about accidentally discovering the Legacy Stick choice I'd already suggested you try, but there is no way we can properly troubleshoot this when only half of our questions are being answered.