Problem installing OS to a new SSD getting error messages

Neophile · 22 Dec 2016

Hello,

I bought an SSD to install Windows 7. Then, according to what I read, I connected it to the first SATA port. initialized the disk for MBR and created a single partition partition, all on Computer Management. I turned the PC off, disconnected all drives and started the PC from an already successfully used flash drive created with the original Windows 7 to USb-DVD tool as downloaded from Microsoft (I believe no longer available).

The problem was at this step. After the initial settings to install Windows?, at the Where do you want to install Windows? page where only the new drive appeared there was an error message:

Windows cannot be installed on this disk. This computer's hardware may not support booting on this disk. Ensure that the disk's controller is enabled in the computer's BIOS., I could not follow.

After checking the SATA settings in the BIOS were properly set to AHCI, I reconnected the other drives, not to install Windows elsewhere, but just to check how the BIOS behaved. Proceeded as if I were going to install, and when I got to the same Where do you want to install windows?, I noticed the same error message when selecting any of the other SATA HD drives.

Since then I always get the same error message that stops me from installing Windows on my new SSD. I tried changing the SATA settings to IDE instead of AHCI only to see what happened. There was no error message, but of course I did not proceed with the installation with that setting.

Another strange thing happens. After failing the installation the USB flash no longer boots, two new files (BCD.Backup.0001-256KB and BCD.LOG-5KB) are added to its Boot directory, and the BCD file changes its size from 256 KB to 8 KB

. The original BCD file is backed up an replaced and the a log is added. I believe there are no more changes, and If I reset the files as they were, it boots again, but with the same result

How can I install Windows properly? What happens if I install the OS on the SSD and only change the SATA settings back to AHCI afterwards? This is not what I want, but will it work just the same?

ICIT2LOL · 22 Dec 2016

Hello Noephile mate I always use a DVD as I prefer that sort of media - I have issues with USB sticks.

So why don't you try downloading the iSO for the Windows version you want?? Microsoft Windows and Office ISO Download Tool you cna make the ISO to a stick or disk you know the key code so just use that.

Having said that have you made sure all the cables etc are really seated well? and I am assuminmg the drive is showing in the BIOS?

Edit I think the ACHI has to be set first but I stand to be corrected of course.

Barman58 · 23 Dec 2016

The go-to tool for USB installers these days is Rufus - Open source, and in my experience, trouble free. The Microsoft tool was withdrawn due to some issues

You may want to give it a try to re-create the USB

Also I always suggest that you completely wipe the drive and let windows create the partitions it needs, You will find that it will create a hidden system boot partition, which tends to be more stable than having the start-up files on the windows partition.

Rufus - Create bootable USB drives the easy way

ThrashZone · 23 Dec 2016

Hi,
If you need new iso media you can use this to get it
Microsoft Windows and Office ISO Download Tool

Otherwise prepare the ssd
SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

Megahertz07 · 23 Dec 2016

Disconnect all other disks from MB (VERY IMPORTANT) or you will have the boot loader installed on another disk. (I think you already have)
Boot from your Win 7 installation disk.
Go to Install - Advanced - Delete all partitions - create new
Win will create also UEFI (if your bios is UEFI), MSR and a large NTFS.
Choose to install on the large NTFS.
Clean Install Windows 7

Neophile · 23 Dec 2016

Thank you all. I missed to add something because my post was already long. I include that here now.

ICIT2LOL. I did try the DVD from my very first install, but with the same result (got the same error), but I prefer the USB flash because the DVD is previous to SP1 and does not have it.

Yes, I set SATA to AHCI pn BIOS before trying to install, but my doubt is if there is any problem if I install with the SATA set to IDE on BIOS and change it to AHCI after installation. On my previous search for a solution I found a post where the installation was possible on IDE, but there was not a clue about any consequence. I really would like to know this for sure because it can solve this issue for good without further posts and bothering helping people.

Barman58. Rufus was my last trial after Windows 7 to USB-DVD and Unetbootin.
I also tried to present a cleaned disk (with diskpart command) at the Where do you want to install windows? page.

ThrashZone.
I prepared the SSD the way described on the thread you provided the link, but not from the USB installer. I did it with Diskpart, but from another Windows installation because the SSD is empty. I did it after failing the installation on the Where do you want to install Windows? page and failed. Shall I repeat it, but at booting?

Before posting here I have searched for the same issue, found a lot, but none of the solutions (when there was one) worked for me.

Edit – The BIOS do not see the SSD. I am attaching the error log from my last install trial from a DVD, just a few minutes ago, from the generated error log from the X:\Windows\panther directory.

Barman58 · 23 Dec 2016

I always clean the drive during a clean install from within the actual installer but Diskpart or indeed several other options (bootable repair toolkits) are perfectly acceptable :)

One thing to be aware of, if you are pre building partitions for an install, is that the Anniversary Update build 1607 requires 500GB for the Hidden System partition up from the 300 of the initial release of Windows 10

Barman58 · 23 Dec 2016

The error message you list is normally related to some type of EUFI or GPT Disk issue

Check your bios is not set to secure boot and to AHCI

Why do i need AHCI with a SSD Drive (Guide Here!) ... - Crucial Community

Megahertz07 · 23 Dec 2016

Barmen is right.
On BIOS:
Secure boot must be disabled (or OS=other)
CSM=enabled with boot = UEFI.
Follow my post 5.
You MUST delete all existing partitions
If you boot your Win 7 installation disk on UEFI mode (not legacy) it will install win 7, as UEFI on a GPT drive.
If you boot your Win 7 installation disk on Legacy mode it will install win 7, as Legacy with MBR .

Neophile · 23 Dec 2016

Thank you for the useful links. On a page of Partition Wizard I also found a way that is not addressed at my issue, but might solve it. It is under the subtitle Method 2: Enable AHCI Mode. I think I will go that way. It involves some additional settings, but easy ones.

Megahertz07 said:

Barmen is right.
On BIOS:
Secure boot must be disabled (or OS=other)
CSM=enabled with boot = UEFI.
Follow my post 5.
You MUST delete all existing partitions
If you boot your Win 7 installation disk on UEFI mode (not legacy) it will install win 7, as UEFI on a GPT drive.
If you boot your Win 7 installation disk on Legacy mode it will install win 7, as Legacy with MBR .

I am sorry, but your first post (5) almost repeats a few parts that I had already done, as you can read on my starting post.

Now yes, there are something new, but i need some clarification, please.
How do I boot to UEFI and where do I set it? I am used to MBR, old style, but always like to improve for better.
Where do I disable secure boot?
What is CSM=enabled with boot = UEFI , and if a command where is it set
If you tell me to delete all partitions you cannot have read what I wrote.