Solved Clean install on intel 525 msata

[ChrisPbass]

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)

 

[gregrocker]

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.

 

[whs]

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

2. For installation, look here: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/306285-install-windows-msata-ssd-drive.html

 

[ChrisPbass]

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.

 

[ChrisPbass]

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

2. For installation, look here: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/306285-install-windows-msata-ssd-drive.html

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

 

[whs]

Once you can get to the SSD, you have to either make sure the partition on it is aligned if you want to install into that predefined partition

or cleam the SSD. Then the Windows installer will do the alignment.

 

[whs]

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

2. For installation, look here: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/306285-install-windows-msata-ssd-drive.html

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

Not sure, try AHCI.

 

[gregrocker]

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 http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorial...e-firmware-interface-install-windows-7-a.html. 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.

 

[ChrisPbass]

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.

 

[ChrisPbass]

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 http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorial...e-firmware-interface-install-windows-7-a.html. 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.

 

[gregrocker]

Wait until you are rested to avoid making unnecessary mistakes.

Then watch this video to understand better UEFI BIOS vs. Legacy BIOS - YouTube.

To install normally change to Legacy BIOS or Compatility Mode, keep AHCI setting for SATA controller, set HDD first to boot into BIOS setup, trigger flash stick installer using one-time BIOS Boot Menu key. This prevents the stick from autostarting at reboots during install. If not possible then unplug it at first reboot.

To make sure the ISO is written to stick correctly for a normal MBR install use the tool in the troubleshooting steps I gave you in Post #2 above.

 

[whs]

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

What you did with these commands is to clean it - but not align it. However, a clean disk is good enough for a new installation. The installer will align it. Only disadvantage is that you get the dreaded 100MB system partition.

If you want to avoid that, you have to define a partition with these commands and install the system into that partition.

Diskpart
List disk
Select disk n (where n is the number that was given for your SSD in List disk)
Clean
Create partition primary align=1024
Format fs=ntfs quick
Active
Exit

 

[ChrisPbass]

Cleaned and aligned and installed using ISO on a DVD I burned

I believe it was the USB. I have installed 3 (tried) pcs w USB and 2 were a pita until I used a DVD. However, I did my own laptop yesterday w USB and it went off without a hitch. Thanks!