Solved I can't install Windows 7

[bend23]

Hi,

one day when I was starting my laptop I got the message that "no bootable device found - insert boot disk and press any key".

So I've been trying for a while to reinstall a proper windows 7 oem (I've found trough a link in this forum). I was messing around quite a bit and tried with diskpart to make a primary partition but this failed because of a I/O error.

What I discovered by now:

- When I set the SATA mode to AHCI mode the installation hangs up in the "Starting Windows" screen.
- When I set the SATA mode to IDE mode I'm able to go further till the moment I've to select the HDD where I want to install windows 7 ( it shows "Disk 0 Unallocated Space" and a warning what says " windows cannot be installed to this disk. Details: This computer's hardware may not support booting to this disk. Ensure that the disk's controller is enabled in the computer's BIOS menu.").

Thanks for any help!

 

[Ztruker]

Set the BIOS to default and try a different hard drive??

 

[bend23]

Thank you.

When I set BIOS to default settings. It sets the SATA mode to AHCI mode which results that I stuck in the "windows starting" screen.

It's a laptop I've only one hard disk (SSD) or is it possible to install windows 7 on a external hard disk?

 

[theog]

Check the hard drive with the SSD manufacturer's diagnostic tools.

 

[gregrocker]

Is the drive detected now in BIOS setup?

If so run the drive maker's diagnostics. If less than a year old contact their tech support to supervise this so it is set up for possible RMA. You may need to use Acer support for this which is incompetent, so make it clear you expect them to correct this if within the year warranty period. Report back what they say.

If SSD tests OK, then 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.

 

[bend23]

Thanks for your replies.

to get the warranty is now difficult. There was a seal on the back what I broke to open the laptop to see which ssd it's inside. Anyways i guess the year was already over.

SSD I have: micron realssd c400 2.5

I was looking for a while for a diagnostic tool and I found "realssd manager" but downloadable from suspicious sites.
Does anyone know the tool from micron?


The drive gets detected by the BIOS (InsydeH20 Setup Utility rev. 3.7).

 

[gregrocker]

If the SSD is detected in BIOS then go ahead with the steps I gave you to see if they resolve the problem.

Someone may know the needed SSD diagnostics so you can test it for sure.

 

[bend23]

The problem now with the SATA mode set to AHCI. The installation stucks at the Starting Windows Screen.

What I can say, it worked once with the AHCI mode but then I clicked on the Repair Startup and there was the point the whole trouble with AHCI mode began.

I can only access the installation set SATA mode to IDE.

Do I need to install the AHCI drivers?


Edit: I tried your steps with diskpart: I got an error during creating partition primary: Diskpart has encountered an error: The request could not be performed because of an I/O deice error. See the System Event Log for more information.

 

[gregrocker]

This is typical of a bad or failing HD. So test the drive to be sure.

The AHCI drivers are all in the installer. But you can supply it to be sure if you want.

Did you try another installer as the steps provide? The issue can be installer.

 

[bend23]

I was trying first with win7 professional (download from my school, should be an official one from MS).
I made a bootable USB flash stick with the Win7 DVD/USB tool. At this point i could use SATA mode AHCI but I'm sure in the System Recovery Options wasn't any operating system listed. I was trying the Startup repair and then i restarted. From this point AHCI wasn't working anymore.

Then I was searching for solutions and found SevenForums and also the links to proper Win7 OEM's. I'm using currently Win7 Premium as I ve the key on the laptop for it.

Next step: I m searching for the diagnostic tool to have the proof if the ssd has any issues.


EDIT: I've quite difficulties to get any diagnostic tool running on the laptop.

 

[gregrocker]

Try booting the installer in another PC to confirm it's good up to the step where it sees the HD for install.

If not what always works for me is UltraISO Software To Create Bootable USB Flash Drive.

 

[bend23]

I got now a dos diagnostic tool working on the laptop. The tool thinks that the drive is fine. I guess not quite true otherwise I could've made a primary partition on the drive.




EDIT: I gave now the laptop into hands of experts. They may have the more suitable tools to check and save some data.

Thank you for all your support and I let you know about my laptop.

 

[gregrocker]

You can test the hard drive using HD Diagnostic extended CD scan, followed by Disk Check run from the Command Line in System Recovery Options.

If HD checks out the 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.

 

[bend23]

Somehow the ssd was damaged. I had to replace it. Installed Win7.

Thanks for all your help!