iastor.sys related BSOD

[TVeblen]

Where is the 32GB SSD? Can you see it? Can you remove it?

 

[flightmedic]

I cannot see it. I took the laptop apart today and could not identify it.

 

[TVeblen]

Did you ever try installing W7 with both hard drives in the laptop?
What happens if you swap the drives (keeping just one installed)?

 

[flightmedic]

It's my understanding that utilizing the second hard drive, it will erase the data on it. I'd like to keep that as a last resort until I can back the data (approx. 350 GB).

When both HD are installed, Windows installer identifies the data drive, but not the primary C: drive.

If I install on the 2ndary data drive, will that then become primary drive? What will happen to the data that is on it?

 

[TVeblen]

Yes, definitely backup your data from the Data Drive before proceeding.

I believe you are correct, the data will be lost if you install Windows on the Data drive. The question is: why is the other hard drive not being recognized? You don't want to install Windows on the Data Drive, you want to re-install on the "C" drive.

The most obvious reason is that the "C" drive is defective, for both the BSODs and the non-recognition problem.

If all the drives are connected, will the optical drive read (operate)? You might want to download the Hitachi Drive Fitness Test for bootable CD or USB Stick and run a diagnostic on the drive(s). To see if it spots any problems that may explain this.

http://www.hgst.com/support/index-files/simpletech-legacy-downloads

 

[flightmedic]

From everything I've read and been told in this list, the mSSD being connected to the HD via RAID is what is causing it. I'll try the DFT and see if it works.

 

[TVeblen]

Is the micro SSD installed in your card reader slot by any chance?

 

[TVeblen]

I found this:
Disabled mSSD on new dv7 Quad Core!
Sounds like your problem. There are some solutions there that may help. But it sounds like that mSSD is just a bad idea.

 

[flightmedic]

I'm currently trying to partition the drive on Lubuntu to allow a dual boot with windows 7. I'm muddling my way through the tutorials and forums to figure out how exactly to partition it and figure out which is the SSD.

 

[flightmedic]

Holy crap I just got it fixed.

Loaded Lubuntu. Partitioned the SSD and now when I load windows from DVD @ boot all my drives are showing up!!!

Thank you all for all of your assistance. I know it was trying and it had to be frustrating. I truly appreciate it.

One quick question though. Should I also reformat the system part of the drive and install the Windows 7 there?

I know you advised to clean the disk and should I still do this?

Thank you all for your assistance. Is there a way I can make a donation to this forum as a way to say thanks???

Jim

 

[gregrocker]

Please post back a camera snap of the installer Drive Map. If the 32 gb shows up then you may have the option to install your OS and some of your programs there, with the lesser-used Programs and User data folders installed to the HD's.

Putting together what we've learned with the important new piece Bob found, it's looking like the PC is sold with HD's raided with a 32gb SSD caching chip on the mobo. Whether Win7 can be installed to the chip now that they're unRAIDed remains to be seen.

But if the 32gb is showing up as a choice during install then it's worth a try to see if you can get the OS and your most-used Programs on the SSD.

 

[essenbe]

Well done, Jim. Congratulations for getting it working.

 

[flightmedic]

I'm assuming disk 1 is the SSD.

I was just curious which drive I should choose for the clean install. And if it is still advisable to do a wipe of the drive.

I'm also curious to know if now that it is not RAID'ed if I could actually use it as a secondary drive.

Jim

 

[Dave76]

Info from the The Definitive Guide to Clean Install OS on a mSSD Cache Equipped Laptop (dv6t-7000, dv7t-7000, Envy17-3200) link on how to make the mSATA SSD usable as a separate drive.

3. Under the “Accelerate” tab, select “Disable acceleration”. (see attached screenshot)
4. After step 3, you should see a new option “Make available” on the same tab. Click on that, now you have completely disassociated the mSSD from the cached

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drive. Restart computer.
5. (Optional) Reformat the mSSD in Windows’s Disk Management (type in Disk Management in start menu). When prompted, choose MBR as the initialization type.

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Now you can use the mSSD as a drive. (see attached screenshot)

You should be able to follow step #5, the mSATA SSD is showing up in your Disk Management.

From looking for info on this subject, there was mention that you need to install the Intel RST driver from the HP site and not from the Intel site.
The newer Intel RST driver has been causing BSoDs for some.

In case you don't have it: HP Pavilion dv7 Entertainment PC - Maintenance and Service Guide, 6.77M