Solved Problem Installing Win7 x86 - Missing Drivers

[eliminatrix]

Hi All,

First time poster so take it easy!

I'm having trouble installing Win7 x86 onto a 160GB and the BIOS has no AHCI settings that I can find.


Motherboard = MSI 945PL NEO
Processor = Pentium 4 3.40 GHz
RAM = 2x 2GB DDR2
HDD = ST3160811AS – Seagate 160GB


Windows 7 Ultimate x86 has been installed on that hard-drive previously; in fact, the Windows installation is still present. *This has since been removed and a new NTFS partition written using G-Parted.*

However, as I have changed the motherboard / processor / RAM = Windows won't load.
I get to the screen saying "Install Now" and when I click on that, I get the following screen:
http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/2811/20110730004840.jpg
The weird thing is, when I click on "Browse" I can actually view the 160GB hard drive and all the files.
The same situation when I try to run a start-up repair – I can view all the files and system restore points etc
I've tried downloading the ICH7 drivers from the Intel site as well as the motherboard drivers from the MSI site = no luck. The Windows installation will load the drivers but keep stating there are no drives to show.
I've tried plugging the HDD into different SATA ports on the motherboard = no go.
Any ideas on how I can get Windows to detect the drive?


Also, here are the relevant settings from the BIOS:
Under 'Integrated Peripherals'
-> Sata Devices Configuration
-> ATA/IDE Configuration = Compatible
-> Legacy IDE Channels = PATA Pri, SATA Sec


The other options under 'Legacy IDE Channels' are:
-> Sata Only
-> PATA Pri, SATA Sec
-> SATA Pri, PATA Sec
-> PATA Only


I have even tried plugging in a 2-port SATA RAID card and connecting the HDD up to that, but same issue. Even when i provide the correct drivers on a USB stick.


I'm completely stuck here. Any ideas anyone?

 

[theog]

As you have used a 3rd party Partitioning tool, I would clean the HD with Windows partitioning tool.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91339-ssd-hdd-optimize-windows-reinstallation.html

 

[gregrocker]

Make sure you have the latest BIOS update, then set SATA controller to AHCI to try install.

If BIOS is latest, reset BIOS to optimal settings: Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS

Unplug all other HD's, boot from DVD, select Custom Install, choose Drive options to delete all partitions, create New and Format. Do not rely on dated Gparted tool for modern formatting.

If these fail try wiping the HD of possible corrupt boot code per tutorial Theog linked, or try another HD.

 

[eliminatrix]

Hi gregrocker,

Thanks for your reply but I think you haven't read my post properly. There is no Windows installation on the disk anymore - I used G-Parted to wipe and remove all partitions and write a new, blank NTFS partition.
Also, did you view my screenshot? I am unable to get to the custom installation screen.
Please re-read my post

 

[theog]

As you have used a 3rd party Partitioning tool, I would clean the HD with Windows partitioning tool.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91339-ssd-hdd-optimize-windows-reinstallation.html

Will the HD show in Diskpart?

 

[eliminatrix]

" Will the HD show in Diskpart?"

Testing that now, I have a feeling it will be yes because the drive is browseable / viewable when I click on browse to look for drivers.

 

[eliminatrix]

Yep...all there. Comes up fine in Diskpart - no worries. What now?

 

[theog]

Follow the tutorial in post 2. Using Diskpart.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

As you have used a 3rd party Partitioning tool, I would clean the HD with Windows partitioning tool.

SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation
​

Hello eliminatrix, welcome to Seven Forums!


Here's additional information at these links below.

Secure Erase / Wipe : Definition and Methods

Additional Secure Erase / Wipe Information


​

 

[gregrocker]

My post corrected above.

Wasn't sure why you were running Startup Repair if old installation which might be salvaged was not on HD.

Try the other steps first as wiping the HD is only necessary against possible boot sector corruption, for which Diskpart "Clean" command is sufficient. Secure erase ("Clean All") is only necessary for security reasons, per the Administator of this forum.

 

[eliminatrix]

Update - I ran clean then clean all on two separate HDDs and created partitions as per that tutorial but the SAME BLOODY THING. Windows just refuses to see the drive.
I had installed Windows XP SP3 to one drive and the MSI Live-Update software said there's an upgrade for my BIOS from 1.20 to 1.90 but I need a floppy disk + drive to flash it. Which I don't have
Is it possible to do an in-house upgrade from within Windows XP to Windows Vista?

 

[derekimo]

Update - I ran clean then clean all on two separate HDDs and created partitions as per that tutorial but the SAME BLOODY THING. Windows just refuses to see the drive.
I had installed Windows XP SP3 to one drive and the MSI Live-Update software said there's an upgrade for my BIOS from 1.20 to 1.90 but I need a floppy disk + drive to flash it. Which I don't have
Is it possible to do an in-house upgrade from within Windows XP to Windows Vista?

Have a look at this,

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/131041-upgrade-install-xp-windows-7-a.html

And this,

How to Update BIOS Without a Floppy Drive | eHow.com

 

[eliminatrix]

Well, I've tried that link - updating the BIOS using a removable drive and no go either. Going to see if I can source a floppy disk + drive from a friend as well as an IDE HDD and see if Windows will install to that.
The other annoying thing is that the two Windows Vista DVDs I have, won't load an install / autorun program from within Windows XP.
I get the old error - This is not a valid Win32 program. Both DVDs are Win Vista x86

 

[derekimo]

Well, I've tried that link - updating the BIOS using a removable drive and no go either. Going to see if I can source a floppy disk + drive from a friend as well as an IDE HDD and see if Windows will install to that.
The other annoying thing is that the two Windows Vista DVDs I have, won't load an install / autorun program from within Windows XP.
I get the old error - This is not a valid Win32 program. Both DVDs are Win Vista x86

Are you trying to boot the DVD's or run them from the desktop?

Upgrade installs are done from the desktop.

 

[eliminatrix]

"Upgrade installs are done from the desktop."

Just trying to run the DVDs from 'My Computer' within Windows XP.

Edit - Sorry, still trying to get the hang of how to quote. When I click quote - it's grabbing all the text in your comment, including my quote

 

[derekimo]

"Upgrade installs are done from the desktop."

Just trying to run the DVDs from 'My Computer' within Windows XP.

I guess someone with a better answer will have to jump in, sorry.

 

[gregrocker]

Make sure you have the latest BIOS update, then set SATA controller to AHCI to try install.

If BIOS is latest, reset BIOS to optimal settings: Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS

Unplug all other HD's, boot from DVD, select Custom Install, choose Drive options to delete all partitions, create New and Format. Do not rely on dated Gparted tool for modern formatting.

You'll need to install an OS to use MCI Live Update to update BIOS, which is always safest from Windows.

What were the results of the other steps given earlier?

What exact errors are you getting when attempting to boot the Win7 and Vista DVD's to clean install?

In addition to these standard install troubleshooting steps, next try removing all but 2gb of RAM to try install. Swap Sticks.

 

[eliminatrix]

I'll screen shot it for you:

Step 1: http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/1497/biosupdate1.png
Step 2: http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/6952/biosupdate2.png
Step 3: http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/2231/biosupdate3.png

After that, the window just closes and nothing happens. All the drivers from the MSI site have been installed except for audio :/ So I have no idea what drivers it's complaining about.

Edit - I tried copying the .exe and BIOS update file to a USB stick, but it just wouldn't boot from it

 

[gregrocker]

As this is a new mobo, I would get MCI tech support to proceed with BIOS update which is risky enough to justify doing this. You may also have an issue known to them.

You can also table the BIOS update for now to try all other install troubleshooting steps starting with resetting CMOS, set SATA controller to AHCI, unplug all peripherals, try install with 2gb of RAM.

Confirm the error you are receiving when you 1) boot the Win7 installer, and 2) run installer from XP which appears to be installed now to run Live Update, both before and after the steps given.

 

[eliminatrix]

"set SATA controller to AHCI"

There is no option in the BIOS to set the controller to AHCI, only those options I laid out in my original post