Unable to install Windows 7 -- New Build

[STiGzag]

I've just finished a brand new PC build, but I am unable to initiate the OS install. I have a legitimate Windows 7 Professional x64 product key, and I used it to get an .iso straight from Microsoft. I first used the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool to setup my flash drive as a boot drive, but when I boot from it on my PC it says there a missing drivers. Then I tried burning the .iso to a DVD, setting the ODD as my primary boot device, and restarting the PC, but then I got the black screen saying "Insert boot media". Any ideas?

PC Specs:

AMD A10 7870K
ASRock A88M-G/3.1
32 GB HyperX Savage
Samsung 850 Evo 500 GB M.2 SSD
Asus DRW-24B1ST

 

[STiGzag]

I used the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool to setup a different DVD with the same .iso, and I got passed the "Insert boot media..." screen. I make it to the same step as with the USB -- "Where do you want to install Windows?", but it seems my SSD is not detected. I was unable to find any drivers on Samsung's website for the M.2 SSD.

 

[STiGzag]

Since my last post I have updated the BIOS to the newest version, but this made no change. I also called Samsung who verified this drive is in fact bootable, but I've also read that Windows 7 and M.2 SSDs don't like to get along. Had I known this I likely would have purchased Windows 10.

Also, I was incorrect earlier when describing my issue trying to boot from USB. The error I get is that the correct drivers are not detected. I never even make it to the screen where I choose where to install Windows. I am using the same .iso that I used to setup the DVD, and creating the drive through Rufus...

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi and welcome to SevenForums,
I'm not really familiar with M.2 ssd's "although I have a place to add one" but have you looked at the bios options and is it listed there and if so what does it say for disk options and OS Type ?

Wondering what the M.2 would be formatted as GPT/ MBR ? what size is the M.2 ?

 

[STiGzag]

The SSD is not detected at all. It has a 500 GB capacity and uses the 3.5" form factor (not sure what you meant by "size"). Since it's not listed in the BIOS I am unable to see any options it might have. I have a regular SSD that I am going to attempt to use, so I can show you the options for it. I might end up installing on the SATA SSD and then attempting to clone to the M.2 SSD...

 

[torchwood]

Its not the SSD its because your motherboard only has USB 3 ports, thats the driver failure none in W7.

read this
How does one install Windows 7 using USB 3? - Super User

Roy

 

[AddRAM]

But that should not be stopping the M.2 from being seen by the Bios.

ST, how can you clone to the M.2 if it`s not seen ?

I would not do a clone.

I`m glad you`re being the Guinea Pig for us, keep us updated on this, as I`ll be getting the Samsung 950 soon.

Samsung finally started selling it

SSD 950 PRO NVMe 256GB


Make a Windows 10 installer, see if it sees the drive, wow should we even call it a drive :huh:

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Size is how much storage as you have said now 500gb

Well I'm not sure if the M.2 would need you to install activating a Raid 0... configuration or not this is uncharted
As AddRam says thanks for being a guinea pig for us although I have no intention of getting one.

 

[STiGzag]

I placed a 2.5" SATA SSD in my PC and it detected it, but would not let me install Windows to it (gave an ambiguous error and stated details could be found in the setup log files). I placed the same drive in my laptop and was successfully able to install Windows. After getting to the desktop, I shutdown the laptop, swapped the SSD back into my PC, and it loaded to the desktop. I installed all the necessary drivers and programs, put the M.2 SSD back in, but it still will not detect it. I'm not sure if it's a MOBO incompatibility or what... but I'm thinking I'll just return it and get a standard SATA SSD (since the one I'm using is borrowed).

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Sure is interesting why the bios won't detect it
I'm pretty sure you'd have to create a Raid for it though

I much prefer using a device as this for easy access to ssd's and dual booting
Amazon.com: Vantec 2.5-Inch Dual Bay Trayless SATA III - 6G Mobile Rack (MRK-225S6-BK): Computers & Accessories
Not the prettiest item but it sure is well built and functional as hell
I don't know how I lived without it for so long
ssd try and data tray for each os I have