Solved Windows 7 Setup Doesn't Recognize Hard Drives

[technomann]

I am attempting to install Windows 7 on an AlienWare M7700 D900T laptop, but setup will not recognize the hard drives. When first I boot up the laptop the hard drives are clearly detected, IDE busmaster is enabled. But then Windows 7 setup will not detect them. If I select the <Load Drivers> then insert the drivers disc that came with the machine, it also fails to find the appropriate device drivers. Does anyone have a clue as to how I can resolve this issue?

Thanks for any and all responses.

 

[gregrocker]

Make sure your BIOS is up to date; if so reset the CMOS: Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS

While in BIOS setup, set SATA controller to AHCI.

Wipe the HD to try install: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91339-ssd-hdd-optimize-windows-reinstallation.html. Use partitioning step 2.2 to format NTFS Primary and mark Active to try install.

Tips for getting a purrfect OEM reinstall: http://www.sevenforums.com/installation-setup/125874-re-install-windows-7-a.html#post1086729

 

[theog]

Are try to overinstall a 32bit OS with Windows 7 64bit? Yes.
You need to clean your HD first.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91339-ssd-hdd-optimize-windows-reinstallation.html

Can you post your specs.
http://www.sevenforums.com/general-discussion/22550-filling-out-system-specs.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/hardware-devices/6936-dont-know-what-hardware-you-have.html
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/176785-vistaforums-sysinfo-tool.html

 

[technomann]

Make sure your BIOS is up to date; if so reset the CMOS: Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS

While in BIOS setup, set SATA controller to AHCI.

Wipe the HD to try install: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91339-ssd-hdd-optimize-windows-reinstallation.html. Use partitioning step 2.2 to format NTFS Primary and mark Active to try install.

Tips for getting a purrfect OEM reinstall: http://www.sevenforums.com/installation-setup/125874-re-install-windows-7-a.html#post1086729

Thanks for your help. I am unable to locate a BIOS upgrade for this machine, and Alienware tech support has FAILED to answer any of my emails in this regard. I have wiped the drives, re-partitioned them and formatted them in NTFS, yet when I run the Win 7 setup it STILL FAILS to detect either of the hard drives. I am at my wits end. Any other advice would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[gregrocker]

Did you reset the CMOS?

What HD controller is enabled and what is it's setting?

Can you unplug one HD to try install?

Did you write zeroes the the HD? After doing so, follow Step 2.2 here to partition NTFS Primary and mark Active which gives your HD every chance to be seen by installer - if not then it's not software related: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91339-ssd-hdd-optimize-windows-reinstallation.html

Read this: http://www.overclock.net/hard-drives-storage/463477-alienware-area-51-m7700-d900t-laptop.html

The rig is old enough it may need IDE drivers which are not all in the Win7 installer due to age. You'll want to look for your IDE controller (may be the non-RAID controller referenced in thread above, unzip it to stick or CD then browse to it from Load Drivers link on installer's Drives screen. After refresh drive should show on screen.

 

[technomann]

Make sure your BIOS is up to date; if so reset the CMOS: Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS

While in BIOS setup, set SATA controller to AHCI.

Wipe the HD to try install: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91339-ssd-hdd-optimize-windows-reinstallation.html. Use partitioning step 2.2 to format NTFS Primary and mark Active to try install.

Tips for getting a purrfect OEM reinstall: http://www.sevenforums.com/installation-setup/125874-re-install-windows-7-a.html#post1086729

Thanks for your help. I am unable to locate a BIOS upgrade for this machine, and Alienware tech support has FAILED to answer any of my emails in this regard. I have wiped the drives, re-partitioned them and formatted them in NTFS, yet when I run the Win 7 setup it STILL FAILS to detect either of the hard drives. I am at my wits end. Any other advice would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks!

BREAKTHROUGH! I downloaded the NON-RAID Win XP controller driver for the M770 laptop from the alienware website and burned it to a CD. Then, upon installation of Windows 7 I clicked on <LOAD DRIVERS> and directed it to the CD. To my surprise the driver loaded and detected the HDDs. I deleted all partitions, then re-created and formatted them, and VOILA! Windows 7 is installing as we speak!

Thanks to all who responded!!!!

 

[gregrocker]

You're welcome. Glad it worked.

Read this: http://www.overclock.net/hard-drives-storage/463477-alienware-area-51-m7700-d900t-laptop.html

The rig is old enough it may need IDE drivers which are not all in the Win7 installer due to age. You'll want to look for your IDE controller (may be the non-RAID controller referenced in thread above, unzip it to stick or CD then browse to it from Load Drivers link on installer's Drives screen. After refresh drive should show on screen.

 

[jerdobi]

The Promise FastTrak 378 1.0.1.37 drivers work fine on this laptop. I copied them to a CDROM and popped it in when prompted for drivers. The trick is that on installation when your prompted for the load drivers you have to naviagate with the browser down to the directory holding the drivers. Just selecting the drive is insufficient to locate them to be loaded. Remember after loading the drivers, to swap back the Windows & installation CD before pressing next. Also, there's a BIOS setup where you can either activate or inactivate the RAID and it has to be turned on. I have the Promise RAID running right now on a D900T