New build including SSD. Windows 7 won't install.

[Damien] · 20 Jul 2011 at 08:59

Hi,

I've just bought parts for a new build (i5 2500k, 8gb Kingston HyperX, MSI p67a-GD53, MSI GTX 460 OC, Crucial M4 64gb) and I'm having problems with doing a fresh install of Win7.

When it gets to the 'completing installation' part it says 'windows setup could not configure windows to run on this computer's hardware'. At first I thought it was because I'd switched the SATA controller mode from IDE to AHCI in the bios before starting the install, but switching it back and reinstalling didn't help.

Anyone got any ideas?

[Damien] · 20 Jul 2011 at 09:54

Never mind. I think I've found the answer. Apparently leaving the installation USB drive in after the first restart can cause that error. I'll test it when I get home but it sounds like it's the culprit.

Activ8 · 20 Jul 2011 at 09:54

You'll want to leave the AHCI on. It's in chipset, advanced configuration, SATA mode. Best for SATA operation.

You will need to delete the partition on the HDD that Win 7 was partially installed on. Do that before attempting the new install.

Are you trying to install a 32-bit or 64-bit OS?

Also, it appears that you will have to add the Intel Matrix Storage Manager during the installation process.

Download the floppy utility here from Intel. (change for 64-bit)
Extract the files to usb external storage device.
During the custom installation process, on the select a drive page, there is an add driver option.
Point that to the files iastor and iaahci (need both)
then select the drive/partition and proceed with the install.

See how that goes.

Activ8 · 20 Jul 2011 at 09:56

[Damien];19622452 said:
Never mind. I think I've found the answer. Apparently leaving the installation USB drive in after the first restart can cause that error. I'll test it when I get home but it sounds like it's the culprit.

I would have thought that this would be true if the 1st boot device is set to USB.

R088ieS86 · 20 Jul 2011 at 09:58

You did it the right way.(AHCI for SSDs)
Do you have any other hard drives connected at the time of install?

I'd disconnect all drives accept the SSD, clear the CMOS, boot into BIOS and change to AHCI and try again. (possible even switch the Sata cable)

[Damien] · 20 Jul 2011 at 10:07

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm using a multiboot usb (with linux, hirens boot disc, etc on) which I've added the Win7 x64 iso to. After googling around for the error I've found that the exact same error is listed in the 'known issues' section of the program I used to create the multiboot (http://www.pendrivelinux.com/yumi-multiboot-usb-creator/).

When I get home I'll re-enable AHCI, delete the existing partitions from the SSD and start from scratch, only remembering to remove the USB. The first boot device is set to usb, but I chose to boot from hard disk after the windows setup restart so I didn't even think having it attached would affect anything.

I've got no other drives attached at the moment (the parts aren't even in my case yet, they're assembled on my desk sat on a piece of cardboard) so the usb is the most likely cause.

Thanks again for your help though and I'll let you know if that doesn't fix it.