Windows 7 OEM won't boot without OS disk in CD drive!?

ritcH · 15 Jul 2012 at 15:03

I was updating a computer today, installing an intel SSD and updating the OS from Vista to Windows 7 Pro OEM. It all went well except now I can't boot windows without the OS disk being in the CD drive.

I tried changing the boot order so that only the hard drive is first but I get an error message saying unable to boot, insert OS disc and press any key.

Another problem is that even though I quick formatted the old hard drive with Vista installed on it, the computer is dual booting and asking if I would like Windows 7 or Vista (recovered). When I boot into windows 7 and check the old hard drive it is empty.

Any ideas how I can resolve this?

Thanks

Nickolp1974 · 15 Jul 2012 at 15:11

If your installing your os on your ssd, disconnect hdd then install.
When you installed the os did you delete the partition where the os normally resides(old hdd)

ritcH · 15 Jul 2012 at 15:17

There are 3 hard drives, 1ssd and 2 320GB normal hdds. Vista was installed on one of these, which was unpartitioned. The other was partitioned into a 50GB and 250GB drive.

When I installed windows 7 I quick formatted the old primary hard drive with vista on it. Then installed windows 7 onto the ssd. I didn't delete any partitions. I didn't disconnect any drives when I installed windows 7.

So because I installed from an OEM disc can I now reinstall Windows 7 by disconnecting the drives? I thought all the hardware had to be in place with OEM installs and that you can only install OEM once?

Nickolp1974 · 15 Jul 2012 at 15:21

This thread maybe of some use to you
http://www.overclock.net/t/664738/how-to-setup-ssd-boot-drive-with-secondary-hard-disc-optimization

ritcH · 15 Jul 2012 at 15:28

That thread is about preserving the SSD, I'm more concerned about the problems I'm having in the OP, thanks anyway.

Nickolp1974 · 15 Jul 2012 at 16:44

Sorry my mistake , either way most people install with just the ssd connected. The hdd's do not need to be connected at install. And is your hdd in your boot order?, if so remove it from list.

Did you do a secure erase on your ssd the first time you used it?
http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&DwnldID=18455

ritcH · 15 Jul 2012 at 20:37

In the end I did what you said and unplugged all the harddrives except the SSD. Curiously Windows 7 wouldn't even boot despite the fact it was on the ssd. Then I formatted and installed anew on the ssd and once that was completed plugged in the other two drives. Runs fine now.

Orcvader · 15 Jul 2012 at 20:44

When you installed 7, the boot files went onto the Vista drive. This is why you had those problems, even though it was installed on the other drive, the drive with the 100mb boot manager partition needs to be set as the boot drive. The 7 install detected the vista one and just added onto that.

That's why it's usually recommended to do a clean install with only 1 harddrive connected.