Windows cannot be installed to this disk.

Hey guys,

Just got a Corsair Force 3 120GB SSD and want to do a clean install of Windows 7 64bit on to it.

However, when I get to the 'Where do you want to install windows?' screen, I get the error message:

'Windows cannot be installed to this disk. This computer's hardware may not support booting to this disk. Ensure the disk's controller is enabled in the computer's BIOS menu.'

Any suggestions?



Additional information:

Specs are in my signature
I do no have another HDD plugged in (it is to the PSU, but not via SATA to the mobo)

Hey Gallarian

I think you need to enable AHCI for the SATA controller in the BIOS (under storage in UEFI screen).

If its set to IDE f.ex. you get that message from windows installer.

Here are a couple of links that might be of use:

(lots about ssd)
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/ [...] icles-part

(manual for the mobo)
http://download.asrock.com/manual/ [...] 20Gen3.pdf

Kindest regards

Dark

Im in the bios now, (on these forums using my laptop) under the Boot tab and I have these options:

Priorities:
Boot Option 1 - SATA: HL-DT-STDVD+-RW GSA-H31L
Boot Option 2 - UEFI: HL-DT-STDVD+-RW GSA-H31L

(I can only choose SATA or UEFI for each option)

Hi sorry for the lengthy reply Ill pay more attention to the thread updates.

Anyway I was a bit unprecise in the last post:

Go to "Advanced Tab"
Select "Storage Con" (not boot one), then there should be an option to set IDE or AHCI mode.

EDIT: ok can you change the IDE mode to SATA or AHCI? (you should be able accourding to the manual)

let me know if it works

SATA mode -> ahci, NOT ide and enable Smart
Also I'd stick the DVD drive on one of the last two sata II ports (But not a biggy all depend on what you plan on adding later).

While you're at it, either disable marvel controller or at least set to ahci also

Ok, done! gunna give it a try now..

just a side question while this is loading..

when I reconnect my HDD with Win7 also loaded on, how do I choose which one to boot from?

I want to boot from SSD and then copy files from my HDD to it, then wipe the HDD and use it for storage.

ok, boot has worked and Im now installing windows!

Thank you ever so much guys, this is why I love toms haha!

while youre still here though, could you help me with me the question from the previous post?

Thank you!!

right guys.. a new problem now..

My system wont find my graphics card, its only finding the onboard integrated graphics.

so, to make sure everythings still working in that departement, I unplugged my SSD and then plugged in my HDD. On start up I blue screen and shut down.. using the repair tool now.

Edit:

After finding out my graphics card is still working (thank god!) Ive reconnected my SSD and put the BIOS settings to ACHI so it works. Ive now diabled the onboard graphics and managed to get it to find my GTX580. So finally, were back on track!

Now its just sorting that boot order out..

Problem with the HDD was that windows was installed with the Bios set to IDE, when changed to ahci for SSD then there was a comunications problem for the HDD.

This is easily correctable.
With the SSD disconnected, and HDD connected, bios set to IDE you boot the the HDD, make a registry change power off, change bios back to ahci and boot to HDD. then stick ssd back in and set boot priority to SSD. Use F11 to boot to HDD.

For changing IDE -> ahci:
1.Exit all Windows-based programs.
2.Click Start, type regedit in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER.
3.If you receive the User Account Control dialog box, click Continue.
4.Locate and then click one of the following registry subkeys:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Msahci
5.In the right pane, right-click Start in the Name column, and then click Modify.
6.In the Value data box, type 0, and then click OK.
7.On the File menu, click Exit to close Registry Editor

Reboot, enter Bios and change IDE -> AHCI

edit: I meant back to IDE, then put it back to AHCI to boot off of my SSD