Windows 8.1 install on New laptop SSD - can't boot

zorrr

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Dec 31, 2010
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Installed new Crucial SSD in my Samsung P300 i5 laptop DVD tray, using a caddy. (Disconnected old HD)

Bios sees it fine, Windows installer sees it fine (installing from a USB HD) but once all files are installed it fails to boot from the SSD, whatever drive I select in BIOS boot priority)

So I tried using Windows repair from the installer, auto-fixes don't help (though they see the installed Windows 8.1), tried bcdedit repair, scanos etc it says no installations present!

Any ideas?
 

zorrr

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Dec 31, 2010
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So I thought maybe installing in the main slot might help - swapped the SSD over from the caddy and now I can't even get Windows to install at all! It fails at the partitioning / format stage :(

I've hunted around the BIOS but can't see anything obvious that might help..

Have I got a dud SSD? Any suggestions welcome - I hate to think that if I spend two weeks RMA'ing it I'm going to run into the same problem again ><
 
Why use the DVD Caddy for the SSD? The obvious setup would be to displace your HDD with the SSD and use the DVD Caddy for a storage drive, or at least that's what I've done in the past. (I prefer Hybrid drives, now). Agreed, I see no reason why, if you've selected the Optical Drive as 1st Boot priority it wouldn't work, but is the Optical Drive on the list of Hard Drives?
 

corcorand82

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Nov 22, 2013
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Why use the DVD Caddy for the SSD? The obvious setup would be to displace your HDD with the SSD and use the DVD Caddy for a storage drive, or at least that's what I've done in the past. (I prefer Hybrid drives, now). Agreed, I see no reason why, if you've selected the Optical Drive as 1st Boot priority it wouldn't work, but is the Optical Drive on the list of Hard Drives?
If what he is suggesting is true, then try making a bootable disk... Best way to tell if your dad is recognized and the first step to solving your issue.