Windows 8.1 Clean Install Error

budon1994

Reputable
May 25, 2014
2
0
4,510
'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.'

I built a desktop with a 120GB SSD for windows 8.1 and a 2TB HDD for data storage. I've had many issues with games, services, and clients that require their software to be installed on the same disk as the operating system. I am now going to sell my SSD and reinstall Windows 8.1 on my 2TB HDD where I have plenty of space. I've deleted the partitions on my HDD and created a new NFTS partition. I simply tried removing my SSD and booting from the windows 8.1 disc to install on my HDD but I get that error message.
 
Solution


If the option to 'Delete' is there, you must have a partition on the drive. Choose 'Delete' so that you have Unallocated Space to install on.

When you get to 'Where do you want to Install Windows' screen use Drive Options (Advanced) to delete all Partitions and install to 'Unallocated Space'
Setup should then partition your drive accordingly and create a System Reserved Partition to store Boot data etcetera......

 

budon1994

Reputable
May 25, 2014
2
0
4,510
There is no Drive Options or anything of that sort at that page. I've been on the phone with at least 6 different Microsoft support techs who seem to not know anything about it, they send me to other support agents who say the same thing. There are options to format, delete, refresh, and other basics but none of them allow me to install windows on the drive.

Should there not be a way to completely wipe all of your drives to factory settings? I thought it would be that simple.
 


If the option to 'Delete' is there, you must have a partition on the drive. Choose 'Delete' so that you have Unallocated Space to install on.
 
Solution