Can't Install Windows 7 - Samsung XP941 256GB on MSI Z97S SLI Plus

MetalSparks · Apr 11, 2015

I can't seem to install Windows 7 on my build on the Samsung SSD.

MSI specifies that the 128GB version is supported, so I see no reason as to why the 256GB version would give me troubles.

i7Baby · Apr 11, 2015

1. I disconnect everything from motherboard except CPU, memory, graphic card and M.2 SSD.
2. In Bios, restore all settings to default.
3. Change SATA mode to AHCI in PCH Storage Configuration under Advanced.
4. SATA Support: All Devices
5. Enable CSM and set

Boot Device Control: UEFI and Lagacy OPROM
Boot from Storage Devices: Legacy Only
Boot from Network Devices: Legacy Only
Boot from PCI-E/PCI Expansion Devices: UEFI Driver First

6. Disable Secure Boot (Set to Other OS)
7. Set Booting order: 1st SAMSUNG M.2 SSD, 2nd DVD-ROM
8. Create USB Boot disk that will boot to UEFI. http://www.thomas-krenn.com/en/wiki/Creating_Windows_UEFI_Boot-Stick_in_Windows

MetalSparks · Apr 11, 2015

i7Baby :

Thanks for your quick reply, i7Baby.

With everything loaded under "advanced" settings:
1. Disconnected unnecessary peripherals.
2. Restored BIOS to default.
3. Changed SATA mode to AHCI.
4. [can't find setting]
5. [can't find setting]

Boot Device Control set to Legacy+UEFI
Boot from Storage Devices: [can't find setting]
Boot from Network Devices: [can't find setting]
Boot from PCI-E...: [can't find setting]

6. [can't find setting]
7. Boot order properly set
8. I've installed this OS from the flash drive on a laptop with a Z97 chipset board (a Sager NP9772) in UEFI mode before so I'm sure it will work for this desktop.

Saved and restarted computer.
"Windows cannot be installed to this disk. This computer's hardware may not support...[etc]."
The device definitely is supported, so maybe it's due to the fact that I either couldn't find the settings to change or those settings don't exist in this BIOS.

i7Baby · Apr 11, 2015

maybe it's due to the fact that I either couldn't find the settings to change or those settings don't exist in this BIOS. - yeah. This worked for a guy who was alos having problems.

Guide - https://www.ramcity.com.au/blog/how-to-install-windows-8.1-on-the-samsung-xp941-ss/138296

Your bios up to date?

Try an 8gb usb with windows iso on it.

MetalSparks · Apr 11, 2015

I think that guide and the info you used to help me may only be for Windows 8/8.1, because it was only after I selected "Windows 8/8.1" mode that the "secure boot" and other options were present. ...meaning that this M.2 is only compatible with Windows 8/8.1? ...which sucks, because Windows 7 worked just fine on the Sager laptop.

For this mode only UEFI mode is allowed - I can't change it (grayed-out.)

i7Baby, I changed all the settings to what you recommended.

Windows 8.1 installation works!

Thank you!
...but I guess now I'm stuck with 8.1. D: I like the interface of Windows 7 better (even after I stuffed it with GUI-editing software like Aero8Tuner, ClassicShell, Start8, etc,) but at least I have a working computer that will eventually let me upgrade to Windows 10 for free.

ThomasLeong · Apr 11, 2015

1. Perhaps it is because the Samsung XP941 is Gen2 x4 when the MSI Z97A SLI PLus M.2 socket is Gen2 x2. Could be similar to trying to use a PCIe expansion card that requires x4 lanes (e.g Blackmagic cards) in a PCie slot that has less lanes, eg x2 lanes.

2. Also, according to your mobo manual, page 1-27 re Jumper JM2_1 the M.2 Interface Selection Jumper, it says to try the PCIe setting instead of the default Auto-detect if the M.2 device cannot be detected.

3. Check also BIOS path: Advanced > PCI Subsystem Settings > Switch M2 or SATA Express that the option is set to M2.

4. This is the most likely (similar issue with my Plextor M.2 in a MSI Z97M Gaming mobo) -
In BIOS > Boot > Boot Mode Select > choose 'Legacy + UEFI". in my case, "UEFI" alone did not see my Plextor M.2

i7Baby · Apr 11, 2015

MetalSparks :

Oh well - it'll help you into the Windows 10 transition I suppose. I wonder if other M.2 SSDs have the same problem? I've only see the XP841 come up so far.

MetalSparks · Apr 11, 2015

ThomasLeong :

1. Big possibility that I completely overlooked - I thought x4 was backwards compatible with x2. ...but it works for Windows 8.1
2. Windows 7 detects the SSD, it just tells me it can't install the OS on it.
3. [can't find setting], but under boot priorities I'm allowed to select/rearrange the M.2.
4. Strange, because Windows 7 was set to Legacy + UEFI, but Windows 8.1 only allowed UEFI, and it boots to it perfectly.

Thanks for the help.

ThomasLeong · Apr 11, 2015

Must be some internal dif between Win 7 and 8.1.
My Plextor M.2 had no problems with ASRock Z97 Extreme6, MSI Z97M-G43 and the MSI Z97M Gaming (except for the Legacy+UEFI setting for MSI).
8.1 is not too bad (I'm getting to like it with my recent Lenovo laptop). Matter of getting to know how to use it without the Start menu - eg. in the 8.1 tiled screen, just type what you want, eg. msconfig, and the choices will appear. Does not need a pop-up to type searches/queries. Only thing with my Single Language version is I can't install apps, but no loss for me.

MetalSparks · Apr 11, 2015

It's weird because my Sager NP9772 allowed me to install both Windows 7 and 8.1 on the same drive, so I see no reason why this motherboard can't install Windows 7.

I've already removed the tiles, lol. It pretty much looks exactly like Windows 7 but without Aero.

ThomasLeong · Apr 11, 2015

Which version of Win7 do you have? If I'm not wrong, OEM versions can only be installed on a virgin disk. Full retail version has no such limits.

Alternatively, there may be remnants of an old install on the XP941? (BTW, good choice. I would have, but could not afford it...apart from the fact that I'm off anything 'Samsung'. Have had 2 bad experiences with their expensive monitor and LCD TV. Not saying their SSD and PCIe SSD are not good...but it is just me).

Additionally, I recall one of the first reviews of the XP941 did say there could be motherboards/BIOS that did not allow OS to be installed on it, or had hiccups. Ref: First para of first page, and conclusion page of following review -
http://www.thessdreview.com/our-reviews/asrock-z97-extreme6-tests-pcie-m2-and-sata-ssds/

Mmm...the above review points to a discussion re a similar problem to yours, plus a solution, albeit different motherboard, but I think it refers to Win 7 installs on the XP941 -
http://www.thessdreview.com/Forums/ssd-beginners-guide-and-discussion/3987-xp941-asrock-z97-extreme6-ultra-2-windows-7-install.html#post36073

MetalSparks · Apr 12, 2015

It's a Windows 7 Ultimate. ...but it works on the laptop, just not on the desktop.

Nope, the XP941 was completely reformatted, so nothing should be detected.
(I actually heard that Samsung SSDs fail early, so I hope I'm one of the lucky ones.

)

Yes, but MSI says that the 128GB version is supported, so I don't see why the 256GB version wouldn't be supported (it's not like MBR vs GPT,) but Windows 8.1 worked just fine.

I did everything in that forum except use a Microsoft mounting tool - I just ripped an ISO of my Windows 7 Ultimate disk and mounted it with Rufus. ...but the same mount works just fine on the laptop, and the only difference I can see is that the laptop utilizes x4 while the desktop motherboard only supports x2. ...which is weird, because that would mean that Windows 8/8.1 can install with better backwards compatibility.

ThomasLeong · Apr 12, 2015

I recall a case someime back during an install of Win7 for a friend where the install 'lost' the path to the SATA driver, and I had to point it there with the 'Load Driver' option during the install. It comes up at the part where you point the install to the device/disk where you want Win7 to install to. Bottom right corner of that popup window is the 'Load Driver' option.

Not sure if it is applicable to your case. But now that you already have 8.1 running, I'd be inclined to forget trying a Win7 install again.

RamCity · Apr 12, 2015

MetalSparks :

This is the most common support question we get as there are additional steps needed to get your USB boot drive setup for Windows 7 compared to Windows 8.1.

Just in case anyone runs into this thread, these tips here have helped others:

<link removed by moderator>
<do not promote your site here>

cheers, Rod

MetalSparks · Apr 13, 2015

RamCity :

1. Your link was removed, so I can't see the tips.
2. I installed Windows 7 from a USB the same exact way on both my laptop and my desktop, but it only worked for my laptop.

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