HDD detected in BIOS, but not in Windows installation.

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TWagss

Commendable
Jan 20, 2017
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I'm installing Windows 7 from a USB Flash Drive and when it asks me to select where I want to install windows, my HDD or anything doesn't show up and it asks me to select a driver to be installed. What really confuses me is in the BIOS i'm not seeing an option ANYWHERE to set SATA to AHCI/IDE. I have seen videos of people having the option to do so in their BIOS with the exact same layout and motherboard as mine but in my BIOS the drop down bar is simply not there. Also this is a completely new build.

Any kind of help is appreciated.
 
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SuperSoph_WD
Welcome to Tom's Hardware, @TWagss!

I'd advise you to check your motherboard manufacturer's official website for any updates on the BIOS version. Make sure you have the latest one installed. I'd go there to check the tutorials (manual) and their knowledge base regarding how to activate AHCI. It should be listed in the 'SATA mode options'/Storage configuration (usually). I believe there are instructions in all new mobos' manuals on how to activate this SATA mode.

Afterwards, try running the Windows 7 installation with only the primary/destination OS drive connected to the motherboard. (If you have any secondary HDDs, unplug them from the mobo to avoid the so-called OS confusion) If the HDD is still undetected by the Windows 7...
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SuperSoph_WD

SuperSoph_WD

Glorious
Jul 30, 2014
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Welcome to Tom's Hardware, @TWagss!

I'd advise you to check your motherboard manufacturer's official website for any updates on the BIOS version. Make sure you have the latest one installed. I'd go there to check the tutorials (manual) and their knowledge base regarding how to activate AHCI. It should be listed in the 'SATA mode options'/Storage configuration (usually). I believe there are instructions in all new mobos' manuals on how to activate this SATA mode.

Afterwards, try running the Windows 7 installation with only the primary/destination OS drive connected to the motherboard. (If you have any secondary HDDs, unplug them from the mobo to avoid the so-called OS confusion) If the HDD is still undetected by the Windows 7 installation, try running Command Prompt's DiskPart option from the Repair options in the installation. It should help you format the drive and hopefully, that will make it available in the Windows Setup Wizard.

Hope this helps. Good luck! :)
SuperSoph_WD
 
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