Installing Win7 on Intel SSD

[goblinbee]

I am attempting to install Windows 7 64-bit on an Intel SATA SSD. Initially, windows was not recognizing the drive, but some googling indicated that others had solved this problem by switching the SSD from IDE to AHCI in the BIOS. The problem is, after doing this it seems that my system can't boot from the installation DVD, even though the DVD drive is set to boot before the SSD. I just get a message that says "CD-ROM Boot Priority ..Boot Ready", but I can't get past it. I can't figure out what the problem is. I've tried switching the SSD back to IDE, then the install DVD starts up, but of course it still can't see the drive. I switch it back to AHCI and I get this 'Boot Ready' message again.

Anyone know what's going on here?

 

[COLGeek]

What make/model of motherboard are you using?

 

[goblinbee]

It's an ASRock P43DE3.

 

[COLGeek]

When you BIOS splash screen appears, you should be given the option to press a function key (usually F11 or F12) to give you a menu to select the boot device. If your system does this, try setting your SATA mode to AHCI and then the manual selection mode.

 

[goblinbee]

I can't find anything about manual selection in the storage configuration menu. Where can I find it?

 

[Kralnor]

From page 32 of the manual:

"STEP 1: Set Up BIOS.
A. Enter BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced screen Storage Configuration.
B. Set “SATAII Configuration” to [Enhanced], and then in the option “Configure
SATAII as”, please set the option to [AHCI]."

http://europe.asrock.com/downloadsite/manual/P43DE3.pdf

 

[COLGeek]

It isn't in the BIOS. Rather, when you boot the system (splash screen) an indicator is usually provided at the bottom of the screen to "Press F11 (for example) for Boot Menu" or words to that effect.

 

[varun77sports]

in some mobo it is del key

 

[COLGeek]

in some mobo it is del key

The DEL key is often used to access the BIOS, but not the Boot Device selection menu. varun77sports is correct if he meant to access the BIOS (F1 and F2 are often used as well). Usually F11 or F12 are used for the boot selection menu.

 

[goblinbee]

Thanks everyone for your help, I eventually circumvented this problem by making a bootable flash drive of the windows install disc.