Windows Install Problems

[Wow Such Doge]

Okay I'm about to seriously go nuts. So I got a SSD this morning, Installed it, then i cloned Windows from my HDD to my SSD. It worked but then it corupted my windows profile. Then after rebooting several times windows 8 started to go into Automatic repair mode and there was no way to get out. Now I somehow was able to install windows 8 again but im not too sure how. Then I wanted to install it on my SSD, but since I dint have a key for Windows 8 i decided to download Windows 7 because you dont a product key for that. So i go to install and it shows me this: "Windows could not prepare the computer to boot into the next phase of installation" And then my computer froze and I had to restart Since then I have been getting this stupid thing about how my computer needs to be repaired, but its not the same as before now it just tells me that i need to use a USB recovery tool. The error it gives is : 0xc000000f.

I unplugged my main HDD and used my SSD which is empty, but it still somehow manages to show that repair PC thing. My SSD also shows 94gb now even though it showed 115gb earlier, keep in mind windows shows the SSD as a empty drive, so im guessing windows 8 is in some sort of weird partition. 

As I speak I'm downloading a Windows 7 ISO but I honestly have no idea if its going to work. This seriously driving up the wall and I have no idea what to do anymore.

[Torg73]

Okay I'm about to seriously go nuts. So I got a SSD this morning, Installed it, then i cloned Windows from my HDD to my SSD. It worked but then it corupted my windows profile. Then after rebooting several times windows 8 started to go into Automatic repair mode and there was no way to get out. Now I somehow was able to install windows 8 again but im not too sure how. Then I wanted to install it on my SSD, but since I dint have a key for Windows 8 i decided to download Windows 7 because you dont a product key for that. So i go to install and it shows me this: "Windows could not prepare the computer to boot into the next phase of installation" And then my computer froze and I had to restart Since then I have been getting this stupid thing about how my computer needs to be repaired, but its not the same as before now it just tells me that i need to use a USB recovery tool. The error it gives is : 0xc000000f.

I unplugged my main HDD and used my SSD which is empty, but it still somehow manages to show that repair PC thing. My SSD also shows 94gb now even though it showed 115gb earlier, keep in mind windows shows the SSD as a empty drive, so im guessing windows 8 is in some sort of weird partition. 

As I speak I'm downloading a Windows 7 ISO but I honestly have no idea if its going to work. This seriously driving up the wall and I have no idea what to do anymore.

Are you saying you don't have the product key for windows 8 or is it a pirate copy of windows?  If it's you don't know where to find your product key for windows 8 and its legit then you could you a program like Belarc Advsor, it might help you out with that problem, then you only need to download the Windows 8 ISO from Microsoft and instasll it and put the key in when asked.

 

If your asking for help in how to download and install pirated copy of windows then I can't help you there.

[GoodBytes]

I am so confused.

How about simplifying things a bit. Cloning is risky, and the chance of failure or data corruption somewhere is really high.

So lets go back to basics:

1- Have only your SSD installed on your computer

2- Insert Windows disk, and install Windows (don't activate it)

If all goes well, then we know the problem is that the cloning didn't go well.

If not, then most likely, you have a faulty SATA cable, or the SSD that you got is broken, and needs to be returned to the store or RMA

Also, be sure that in the BIOS/UEFI, SATA controller is set to AHCI mode. It won't fix your problem, but something to check while you are it. Too many people have it as "legacy" (or called: IDE ro compatibility), which reduces the performance of their HDD and/or SSD installed because of it, as doesn't support AHCI performing boosting features, and sometimes (depending on the SATA controller), emulates IDE (old ribbon cable) performance.

[ZeroBreaker]

Theres a good lesson for you - always keep your windows 8 key written down or otherwise stored in a safe place. If you havn't yet wiped your hdd yet, boot from that and there is an option in the settings to find out your product key. Use that to install windows.

I doubt your cloning software cloned the boot sector properly. Don't do stuff like that with an OS, always re install - ive never had cloning work for an OS on my machine and ive done it about a dozen times.

Worst case scenario, buy a proper win 8 key from g2a (if your feeling lucky) or amazon (if you have money) and properly install windows 8.

Or go the way of the gaben and get linux.

You do need a key for windows 7. don't pirate it. It's dodgy and ever since the whole bitcoin craze took off i have seen more than one supposed fresh install iso of windows loaded with a miner.

If you need an OS quick, linux. If you have the hdd with data intact, windows 8. If you don't, buy windows 8.

Not many more quick and easy options im afraid.

[Wow Such Doge]

Everytime I go install Windows 7, when I select my SSD it always gives me this: We couldn’t create a new partition or locate an existing one. For more information, see the Setup log files.

 

I have done everything that I could find online but nothings working!

Anyone know how to fix this?

[airdeano]

Everytime I go install Windows 7, when I select my SSD it always gives me this: We couldn’t create a new partition or locate an existing one. For more information, see the Setup log files.

 

I have done everything that I could find online but nothings working!

Anyone know how to fix this?

 

use this guide for your issues: http://www.overclock.net/t/1156654/seans-windows-7-install-optimization-guide-for-ssds-hdds/0_30

[Wow Such Doge]

use this guide for your issues: http://www.overclock.net/t/1156654/seans-windows-7-install-optimization-guide-for-ssds-hdds/0_30

Yup I did everything in that thread.

[Crion]

OP, could you try and re-explain your problem because a number of us are not following your original post.  

[GoodBytes]

Yup I did everything in that thread.

Did you download the zip version of the correct SATA controller being in used by the SSD, and extract it on a disk or USB flash drive, then in Windows 7 setup, where you are supposed to pick a partition where to install Windows, you clicked on Load Drivers (might be under: Advanced), and select the SATA controller drivers ? (be sure to use USB 2.0, if you use a USB flash drive)

 

Did you try replacing the SATA cable?

[Wow Such Doge]

Did you download the zip version of the correct SATA controller being in used by the SSD, and extract it on a disk or USB flash drive, then in Windows 7 setup, where you are supposed to pick a partition where to install Windows, you clicked on Load Drivers (might be under: Advanced), and select the SATA controller drivers ? (be sure to use USB 2.0, if you use a USB flash drive)

 

Did you try replacing the SATA cable?

I downloaded Intel Raid drivers the latest ones and it said that it wasn't compatible.

My motherboard is a ASROCK H97 Pro 4 and my SSD is a PNY XLR8 120GB so if you could lead me to where those drivers are that would be good.

[Wow Such Doge]

OP, could you try and re-explain your problem because a number of us are not following your original post.  

ATM Windows 7 install setup is telling :Setup was unable to create a new system partition or locate a existing partition

[GoodBytes]

I downloaded Intel Raid drivers the latest ones and it said that it wasn't compatible.

My motherboard is a ASROCK H97 Pro 4 and my SSD is a PNY XLR8 120GB so if you could lead me to where those drivers are that would be good.

You either got the wrong drivers, or you are using the wrong SATA controller. Make sure you disable the ones not being in used in the BIOS/UEFI.

 

Get the "Inf drivers" here: http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/H97%20Pro4/?cat=Download&os=Win764.

Also, be sure you are using Windows 7 64-bit, not 32-bit (happened once to me. Doesn't hurt to double check)

[Wow Such Doge]

You either got the wrong drivers, or you are using the wrong SATA controller. Make sure you disable the ones not being in used in the BIOS/UEFI.

 

Get the "Inf drivers" here: http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/H97%20Pro4/?cat=Download&os=Win764.

Also, be sure you are using Windows 7 64-bit, not 32-bit (happened once to me. Doesn't hurt to double check)

So I just download the INF drivers, then put on the same USB as Windows 7 is on, and then plug in, then go to "Load Driver and then select INF Drivers?

[GoodBytes]

So I just download the INF drivers, then put on the same USB as Windows 7 is on, and then plug in, then go to "Load Driver and then select INF Drivers?

Close.

 -> Download

 -> Extract to a folder (that is the step you are missing from what you said)

 -> Put it on the USB Flash drive

 -> Load Drivers

 -> Browse to the folder of the extracted drivers on the USB flash drive

 -> And select it (I think the button was 'OK')

[Wow Such Doge]

No signed device drivers were found. Make sure that the installation media contains the correct drivers. Thats what it says now. I downloaded the ones you told me to.

[Wow Such Doge]

Close.

 -> Download

 -> Extract to a folder (that is the step you are missing from what you said)

 -> Put it on the USB Flash drive

 -> Load Drivers

 -> Browse to the folder of the extracted drivers on the USB flash drive

 -> And select it (I think the button was 'OK')

It din't work, it says No signed device drivers were found. Make sure that the installation media contains the correct drivers

[GoodBytes]

Are you sure you didn't use USB 3,0? Make sure you are using USB 2.0 port.

[edit]

Oups, sorry, miss read your post.

You said "no signed drivers"

[/edit]

 

Let me do some research. But yes, it is to keep in mind that Windows 7 doesn't support USB 3.0 natively.

[Wow Such Doge]

Are you sure you didn't use USB 3,0? Make sure you are using USB 2.0 port.

Yup its 100% USB 2.0.

 

This is really making me go insane

[GoodBytes]

Very very very strange

I am looking into it.

 

Do you have the latest BIOS/UEFI installed? It could be a bug on the current version, and it confuses Windows setup, as the setup is not an OS where it can afford to be smart.

[GoodBytes]

It may sound crazy, but worth a try (Windows 7 setup bug is what I am thinking, and the bellow method is to solve it):

http://www.sevenforums.com/installation-setup/245090-no-signed-device-drivers-were-found.html

 

If the above works, it is definitely something you do only once. On the next re-install of Windows 7, it should not be a problem.

[Wow Such Doge]

Very very very strange

I am looking into it.

 

Do you have the latest BIOS/UEFI installed? It could be a bug on the current version, and it confuses Windows setup, as the setup is not an OS where it can afford to be smart.

Whenever I un check hide drivers that are not compatible with hardware on this computer it lets me install the drivers but it still doesn't make the error go away. Im guessing those drivers arn't compatible? And isn't it dangerous to do a BIOS Update? The last thing I need is to another 100$ on a new motherboard

[GoodBytes]

Whenever I un check hide drivers that are not compatible with hardware on this computer it lets me install the drivers but it still doesn't make the error go away. Im guessing those drivers arn't compatible? And isn't it dangerous to do a BIOS Update? The last thing I need is to another 100$ on a new motherboard

I tend to get a motherboard with dual BIOS, where if the BIOS update fails, the second BIOS chip will detect it that the system was not successfully start, and copy itself to the first BIOS chip, returning the BIOS to the version you bought the broad, and ready to be upgraded again. Or a motherboard with recoverable BIOS via USB flash drive.

Good motherboards will tend to have a good BIOS upgrade system as well, that is robust and detect flaws in the BIOS before applying, in addition. The 2 best BIOS upgrade system I have encountered is Dell's computer, and Microsoft Surface line.

 

Also, the manufacture should cover you under warranty as the motherboard would no longer work (so you lose on shipping, and time). It is of course best to follow carefully the instructions for the BIOS upgrade, and be sure to download it in a location with a good reliable internet connection over wired not wireless to reduce the chances of being corrupted during download process.

 

But, yes, best keep it last resort, as your motherboard doesn't support any of the mentioned recovery methods in case of failure.

 

Try the link I posted on my previous post where it involves manually creating your partitions to make the drive detect in Windows setup (still think it is crazy, but I am getting out of options, and as Windows 7 already faced strange bugs, like no supporting booting from UEFI based system when using USB flash drive method instead of disk (fixed on later release, if I am not mistaken), it is possible.

[Wow Such Doge]

It may sound crazy, but worth a try (Windows 7 setup bug is what I am thinking, and the bellow method is to solve it):

http://www.sevenforums.com/installation-setup/245090-no-signed-device-drivers-were-found.html

 

If the above works, it is definitely something you do only once. On the next re-install of Windows 7, it should not be a problem.

How do you do that stuff in the CMD prompt?

I don't have acses to a OS right now, only my laptop but that only has one sata port.

[GoodBytes]

Like so:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/119713-diskpart-pc-startup.html?ltr=D

Method 3 says Vista, but it identical for Windows 7.

 

Step by step guide to make the partition manually: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91339-ssd-hdd-optimize-windows-reinstallation.html

[Wow Such Doge]

Like so:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/119713-diskpart-pc-startup.html?ltr=D

Method 3 says Vista, but it identical for Windows 7.

 

Step by step guide to make the partition manually: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91339-ssd-hdd-optimize-windows-reinstallation.html

Well that din't work.