MSI F3 repair function error "System Drive's label is not OS_Install" solution

Hey Forum readers,

Recently I tried to install another Windows version than the one delivered with MSI GT780R.
At the end of the installation I got the error "Windows Setup could not configure Windows to run on this computer's hardware".
If you can help me with installing a different version of Windows on my laptop go to *edit: http://forum.notebookreview.com/msi/683680-could-not-configure-windows-run-computers-hardware-complain-msi.html#post8787264
But that's not what this post is about, it was the reason why I tried to use the repair function.

If you encountered the error:
"Your Operating System Drive's Label is not OS_Install,
Please set it to OS_Install and try F3 later."
Don't bother with the (Dutch) laptop support (they only replied with: send it back, we will install it again voor €35), but read this post.

When I tried to install an other version of Windows, I was not satisfied with the way they split the partion (C: 750GB, D:750GB).
So by changing it you naturally lose the Drive's label. I discovered that the repair function doesn't work anymore and the laptop support couldn't help me.
It really is a design failure that the repair function relies on a Drive's label, while a simple change could solve this by adding an option to select a partition manually.
So a solution would be this:
"Your Operating System Drive's Label is not OS_Install,
Please set it to OS_Install and try F3 later or manually select a partition for repair".

So you want to reinstall the Windows on the hard drive, but you can't because the Drive label is incorrect and you have no Windows on your computer where you can change it?
Here is the solution:
What you need:
An installation Disc of Windows (7) (I have only tried it with Windows 7)
Don't have it? Legal version: Reinstalling Windows when recovery fails | MSI HQ User-to-User FAQ

What you need to do, step 1 partitions
- Put the Windows DVD in your Drive and start the installation.
If nothing happens check in the BIOS that the bootpriority of de DVD/bluray-drive is higher than the hard drive.
- Follow the installation guide normally and select "Custom Install" not "Upgrade".
- Here you can delete all partitions except "Bios_RVY" (this is this Windows that you want to Install)
- Set up the partitions as you like (e.g. first one 200GB the second one the rest)
(- I don't remember if you have to first complete the install and get an error, but if it's possible complete the installation until you get an error)


What you need to do, step 2
If you already have partitions, you probably can start here.
If this section is unclear, see: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2466753, I kinda follow what they are doing here.
- Restart your computer with the Windows DVD and start the installation again.
- Select your time and currency stuff and click next
- Don't click on install, but click on "Repair your computer" in the bottom left corner.
- Use the first option and select your partition and click next (sometimes you get an error, but repeating next will help).
- Select "cmd"/"Command Prompt" and start it.
(- Change to the drive that you want to install Windows on. (In a standard installation, this is drive C.))
- Type "Notepad"
- In notepad press File --> Open, now you see your computer like in Windows
- Right select your Windows drive and select properties.
- Now type "OS_Install" where your cursor is blinking (the name field is located under the tab "General").
- Restart your computer and start the repair function by pressing F3
- It's installing Windows

Let me know if it's working, partly what I typed is from memory.

I hope your happy now that you don't have to send your laptop back and that you have a working Windows,
NumesSanguis

Edit 1: The same forum post on another forum: MSI F3 repair function error "System Drive's label is not OS_Install" solution

 

I'll be getting a brand new MSI GT60 in the mail tomorrow, and I'll be upgrading the operating system. I've bookmarked this thread in case I run into any issues. Thank you.

 

If you have a valid product key, use the built-in Anytime Upgrade utility for windows. No disc needed. And its seamless.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2

 

I would, but I'm a student, so I'm purchasing a far cheaper upgrade + backup disk. I'm not sure if student pricing can be done in Anytime Upgrade, but I'll check it out. Thanks.

 

It can, because I also purchased a new license through the msdnaa program and upgraded from pro to ultimate. The OS is still exactly the same. Just has different guidelines on how you use it.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2

 

For normal Windows versions it's probably true, but I also tried to first install the original MSI Windows and upgrade it thereafter.
Too bad it didn't work for me, because I believe it said something like: Your Windows is not compatible for this update to a better Windows.

 

I have tried it myself, and it works.... just do this, specially for those msi notebook/netbook users. Go to my computer, select Local C:, click on properties and under general tab option on a blink cursor just type "OS_Install" without quotes and and click ok. after renaming it, restart your computer and start f3. goodluck.

 

I have already renamed de Local C drive to OS_Install, but I still get the same error when I try F3.

I have the MSI X370, so I don't have a drive to work with CD/DVD..

Can someone help me?