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    Difficulty installing Windows 7 on Series 9 13"

    Discussion in 'Samsung' started by Crow47, Mar 13, 2013.

  1. Crow47

    Crow47 Newbie

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    Hello all,

    I'm working with a Series 9 model NP900X3A-A03US. I am attempting to install Windows 7 Pro 64-bit SP1 using a genuine disk on a completely blank drive, but when I get into the drive selection, no drives are seen! Samsung does not list an AHCI driver on their website. Here's what I know:
    -AHCI mode is set to "Auto" in BIOS
    -I have tried extracting the IRST and Chipset drivers and loading those with a flash drive, no luck there, no drive is seen
    -Drive is seen in the BIOS, frustratingly
    -There is no recovery partition

    So what gives? I've seen other people on here talk about reinstalling their Series 9s and the discussions skip over this part so I feel like I am missing something. Any help is appreciated!

    Thanks
     
    Crow47, Mar 13, 2013
    #1
  2. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

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    You need a special utility to create the recovery partition.

    Windows 7 should include sufficient drivers to get itself installed.

    What is the make / model of the SSD? Check if there is any firmware upgrade available for it.

    John
     
    John Ratsey, Mar 13, 2013
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  3. Crow47

    Crow47 Newbie

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    I'm not really trying to make a recovery partition. I just want to get Windows installed onto the drive.

    The model of the SSD is a Samsung MZMPA128HMFU. I will check into the firmware update.

    *Update* I'm not finding any firmwares for the SSD, from either the Samsung support site or Google. The machine also appears to have the only and latest BIOS. Perhaps I'm not searching correctly?
     
    Crow47, Mar 13, 2013
    #3
  4. Dannemand

    Dannemand Decidedly Moderate Super Moderator

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    As John says, Win7 includes AHCI drivers and should see you drive.

    Just a thought: If the drive is partitioned using GPT layout (as opposed to the good old MBR) but UEFI is disabled in your BIOS, maybe that will prevent Win7 from see it. With Win7, you probably want to keep UEFI disabled and convert your drive to MBR.

    After loading Windows 7 Setup, open a Command Prompt (Shift-F10) and use DISKPART to inspect (LIST DISK) and convert the SSD (CONVERT) if you can see it.

    Let me know if you need more details. I am heading out, but will be back tonight.
     
    Dannemand, Mar 13, 2013
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  5. Crow47

    Crow47 Newbie

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    Bingo!

    That was it. Thank you very much for that!
     
    Crow47, Mar 13, 2013
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