Hard drive not working

[theog]

The OEM installed recovery utility is usually installed to a hidden partition. Installing Windows 8 likely erased it or made it not usable. Hitting F4 may have changed the boot loader so it's now pointing at a partition that doesn't exist. I'm just guessing here mind you. If that's all it is you should be able to boot from your install media an reinstall 7. What happens when you boot from your Windows 7 DVD? Did you change your boot order so the DVD drive is the first/boot device?

Installing Windows 7 deleted the Windows 8 Recovery Partition.

 

[theog]

@ theog, The OP used the term "downgrade" but in this instance it sounds like he just replaced Windows 8 with Windows 7. He didn't downgrade though the manufacturer. That's the way I read anyway so not having downgrade rights doesn't really apply. It looks like PCWorld did the swap and likely charged a fee for it. I'll let the OP confirm this, but for the moment I'm not going to get to hung up on the downgrade rights issue.

The OP has personal downgrade rights, therefore is NOT licenced to use any OEM manufacturer Windows 7 software.

sends a query to Samsung as to why "Recovery Solution 5" appeared to be missing

 

[willden]

Just tried that but it makes no difference as to how I am having to boot up.

 

[theog]

Reset first boot device order to

For UEFI install:
Windows Boot Manager.

For Legacy install:
HDD drive.

 

[alphanumeric]

@ theog, The OP used the term "downgrade" but in this instance it sounds like he just replaced Windows 8 with Windows 7. He didn't downgrade though the manufacturer. That's the way I read anyway so not having downgrade rights doesn't really apply. It looks like PCWorld did the swap and likely charged a fee for it. I'll let the OP confirm this, but for the moment I'm not going to get to hung up on the downgrade rights issue.

The OP has personal downgrade rights, therefore is NOT licenced to use any OEM manufacturer Windows 7 software.

sends a query to Samsung as to why "Recovery Solution 5" appeared to be missing

Yes that's true. The OP didn't use an OEM manufacturer supplied windows 7 disk so that's not an issue. He purchased his own copy.

 

[willden]

Sorry for being so dim but do not quite understand what you are telling me to try with "Windows Boot Manager and HDD Drive".Could you please be more explicit with the instructions.

 

[alphanumeric]

Maybe this will help, UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) - Install Windows 7 with - Windows 7 Help Forums
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/17058-secure-boot-enable-disable-uefi.html

 

[willden]

Think there has been some misconception somewhere down the line but to clarify the situation is as follows:-Bought this machine new on 7th june with Windows 8 installed and as I think this system is an abomination I had the engineer at PC World remove Windows 8 completely and when I say completely I mean every jot.Samsung then updated the Bios system for these machines but in their arrogance the update only works correctly for the Windows 8 installation.I now find that I am unable to boot up by just pressing the power button because all I see when I do that is a blank screen.The only way I can access my computer now is by entering Bios and using Bios Override.Have just finished talking to a Samsung rep. who has told me that the update changed the function of a chip in the motherboard and the only way to have this changed is to return the computer to Samsung where I suppose they will make a hefty charge.Talk about being dictated as to what choice one has.

 

[alphanumeric]

OK, but it was working fine before you pressed F4 right? Windows 7 was installed and working, so you should be able to reinstall it again. It would seem to me anyway.

 

[willden]

Windows 7 is working fine once I gain access to the computer,the problem is booting up.

 

[alphanumeric]

The update to the motherboard was likely the addition of a UEFI BIOS. To undo that you likely have to replace the BIOS chip on the board. That being said, I think you should still be able to reinstall Windows 7 without having to modify it back. PCWorld installed 7 OK so you should be able to, too. My laptop came with Windows 8 preinstalled, but it was also available with Windows 7 installed. ASUS updated the BIOS to EUFI at some point, likely when they started offering it with Windows 8. I'm confident that if I want I can install Windows 7 on it. It requires a couple of BIOS settings changes like turning secure boot of and enabling legacy support but that should be it. Pressing F4 likely modified the boot loader so its pointing to a missing partition. If you can boot from your Windows 7 DVD you should be able to repair it.

 

[willden]

Tried reinstalling Windows 7 and nearly lost the computer again but managed to scramble back.If the bios chip has been updated in favour of Windows 8 then it looks as if there is no alternative but to have this present chip replaced.

 

[alphanumeric]

Tried reinstalling Windows 7 and nearly lost the computer again but managed to scramble back.If the bios chip has been updated in favour of Windows 8 then it looks as if there is no alternative but to have this present chip replaced.

Or move on to Windows 8. It might be worth your while to try installing Windows 8 on there, assuming you have the install media. You'd have a working laptop. I'm still not convinced you have to replace the chip to get 7 working, but its your decision and I respect that. It's not going to be cheap even if they agree to do it. It's no easy feat to disassemble a laptop. That chip may be soldered on to the motherboard and that could make it even more expensive as they may have to replace the motherboard. I am pretty sure a BIOS flash will not be sufficient on its own to revert it back to the way it was originally setup for windows 7. I could be wrong on that last item but I don't think so.

 

[willden]

This machine came with Windows 8 installed and there is noway I will revert back to that abominable system.What infuriates me is that Samsung says my machine is compatible for use with Windows7 and then cripples it with a bios update for W8.

 

[alphanumeric]

I'm still of the opinion that Windows 7 can be installed provided you have the BIOS settings set correctly and follow the correct procedure. Did you look at the tutorials I posted earlier. I can understand your frustration with where your at now though. If you can maybe you should just return it and see if you can buy something with Windows 7 pre-installed.

 

[theog]

The update to the motherboard was likely the addition of a UEFI BIOS. To undo that you likely have to replace the BIOS chip on the board. That being said, I think you should still be able to reinstall Windows 7 without having to modify it back. PCWorld installed 7 OK so you should be able to, too. My laptop came with Windows 8 preinstalled, but it was also available with Windows 7 installed. ASUS updated the BIOS to EUFI at some point, likely when they started offering it with Windows 8. I'm confident that if I want I can install Windows 7 on it. It requires a couple of BIOS settings changes like turning secure boot of and enabling legacy support but that should be it. Pressing F4 likely modified the boot loader so its pointing to a missing partition. If you can boot from your Windows 7 DVD you should be able to repair it.

You would only need to DISABLE Secure Boot on a ASUS to install Windows 7 in UEFI mode.

 

[theog]

This machine came with Windows 8 installed and there is noway I will revert back to that abominable system.What infuriates me is that Samsung says my machine is compatible for use with Windows7 and then cripples it with a bios update for W8.

Why did you download a BIOS update & install the update.

 

[theog]

Tried reinstalling Windows 7 and nearly lost the computer again but managed to scramble back.If the bios chip has been updated in favour of Windows 8 then it looks as if there is no alternative but to have this present chip replaced.

Post details.

 

[theog]

Sorry for being so dim but do not quite understand what you are telling me to try with "Windows Boot Manager and HDD Drive".Could you please be more explicit with the instructions.

Think there has been some misconception somewhere down the line but to clarify the situation is as follows:-Bought this machine new on 7th june with Windows 8 installed and as I think this system is an abomination I had the engineer at PC World remove Windows 8 completely and when I say completely I mean every jot.Samsung then updated the Bios system for these machines but in their arrogance the update only works correctly for the Windows 8 installation.I now find that I am unable to boot up by just pressing the power button because all I see when I do that is a blank screen.The only way I can access my computer now is by entering Bios and using Bios Override.Have just finished talking to a Samsung rep. who has told me that the update changed the function of a chip in the motherboard and the only way to have this changed is to return the computer to Samsung where I suppose they will make a hefty charge.Talk about being dictated as to what choice one has.

Windows 7 is working fine once I gain access to the computer,the problem is booting up.

What setting are you using to boot windows 7 in BOOTOVER RIDE?

For UEFI install:
Windows Boot Manager.
or
For Legacy install:
HDD drive.

Also is Secure Boot DISABLED?

 

[alphanumeric]

This machine came with Windows 8 installed and there is noway I will revert back to that abominable system.What infuriates me is that Samsung says my machine is compatible for use with Windows7 and then cripples it with a bios update for W8.

Why did you download a BIOS update & install the update.

I don't think he did? I believe Samsung told him it had been updated for Windows 8 and he's surmising that that update isn't windows 7 friendly, and that's why he's having problems with 7 now. It sounds like he wants to go back to a non UEFI BIOS.