Solved Win 8 install unable to see hdd

robmar0se

New Member
Messages
36
I have an upgrade copy of win 8 pro. I have also a wd200gb hdd (model wd2000js) on sata 0 (master) which is shown in bios; it has been reformatted and is known to be clean. No other hdd's attached.

Win 8 custom install starts fine, I enter my COA code and is accepted, however it subsequently asks me where to install win 8, and shows no drives, even refresh shows nothing.

I have tried this twice with the same result.

What am I doing wrong?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win xp win vista win 7 win 8 win 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    q6600
    Motherboard
    ga-ep35c-ds3r
    Memory
    4gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    nvidia 7200
Check options for DVD/USB in firmware (BIOS/EFI).

If disk is in MBR format you should choose firmware options for DVD/USB to boot BIOS/legacy way
else disk is in GPT format you choose DVD/USB to boot EFI way.

You can check format of hdd using "diskpart" utility on command prompt (in recovery/repair options from installation media).

diskpart
DISKPART> list disk

Disk ### Status Size Free Dyn Gpt
-------- ------------- ------- ------- --- ---
Disk 0 Online 232 GB 8 MB


Last column in printout says Gpt - if it is marked(*) then you have GPT disk else MBR disk (as in example).
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    XP, Win7, Win8_Eval
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Notebook
    CPU
    Intel
Thanks guys....

1. I have a plain vanila mobo using BIOS

2. All disks use MBR. Diskpart confirms all is okay.

I have no issues in booting from CD/DVD, reading the CD/DVD. In this case the Install of Win8 is running from the DVD, and gets to the point after accepting the COA when it comes to a halt.

There are some funny/odd things about the Win8 upgrade - I have already found that you can't create an ISO file from the download if you're in XP - one has to be in win 7 to do this. So on reflection, I am wondering if there is another odd-ball thing in that the upgrade in "custom" mode wont work unless the drive has an OS pre-installed? Anyone know?

The reason I don't want the hdd with my multi-boot system on line is that the boot loader would be messed up. Hence I disconnect it before trying to install win 8 to a clean hdd.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win xp win vista win 7 win 8 win 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    q6600
    Motherboard
    ga-ep35c-ds3r
    Memory
    4gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    nvidia 7200
Thanks everyone - problem solved.

Turns out that although chkdsk c:/r says hdd no errors/ bad sectors etc. the WD Lifeguard diagnostics did report errors.

Replacing the hdd has resolved the problem. Sorry for causing an unnecessary fuss.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win xp win vista win 7 win 8 win 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    q6600
    Motherboard
    ga-ep35c-ds3r
    Memory
    4gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    nvidia 7200
You are welcome.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    ME, XP,Vista,Win7,Win8,Win8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Notebooks x 3

    Desktops x 5

    Towers x 4
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