SSD Missing After Fresh Windows 8.1 Install Lenovo Z70

Laptop: Lenovo Z70
OS: Windows 8.1 x64
Issue: After wiping the drives and installing a fresh OEM copy of Windows 8.1 via a DVD i purchased, I can no longer see my SSD in my partition manager. The SSD was working prior to the clean installation.

Clean Install Steps:
I had to change the drive mode from UEFI to Legacy in the bios and allow it to boot in legacy mode as default. This was done to allow booting from the DVD. Also I had to turn fast boot off.


How do I obtain access to the SSD partition again?

First change again to UEFI mode in bios and try to run windows.
If that fails, boot from DVD in UEFI mode and reinstall windows.

The UEFI boot option did not work. As for the second option, it is not possible to boot from DVD while in UEFI mode on the Lenovo z70 machine i use.

anishsasmal said:

The UEFI boot option did not work. As for the second option, it is not possible to boot from DVD while in UEFI mode on the Lenovo z70 machine i use.

Click to expand...

You can get iso from dvd and write to USB using rufus and that should boot from UEFI.

anishsasmal said:

The UEFI boot option did not work. As for the second option, it is not possible to boot from DVD while in UEFI mode on the Lenovo z70 machine i use.

Click to expand...

How to download and clean install Windows 8.1 if you have an OEM computer with UEFI firmware (BIOS) embedded Windows 8/8.1 product key. -> link

1. Create installation media for Windows 8.1

- Both the 64-bit installation media (USB flash drive and DVD) can be booted in both UEFI and Legacy BIOS boot mode. Both the 64-bit installation media are also compatible with Secure Boot.

Click to expand...

Normally, you do not need to change the UEFI firmware (BIOS) settings, for example, the boot order of drives, enable Legacy BIOS boot mode, enable Compatibility Support Module (CSM), or disable Secure Boot.

- Connect your USB flash drive or insert your DVD.
- Shut down your laptop.
- Press the NOVO button. The system loads boot options.
- Select the BOOT MENU option.
- Select your USB/DVD from the boot menu.

exactly, I have a LeNOvo hobo too.. and you have to install windows via a UEFI source.. I install vai usb created by rufus .. that's how I did it.. You are supposed to leave secure boot on and all that.. i've never ever switched to legacy mode..

Booted Into UEFI

I finally was able to get my hands on a USB drive and was able to install Windows 8.1 in UEFI Mode. I still however, fail to see the Solid State Drive in disk management. I however, see two other partitions that were created that were not there before.



http://i.imgur.com/91q93h8.png

Link for better viewing of disk management.