Windows 10 - cannot perform clean install

[aqol45]

Hi all

Trying to perform clean install on an old windows 10 pc as stuck in 'preparing automatic repair' loop

I have added a version of win10 on to a USB stick using rufus

I have changed boot order in bios (on ASUS M5A78L) to make USB priority - just reverts back to 'preparing automatic repair'
Hit f8 for boot menu - selected USB > 'press any key to load USB' again just reverts back to 'preparing automatic repair'

I have unplugged SSD drive - i can then at least bypass the 'repair' issue & start the process on loading win10
HOWEVER when i plug SSD drive back in, it states drive is not recognised in BOIS when asked where i want to save ...argghhhhhh

Any thoughts

 

[Garrett Anthony]

It sounds like you're dealing with a tricky situation, but don’t worry; we can work through this. Here’s a step-by-step approach to address the issues you’re encountering:

1. Check SSD Drive Connection​

Since the SSD drive is not being recognized when plugged in, it’s essential to ensure that it’s properly connected:

1. Power Off and Unplug: Turn off your PC and unplug it from the power source.
2. Check Connections: Open your PC case and check the SSD connections. Ensure the SATA data and power cables are firmly connected.
3. Try Different Ports/Cables: If possible, try using a different SATA port on the motherboard or a different cable.

2. Check SSD Health and Compatibility​

The issue might be related to the SSD itself:

1. Test the SSD: If you have another computer or an external SATA-to-USB adapter, connect the SSD to it to check if it’s recognized.
2. Firmware Update: Ensure your SSD firmware is up to date. Check the SSD manufacturer’s website for any available updates.

3. Update BIOS​

Updating your BIOS might help with hardware recognition issues:

1. Download BIOS Update: Go to the ASUS support page for your motherboard model and download the latest BIOS version.
2. Follow Instructions: Follow the instructions provided by ASUS to update your BIOS. This typically involves copying the update file to a USB drive and using the BIOS update utility.

4. Prepare the Installation Media Again​

Sometimes, issues with installation media can cause problems:

1. Recreate Installation Media: Use the Windows Media Creation Tool again to create a new bootable USB drive. Ensure it’s correctly formatted and the image is properly written.
2. Check USB Ports: If possible, try using different USB ports on your PC (preferably USB 2.0 ports) for booting.

5. Use Diskpart to Prepare the SSD​

If the SSD is not recognized during the Windows installation process, you might need to initialize and format it using Diskpart:

1. Boot from Installation Media: Start from the Windows installation USB.
2. Access Command Prompt: When you reach the Windows Setup screen, press Shift + F10 to open the Command Prompt.
3. Run Diskpart:
   

   diskpart

4. List and Select Disk:
   

   list disk
   select disk X   # Replace X with the disk number of your SSD

5. Clean the Disk(this will erase all data on the disk):
   

   clean

6. Create a New Partition:
   

   create partition primary
   format fs=ntfs quick
   assign letter=C

6. Try Different Boot Options​

If the USB boot isn’t working, you might try booting into a recovery environment:

1. Enter Recovery Options: If you can boot into the recovery options from the installation media or existing OS, try running Startup Repair or accessing Command Prompt for further troubleshooting.

7. Consider SSD Format and Partition Style​

Check if the SSD uses a compatible partition style:

1. GPT vs. MBR: Windows 10 typically uses GPT for UEFI-based systems and MBR for older BIOS systems. Ensure the partition style matches your system’s firmware type (UEFI or Legacy BIOS).

8. Check for Hardware Issues​

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it might be worth checking for potential hardware failures:

1. Test with Another Drive: If possible, try using a different SSD or HDD to see if it gets recognized.
2. Check for Motherboard Issues: Ensure that the motherboard’s SATA controller is functioning correctly. You might need to check with ASUS support or a professional technician.

If you need more detailed guidance on any of these steps or run into specific issues, feel free to ask!