Windows 7 Installer will not recognize SSD

I have just built a new computer and I want to install 64-bit Windows 7 Professional on an Intel X-25M 80GB SSD.  I am doing a clean install on a new drive.  When I get to the point in the Windows 7 installation that asks which drive I want to install the OS on, it does not show the Intel X-25M.  It will show my other drives, however.  If I unplug the other drives, it just shows a blank window instead of showing the Intel X-25M.  I get a message saying it could not find a valid signed driver.  I bought the retail version of the SSD, not an OEM.

I am using a Gigabyte GA-X58A-UD7 motherboard and an Intel i920 CPU.  The motherboard BIOS has no problem detecting and identifying the X-25M.  I have the X-25M configured as an IDE.  I updated the firmware of the SSD, but it did not help.

Windows 7 compatibility page shows no compatibility problems with the X-25M, but it apparently needs a signed driver, and I do not know how to get one.

Any suggestions?

Answer
Answer
Does it show the SSD at all? I would check to see that it's indeed being picked up by the BIOS and if not, check the cables.
Occasionally, Windows setup can chuck a fit when it discovers a drive with an invalid MBR/boot sector and won't install to it. To fix this, you could try the following
1.Boot up Windows 7 disc.
2.When the welcome screen comes up on Windows Setup, press Shift + F10, which will display a command prompt.
3.Type "diskpart" (no quotes) and press enter.
4.Type "list disk" and press enter.
5.Hopefully you can see your SSD in the list. You should see a number identifying it. Now type "select disk X" (where X is the number identifying your SSD) and press enter.
6.Type "clean" and press enter. This will write a blank MBR, YOU WILL LOSE ANY DATA ON THE SSD if you did have anything on it.
Hopefully one of these tips helps :
)


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Last updated January 21, 2021 Views 193,711 Applies to: