Clean install of Windows 7 pro on HP Z420 workstation using UEFI

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, Eric:

I downloaded the ISO file, used Rufus to create the bootable USB flash drive...Set Rufus to GPT partition scheme and Target system to UEFI.  File system NTFS.

I never change the boot options menu in the BIOS.

I use the F9 boot options menu and select the USB flash drive from the list of EFI bootable device options and pressed the Enter key.

The PC booted from the flash drive, and W7 loaded the installation files and installed.

I did not encounter any issues at all.

Is your PC's drive controller set to RAID+AHCI?

I think that is the default setting on HP workstation PC's.

[EWilson7]

Hi Paul,

     My PC's drive controller is set to only AHCI,
for that was one of the articles said it must be set to.
I will change this and attempt the Windows install again
Thank you,
Eric Wilson

[EWilson7]

Hi Paul,

      I attempted the Windows install with controller set to RAID+AHCI,
but with the same results. PC loads files and then Windows logo on screen, with "Windows Starting" . . .
But no dialog box for set up yet.

     My Samsung SSD is "Unallocated," is this correct ?
Or is there a possible issue with the Embedded Storage Controller drivers, as was stated in the HP article
listed below. . .?

1. Windows 7 does not recognize the embedded storage controller drivers on all HP Zx20 Workstations, so you will need to download new drivers. Follow these steps to download the HP Advanced System Diagnostics utility from the HP website to a USB key:
   1. Go to the HP Software and Drivers page.
   2. Enter the product name. For example, enter Z420 to search for the Z420 product media.
   3. Select the specific model of the HP workstation.
   4. Choose the software/driver language. English (International) is the default.
   5. Select the operating system.
   6. On the Quick jump to downloads by category list, click Driver - Storage.
   7. Locate the boot controller, and click Download and save the file.
   8. Double-click the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions.
   After you download the drivers, click Load Driver from the Windows 7 Setup menu.
2. 
   
   Thank you for your help, I feel that we are almost there.
   Sincerely,
   Eric Wilson

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, Eric:

Unfortunately, I don't understand what the problem could be.

You tried both drive controller settings and neither of them worked.

The instructions you posted are of no help yet, because W7 is not getting to the part where it would indicate that you need to install a drive controller driver.

You haven't even gotten to the 'Install Now' screen, and the other screens that come after that one.

I just don't get it.

Paul

[EWilson7]

Good afternoon Paul,

      I just check the BIOS boot order again, to make sure that everything is as it should be.
In the top section, where it lists UEFI Boot Sources . . . the first item is listed as USB Hard Drive, second is the ATAPI  CD/DVD Drive.   Is this correct ?

Thank you,
Eric Wilson

[EWilson7]

Hi Paul,

     And I also just checked the settings under the BIOS Advanced menu.
Under "Device Options" the following (PXE Option ROMS, Mass Storage Option ROMS, and  Video Option ROMS) are all set to EFI, rather than Legacy.

      Is this also correct ?

Thank you,
Eric Wilson

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, Eric:

Yes, those settings all seem to be correct.

Paul

[EWilson7]

Good afternoon Paul,

      I am just check to see if you have been able to find out any options, or fixes for the problem with installing Windows 7 as UEFI on the HP Z420 workstation.  I have continued to search for an answer, but as yet, I have been unable to find a solution.

Thank you for not giving up on this. I know it can be done, just not sure which of the variables I am not placing in the right order.

Sincerely,
Eric Wilson

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, Ed:

Unfortunately, I have run out of ideas but there are two forum members that have extensive experience with HP workstations and they are @DGroves & @SDH 

Perhaps one of them will be able to help you install W7 in EFI mode on your Z420.

Good luck, and Happy Holidays!

Paul

[EWilson7]

Thank you Paul,
and may our Lord and Saviour also bless you this week !

Sincerely,
Eric Wilson