Partition HDD on All-In-One machine

[ka3pmw]

I recently did a low-level format on a HP all-in-one computer. I forgot to tell the format utility to re partition the drive when I did it, I'm getting old. I want to install windows 10 of the machine, it came with windows 11. I have a dvd with DrDOS on it which will allow me to do FDISK and partition the HDD. I cannot get the DVD to boot up. What can I do to get it to boot from the DrDos dvd or create a partition on the drive?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Unless there is a specific reason why you want to partition the hard drive, you can install W10 as is.

I recommend that you use the Microsoft Media creation tool to create a bootable USB installation flash drive.

Download Windows 10 (microsoft.com)

In order to boot from a DVD drive on these new PCs you have to disable secure boot and enable legacy mode.

HP Notebook PCs - Cannot Start Notebook Computer From a Bootable CD or DVD | HP® Customer Support

With a USB flash drive, you normally don't have to do that.

If your PC has an Intel 11th gen or newer processor, you will need to install the applicable storage controller driver during the W10 installation, or it will not find any drives to install on.

See this discussion...

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Operating-System-and-Recovery/Win-10-install-not-recognizing-... 

[ka3pmw]

At present there is no partition on the drive. I have a windows 10 DVD that I just purchased, and it does not find any HDD on the all-in-one machine. I believe that I will have to partition the drive for the install dvd to find it. The question is how do I do that?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You are overcomplicating the problem.

1. You did not need to purchase a W10 DVD and product key.

The W11 product key in your PC's BIOS will also work on W10.

2. You do not need to format or partition a hard drive to install W10.

I have installed W10 on any number of new unformatted hard drives and it will work just fine.

3.  I have already informed you as to why W10 can't find the hard drive if your PC has an Intel 11th generation or newer core processor.

You need to install the Intel storage controller driver during the installation process when you are on the screen where W10 can't find any drives to install on.

I provided the instructions to do that on the link I posted.

[ka3pmw]

I can't find the legacy support. Where is it?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Your PC may not have legacy support.

See this link for how to disable secure boot and enable legacy support if your PC has that option.

HP Desktop PCs - Computer Does not Start After Installing a Video Card (Windows 10, 😎 | HP® Custome...

[ka3pmw]

Paul,

I do not have a BIOS menu like any of the videos I have found. My Bios selections are  Menu Security  Configuration  Boot Options  Exit.  I can disable secure boot, but I can't find legacy. Windows 10 still won't install.  Imcan't find the right drivers either.

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

I guess your PC is too new to have the legacy mode setting in the BIOS.

Many of the newer PC's no longer have a legacy mode option.

What is the full model number or product number of your PC?

Use this guide to find that information.

Find product and serial numbers for HP PCs, printers, and accessories | HP® Customer Support

[ka3pmw]

Paul,

Thanks, UI think that will help. At least I have the correct drivers now.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.