Coscto Desktop, want to boot off a newly purchased sdd

[TheOldMan]

If I understand the situation, it is fairly easy to fix this problem.  From previous posts:

Installing Windows 10 Clean

- I did this already, but it only half works

- If I try to boot from just the SSD (HDD is disconnected) then the PC won't work, get an error message like "no boot sectors/files"

That situation would tell me the SSD and the HDD were both present when Windows 10 was clean installed on the SSD.  Then when the HDD was disconnected from the system, the SSD no longer would boot because the boot loader is on the HDD.  The easiest solution is to disconnect the HDD and then clean install Windows 10 on the SSD again with the HDD not connected.  The SSD should be connected to the first SATA port ( either SATA port 0 or SATA port 1 - depending on the port numbering on the motherboard)

BTW: do not bother with the Windows 7 Recovery media as it will no longer be of any value unless you wish to have Windows 7 installed.  It will not help with a Windows 10 install.

[Roykris08]

Thanks to everybodies help.  I feel like I've tried everything and it still doesn't work.

My PC won't let me install WIN 10 when only the SDD is plugged in...no matter what port it is installed in.

I guess I could take it in and see if some TECH can do it for me...but would rather save the money toward a better rig.

[Grzwacz]

Hi

You're very welcome.

I don't think you provided your PC's product number.

Can you see the SSD in the BIOS when only the SSD is connected to the system? Does Windows 10 (W10) setup see the SSD when you boot to the W10 USB installation media?

W10 cannot install on the SSD if W10 cannot see this storage device.

Sorry we could not help.

Regards

[Roykris08]

HP Product Info

HP Pavilion 500 PC Series

Series No. [edit]

Product No. K5G75AA#ABL

Model No. 500-509C

I was trying to install ADATA 2.5" SATA  6GB/s 120 GB 3D Nand

[Homerepairman]

Im going to chime and and offer something.

You didnt mention exactly how and what media is your Win10 install from.

DVD or Thumb drive I would asssume.

And did you boot to your install media?

Dont try to install from the other drive while it is installed.

Do this:

Remove the old drive or disconnect it.

Boot to your install DVD or Thumb drive.

IF it sees your new drive you are set.

Should install in a few minutes.

Hope this helps.

[Roykris08]

I was installing Win 10 from a thumb drive.

Yes, I booted from the thumb drive.

It gives me two options of either upgrading/installing or just installing windows...no matter which one I choose..it says it can't do it.

[Grzwacz]

Hi Roykris08,

Thanks for the product number.

You PC (Link) supports Windows 10 . HP has drivers and BIOS updates for your PC.

Your PC has a UEFI BIOS.

After installing the 2.5  SATA SSD in the PC and disconnecting the factory HDD you should insert the Windows 10 installation USB stick in a open USB port.

Start your PC.

Tap "ESC" to get to HP's Startup Menu

Select the Boot Menu

Select the Windows 10 USB installation stick within UEFI Boot Sources.

Windows setup should start. Select Custom.

Select "I don't have a product key". Windows will activate post install when you are connected to the network. Auto activation only occurs if you have an activated Windows 10 installation on the factory HDD.

Windows 10 setup should see the SSD. If Windows cannot see the SSD then the SSD may be faulty or check power and data connections to the SSD and the motherboard SATA port.

Your PC should have no problems installing Windows 10 clean using GPT on a UEFI BIOS.

Regards

[wb2001]

@Grzwacz ,

You have done an amazing job offering numerous scenerio's, making a valid analysis.  BUT no where has @Roykris08  mentioned the exact model and size (GB) of the new SSD drive.

I commend your diligence !!!

Your coments sum up the cloning process.  I would only like to mention if the SSD were a Samsung product, then Samsung does offer their free Data Migration program. 

@Roykris08 ,

Cloning is viable provided you follow the advice given. It is a simple task, just temporarily use the existing power and data leads from the DVD drive (provided the DVD drive is not a slim line, which has different cabling). Then disconnect the original HD and use those cables for your new SSD. Don't forget to reconnect the DVD drive.

[Island_Computer]

I had the same issue a couple weeks back with a HP pavilion 2000 laptop. This was originally a windows 8 computer, Windows 7 was installed and I was installing windows 10. I would consistently get the no bootable disk error as you have been recieving. I upgraded to the most recent version of BIOS from hp support by way of a separate usb drive and still had the same issue.

-With legacy boot options enabled in BIOS, I was able to boot to windows 10 install usb drive successfully and now works flawlessly.

Actually, with windows 10 installed and only 2 gigs of RAM, it runs way better than windows 7 ever did.

[Grzwacz]

Hi Island_Computer,

Interesting you had to install W10 in Legacy mode.

W10 installation media is signed by Microsoft and should install with Secure Boot enabled.

Regards