Replacing Optane Memory Disk w. SSD

[jstevens73]

Hello - I just purchased a 1TB SSD and replaced the Intel Optane memory drive (blue component) with it only to find out that I could no longer access the boot OS.  After replacing the Optane drive and researching more, it appears that the Intel Rapid Storage Technology platform is enabled meaning that the Optane drive contains important boot data access.  I tried to go into the BIOS (f10) and identify the SATA HDD as the boot up drive, but this was not an option as the Optane drive appears to be on the critical path to do this.  I also noticed the HDD drive is in RAID mode as opposed to ACHI.  

Bottom line - I am trying to disable the Optane drive and point to the HDD drive to boot up in order to replace the Optane drive with my SSD in the M.2 slot without blowing everything up.  I attempted to disable the Intel Memory using the Intel Rapid Storage Technology app, but it brought me back to the terrifying blue screen saying to Operating System could not be found - somehow, I restarted and everything was OK but Optane was still enabled.

My next thought was to get an adapter to access the SDD drive and transfer the boot files to it (possibly reinstalling windows 11 altogether on it) and test it as a boot drive before changing the BIOS - but if there is an easier way to do this, I am all ears!

Thanks!

[old_geekster]

@jstevens73 , welcome to the Community.

What is the exact model of your computer?  I need this information to review the specifications.

[jstevens73]

Thank you very much for offering to help! It is an HP ENVY Desktop 795-0040xt CTO (per the HP Support Assistant).

[DGroves]

usually there is a option in the bios and in the RST software Gui Window to disable hard drive caching, 

however Not all PC's have a BIOS setting to disable the Intel Optane memory. some only use the Intel RST program interface (GUI) to disable the optane module

check both places (you may only have one instead of two places)  and set to disabled

you can now remove the optaine module

https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c05591811

[jstevens73 · Accepted solution]

thank you again for your support - the BIOS only had a setting to change the HDD from RAID and ACHI and when I clicked on that to start the process, a red screen came up warning me about how calamitous this choice could be, so I didn't do it.  I actually did try to disable through the RST GUI which took me back to the blue screen saying no OS was accessible, but then the computer booted up at restart and Optane was still enabled.  When I tried to Disable again (tempting fate) an error message came up and it wouldn't proceed.  I did download an updated GUI interface as the one I had was an older version apparently but have not tried yet.  I have an external SSG adapter coming together and will attempt to mirror the current HDD with it tomorrow before trying to disable again - my heart sank when the blue screen popped up with the first Optane disable effort as I was not sure how to undue it and want to see if I can have some insurance before trying again with the new GUI.

Thank you for your help and guidance.