Windows 11 Install Won't Recognize Installation SSD

[bicbic]

Add me to the list of folks that don't understand HP's version of the English language. The specs on my Windows 11 HP Envy Desktop TE01-3197c say:  

One Intel 670P Series 1 TB SSD included. Expansion slots: 2 M.2 (1 for SSD, 1 for WLAN); 1 PCIe x16; 1 PCIe x1.

I take that to mean there is one open slot for a second M.2 SSD. I bought a 2TB WD Black SN770 SSD for my second SSD.  Cracked the case open and lo & behold, no second "expansion" slot. Decided to just replace the 1 TB with the 2 TB.

Used Rufus to load up a USB drive with a Windows 11 ISO directly from Microsoft. When arriving at the installation page to pick a drive; there are no drives available due to a supposed lack of drivers. Head over to WD support page and states all drivers must come from Windows, no manual drivers available. SSD was seated properly in slot but I removed and reinserted anyway.

Called WD, spent about 4 hours with Level 2 support tech. He says not a lack of a driver but a Windows bug. Nonetheless, he worked with me. Got disconnected after the first two hours, then he called me back. Got disconnected after another two hours and still awaiting a callback.

Tried the ISO on two different SanDisk USB thumb drives, 16GB & 64GB. Ran the BIOS quick check on the SSD; no issues. Loaded a SSD driver from the HP web site on a thumb drive but installation wouldn't recognize it.

Any solutions? Thanks.

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

See if this works to get W11 to see the NVMe SSD:

I have zipped up and attached below, the Intel storage controller drivers that I hope work for Windows to find the hard drive.

Copy the 5 files from the F6/VMD/f6vmdflpy-x64 folder to a USB flash drive.

iastorvd.cat

iastorvd.inf

iastorvd.sys

rstmweventlogmsg.dll

rstmwservice.exe

Have the flash drive and your W11 installation media plugged into USB ports.

Boot from the W10 installation flash drive.

When you get to the screen where no drives can be found, click on the Load driver option, browse to the flash drive with the storage controller drivers on it.

If you check the box, it will only include the compatible driver.

Click Next and if those are the right drivers W11 should find the drive and install.

Your other option would be to use the HP cloud recovery tool to create a bootable USB recovery drive that will reinstall Windows, the drivers and the software that originally came with your PC.

Here is an info link for how to use the utility.  You will need a 32 GB USB flash drive to create the recovery media with.

HP Consumer PCs - Using the HP Cloud Recovery Tool in Windows 11 and 10 | HP® Customer Support

You can download the software from the Microsoft Store.

HP Cloud Recovery Tool - Microsoft Store Apps

Since you have to use the utility on another PC, you will need to enter your notebook's product number in the tool's search window in order to proceed to make the recovery media. 

Your PC's product number is:  319Q7AA#ABA

[bicbic]

I forgot to mention I previously tried the "Load Driver" with the following HP storage files from a thumb drive:

iaStoreAC

iaStorAC.sys

iaStorAfs.sys

RstMwEventLog.dll

RstMwService

sp145341

No drivers were found for "Load Driver."

I'll try working on your suggestions tomorrow. Thanks.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome. 

[bicbic]

This has been one the most time consuming & frustrating PC issues for me. I took 6 weeks off from working on this. Finally got motivated today to get back to it. First, I tried the HP Cloud Recovery Tool.  Couldn't get it to work on my Dell. After clicking "Install", it just said "Checking system requirements" for hours. Nothing else ever happened.

Then I tried your folder with the drivers. Initially, the files downloaded didn't quite match what you described. I proceeded with installation. At the driver install window, it offered 3 compatible options and an additional 5 options. I chose the first on the list, "Intel RST VMD Controller 467F (E:iaStorVD.inf).

It worked. Success. As far as I'm concerned, @Paul_Tikkanen, you are a genius. Thank you.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome. 

Glad to have been of assistance. 

[bicbic]

BTW, if I ever re-install Win 11, do I need to manually install the driver again or is it permanently seared into the PC somewhere? Thanks.

[bicbic]

Sorry, one more. Should I install all the HP OEM support apps? Are they useful or should I just stick with Windows updates?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Yes, anytime you have to clean install W11, you will need to use those drivers.

The HP files are not necessary if all devices have been installed by Windows/Windows update.