Clean install on Pavilion 590

[Nate_on_Rails]

Just purchased a Pavilion 590 which came with Windows 10 Home installed on 1TB mechanical HD.  I need to install Windows Pro on SSD drive. 

However when I get prompted to select the drive to during the install get error message saying:

"Windows cannot be installed to this disk.  This computer's hardware may not support booting to this disk.  Ensure the disk's control is enabled in the computer's BIOS menu."

I've disabled Secure Boot and tried every option in the BIOS that might have an impact with no luck. 

I've tried formatting the SSD to MBR or GPT manually before selecting the drive.

I've even tried installing Windows 10 Pro on 1TB mechanical HD that came with the computer but have no luck.

Any ideas?

[Nate_on_Rails · Accepted solution]

The computer came with a 16GB NVM drive also- I assume it was just to help re-install Windows if it got corrupted or new to install a new HD.

I removed NVM module from the motherboard(had to remove the HD and CD cage) and then in the BIOS as able to change the SATA mode from RAID to AHCI (before with NVM installed the option was disabled).

After this change, I was able to Boot to and Install to the SSD Drive.

[techneer]

I was having too much fun reinstalling Windows 10 after wiping the hard drive [the fricken f11 Recovery didn't work] because of a hacker infestation, until I came across your posting. Once the 16GB Intel Optane PCIe NVM Express card was removed, I could change the SATA mode to AHCI in the BIOS and it was then very easy to do the installation.

* See below about danger from ESD before trying the following:

You don't have to remove the drive caddy if you have a long enough small phillips head screwdriver or bit that will reach down to the motherboard. After unplugging and draining the power (hold down on power button for a few seconds after unplugging - something that should always be done before adding/removing processors, memory, PCIe cards, SSD cards or whatever), unscrew the 4 screws holding the drive caddy in place. Take a straightened paper clip and insert in the CD drive release hole (located on front bezel of CD drive). The drive tray should pop out. Pull it out somewhat and lift up the drive caddy on the side facing the rear of the computer, and carefully (without damaging the CD drive) move it back to provide clearance to the Optane SSD which is located below the caddy on the right side. Unscrew the small phillips head screw and remove it (using magnetic screwdriver bit). Then I used a pair of long-reach needle-nose pliers (or similar tool) to grasp either side of the SSD to remove it (wiggle it out from) from the motherboard connector and then out of the case.

Otherwise you'll need to remove the CD tray front bezel to get it through the front case bezel. Up to you. Also, try not to finger up the motherboard or other PCBs inside the case, on account you could damage them from accidentally imparted ESD (electro-static electricity - you know, that spark you might see in the winter-time when you touch a screw on a light switch). Ground yourself frequently on the bare metal of the case to prevent that from happening. Good luck.