Installing Windows 7 on HP EliteDesk 800 G3

[LeftShark]

I recently received a new HP EliteDesk 800 G3. When I try to install Windows 7 via PXE, after I select the image I want to install, I am prompt that no drives can be found. It also says I need to install a driver for a mass storage device. I have tried all drivers on HP's website for my EliteDesk, but nothing has worked.

I am able to install Windows 10  from the recovery disk. When I do that, it finds the drive to install it on.  Windows 10 is not an option though.

Is there a specific driver that I need to get my drive recognized for the Windows 7 install?

[mdklassen]

From: https://support.hp.com/ca-en/drivers/selfservice/hp-elitedesk-800-g3-tower-pc/15257631

is a link to: https://support.hp.com/ca-en/drivers/selfservice/swdetails/hp-elitedesk-800-g3-tower-pc/15257631/swI...

with the text:  Intel Rapid Storage Technology

Type: Driver-Storage
Version: 15.2.2.1030 Rev.M
Operating systems: Windows 7 (64-bit)
Release date: Jan 6, 2017
File name:  sp78880.exe  (13.7 MB)

which is the necessary device-driver for specific motherboard.

[mdklassen]

> Windows 10 is not an option though.

Why?

What are you going to do after January 2020 -- less than 3 years away -- when Windows 10 achieves its "sunset" ?

At that time, you'll need to install Windows 10, to get a "supported" operating system.

[LeftShark]

Thank you for responding. Unfortunately, the drivers on HP's website still do not work for a drive to be found. BIOS and the Windows 10 installer find the drive with no issue.

As to why Windows 7: this is for my company. Windows 10 is on our horizon, just not quite yet.

[mdklassen]

> The drivers on HP's website still do not work for a drive to be found.

See:  https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/selfservice/hp-elitedesk-800-g3-tower-pc/15257631

Maybe, you need the "Chipset" device-driver ???

>  Windows 10 is on our horizon, just not quite yet.

OK.

> BIOS and the Windows 10 installer find the drive with no issue.

If you install Windows 10, and open the Windows "Device Manager", what device-driver is shown in the "Storage" branch?

The result might give you a "clue" as to what device-driver you need for Windows 7.

[IT-Guy-71]

"It also says I need to install a driver for a mass storage device."

I had similar issue withe 800 G2. The mass storage drivers I need were the ones specific to the SSD I was using.

Hope this helps.

[mdklassen]

See: https://support.hp.com/ca-en/drivers/selfservice/swdetails/hp-probook-4540s-notebook-pc/5229455/swIt...

On an Internet-connected computer, you can download the HP-customized version of Windows 7, writing it to a 16GB USB memory-stick.  Boot your computer from that USB device, to install the original operating system.

[ddannyv]

Please delete this post.

[ddannyv]

*Fixed*

This is how I got it to work.
1. Download the Usb 3.0 Creator Utility here: https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/25476/Windows-7-USB-3-0-Creator-Utility
2. Download these two Windows 7 64bit files and extract the drivers. Use any utility to extract the files from these two .exe's.
Intel USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller Driver: http://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp80501-81000/sp80867.exe
Intel Chipset Support: http://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp78501-79000/sp78817.exe
3. Extract Win7-USB3.0-Creator-V3-Win7Admin. Inside you will see a USB driver folder\x64\ folder.
4. For sp78817.exe grab the files inside \Drivers\Kabylake folder and drop them inside the USB driver folder\x64\ of the Creator Utility and overwrite all files.
5. For sp80867.exe grab the files inside Drivers\Win7\x64 and Drivers\HCSwitch\x64 and drop them inside the USB driver folder\x64\ of the Creator the Utility and overwrite all files.
6. Run the Installer_Creator.exe on your Windows 7 usb flash drive to patch it. That's it.

[_Dave]

@ddannyv Thanks for sharing this, we have the same problem so we followed your tips, unfortunately still can't see the SSD drive during Windows 7 setup, just wondering if you do any changes in BIOS?