Windows 7 Pro 64 Installation from USB Recovery Media - CD/DVD-ROM Driver Missing, No Devices Detect

[ShadowBox]

Purchased a new WD Black SATA 1TB HDD and installed it into my Z820 Workstation to install a clean version of Windows 7 Pro 64-bit. I've used some Chat HELP but I'm out of Warranty. No Luck. I've combed the forums. No definitive answer.

Here are some symptoms. BTW - I have the old HD with Windows 7 Pro 64-bit and it runs fine, but slow.

• Updated to Bios 3.91
• HDD Formatted to no partitions so Windows can format during install
• USB 3.0 System Recovery Media from HP boots fine.
• Installation Utility Opens, Click on Install Windows..
• Immediate Alert screen appears, CD/DVD driver is missing, load driver
• I have provided the driver, it is not recognized.
• Next and repeated message: No devices detected. 
• No options available. 
• I am forced to EXIT Windows Installation. 

Any insight is appreciated. 

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

The only suggestion I can offer would be to try running the bootable media from one of the PC's USB 2 ports.

The problem with W7 installation media, is there is no USB3 driver support which may be why you are getting the CD/DVD driver is missing error.

[ShadowBox]

Simply. I thank you. It is a bit embarrassing. There are no words to describe the relief from the frustration I have been experiencing for four days. I've been on Chat Support, etc. and no one has suggested this. Support articles I have read indicate that any flash drive I have with drivers should be put into the USB 2 port. Only today, did I read something in the Alerts page that hints at this. I appreciate you responding with sensitivity! 🙂

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Windows does not do a good job of telling you why something doesn't work.

There are only a few error messages generated, so you have to guess what it means.

A lot of times that error message also means you need to install the drive controller drivers so Windows can 'see' the hard drive.

It can also mean that if you are using a DVD to install W7, that the DVD is defective--especially if you burned the DVD yourself.

But on these newer model PC's with USB3 ports, normally it is the USB3 driver that is missing.