SSD and RAM upgrade

[db396]

Upgraded Model 15m-ed1013dx with two Corsair DDR4 16GB RAM modules and a 2TB Samsung SSD 970 Evo Plus. 

Downloaded the installer image to do a fresh install of Windows 10 and plugged in the USB.

Turned on the laptop and it will not boot. The power button light alternates on and off every 10-15 seconds approximately.

I have tried F9, F12, and ESC with no luck during boot. I know the install went well and I'm not doing anything wrong. 

What is the remedy to this?

[db396]

Update to my original post: I ran "wmic memphysical get maxcapacity" which shows 134217728. This comes out to 128 GB when converted from kb. The service manual says "nonupgradeable," but then contradicts that statement in the list of available spare parts, where it shows 16 GB as an available part. 

I also saw another post during my research stating that you had to hold down the WINDOWS key and B key during boot. Is that true?

[erico]

Installer image?

I have never heard of that.

Your laptop is compatible with the HP Cloud Recovery tool.  Create a Cloud Recovery tool on a blank USB flashdrive.

Boot to it a perform a recover by following the prompts.

You will need the laptop's product number, also known as the SKU to create the Cloud Recovery utility.

The product number is 1G0E4UA, according to the support portal specification page.

Here is a tutorial web document for the recovery tool

https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/ish_4511095-4511141-16

[erico]

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@db396 wrote:

Update to my original post: I ran "wmic memphysical get maxcapacity" which shows 134217728. This comes out to 128 GB when converted from kb. The service manual says "nonupgradeable," but then contradicts that statement in the list of available spare parts, where it shows 16 GB as an available part. 

I also saw another post during my research stating that you had to hold down the WINDOWS key and B key during boot. Is that true?

---

Windows key + B is for when you are trying to recover a corrupt BIOS.

Have you tried returning the laptop to its original state (original memory modules) to see if it will boot?

Personally, I would not try the Corsair memory unless Corsair states that it is guaranteed compatible.

That is because I find my time valuable and want success in my upgrades.
Crucial sells guaranteed compatible memory and SSD products for your laptop.

https://www.crucial.com/compatible-upgrade-for/hp---compaq/envy-15m-es1013dx-

[db396]

I'm using the following instructions from Microsoft:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/install-windows-from-a-usb-fl...

That's not my issue, as the computer will not even boot at this point.

[db396]

It will boot with the original SSD and RAM. The crucial link sent me to 15m-es, mine is 15m-ed, which shows they have no compatible products.

https://www.crucial.com/compatible-upgrade-for/hp---compaq/envy-x360-15m-ed1013dx

[db396]

Another update: 

I switched to PNY Performance RAM and it worked no problem. That issue is isolated to faulty Corsair RAM. 

Booted into my previous installation no problem, showed the 32 GB RAM. 

Now I installed the 2TB Samsung SSD 970 Evo Plus and the new installer is alerting me that "We couldn't find any drives. To get a storage driver, click Load driver"

I loaded the drivers onto my USB manually and tried again. The installer is indicating that it is not successful and could not find any drives.

This should not be a very complex process, but it seems to be rather protracted.  I would hope that there is some supplemental documentation from HP to remedy this deficiency. 

Any recommendations?

[erico]

"15m-es, mine is 15m-ed"

Both laptops are in the same model series, which means they have the same system board. This was an error on the part of Crucial Memory marketing.

2TB Samsung SSD 970 Evo Plus  is compatible. Often an OS or even a BIOS will not see an SSD or HDD if the drive has not been initialed or if it lacks a partition or drive letter. 

I tend to do that by use of an external USB  to NVMe SSD adapter on a different PC. See the hyperlink below this line.

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=USB++to+NVMe+SSD+adapter

I believe that you would have more success if you followed HP instructions or tutorials instead of Microsoft's in regard to HP laptops and desktop pcs.

You can use Windows DiskPart utility to see the drive , initiate, and create a partition.

[db396]

Erico, thank you for all of the help so far! It's good to know that what I'm using is compatible. Between the Crucial website error and the HP service manual showing "non-upgradeable" I was pretty confused.

I've used diskpart before on another system, but my understanding is that the Windows installer should automatically partition the drive as necessary.

Is there a specific link you would recommend for HP instructions? This is all I found:

https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/tech-takes/how-to-install-solid-state-hard-drive

It has the same info as the Microsoft instructions.

Thanks again for the help!

[erico]

Especially with the IT Pro versions of  Samsung SSD products, DiskPart helps, because the disk may, as in your case, not be recognized as being present. 

Windows installer is not perfect, so prep the drive as I described in my previous reply.

That video  and tutorial does provide some good instruction, especially if you are considering cloning the original Windows installation to the new SSD.

I have used EASUS, Paragon and Macrium Reflect with success in the past, so I consider them great options for cloning.