Problem installing Win7 Pro on Probook 440 G3 - drivers not found

[Beenstuffed]

The product was delivered with Win 10 installed but I need to run Win7 Pro.

I imaged the disc prior to working on it and can restore back to Win 10 without a problem.

However, when starting the process with either a USB or DVD, I am able to select the country then able to click on "Install Now", but I am then prompted for drivers for the USB or CD/DVD drive. I downloaded them from HP site but the installation won't find them when searched.

I am very frustrated and need to get Win 7 installed ..... how do I get the device to "see" the drivers to be installed in order to continue the installation?

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

The Microsoft Windows 7 installation media doesn't have the native USB 3.0 drivers.

So you have to add the USB 3.0 drivers into the Windows installation flash drive.

Intel came through on this one.  They have a utility that does all the work for you.

Follow the instructions in the Readme link to make a bootable USB flash drive from your windows installation DVD.

https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/25476/Wi​​​​​ndows-7-USB-3-0-Creator-Utility

Run this and point to your Windows USB Installation media, and Windows 7 should install.

[Beenstuffed]

Thank you Paul, that worked a treat.

Shame the vendor of the laptop didn't know about this - even after returning it to them 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Glad to have been of assistance.

[Geeing]

Hi there,

I've followed the instructions but still can't get laptop to boot from USB.

Is there anything in the BIOS that I have to disable, Secure Boot perhaps?

Thanks

G

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, @Geeing :

Yes, you would have to enable legacy mode and disable secure boot in the BIOS to run W7

[Geeing]

Hi Paul,

I managed to get a Win7 image on it but there are no default USB controller installed so I am unable to install any drivers lol.... no network also

Any idea's?

G

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Does the PC have a DVD drive?

If so, I would put the drivers on a DVD and install them that way.

Otherwise you are going to have to remove the hard drive, plug it into a sata to usb adapter cable , plug it into a working PC and copy the drivers to a folder on the hard drive.

[Geeing]

Hi,

No it doesn't have a DVD drive.  When I plug in my portable one it is not recognised 😞

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Then, I guess your only option would be to yank the hard drive and put the drivers on it from another PC as I mentioned above.

No USB device is going to work until the drivers are installed.

The SD card reader won't work until the drivers are installed.

Bluetooth file transfer won't work until the drivers are installed.

Ethernet and wireless wont  work until the drivers are installed.

No built in DVD drive.

You're out of luck unless you yank the hard drive.