Windows Installation doesn't recognize HD

[LeonThePC]

I need to replace the Intel Optane M.2 drive that came with my system. I disabled the Optane option in the BIOS. I am trying to install a Seagate FireCuda 510(non-Optane) drive. When I boot off of a Windows 11 USB(I just created it) it doesn't recognize the hard drive. I tried to download the drivers from HP but the ones I have tried don't work. I have tried the Intel Rapid Storage Drivers and the Intel Chipset drivers. 

I know that the new drive works. I tested it on a different computer. The BIOS recognizes the drive.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @LeonThePC,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

Thanks for reaching out. Based on your description, you’ve done several of the right steps already, including disabling Intel Optane in BIOS and verifying the Seagate FireCuda 510 NVMe SSD is functional. The fact that Windows Setup doesn't see the SSD, even though it's detected in BIOS, suggests a storage controller driver issue or incomplete Optane deconfiguration.
 

Let’s walk through a few steps to try and fix the issue. If this doesn’t work, you might have to try a clean install of Windows via USB.

Confirm BIOS Settings:

Since you already disabled Intel Optane, please also verify the following in BIOS:

1. Storage Controller Mode:
   • Go to BIOS > Advanced > Storage Configuration.
   • Set controller mode to AHCI instead of RAID (Intel RST).
   • Save and exit.
2. Secure Boot:
   • You can temporarily disable Secure Boot during Windows installation. This can help avoid compatibility issues.
3. UEFI Mode:
   • Ensure Boot Mode is set to UEFI (not Legacy).

Load the Correct Driver During Windows Setup

Even with AHCI set, sometimes Windows needs the correct NVMe or Intel RST driver to detect the SSD:

1. Download Intel Rapid Storage Technology (RST) driver:

• Go to: HP Spectre 15-eb0000 x360 Convertible Laptop PC series Software and Driver Downloads | HP® Support

2. Extract it to a USB:

• Extract the contents of the f6flpy-x64.zip file to a separate USB drive or a folder on the Windows installation USB.

3. Load during installation:

• Boot into the Windows installer.
• When you reach the "Where do you want to install Windows?" screen and no drives appear, click:
  • "Load Driver" > Browse to the extracted folder > Load the Intel RST driver.

Once loaded, your SSD should appear.

I hope this helps.

Take care, and have an amazing day!
 

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Regards,

VikramTheGreat