"Couldn't find any drives." when attempting to re-install Windows on model 17-cn0033dx...

[Scooter501]

I am trying to re-install windows 10 on an HP 17-cn0033dx.  The Serial # is 5CG12032RJ.  This system may or may not have had Windows 10, I am not sure as it is my cousin's computer and I did not use it before bitlocker errors appeared.

I reformatted the internal SSD drive.  The internal SSD drive is seen by the BIOS and labelled as "PCIe 1.0, KGB40ZNV512G KIOXIA 417PH297QW92, 476.9GB"

When I use media creation tool to reinstall Windows 10, during install where you need to select a disk, it says "Couldn't find any drives."

I saw in a different forum that "90% of these failures are due to corrupt installation media", so I redownloaded the media creation tool and still got the same error.

I am thinking I will need to manually put the driver on the usb drive so that windows will be able to find the drive.

Where do I get the driver for this particular model?

Thanks,

Scott

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi, Scott:

I have zipped up and attached the Intel storage controller drivers that Windows needs to find the drive.

The attached file is good for both W10 & W11.

Copy all of the files in both folders in the attached file to a USB flash drive.

Have the flash drive and your Windows installation media plugged into USB ports.

Boot from the W10/W11 installation flash drive.

When you get to the screen where no drives can be found, click on the Load driver option, browse to the flash drive with the storage controller drivers on it.

If you check the box, it will only include the compatible driver.

Click Next and Windows should find the drive and install.

Your other option would be to use the HP cloud recovery tool to create a bootable USB recovery drive that will reinstall Windows, the drivers and the software that originally came with your PC.

Here is an info link for how to use the utility. You will need a 32 GB USB flash drive for this.

HP Consumer PCs - Using the HP Cloud Recovery Tool in Windows 11 and 10 | HP® Support

You can download the software from the Microsoft Store.

HP Cloud Recovery Tool - Free download and install on Windows | Microsoft Store

Since you have to use the software on another PC to create the recovery media, you will need to enter your PC's product number in the tool's search window in order to proceed to make the recovery media.

Your PC's product number is 4A1H9UA#ABA

[Scooter501]

Paul... Thank you so much for this!  I was able to install windows when I selected the first of two drivers that were found.  Your reply saved my blind cousin who is on disability the expense of having to replace his laptop.  He is an author.  You have done a great deed today.  Thanks again!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome, Scott.

Glad to have been of assistance.

Cheers,

Paul