Can't Install Windows 8.1 On New Hardrive

[dormdude]

My old desktop hardrive failed so I took one from an old laptop and I have been trying to reinstall windows through a usb drive onto the new hardrive. Whenever I run the instaler it gives me the message "Compatibility report: The computer started using the windows installation media. Remove the installation media and restart your computer so that windows starts normally. Then, insert the installation media and restart the upgrade. (Do not select Icustom [advanced] to perform an upgrade Icustom [advanced] installs a new copy of windows and deletes your programs and settings.)". I've tried everything I can think of and everything I can find online but I couldn't really find anyone else who had this same issue. I really need to get my desktop working within the next few days so any help getting this to work would be greatly appreciated.

 

[smorizio]

if you have windows 8.1 cd download microsoft free iso to usb tool make a new usb from it. then see if the error still there. if you dont have windows disk but have a good windows key download windows 8.1 from microsoft.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/windows-usb-dvd-download-tool
if the error still there plug the drive into another pc use windows disk managment/disk tool to wipe the drive clean. if you dont have another pc when windows 8 or windows 10 usb boots go in dos mode/advance recovery use diskpart clean to wipe the drive.

 

[dormdude]

if you have windows 8.1 cd download microsoft free iso to usb tool make a new usb from it. then see if the error still there. if you dont have windows disk but have a good windows key download windows 8.1 from microsoft.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/windows-usb-dvd-download-tool
if the error still there plug the drive into another pc use windows disk managment/disk tool to wipe the drive clean. if you dont have another pc when windows 8 or windows 10 usb boots go in dos mode/advance recovery use diskpart clean to wipe the drive.

I've already done the iso usb tool that's how i'm trying to install it. And i've already wiped the drive clean with another pc and i still get the issue.

 

[smorizio]

then there a file on the mbr that windows installer is seeing. try deleting the mbr file on the hard drive.

 

[dormdude]

There is no mbr file on the hardrive. there was a recovery file. I also forgot to mention an issue I have is when i start the desktop with a hard drive pulgged in it tells me to "Reboot and select proper boot device" even if i have the usb drive plugged in and have it set to load first in the boot menu. The only way i can get the windows 8 setup to start is to start the desktop with only the usb drive plugged in.

 

[smorizio]

I know this is old thread but I just want to say to those who still need help....... do not choose update and install choose custom instalation and it will work

 

[dormdude]

I know this is old thread but I just want to say to those who still need help....... do not choose update and install choose custom instalation and it will work

When i try custom install it gives me the error "we couldn't create new partition or locate an existing one. For more information, see the Setup Log files" I can also click on show details and it tells me "windows cannot be installed to this disk. This computers hardware may not support booting to this disk. Ensure that the disk controller is enables in the computer's BIOS menu." I'm using the 2nd hardrive from an old laptop because for now i can't afford to buy a new hardrive. I don't know if that is the issue or not.

 

[smorizio]

look at your mb guild. make sure your on the intel port 0/1/2/3 some mb have asmedia ports. if your on those ports you need to have them turned on in the bios and use there drivers. in your bios make sure the sata ports set to achi mode,

 

[dormdude]

look at your mb guild. make sure your on the intel port 0/1/2/3 some mb have asmedia ports. if your on those ports you need to have them turned on in the bios and use there drivers. in your bios make sure the sata ports set to achi mode,

I have no idea what any of that means. I even did some research and couldn't find much. I went though my entire bios and couldn't find anything with the names "mb guild" "asmedia ports" "achi mode". could you please clarify.