Deleted all partitions while re-installing windows 8. Cannot repair/install. Help.

[treregaurd]

This is my first build. I wanted to reinstall windows 8 after playing around with my new computer. I loaded the boot disc and got to the partitions screen.

I formatted my HDD (disk 0 partition 1) and SSD (disk 1 partition 1) drives and noticed that I had a ton of space taken up on my system partition (disk 0 partition 0) so I formatted it. All of the space wasn't available and, for some reason, I thought that it should have all the space available for the new installation.

I deleted my system partition and it disappeared. The other 2 drives didn't so it surprised me. I ran windows fix from the boot disc and the partition came back, but this time it was a primary partition. I hit format, for some reason, and the small partition lost available space for some reason.

So I've read the forums and googled and haven't seen any helpful answers. I don't need software to recover data from a drive, recover/repair don't work because of a missing partition/access to windows, and trying to install on any of the partitions results in a windows error.

Someone suggested, on a thread I read, to delete all partitions, remake them, and install windows. I'm sick of typing in my windows key and have very little hope that it would work.

What do I do?

Is there a program that I can burn to a disc that I can load to fix my OS-less partitions?

 

[BuddiLuva]

For a start, definitely follow the advice and delete all the partitions on both drives, clearing the drives completely (do not create new partitions)

Make sure this is done through command prompt and not the windows installation


Then run the windows setup and choose the drive you want to install onto, it should then create the necessary partitions for you.

 

[treregaurd]

Can you give me some lines to type into command prompt?

Edit: Googling it right now. Sorry, it's been a long night. Any help is much appreciated though.

 

[Shaun o]

A few questions, just to clear things up.
What drive are you trying to install windows 8 to would it happen to be the SSD drive ?
I take it you intend to use the SSD drive as the boot drive with windows OS on it as it will be faster, and for when you run games ect off it.

And you intend the HDD to be extra storage.
I am asking this as I can see why you are getting errors when trying to install windows.
an it getting so far but not finding the installation partition set up on the drives.


Are both the drives Sata connected to the mother board.

 

[treregaurd]

A few questions, just to clear things up.
What drive are you trying to install windows 8 to would it happen to be the SSD drive ?

Yes, I had my OS on the SSD and I was having trouble using some programs that I had installed to the HDD. I didn't want to deal with possible registry errors after moving them, so I decided to reinstall. It was fine until I saw 5gb of space unavailable and, again, wanted to avoid registry errors.

I want to say "yes they're hooked up," but I don't know enough about computers: I had a retail store hook up the components and leave me to install the OS.

 

[Shaun o]

And would i be right in saying the installation of windows gets to a point and the system re boots and then says it cannot find the installation or rest of the setup and bombs out ?
or something like cannot find partition.

 

[treregaurd]

And would i be right in saying the installation of windows gets to a point and the system re boots and then says it cannot find the installation or rest of the setup and bombs out ?
or something like cannot find partition.

When I try to install on any of the 3 partitions I get an error (x800... on the SSD and GPT error on the HDD). If go to advanced repair and click restore it says that I don't have a required partition. Restore doesn't work because I don't have access to windows. I have no clue what drivers I could use to update the disks.

 

[Shaun o]

Last question, do you know the capacity or storage size of the SSD drive and the HDD.
If so then please post.
Then I will run you through it all.

 

[treregaurd]

Last question, do you know the capacity or storage size of the SSD drive and the HDD.
If so then please post.
Then I will run you through it all.

Please don't tell me to delete drivers in command prompt. That is too scary. Thanks for your help.

Here is my build: pcpartpicker.

2TB HDD
128GB SSD

 

[Shaun o]

Have a read it should explain all.

Booting and partitioning of GPT for Windows 8:

1.Boot from the Windows 8 install media (You must initiate this boot from a device labeled as a UEFI device, or the installation of Windows 8 will produce an error that the OS cannot be installed to a GPT partition) These UEFI boot devices will have a prefix UEFI: "name of your device", and show as a boot option in your UEFI.
2.After booting to the UEFI device you see the Install Windows 8 screen, press Shift + F10 to open a command prompt.
3.Type Diskpart, press Enter
4.Type List Disk , press Enter
5.Type Select Disk # (where # is the number your drive shows up as), press Enter
6.Type Clean, press Enter
7.Type Convert GPT, press Enter
8.Type Exit, press Enter.
9.Close the Command Prompt window.
10.Click the "Next" button.
11.Click the "Install now" button.
12.Put in your product key and click the "Next" button.
13.Accept the terms and click the "Next" button.
14.Choose "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)."
15.Select the partition and click "Drive options (advanced)"
16.Click "New" and then click the "Apply" button. Four partitions should appear. Click the bottom partition.
17.Click the "OK" button and then click the "Next" button.
18.From then on follow the on screen instructions till you get to the desktop.
Note: If you can't boot after the install you need to make sure the boot is set to "Windows Boot Manager" in the UEFI. Also, important info.

 

[treregaurd]

Thanks for the walkthrough. I managed to get windows installed on my SSD after using some advanced tools from the installation process. I was trying to do a full install on a freshly partitioned disk every time I attempted after deleting the system partition. Hey, it was late and I haven't gotten much sleep since getting my computer 2 days ago.

Now I have another, less-severe (I think) issue: instead of having a system partition sharing space with my HDD partition I have a primary partition. That's not all: I have 2 new, extra partitions on my SSD (which now holds my OS). They are a 300MB recovery partition and a 100MB EFI system partition.

How do I get my HDD system partition back?
What do I do with the extra partitions on my SSD?

I'm going to bed. But I will be back and grateful.

 

[dodger46]

Windows 8 best installed to a completely clean drive so it can create a System reserve partition of 350 Mb. It can't or won't do that if you've already partitioned the disk. So, boot from your installation disk, and when you get to the 'Where do you want to install windows screen' choose your SSD and 'Drive options (Advanced)' and delete all partitions until all you have left is Unallocated Space. Continue to install Windows without creating partitions or formatting. All should be well thereafter...
Once Windows is up and running use Disk Manager to partition your HDD

 

[tehzbeef]

Have a read it should explain all.

Booting and partitioning of GPT for Windows 8:

1.Boot from the Windows 8 install media (You must initiate this boot from a device labeled as a UEFI device, or the installation of Windows 8 will produce an error that the OS cannot be installed to a GPT partition) These UEFI boot devices will have a prefix UEFI: "name of your device", and show as a boot option in your UEFI.
2.After booting to the UEFI device you see the Install Windows 8 screen, press Shift + F10 to open a command prompt.
3.Type Diskpart, press Enter
4.Type List Disk , press Enter
5.Type Select Disk # (where # is the number your drive shows up as), press Enter
6.Type Clean, press Enter
7.Type Convert GPT, press Enter
8.Type Exit, press Enter.
9.Close the Command Prompt window.
10.Click the "Next" button.
11.Click the "Install now" button.
12.Put in your product key and click the "Next" button.
13.Accept the terms and click the "Next" button.
14.Choose "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)."
15.Select the partition and click "Drive options (advanced)"
16.Click "New" and then click the "Apply" button. Four partitions should appear. Click the bottom partition.
17.Click the "OK" button and then click the "Next" button.
18.From then on follow the on screen instructions till you get to the desktop.
Note: If you can't boot after the install you need to make sure the boot is set to "Windows Boot Manager" in the UEFI. Also, important info.

You are the most wonderful person ever! I have been tearing my hair out trying to install windows 8 over my ubuntu install but as I only have one harddrive I couldnt unmount it to repartition it! Honestly I think I may love you a little bit.

 

[bibiche]

use a free software Easus Partition Master (home),when launched it will scan automatically then you will find your missing partition ,to make it active select "change drive letter" from blank to any letter it provides you with ,then apply (top left)
here we go you have your partition or drive ready to use.

 

[mohammed_nfs]

Dear fellow.

I was installing win 8 and deleted my c: on which previous windows was there and deleted the system reserved partition and then created a new one. do i need to format the newly created partition before proceeding or the setup will do it it self when beginning the installation ?

i deleted the partition from the installation setup
reply on mohammed_nfs@hotmail.com

 

[dodger46]

Dear fellow.

I was installing win 8 and deleted my c: on which previous windows was there and deleted the system reserved partition and then created a new one. do i need to format the newly created partition before proceeding or the setup will do it it self when beginning the installation ?

i deleted the partition from the installation setup
reply on mohammed_nfs@hotmail.com

As I discussed, best to install to 'Unallocated Space', which means deleting all partitions before you install using 'Drive Options (Advanced)'

 

[florchis]

Have a read it should explain all.

Booting and partitioning of GPT for Windows 8:

1.Boot from the Windows 8 install media (You must initiate this boot from a device labeled as a UEFI device, or the installation of Windows 8 will produce an error that the OS cannot be installed to a GPT partition) These UEFI boot devices will have a prefix UEFI: "name of your device", and show as a boot option in your UEFI.
2.After booting to the UEFI device you see the Install Windows 8 screen, press Shift + F10 to open a command prompt.
3.Type Diskpart, press Enter
4.Type List Disk , press Enter
5.Type Select Disk # (where # is the number your drive shows up as), press Enter
6.Type Clean, press Enter
7.Type Convert GPT, press Enter
8.Type Exit, press Enter.
9.Close the Command Prompt window.
10.Click the "Next" button.
11.Click the "Install now" button.
12.Put in your product key and click the "Next" button.
13.Accept the terms and click the "Next" button.
14.Choose "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)."
15.Select the partition and click "Drive options (advanced)"
16.Click "New" and then click the "Apply" button. Four partitions should appear. Click the bottom partition.
17.Click the "OK" button and then click the "Next" button.
18.From then on follow the on screen instructions till you get to the desktop.
Note: If you can't boot after the install you need to make sure the boot is set to "Windows Boot Manager" in the UEFI. Also, important info.

Thank you so much for this!!!! I managed to repair Windows after deleting accidentally my partitions. It's been hours and it's so great that you posted the answer. THANK YOU!

 

[Illy88]

Thank you sooooooooooooooooooo much!
This post was amazing!!!!!!! Helpful!!!! Adequate!!!!! And made me so happy and relieved.... Much blessings!!!!



trike][/strike]

Have a read it should explain all.

Booting and partitioning of GPT for Windows 8:

1.Boot from the Windows 8 install media (You must initiate this boot from a device labeled as a UEFI device, or the installation of Windows 8 will produce an error that the OS cannot be installed to a GPT partition) These UEFI boot devices will have a prefix UEFI: "name of your device", and show as a boot option in your UEFI.
2.After booting to the UEFI device you see the Install Windows 8 screen, press Shift + F10 to open a command prompt.
3.Type Diskpart, press Enter
4.Type List Disk , press Enter
5.Type Select Disk # (where # is the number your drive shows up as), press Enter
6.Type Clean, press Enter
7.Type Convert GPT, press Enter
8.Type Exit, press Enter.
9.Close the Command Prompt window.
10.Click the "Next" button.
11.Click the "Install now" button.
12.Put in your product key and click the "Next" button.
13.Accept the terms and click the "Next" button.
14.Choose "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)."
15.Select the partition and click "Drive options (advanced)"
16.Click "New" and then click the "Apply" button. Four partitions should appear. Click the bottom partition.
17.Click the "OK" button and then click the "Next" button.
18.From then on follow the on screen instructions till you get to the desktop.
Note: If you can't boot after the install you need to make sure the boot is set to "Windows Boot Manager" in the UEFI. Also, important info.

Thank you so much for this!!!! I managed to repair Windows after deleting accidentally my partitions. It's been hours and it's so great that you posted the answer. THANK YOU!

 

[nduhesk]

I Have the same problem mind if i ask the command prompt "Clean" options does it completely clear ones data
I have just only one installed 500GB hard drive and it has everything which means everything to me. I can't afford to loose my data, please help

 

[dodger46]

I Have the same problem mind if i ask the command prompt "Clean" options does it completely clear ones data
I have just only one installed 500GB hard drive and it has everything which means everything to me. I can't afford to loose my data, please help

Need a bit more info, are you trying to re-install Windows on a single hard drive which has an existing installation plus your user data?

 

[noellenoelle]

Have a read it should explain all.

Booting and partitioning of GPT for Windows 8:

1.Boot from the Windows 8 install media (You must initiate this boot from a device labeled as a UEFI device, or the installation of Windows 8 will produce an error that the OS cannot be installed to a GPT partition) These UEFI boot devices will have a prefix UEFI: "name of your device", and show as a boot option in your UEFI.
2.After booting to the UEFI device you see the Install Windows 8 screen, press Shift + F10 to open a command prompt.
3.Type Diskpart, press Enter
4.Type List Disk , press Enter
5.Type Select Disk # (where # is the number your drive shows up as), press Enter
6.Type Clean, press Enter
7.Type Convert GPT, press Enter
8.Type Exit, press Enter.
9.Close the Command Prompt window.
10.Click the "Next" button.
11.Click the "Install now" button.
12.Put in your product key and click the "Next" button.
13.Accept the terms and click the "Next" button.
14.Choose "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)."
15.Select the partition and click "Drive options (advanced)"
16.Click "New" and then click the "Apply" button. Four partitions should appear. Click the bottom partition.
17.Click the "OK" button and then click the "Next" button.
18.From then on follow the on screen instructions till you get to the desktop.
Note: If you can't boot after the install you need to make sure the boot is set to "Windows Boot Manager" in the UEFI. Also, important info.

I created an account just to thank you. I fought for hours today until I stumbled upon your post. Thank you a thousand times Shaun o !!!

 

[Indrit_1]

Have a read it should explain all.

Booting and partitioning of GPT for Windows 8:

1.Boot from the Windows 8 install media (You must initiate this boot from a device labeled as a UEFI device, or the installation of Windows 8 will produce an error that the OS cannot be installed to a GPT partition) These UEFI boot devices will have a prefix UEFI: "name of your device", and show as a boot option in your UEFI.
2.After booting to the UEFI device you see the Install Windows 8 screen, press Shift + F10 to open a command prompt.
3.Type Diskpart, press Enter
4.Type List Disk , press Enter
5.Type Select Disk # (where # is the number your drive shows up as), press Enter
6.Type Clean, press Enter
7.Type Convert GPT, press Enter
8.Type Exit, press Enter.
9.Close the Command Prompt window.
10.Click the "Next" button.
11.Click the "Install now" button.
12.Put in your product key and click the "Next" button.
13.Accept the terms and click the "Next" button.
14.Choose "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)."
15.Select the partition and click "Drive options (advanced)"
16.Click "New" and then click the "Apply" button. Four partitions should appear. Click the bottom partition.
17.Click the "OK" button and then click the "Next" button.
18.From then on follow the on screen instructions till you get to the desktop.
Note: If you can't boot after the install you need to make sure the boot is set to "Windows Boot Manager" in the UEFI. Also, important info.

MAY GOD BLES YOU MY FRIEND .. YOU SAVED MY LIFE.. THANK YOU SOOO MUCH

 

[liviup]

Have a read it should explain all.

Booting and partitioning of GPT for Windows 8:

1.Boot from the Windows 8 install media (You must initiate this boot from a device labeled as a UEFI device, or the installation of Windows 8 will produce an error that the OS cannot be installed to a GPT partition) These UEFI boot devices will have a prefix UEFI: "name of your device", and show as a boot option in your UEFI.
2.After booting to the UEFI device you see the Install Windows 8 screen, press Shift + F10 to open a command prompt.
3.Type Diskpart, press Enter
4.Type List Disk , press Enter
5.Type Select Disk # (where # is the number your drive shows up as), press Enter
6.Type Clean, press Enter
7.Type Convert GPT, press Enter
8.Type Exit, press Enter.
9.Close the Command Prompt window.
10.Click the "Next" button.
11.Click the "Install now" button.
12.Put in your product key and click the "Next" button.
13.Accept the terms and click the "Next" button.
14.Choose "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)."
15.Select the partition and click "Drive options (advanced)"
16.Click "New" and then click the "Apply" button. Four partitions should appear. Click the bottom partition.
17.Click the "OK" button and then click the "Next" button.
18.From then on follow the on screen instructions till you get to the desktop.
Note: If you can't boot after the install you need to make sure the boot is set to "Windows Boot Manager" in the UEFI. Also, important info.

I followed all your steps (and went through them a couple of times just to make sure) but it only created 2 partitions, as in a regular Windows installation, not 4 as it should have for UEFI. Am I doing something wrong?

Thank you.

 

[Tama__]

Have a read it should explain all.

Booting and partitioning of GPT for Windows 8:

1.Boot from the Windows 8 install media (You must initiate this boot from a device labeled as a UEFI device, or the installation of Windows 8 will produce an error that the OS cannot be installed to a GPT partition) These UEFI boot devices will have a prefix UEFI: "name of your device", and show as a boot option in your UEFI.
2.After booting to the UEFI device you see the Install Windows 8 screen, press Shift + F10 to open a command prompt.
3.Type Diskpart, press Enter
4.Type List Disk , press Enter
5.Type Select Disk # (where # is the number your drive shows up as), press Enter
6.Type Clean, press Enter
7.Type Convert GPT, press Enter
8.Type Exit, press Enter.
9.Close the Command Prompt window.
10.Click the "Next" button.
11.Click the "Install now" button.
12.Put in your product key and click the "Next" button.
13.Accept the terms and click the "Next" button.
14.Choose "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)."
15.Select the partition and click "Drive options (advanced)"
16.Click "New" and then click the "Apply" button. Four partitions should appear. Click the bottom partition.
17.Click the "OK" button and then click the "Next" button.
18.From then on follow the on screen instructions till you get to the desktop.
Note: If you can't boot after the install you need to make sure the boot is set to "Windows Boot Manager" in the UEFI. Also, important info.

 

[Tama__]

Shaun o you saved my life. Thanks dude