Toshiba "Load Driver" error while installing Windows 7

[pdgeorge]

My hard drive in my laptop died on me, so I got a new hard drive and am installing Windows 7 on it on my Toshiba (Satellite C665 model PSC55A)

I don't seem to be alone in encountering this error: "A required CD/DVD drive device driver is missing. If you have a driver floppy disk, CD, DVD or USB flash drive, please insert it now." However everyone seems to get it for different reasons and I've tried multiple things.

The first obvious one: Use the disk I got with the laptop. I've moved houses since I bought the laptop. Looked through every box in the house and and I think it may be lost to oblivion.
The next most obvious: Look for the drivers for the DVD drive. I can't find them. I don't know if they exist, I know that sounds a bit... suss, but I've found all the other drivers for this specific laptop on the Toshiba website and I have them ready, however there was no drivers for the DVD drive.
The next: Windows 7 USB/DVD Download tool. I read it would work, so I attempted it, and it didn't.
I've also read BIOS, "Disable AHCI mode for your disk controller in the system BIOS", I'm not the greatest so I may not have gotten this step right, but the only time I found AHCI in the BIOS I couldn't change it to IDE or ATA as was suggested, I could only change it to "Compatibility"

Thank you for your help, I hope I don't sound too hopeless.

 

[RealBeast]

I would suspect that your windows install disk has issues -- I've seen the error many times and it always resolved with a new install disk. If you used that disk to make the USB install it would not work either. Did you use the MS USB install tool?

Anyway, I would download a new legitimate iso image of Windows in the exact same version as your computer used from DIGITAL RIVER and burn it to a DVD or make a USB installer using the MS USB Tool.

Also, make sure to enable AHCI in the bios before installation.

 

[pewterbot9]

I would suspect that your windows install disk has issues -- I've seen the error many times and it always resolved with a new install disk..

I beg to differ. For I have the same problem doing a fresh install of Windows 7 on a blank SATA hard drive. See my recent post:

Need driver for Toshiba HD

Doing many searches of my own, I have since learned that you absolutely DEFINITELY beyond-a-shadow-of-a-doubt REQUIRE the specific driver for a SATA HD. Windows will inform you that the drive is not recognized, and provide an option to locate the driver. I now quote from How to install Windows 7/XP/Vista/2000 on a SATA drive:

When prompted, insert the Serial ATA controller / motherboard drivers if necessary. Do this from a CD, DVD, USB drive, or floppy diskette.

Another example re. difficulties installing Windows on a SATA HD (which affirms the need for a driver), see:

Problem with Installing Windows 7 on a blank drive

So, this is most definitely NOT an issue w/the Windows installation disc. The REAL problem is in finding the correct driver...which is highly unlikely, as HD companies seem to no longer care to support even slightly old hardware these days. I have had NO luck whatsoever, in tracking down the driver for my own system...even from Toshiba's own support site.

If the OP has the original motherboard driver disc, that MIGHT suffice. Unless (as in my own case) the hard drive is a different model from any included on the driver disc. Alas, I did not even receive a mobo disc, as my laptop is refurbished. Though it DID come with an OEM Windows 7 installation disc (and matching serial number).

And I also doubt anyone will be able to come to my rescue, with access to the proper driver that I need to reinstall. *sigh*

 

[RealBeast]

"Doing many searches of my own, I have since learned that you absolutely DEFINITELY beyond-a-shadow-of-a-doubt REQUIRE the specific driver for a SATA HD."

I won't say that it can't happen if you use crappy hardware, but in my last 500+ builds with Windows 7, I have never once had to use SATA or HDD drivers during installation other than when using onboard RAID or an add on PCI/PCIe HBA/RAID adapter for the boot drive.

I've always had success using diskpart command line in the Windows PE to fix HDD issues if the drive was actually functional, like some old other OS format or whatever, so no idea what to tell you pewter other than you have an unusual issue and good luck. Just maybe your "refurb" machine was returned for a real good reason involving the motherboard controllers.