Windows cannot be installed to this disk. *ERROR* Need Help!

jamiehoy

Honorable
Mar 27, 2012
17
0
10,510
Ok, so I have Windows 8.1 installed on my SSD, but I am trying to install a 2nd Windows 8.1 on a 2nd drive. If I boot into Windows 8.1 on the SSD, the PC can see the 2nd HDD and use it as a 2nd Local Disk without any issues. The problem occurs when I try to install an OS on the drive instead of using it as a secondary storage.

When I run the Windows Setup DVD, it can see the drive but if I try to install Windows 8.1 on it, I get this error *Windows cannot be installed to this disk. The computer's hardware may not support booting to this disk. Ensure the disk's controller is enabled in the computer's BIOS*

I had a look in my bios (Using ASUS Hero Maximus VII) and it doesn't give the HDD as a boot option. I checked the controller as I saw many posts on the internet about being IDE, but mine is already AHCI (Which I was told to use).

The HDD is formatted and is MBR state. It is connected by an Intel z97 sata port.

What am I doing so wrong?!
 
Solution
Windows 8.1 licensing may be at play here - I am not sure if you can install two instances of Windows 8.1 (32-bit and 64-bit) on the same machine using one license.....perhaps a licensing expert can chime in here....I don't want to give invalid information.

jamiehoy

Honorable
Mar 27, 2012
17
0
10,510


I need to be running a 32bit OS for a particular piece of software I use (Don't as me to explain further). So I was trying to create a dual boot to go to when I need to use that particular software. Instead of my usual Win 8.1 64bit*.



 
Windows 8.1 licensing may be at play here - I am not sure if you can install two instances of Windows 8.1 (32-bit and 64-bit) on the same machine using one license.....perhaps a licensing expert can chime in here....I don't want to give invalid information.
 
Solution