1 Rookie
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3 Posts
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September 9th, 2025 02:21
Tower Plus EBT2250, install new C: drive?
Have a new Dell Tower Plus EBT2250 and want to replace Dell 512 GB NVMe with a 2 TB WD_Black SN7100 NVMe to create a new C: drive. Created a recovery disc USB drive, however during the Win 11 installation process when arriving at “Select location to install Windows 11” the only option available is the recovery 64GB USB stick drive (cannot see the 2TB NVMe as an option to install the Win 11 OS.) Any advice or suggestion is greatly appreciated!
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ispalten
4 Operator
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2.4K Posts
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September 12th, 2025 14:34
@ejn63
It can be done... many posts on how to go from RAID to AHCI... just search the forum.
THAT SAID, it may not work, or work well...
I've used those methods (Google this, "Dell pc change raid to ahci windows 11" to see some links on it) and it works fine on my XPS's, 8500, 8700, and 8940, but NOT on the EBT2250 'exactly'.
Basic steps are to boot into Safe mode, then reboot into the BIOS and change the RAID to AHCI. Then reboot into safe mode and reset the to boot into normal Windows... job done.
However, I hit a SNAG on the EBT2250...
See, Windows changed from using a P/W to a PIN in NEW Windows 11 installs. All my other PC's used UserID and Password. PIN it appears if 'different'... and the root of my problem.
When the PC booted up after the RAID to AHCI change, it COULD not match the PIN used. Not sure where it was saved, but it couldn't be read I assume...
I reset the disk back to RAID and it still didn't work. So I have to RESTORE the Acronis saved image to C:: and that worked with the disk still (to this day) still in RAID mode.
Possible a CLEAN Window 11 install after switching to AHCI would work, but too much was already on the C: and I didn't want to lose that so I left it.
Also possible I can still do it, but I'd have to change the Window setting for Windows Hello off and then use USERID/Password to sign in. I decided to just leave it.
Interestingly enough, on my XPS8940 with the Windows Update 24H2 my Sign-In screen now shows the request for a pin. However, I've used NETPLWIZ prior to even installing W11 on this PC to bypass that screen and automatically sign-in. So now I see that screen and it still works and goes into Windows Desktop. However, on the 8940, that 'Hello' setting IS off.
All I can say, on the EBT2250 (and probably any new PC maybe), if Windows Hello is on changing RAID to AHCI might be more difficult? At least have to have addition 'work' done doing so.
anne_droid
3 Apprentice
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846 Posts
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September 9th, 2025 09:27
Hi
So I think it is unlikely to be wanting a set of drivers, but I could be wrong. It may be that the 2 TB is too large, again unlikely, or that it needs prepping.
So if possible fit both drives, the 512 and 2TB, boot the machine and setup the 2TB drive with a partition table, I use Paragon Partition Manager CE as it is a Lo-Cost/No-Cost option.
Else, look at not installing from the USB, go for a Repair, and use something like fdisk to prep the drive.
ejn63
10 Elder
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29.2K Posts
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September 9th, 2025 13:21
The system is in RAID/IRST mode - it needs the Intel IRST install mode driver.
See here
asbatwrk
1 Rookie
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6 Posts
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September 11th, 2025 17:06
I haven't seen these yet but does the CMOS setup offer AHCI mode for the 2 TB NVME SSD when that's installed?
ejn63
10 Elder
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29.2K Posts
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September 11th, 2025 17:13
Yes, this model does allow drives to run in AHCI mode as well as IRST. Bear in mind the setting is global - so if you change from IRST to AHCI you will either need to alter the Windows boot loader file or reinstall Windows on the system.
Jimbosays
1 Rookie
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3 Posts
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September 12th, 2025 19:03
Thank you for a great deal of helpful information regarding "simply" adding drives to the EBT2250 platform.
It is somewhat disappointing that an action that should be easy, has become difficult and confusing for the average semi-knowledgeable user. With 40+ years of PC use & tinkering, I'm not afraid to undertake minor tasks, but (hopefully) know when to let a professional take over.
In this case, I allowed a local well-regarded PC shop to perform the job. When describing my issue on the phone prior to taking the machine in for work, the tech stopped me in mid-sentence with, "It must be a Dell, right?"
(edited)