How to Resolve "No Hard Drive Found" Issue When Installing Windows on Dell Inspiron

If you're trying to install Windows on a Dell Inspiron and no hard drive is detected, follow these steps to resolve the issue.

Instructions for Resolution

Step 1: Check Partition Scheme Compatibility

Ensure your USB installation media matches the partition scheme of your hard drive:

• UEFI systems require GPT partitioning.
• Legacy BIOS systems require MBR partitioning.

You can use tools like Rufus to create a bootable USB with the correct scheme.

Step 2: Change SATA Operation from RAID to AHCI

1. Reboot and enter the BIOS (usually by pressing F2 during startup).
2. Navigate to System Configuration > SATA Operation.
3. Change the setting from RAID to AHCI.
4. Save and exit BIOS.

💡 Tip: Use the search bar in BIOS (top-right corner) and type “AHCI” to quickly locate the setting.

Step 3: Load Intel Rapid Storage Technology (IRST) Drivers (if needed)

If switching to AHCI doesn't work, you may need to load the IRST driver during Windows setup:

1. Download the IRST driver from Dell’s support site.
2. Extract it to a USB drive.
3. During Windows installation, click Load Driver and browse to the extracted files.

Step 4: Disable BitLocker (if applicable)

If BitLocker is enabled, disable it before making BIOS changes:

• Go to Control Panel > BitLocker Drive Encryption.
• Select Turn off BitLocker.

Step 5: Verify USB Installer Compatibility

Make sure your USB installer is compatible with your system’s boot mode:

• Use Rufus to create a bootable USB.
• Select the correct Partition Scheme (GPT or MBR) and Target System (UEFI or BIOS).

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