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April 11th, 2025 03:07
XPS 8960, fresh windows install from USB does not recognize SSDs
XPS 8960
So I'm following Dell tech's advice to install the most current version of windows from USB. However, when I get to the point of selecting which drive to install to (where you delete the old partition table), my SSDs are not shown. Only the USB drive is present. Most posts related to this say I should have selected "Custom" along the way, but that choice is never presented. Any suggestions? How do I make my SSDs appear?
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Chino de Oro
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April 11th, 2025 04:03
It's because your storage controller in RAID mode. You can download this Intel RST driver and extract it to a USB drive, use it along with your Windows installer. At that Windows setup screen, you select to load driver and browse to the extracted folder to install. Your SSD drive will be visible.
Another option is to disable RAID mode in BIOS settings and select AHCI/NVMe instead.
bradthetechnut
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8.9K Posts
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April 11th, 2025 03:17
Make sure BIOS is set to Windows Boot Manager for booting.
Only have the SSD connected you want to load to. No other SSD's or HDD's.
In case needed to proceed further, what type of SSD are you wanting to load to?
Did you use the Microsoft site to make the bootable flash drive?
(edited)
bradthetechnut
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April 11th, 2025 19:42
I was going to mention having BIOS set to AHCI also. So I second that. Chino beat me to it. :)
Fluxxy
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April 11th, 2025 20:00
Thank you for the replies. My fix was to turn off raid mode. Hopefully I'm not breaking anything later by doing this :) It's been fifteen whole minutes without a BSOD, so big win here.
Oh, to answer the SSD question, mine are Samsung PM9F1 2G.
Question: since this is a completely clean windows install, is it wise to go download Dell SupportAssist and let it do its thing?
Thank you for the help.
Chino de Oro
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April 11th, 2025 21:47
BIOS settings provides users options to select as preferences. You won't break anything by select AHCI/NVMe (by turning off RAID).
Many users chose to perform a clean install after received the computers, new or used. One reason was to get rid of all the bloatware. It's up to you, but I wouldn't install Dell Support Assist as it has been giving users more problems than providing assistances.
Instead, what I suggest you do is to download and install this Intel Chipset driver. Reboot the system, then, download and install this Intel ME interface driver. That should helps Windows to know your specific system hardware and install OEM drivers instead of using Windows generic drivers. Run Windows updates and accessing Advanced options to install all remaining drivers for your system.
Fluxxy
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April 12th, 2025 05:29
>what I suggest you do is...
Done, and thank you again!
Chino de Oro
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April 12th, 2025 06:08
Glad to hear. Shout back if you have any issue or question.