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Question

Boot Drive Issues

Dec 26, 2014 3:17AM PST

I have a PowerSpec desktop running W 8.1. As delivered, it had a hard disc drive. I installed a SSD and the intent was to boot from the SSD and use the HDD as storage. Somehow when I installed it I must have missed a step and now it asks which volume I wish to boot from at startup. I have tried to remove the volume which is the HDD from the menu but I can not figure out how to do it. I believe some OE installs might not be formatted that way. I figured I would just move all the non Windows files to the HDD, power down, disconnect it, and attempt to do a clean install on the SSD using the supplied OS disc. That doesn't work, the system does not want to boot with the HDD disconnected even though the SSD has the OS on it. I am hesitant to do the restore with the HDD hooked up as I do not know if it will erase all of my files. I would rather not have to back it all up online as it would take quite a while and I do not know if I have enough space without buying some or spreading it all over free space. How can I do a fresh install? Thanks! I have always been able to figure things out but W 8.1 has me beat.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Visit support
Dec 26, 2014 4:14AM PST

You gave no clue to the model#, etc. but I suggest you visit the vendors support website. There should be details on how to restore/recovery from the hidden partition located on the original HD. Then use that to install on the SSD. B 100% how all this happens as to NOT destroy or erase your original HD other than maybe the "C" portion. Of course, you save any data you deem critical or use the back-up pgm. either from windoze or what the OEM(vendor) provides. Understand this all varies and win 8.1 may make it difficult. I can only advise that you proceed only when it makes sense to you, otherwise stop. Win 8.1 does provide a method to generate back-up discs or making of recovery/restore discs, under win 8.1 a flash drive is possible as well of 8gb or better.

As for the boot sequence, you *MAY* have an option here to what to boot from. Not a boot menu that select but resetting the bios boot sequence. However, if you have installed in such a way, that you not are prompted for which to boot from, then goto the system setting in control panel. Google win 8.1 boot device selection where you then select the wanted device and then -0/zero- the seconds that menu is displayed.

http://pcsupport.about.com/od/windows-8/a/open-advanced-startup-options-windows-8.htm

*NOTE* Having non physical PS/2 kybd or plain USB one may cause an issue. Wifi type or over-capable USB kybd. can cause issues. Not always, just something to notice.

tada -----Willy Happy

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I Think I know what I am going to do.
Dec 26, 2014 7:58AM PST

I am going to back up both drives, and then see if I can do a clean reinstall from the supplied discs. I am working with a PowerSpec B358.

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Support webpage
Dec 27, 2014 1:09AM PST

I've quickly checked the home page of PowerSpec and it seems that model# was shipped with Win8.0. If that's the case, be sure to do a real backup that is also bootable or image that can be retrieved for later use. Understand win 8.1 doesn't rely on win8.0 key for install, so you may glitch here unless you were provided win 8.1 install discs/media. In other words if you "upgraded" from win 8.0 to 8.1, the separation will be noted during the install. Please take note of the install you have thew option of keeping the previous install or write over it. Writing over it maybe the better option to truly clear and proceed after assuring the any data is saved prior to any of this. That way, no prompt or boot menu maybe presented during the initial boo0t after the new install.

http://www.powerspec.com/systems/system_specs.phtml?selection=B358

I have found if you entirely wipe clean the HD or whatever SDD/HD you use and thus be blank again if a good start. I've used freebies DBAN or KILLDISK(google for them)The time involved is lengthy but assures no previous install gets in the way. You MUST be 100% sure you have working or the actual vendor supplied discs to start a new install. Even if you have win 8.0 and then later upgrade to win 8.1 is OK during this fresh start again. Then follow through with OS updates, drivers, etc, anything before real work is done on the PC. In other words do a complete re-install as it should be, you can't rush this and it will take some time before its all through.

good luck ------Willy Happy

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I did it, all is good.
Dec 28, 2014 8:44AM PST

I backed up all of my files, and booted with the supplied disc which took it back to fresh W8. It appears the system may have been trying to reboot before, it took a VERY long time for it to actually display any signs of progress. It sat for quite a while with only that cyan window in the middle of the screen, no other images or any kind of text. It finally booted up and installed on the SSD like I intended from the beginning. All of the files on the HDD were intact. Thanks for all of the input.

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what you need to do is...
Dec 28, 2014 1:19AM PST

....study up on the BIOS if it's an UEFI, first.