How to reinstall a RAID 1 pair- Windows 11 keeps looping creaing more boot records but wont install fully

Question

Hi,

I have a RAID 1 disk set (2 seagate HDD) as my data store. My System drive died (M2 SSD). When I disconnect the HDD and try to install windows 11 my MSI MOBO needs the Intel raid drivers installed before I continue with the load windows (onto a new SSD - not onto the raid pair).

Following the instructions from various folk at MSI support I have the drivers but each time I reach the choose a drive to install windows screen and select the drivers the one I need doesn't install I just get an "error occurred" message. Picking a different option (there are 3) the system gives the impression they were installed. But then after supposedly going on to install windows on the available partition on the SSD it loops around to the same place.

Using bcdedit I found 4 copies of windows 11 attempts none of which work. I erased the duplicates but now when I try again the drivers no longer appear in the window and windows still wont install.

I need that data on that RAID pair. And I am at a loss what to do. The people at MSI say it's a windows problem. What I need is a RAID 1 expert with MSI installs / reinstalls experience please.

All help greatly appreciated

Thanks

Answer 1

Hello

Thank you for posting in Q&A forum.

Here are some steps you can try:

Step 1: Rebuild the BCD

1. Boot from the Windows Installation USB,Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
2. Run following command and rebuild the BCD:

bootrec /fixmbr

bootrec /fixboot

bootrec /scanos

bootrec /rebuildbcd

If the bootrec /rebuildbcd command finds a Windows installation, type Y to add it to the boot list.

Step 2: Clean Up BCD Entries

1. Run command and List Current BCD Entries:

bcdedit /enum /v

Note down the identifiers of any duplicate or unwanted entries.

2. Delete Unwanted Entries:

bcdedit /delete {identifier}

• Replace {identifier} with the actual identifier you noted earlier.

Step 3: Install RAID Drivers

1. Restart the Installation Process:

• Restart your computer and boot from the Windows installation USB again.

2. Load RAID Drivers:

• When you reach the "Where do you want to install Windows?" screen, click on "Load driver".

• Browse to the folder on the USB drive where you extracted the RAID drivers and select the appropriate driver.

Step 4: Ensure Correct BIOS Settings

1. Enter BIOS:

• Restart your computer and press Del or F2 to enter the BIOS setup.

2. Check RAID Settings:

• Navigate to Settings > Advanced > SATA Mode and ensure it is set to RAID/Optane Mode.

• Go to Settings > Advanced > Intel Rapid Storage Technology and verify that your RAID array is correctly configured.

Step 5: Install Windows on the New SSD

After loading the RAID drivers, select the new SSD as the installation target and proceed with the Windows installation.

I hope the information above is helpful.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to let us know.

Best Regards,

Daisy Zhou

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