"Media driver is missing" error when doing clean install from Windows Vista 32-bit to Windows 8.1 64-bit

Question

I have no idea what to do. I've used every resource available to me on Microsoft's website to see if my computer can run 8.1 and it says it can. My computer is 64-bit capable. Tech support has given me no help whatsoever.

While trying to do a clean install of Windows 8.1 64-bit, I get this error message when I should be asked to enter my product key:

"A media driver your computer needs is missing. This could be a DVD, USB, or Hard disk driver. If you have a CD, DVD, or USB flash drive with the driver on it, please insert it now."

I'm not sure what driver it needs. I am installing with the retail disc.

Answer 1

I fixed it.

It turns out that creating a bootable usb was the answer. Thanks for the link about the error; I noticed most of the problems seemed to stem from the DVD drive, so I figured using the USB would possibly work.

Answer 2

Hi Arm Zan,

I would appreciate if you could help me with more information.

-How are you trying to perform clean installation? Is it using a DVD or USB flash drive?

This issue occurs for one of the following reasons:

• The installation DVD is removed during the setup process.
• A low-quality DVD was used to create the installation DVD.
• The speed at which the installation DVD was burned was too fast.
• The DVD drive cannot read the media.
• The ISO file is corrupted.

I would suggest you to refer to the help article and check if it helps.

"A required CD/DVD drive device driver is missing" or "A media driver your computer needs is missing" error message when you install Windows

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2755139

(Also applies to Windows 8.1)

For your reference:

How to perform a clean installation of Windows

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows-8/clean-install

Let us know the status of the issue. If you need further assistance, please post back. We will be glad to help you.

Happy Holidays!

Answer 3

We appreciate your efforts on this issue. Get back to us if you need further assistance on Windows.

Happy New Year.

Answer 4

Thank you for the response.

-Which operating system was installed previously on this computer? Do you have access to it?

Answer 5

Thank you for the reply.

I am using the official Microsoft installation disc for Windows 8.1. In other words, I am using the DVD method. I'm not sure why the ISO would be corrupted on an official product. I never remove the DVD during the setup process. How can I find out if it is my DVD drive? I don't really have another computer to test this disc on.