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    could not perform clean install on Vertex2

    Discussion in 'Alienware M15x' started by rvanzzz, Mar 11, 2011.

  1. rvanzzz

    rvanzzz Notebook Enthusiast

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    I recently bought OCZ Vertex 2 120gb SSD drive to replace my 500gb drive that come in my M15x.
    I did the custom installation (clean install) on the vertex but after the 5 steps installation (copy, update, etc) the laptop rebooted and after reboot i got the warning "computer restarted unexpectedly or encountered an unexpected error. Windows installation cannot proceed."
    I did some research on the internet, someone tells that the problem caused by unrecognized AHCI driver that need to be loaded right before the windows installation. (load driver option on the left lower section in the installation box). I loaded the driver installation file from dell site , also loaded msahci.sys file into my flash drive, but the system did not recognize those file as driver.

    This is very frustrating. please someone help mee...
    i already updated my M15x BIOS version into A09.
    I also tried to enabled 32 bit IDE for my vertex2 in the BIOS option and did fresh install after that, but still got the same warning...
     
  2. The Revelator

    The Revelator Notebook Prophet

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    The first thing you need to do is check the OCZ web site and see whether your Vertex 2 has the current firmware installed; if not, update it. The firmware shipped with some new Vx2 drives was defective in some regard that prevents installation. If your firmware is current, then you just need to start over, beginning with setting your SATA Operations to AHCI in the BIOS (F2 at the boot screen, then arrow right to Advanced, arrow down to SATA Ops, only 2 choices - AHCI or ATA, select AHCI, then F10 to exit saving changes. Report on firmware status and BIOS setting before proceeding.
     
  3. rvanzzz

    rvanzzz Notebook Enthusiast

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    the firmware did work, thank you so much The Revelator.
    Note: i have to buy external enclosure with e-sata connection to do the firmware upgrade. Ican't believe OCZ selling this kind of stuff....
     
  4. The Revelator

    The Revelator Notebook Prophet

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    Great news. Enjoy that new SSD. It'll completely change the feel and responsiveness of your M15x.