Windows 7 fresh install: missing cd/dvd/media drivers

driverswindows 7

I've got Ubuntu 11.04, but I'm trying to go back to windows 7. I know this is supposed to be easy, but I've tried every method I can think to no avail. I've burned at least 6 Windows 7 disks that did not work, tried multiple ISO files (assuming that some were corrupt in some way) on both dvds and usb devices, and consistently get the same error. What happens is when I restart and boot from the usb/cd/dvd drive, windows begins to setup, but before it can start to install, I get an error saying that a cd/dvd/media driver is missing. It then gives me the option to insert a media that has the driver to install it. I read dozens of threads, and finally read from someone who had the same problem, and found that it wound up being because of his SATA drivers, but I have been unable to to navigate Ubuntu well enough to know if this is true, or where to get SATA drivers. Any ideas/fixes I should try?

edit: I am trying to replace Ubuntu, not dual boot both OS's together.

Best Answer

Your problem has nothing to do with Ubuntu. I had the same problem when installing windows 7 onto a SATA HDD with USB. Some possible solutions I have found includes

  • If you are installing with CD, burn ISO with the slowest speed
  • If you are installing with USB drive, when it asks for driver, click Cancel. Once you are at the welcome screen, insert the USB drive to a different USB port. Then click Install Now to install.

You may also first try installing the ISO you have on a virtual machine, just to make sure it is not corrupted.

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