Issues with installing Windows can be frustrating.
Issues with installing Windows can be frustrating.
I faced problems with my SSD that failed to boot, so I purchased a replacement at Best Buy. After installing it on my desktop and setting up a Windows 10 installation drive on my laptop, I encountered the same error message during setup: "Windows could not prepare the computer to boot into the next phase of installation. To install windows, restart the installation." I attempted various solutions including rebooting, checking connections, rebuilding the boot drive, resetting BIOS settings, adjusting boot order, trying different modes, partitioning the SSD, and using command prompt. The process was time-consuming and frustrating. Most of my free time has been spent dealing with this issue, and I’m considering taking the machine to a professional for a thorough check. Updated July 22, 2020 by bmhbison
I once owned a laptop that wouldn't install the window OS on the GPT/MBR partition, possibly because I misplaced it. You might want to try switching between the two partitions to see which one works.
Enable the BIOS setting for CSM and attempt the installation once more.
Enable UEFI settings and turn off Secure Boot if feasible. Load the installation media (USB drive?) and pause until the disk choice screen appears before starting the install. Activate SHIFT+F10 to launch the command prompt. Utilize Diskpart to prepare the SSD you wish to use for Windows installation. Microsoft Windows [Version 10.0.18363.959] © 2019 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. C:\Windows\system32>diskpart Microsoft DiskPart version 10.0.18362.1 Copyright © Microsoft Corporation. On machine: [PC NAME] DISKPART> list disk Disk ### Status Size Free Dyn Gpt -------- ------------- ------- ------------- --- --- Disk 0 Online 223 GB 1024 KB * Disk 1 Online 447 GB 1024 KB * Disk 2 Online 931 GB 0 B Disk 3 Online 931 GB 0 B Disk 4 Online 476 GB 0 B * Disk 5 Online 2048 GB 0 B Disk 6 Online 2048 GB 0 B * DISKPART> select disk 0 Disk 0 is now the chosen drive. DISKPART> clean Keep in mind that when you select a disk, the number may differ – confirm it matches the size. Ensure only the intended SSD and media appear; remove any extras by powering down and unplugging. After cleaning, type exit and refresh the selection screen before continuing.
This could also cause issues during boot from USB drives on certain BIOS versions, potentially forcing a DVD installation as the sole method.
He believes it's already GPT, though the error says "not being MBR." That shouldn't affect anything.
Thank you for the update. I attempted this, but now it reports an unexpected error (code 0xC0000005).
This occurs at the moment you're seeing the blue-screen alert. It suggests an access violation, possibly due to faulty SATA cables or misplaced RAM.
Open the BIOS settings and verify that no hot-plug feature is active for any of your SATA connections. Occasionally Windows misinterprets a hot-plugged SATA drive as removable, even though it remains connected.