The computer gave a message that it couldn’t find its operating system so we tried reinstalling Vista. It started up, then asked which install we wanted, but only offered custom, which then took us to a screen stating that no drives were found - load driver to provide a mass storage driver - but we can’t find any driver CDs that seem to fit this description. Any tips?
Missing Hard Drive Controller Mass Storage Drivers
This is a fairly common reinstallation error for Vista and has to do with the 32 or 64-bit version you are trying to install. The most likely explanation is that you are installing the 64-bit version and have removed the drivers that you used to have during the process. There are ways to check your version through your software, but I’m not sure that you have that kind of access to your system right now - in any case, you can look on the operating system packaging to check if you are loading a 32 or 64-bit version.
32 versus 64-Bit Vista Operating Systems
Whichever version you had installed previously is the way you need to go this time as well, since there are differences that can be incompatible. However, there are a lot of devices that run better on Vista 64-bit only if you provide the hardware drivers that they need. In the mass storage situation, it is referring to missing controller drivers for your hard drive. And this takes us to your question: how to get those drivers.
Configure the Windows 64-bit Driver Installation
You might need to repeat the process you started to get back to the installation page that you need for this procedure.
- If necessary, format the hard drive to remove the previous installation attempt
- With the operating system disk in the drive, reboot the computer to re-install
- Start the process from the 32-bit based mode - follow the prompts to Set Up
- Now, when offered, choose a 64-bit target system
- When you see the Setup page called Where Do You Want To Install Windows, choose Load Drivers
- Find and choose the folder that has your 32-bit drivers for your hard drive/mass storage controller - you might need to consult your OS manual for specific steps
- Choose the 32-bit driver, then Next
- Now you will see a 64-bit drivers message
- Choose Load Drivers again, and choose the 64-bit drivers, then Next
- Choose the partition you want to install on, then follow the prompts to complete
Download the Missing Drivers from the Manufacturer
If this in unsuccessful, you can also find out the manufacturer of the computer’s hard drive and visit their website to manually download the drivers. Check your computer’s manual - or, if you have to - open the computer and look at the hard drive to identify its manufacturer, then go to the downloads and drivers page and save the available drivers to a disk. Then, when prompted by Windows, insert the disk to install the drivers. I hope this takes care of it, good luck!
