Need help installing Windows 8.1 to 840 EVO SSD on Lenovo T420

[mets3214]

Hi, I recently purchased a 120 GB Samsung EVO SSD to put in my Lenovo T420. I am doing a clean install and have Windows on a bootable USB flash drive. The problem I'm having is that the laptop doesn't recognize the flash drive and I can't install Windows. Hope someone can help me out, thanks

 

[USAFRet]

How did you put the install on the USB drive?

 

[mets3214]

Downloaded Windows 8.1 from the Microsoft store and chose the option "install by creating media".

 

[USAFRet]

Check your BIOS settings, and ensure USB is first in the boot order.

 

[mets3214]

That's the problem, it doesn't show up in the BIOS, only the SSD is recognized. Does it matter that I'm using a MicroSD card that is in a USB adapter?

 

[USAFRet]

That's the problem, it doesn't show up in the BIOS, only the SSD is recognized. Does it matter that I'm using a MicroSD card that is in a USB adapter?

I don't know for sure, but possibly. If the BIOS doesn't recognize it as a boot device....
Can you redo it with a regular USB or DVD?

 

[mets3214]

That's the problem, it doesn't show up in the BIOS, only the SSD is recognized. Does it matter that I'm using a MicroSD card that is in a USB adapter?

I don't know for sure, but possibly. If the BIOS doesn't recognize it as a boot device....
Can you redo it with a regular USB or DVD?

Don't have a DVD or other USB Flashdrive

 

[USAFRet]

That's the problem, it doesn't show up in the BIOS, only the SSD is recognized. Does it matter that I'm using a MicroSD card that is in a USB adapter?

I don't know for sure, but possibly. If the BIOS doesn't recognize it as a boot device....
Can you redo it with a regular USB or DVD?

Don't have a DVD or other USB Flashdrive

Well...if the BIOS doesn't recognize the MicroSD via an adapter....your options are limited.

 

[mets3214]

That's the problem, it doesn't show up in the BIOS, only the SSD is recognized. Does it matter that I'm using a MicroSD card that is in a USB adapter?

I don't know for sure, but possibly. If the BIOS doesn't recognize it as a boot device....
Can you redo it with a regular USB or DVD?

Don't have a DVD or other USB Flashdrive

Well...if the BIOS doesn't recognize the MicroSD via an adapter....your options are limited.

I just found a regular USB one, ill let you know if it works or not.

 

[mets3214]

The laptop doesn't recognize the regular USB either....

 

[USAFRet]

The laptop doesn't recognize the regular USB either....

Can it recognize any properly constructed USB drive? Linux?

The BIOS should be able to say 'yes, that is a valid bootable port' without a specific drive or stick being plugged in.
If it doesn't.....DVD may be your only choice.

 

[mets3214]

I just put the SSD in another laptop, installed Windows and then put it back in the Lenovo. Working now, weird that it couldn't recognize the USB