Hard Drive help

[Zonda_]

I’ve fitted a Samsung SSD to a laptop but when I switch it on it says No bootable devices. When I go into the BIOS it is detecting it fine and displays the name, model number and size etc. The SSD was taken out of a machine that booted with it fine and had no other hard drive.

[Simon]

Uefi boot mode on the SSD I wonder.

[DeskJockey]

Uefi boot mode on the SSD I wonder.

Most likely, I agree

[Zonda_]

Uefi boot mode on the SSD I wonder.

Sorry, what does that mean?

The boot list option is UEFI in the BIOS

[Zonda_]

Ah, I changed it from UEFI to Legacy and it’s working now.

[Simon]

Next time you rebuild that machine flip it to UEFI ...

[Zonda_]

Next time you rebuild that machine flip it to UEFI ...

It wouldn’t boot from that though?

[Simon]

That's because the BIOS is looking for a UEFI OS install.

If you do reinstall Windows with UEFI enabled, then it'll install Windows in UEFI mode and work correctly in the future.

But the last time Windows was installed on that SSD the BIOS (on whatever machine) was in Legacy (BIOS) mode, so you can't switch it up.

UEFI needs a compatible Windows install to work.

[Zonda_]

So if I do a system reset I need to set UEFI in the Bios first?

[Matty]

I don't think a system reset within Windows will work, you'll need to do a proper drive wipe and install from DVD/USB if you want to switch.

TBH I wouldn't worry about it. Someone can probaby tell me otherwise but other than slightly faster booting and some security features ('Secure Boot') it won't really have any impact.

[Simon]

Yeah what Matty said. If you're ever doing a proper format and reinstall then switch it. Else forget about it till then.