Cannot Install Windows 10 to Second Partition on Samsung 860 EVO SSD

OK, I've put this off long enough.

This new system (HP Pavilion 590-p0044) was based on spinners, and what with all of HPs bloatware, etc., the machine wasn't fast enough. So, I added some RAM (no problems there) and a Samsung 860 EVO SSD SATA 6GB/s. And that's when the problems began. The first thing was that the SSD wasn't recognized by Windows 10! Sheesh!

I finally mucked around and got the thing recognized and partitioned, then installed Windows 10 on one of the partitions. Next I tried to install Skippy/Fast on the second partition, but I'm told Windows can't create or see my second partition. However, in Disk Management, I can clearly see the partition. I can even see the partition when trying to install to it!



I know that most likely it's something I did (or most likely did not do), but I can't figure out what I should do to make it work.

I've used the Mini Tool before, but I'm wondering if it is adequate, or if I should buy the Pro version. Or, if I need it at all.

All help appreciated!

Here's what we've accomplished so far from the wrong thread:

I boot from flash drive, and go through everything to get to Custom Install. Click on that, then select the primary partition that's been formatted, etc. I format it again, tell it to use all of the partition, and then it fails.

I've done this a gazillion times, but this is the very first time I've had a problem.

Secure Boot is disabled.

Snippet of msconfig boot tab



That's as far as we've gotten so far.

If you visit the product comparison page at the Minitool website, you'll see that what Pro can do that Free cannot includes:
1. change disk cluster size
2. Convert NTFS to FAT (free version does go the other way)
3. Convert OS disk to GPT from MBR layout
4. Copy OS from MBR to GPT
5. Migrate OS from MBR to GPT
6. Recover lost or deleted partitions
7. No dynamic disk management functions (there are lots of them)
8. No boot media builder

Unless you specifically need one or more of these functions, use the free version and save your pennies.
HTH,
--Ed--

First of all, you only need one EFI partition to boot into Windows. You have 3 and we cannot tell which one is being used to boot from. Use free partition wizard and take note on the right side column which one is: Active/System as shown, the other 2 need to be deleted.



To delete the extra EFI partitions, use diskpart. type:
diskpart
select disk 0
list par ====> find out the partitions # for the extra EFI's
select par # ====> where # is the 1st EFI partition you want to delete
delete par override
list par ====> Since you delete one partition, the par # might change, so we do this command again.
select par # ====> Where # is the 2nd EFI partition
delete par override
exit

My assumption is the first EFI is being used to boot from. If so, then You will have a single 200MB unallocated partition. Use disk management to expand the C drive.

You will end up with disk layout: Recovery, 100MB EFI, possibly 16MB MSR, C drive and D Drive.
Boot up the installation disk, it is important that you select UEFI-USBXXX to install in GPT drive. Select D to install 2nd Windows.

I've been in contact with Samsung, and am really surprised by their statement:

Hello Wynona,

Are you able to install just 1 operating system just fine?

We are sorry for the rest of the inconvenience however we do not support dual boot environments. If you are using boot camp you would have to contact Apple, or if your are using a 3rd party dual boot software you would have to contact that corresponding company.

To which I wrote back:

Yes, the OS went on the first partition just fine. In my experience, I have dual booted my computers for years, using all brands of hard drives and SSD drives. I have never used Boot Camp, nor have I ever used anything Apple. In fact, I have never used any sort of third party dual boot software. It’s not necessary.

You simply partition the hard drive/SSD, boot from a flash drive, install the OS to the first partition, then install the second OS to the second partition. When you get to the point of choice of hard drive, you choose Custom Install and that’s it.

I am very surprised that Samsung takes the position that you do not support dual boot systems.

I'm now waiting for another reply. Also, does anyone have a Samsung SSD 860 they're using for dual boot?

And now on to reading the help y'all have supplied above.

EdTittel said:

If you visit the product comparison page at the Minitool website, you'll see that what Pro can do that Free cannot includes:
1. change disk cluster size
2. Convert NTFS to FAT (free version does go the other way)
3. Convert OS disk to GPT from MBR layout
4. Copy OS from MBR to GPT
5. Migrate OS from MBR to GPT
6. Recover lost or deleted partitions
7. No dynamic disk management functions (there are lots of them)
8. No boot media builder

Unless you specifically need one or more of these functions, use the free version and save your pennies.
HTH,
--Ed--

Thanks, Ed. I was hoping to see something like your reply! At least I can try the free version first.

Samuria said:

Have you tried deleting the partition and ley windows create it make sure you remove the other drive when installing or it may put files in the wrong place. You seem to have to many uefi paritions

When I started this journey, I unplugged the spinner so it wouldn't interfere.

Yes, I have deleted the partition and started over, but so far, nothing works.

As to the UEFI partitions, I have what Windows 10 has added. Maybe Windows added the extras when I was trying to install to the second partition?

topgundcp said:

First of all, you only need one EFI partition to boot into Windows. You have 3 and we cannot tell which one is being used to boot from. Use free partition wizard and take note on the right side column which one is: Active/System as shown, the other 2 need to be deleted.



To delete the extra EFI partitions, use diskpart. type:
diskpart
select disk 0
list par ====> find out the partitions # for the extra EFI's
select par # ====> where # is the 1st EFI partition you want to delete
delete par override
list par ====> Since you delete one partition, the par # might change, so we do this command again.
select par # ====> Where # is the 2nd EFI partition
delete par override
exit

My assumption is the first EFI is being used to boot from. If so, then You will have a single 200MB unallocated partition. Use disk management to expand the C drive.

You will end up with disk layout: Recovery, 100MB EFI, possibly 16MB MSR, C drive and D Drive.
Boot up the installation disk, it is important that you select UEFI-USBXXX to install in GPT drive. Select D to install 2nd Windows.

Thanks, Top Gun. I'll follow your instructions and see where they lead.