I'm wondering. Isn't it possible that the Windows 8.1 DVD is dual layer (8.5GB), and that you therefore need a dual layer DVD drive for it? Who was the DVD bought from?

Also, what brand and model motherboard do you have?
Does it have a BIOS or an UEFI?
Is it possible it needs an update before it allows for Windows 8/8.1 DVDs to be started?
Is there a boot option called "Legacy support"? Try that, as it may be necessary in some EUFIs to use to start from Windows 8/8.1 DVDs.

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I'm wondering. Isn't it possible that the Windows 8.1 DVD is dual layer (8.5GB), and that you therefore need a dual layer DVD drive for it? Who was the DVD bought from?

The DVD is a bulk drive, ASUS model DRW24B3ST purchased from Fry's, a large electronics retailer. I don't think it is dual layer. Wouldn't a lot of people have problems if a dual layer drive is required for the install of Win 8.1? he upgrade assistant anayzed my system and didn't have a problem with it. Also trying with a borrowed Lite-On iHAS324B DVD drive.

Also, what brand and model motherboard do you have?
Does it have a BIOS or an UEFI?
Is it possible it needs an update before it allows for Windows 8/8.1 DVDs to be started?
Is there a boot option called "Legacy support"? Try that, as it may be necessary in some EUFIs to use to start from Windows 8/8.1 DVDs.

The motherboard is MSI and it is either 970A-G46 or 970SG46, not sure which. The manual covers both and I haven't seen any differences in the manual. The
BIOS seems to be from MSI and it is E7693AMS V1.9. The build date is 8/14/2012.

Wouldn['t think a BIOS update would be necessary, but I'm willing to consider it. I haven't done one of those in years.

There is no mention of legacy support.


edit: Just noticed the fine print on the manual's cover say model number MS-7693. Guess the other numbers are model names.

edit 2: Just to comicate it, MSI"s website calls it both UEFI and BIOS.
http://us.msi.com/product/mb/970AG46.html#/?div=Overview

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Another Fred
Support SETI@home when you search the Web with GoodSearch or shop online with GoodShop.

I'm wondering. Isn't it possible that the Windows 8.1 DVD is dual layer (8.5GB), and that you therefore need a dual layer DVD drive for it? Who was the DVD bought from?

The DVD is a bulk drive, ASUS model DRW24B3ST purchased from Fry's, a large electronics retailer. I don't think it is dual layer. Wouldn't a lot of people have problems if a dual layer drive is required for the install of Win 8.1? he upgrade assistant anayzed my system and didn't have a problem with it. Also trying with a borrowed Lite-On iHAS324B DVD drive.

Also, what brand and model motherboard do you have?
Does it have a BIOS or an UEFI?
Is it possible it needs an update before it allows for Windows 8/8.1 DVDs to be started?
Is there a boot option called "Legacy support"? Try that, as it may be necessary in some EUFIs to use to start from Windows 8/8.1 DVDs.

The motherboard is MSI and it is either 970A-G46 or 970SG46, not sure which. The manual covers both and I haven't seen any differences in the manual. The
BIOS seems to be from MSI and it is E7693AMS V1.9. The build date is 8/14/2012.

Wouldn['t think a BIOS update would be necessary, but I'm willing to consider it. I haven't done one of those in years.

There is no mention of legacy support.


edit: Just noticed the fine print on the manual's cover say model number MS-7693. Guess the other numbers are model names.

edit 2: Just to comicate it, MSI"s website calls it both UEFI and BIOS.
http://us.msi.com/product/mb/970AG46.html#/?div=Overview

This part...

* MSI recommend you to update BIOS only if you are using Windows8.

BTW. I'm using UBCD4, which is much different than the newer UBCD5. UBCD4 now has to be constructed from scratch due to copy-writes. So, the UBCD isn't really an option. The BIOS Update looks interesting.

When I searched for MSI MS-7693 I was given 970A-G45, which is different than your link, http://us.msi.com/product/mb/970AG45.html#/?div=BIOS

I'm wondering. Isn't it possible that the Windows 8.1 DVD is dual layer (8.5GB), and that you therefore need a dual layer DVD drive for it? Who was the DVD bought from?

The DVD is a bulk drive, ASUS model DRW24B3ST purchased from Fry's, a large electronics retailer. I don't think it is dual layer. Wouldn't a lot of people have problems if a dual layer drive is required for the install of Win 8.1?

Your drive is dual layer. I agree with you that it is doubtful the Windows 8.1 DVD requires dual layer drives. Every Windows DVD I've seen is single layer only.

Also, what brand and model motherboard do you have?
Does it have a BIOS or an UEFI?

Is there a boot option called "Legacy support"? Try that, as it may be necessary in some EUFIs to use to start from Windows 8/8.1 DVDs.

There is no mention of legacy support.

edit 2: Just to comicate it, MSI"s website calls it both UEFI and BIOS.

Most UEFI's have a built-in legacy mode, which means it reverts back to BIOS-style functionality (UEFI being a modern replacement for BIOS). When using UEFI, only certain boot records are supported. When using Master Boot Record (MBR) booting, BIOS mode is required. Windows installation media still utilize MBR booting, and therefore the UEFI should be set to boot using legacy BIOS style booting.

You would have to look around in your UEFI firmware to find the legacy option. Your manual may be helpful here. I know my Asus motherboard allows me to select UEFI DVD booting as well as legacy (BIOS) UEFI DVD booting; I assume the same will be true for you.

Right now, I think this is the best lead we have to go on considering everything else sounds like it's working correctly.

Is it possible it needs an update before it allows for Windows 8/8.1 DVDs to be started?

Wouldn['t think a BIOS update would be necessary, but I'm willing to consider it. I haven't done one of those in years.

The BIOS Update looks interesting.

Agreed. Since we're not dealing with anything else at this point other than the boot process provided by the UEFI/BIOS, an update may not be a bad idea.

Now that I think about it, after I first upgraded to the downloaded version Windows 8, my SATA DVD drive wasn't seen. Took me about a month to realize the DVD drive was missing. I tracked it down to a needed command prompt at the MS site. After running the command my drive reappeared and I haven't had any trouble since. Seems some drives/boards have a problem with Windows 8...

Talking about DVD's, what about the disks themselves? Over the years, I've had many issues with burning software to DVD+R's.

Using DVD-R's, no issues.

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Thanks for these comments. I will try to respond:

Most UEFI's have a built-in legacy mode, which means it reverts back to BIOS-style functionality (UEFI being a modern replacement for BIOS). When using UEFI, only certain boot records are supported. When using Master Boot Record (MBR) booting, BIOS mode is required. Windows installation media still utilize MBR booting, and therefore the UEFI should be set to boot using legacy BIOS style booting.

You would have to look around in your UEFI firmware to find the legacy option. Your manual may be helpful here. I know my Asus motherboard allows me to select UEFI DVD booting as well as legacy (BIOS) UEFI DVD booting; I assume the same will be true for you.

The boot selection menu lists the drives with their model, and also lists the same ones with [UEFI] preceeding the model names. I've been selecting ones without the [UEFI] prefix. Maybe that is legacy mode. Have tried the UEFI choices, but the boot fails like the other options. The boot override menu includes an option to load an UEFI shell. I get an EFI command prompt and I have no idea what the valid commands may be and my guesses have all been invalid.

The BIOS Update looks interesting.

MSI's Live Update utility says yes there's an update available.That update only improves memory compatibility, and I can't find any listing of interim updates and what they changed/fixed. Think this utility can do the update from Windows and saves the old BIOS to disk. That's a big change from when I did it with floppy disks years ago! Is it safe enough to take a chance on losing a motherboard?

By the way, that utility says the BIOS is from AMI. Their name didn't apppear on the BIOS setup page.

Sorry for the typos in previous post. I was trying to beat the edit deadline.

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Another Fred
Support SETI@home when you search the Web with GoodSearch or shop online with GoodShop.

I'd go ahead and Update the BIOS. You could always contact MSI and describe the problem. They'll probably say the same.

By the way, that utility says the BIOS is from AMI. Their name didn't appear on the BIOS setup page.

American Megatrends, Inc. is what AMI stands for. It shows at the top of the BIOS screen, according to your manual.

By the way, going to their main address, it shows a lot more BIOS updates, all the way up till v2.6
It would seem you need at least v2.2 for Windows 8 support, but that's normally so everything under Windows can work with all the hardware in the machine, not so much for the installation only.

MSI's Live Update utility says yes there's an update available.That update only improves memory compatibility, and I can't find any listing of interim updates and what they changed/fixed. Think this utility can do the update from Windows and saves the old BIOS to disk. That's a big change from when I did it with floppy disks years ago! Is it safe enough to take a chance on losing a motherboard?

It's very safe, better than before. Just as long as there are no power-interrupts during the writing of the new BIOS, there shouldn't be a problem.
Apropos, also in the manual it says:
Save BIOS to storage
Please setup a specific folder in specific USB/ Storage drive to save BIOS file from BIOS ROM chip data. Note: it only supports FAT/ 32 file system drive. any missing i's is not my fault, I copied it like this from the PDF file.

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By the way, going to their main address, it shows a lot more BIOS updates, all the way up till v2.6
It would seem you need at least v2.2 for Windows 8 support, but that's normally so everything under Windows can work with all the hardware in the machine, not so much for the installation only.

Thanks Ageless. I loooked at that site yesterday and didn't find the right pages. Don't know why Live Update doesn't show anything newer than 1B0. I won't be able to use it for the update if it doesn't find the 2.xx versions, so I will have to use their flash method and that one will need a lot of study. The instructions are over my head, and the caution on the website is "DON'T FLASH IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING!!!!" If I can get the install done some other way, maybe Live Update will show those versions when I' runnnng a version that needs them. Doesn't look like the current BIOS is what's preventing the install.

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Another Fred
Support SETI@home when you search the Web with GoodSearch or shop online with GoodShop.

By the way, going to their main address, it shows a lot more BIOS updates, all the way up till v2.6
It would seem you need at least v2.2 for Windows 8 support, but that's normally so everything under Windows can work with all the hardware in the machine, not so much for the installation only.

Thanks Ageless. I loooked at that site yesterday and didn't find the right pages. Don't know why Live Update doesn't show anything newer than 1B0. I won't be able to use it for the update if it doesn't find the 2.xx versions, so I will have to use their flash method and that one will need a lot of study. The instructions are over my head, and the caution on the website is "DON'T FLASH IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING!!!!" If I can get the install done some other way, maybe Live Update will show those versions when I' runnnng a version that needs them. Doesn't look like the current BIOS is what's preventing the install.

I would suggest downloading the latest firmware from the website and put it on a USB/flash drive (making sure to unzip it if it is compressed). Then go into your UEFI/BIOS and most will have a self-updating capability where you can point to the flash drive for the update. I prefer this method myself whenever I update my firmware.

I would suggest downloading the latest firmware from the website and put it on a USB/flash drive (making sure to unzip it if it is compressed). Then go into your UEFI/BIOS and most will have a self-updating capability where you can point to the flash drive for the update. I prefer this method myself whenever I update my firmware.

Only an option to use Live Update. I'm going out later to get a USB flash drive and some DVD blank discs in case I go back to that option.

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Another Fred
Support SETI@home when you search the Web with GoodSearch or shop online with GoodShop.

MSI has some strange links. I've found two links to the same board, one shows the Live Update, the other the independent versions.
http://www.msi.com/product/mb/970AG46.html#/?div=BIOS
http://us.msi.com/product/mb/970AG46.html#/?div=BIOS
So...what's up with that? One is www, the other us.
The One obvious difference is the Missing Windows 8 logo on the US page...the one with Live Update. Apparently, if you use Live Update it's not Windows 8 certified?
*shrugs*

I don't know what their 2.2 update that says "Support Windows 8" is about, but that seems to indicate they had to make some changes for Windows 8.x.

I just stuck a Windows 8 boot DVD in an old PIII & I at least got the loading screen before it failed with an error code.

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I would suggest downloading the latest firmware from the website and put it on a USB/flash drive (making sure to unzip it if it is compressed). Then go into your UEFI/BIOS and most will have a self-updating capability where you can point to the flash drive for the update. I prefer this method myself whenever I update my firmware.

Only an option to use Live Update. I'm going out later to get a USB flash drive and some DVD blank discs in case I go back to that option.

That sucks! :( Now I really dislike MSI products.


Would it be helpful to you if I provided you with a universal Windows 8.1 64bit .ISO so you can write it to a 4GB flash drive to see if that works during the boot process? I personally prefer to use Microsoft's own Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool which will automatically write the ISO to a flash drive and make it bootable.

I don't know what their 2.2 update that says "Support Windows 8" is about, but that seems to indicate they had to make some changes for Windows 8.x.

I just stuck a Windows 8 boot DVD in an old PIII & I at least got the loading screen before it failed with an error code.

Interesting. I just stuck a Windows 8.1 boot DVD in a P4 Dell. The first time right after the Hit any Key prompt I got an Win8 'Recovery' screen complaining about a removable disk being removed inappropriately. What removable disk? The second time after the prompt I received an error prompt saying it couldn't find the boot manager, then went to the Grub screen. The third time after the prompt it just waited a while then went to the Grub screen. The forth time, it just sat there with the flashing prompt dash for a few minutes. I gave up after that.

Forgive if I missed it being previously posted but you
can download a program from microsoft and it will tell you if
you if your PC can run win8. Read the instructions for
"Upgrade Now".

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/buy

Have you tried that to see if it finds any problems?

Forgive if I missed it being previously posted but you
can download a program from microsoft and it will tell you if
you if your PC can run win8. Read the instructions for
"Upgrade Now".

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/buy

Have you tried that to see if it finds any problems?

Yes, ran it before I bought Win 8.1. It says I have to do a clean install and 6 apps are either incompatible or are now charged separately, like MS Outlook and MS Word Viewer. It also says my BIOS doesn't support Secure boot but that can be fixed after the install. The Win 8.1 system requirements say:

One of the additional requirements to use certain features says:
...
•Secure boot requires firmware that supports UEFI v2.3.1 Errata B and has the Microsoft Windows Certification Authority in the UEFI signature database
...
I think that's the BIOS update we're talking about.

Ozzfan wrote:

Would it be helpful to you if I provided you with a universal Windows 8.1 64bit .ISO so you can write it to a 4GB flash drive to see if that works during the boot process? I personally prefer to use Microsoft's own Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool which will automatically write the ISO to a flash drive and make it bootable.

Don't spend any time on this now. Think that is a bit over my head - I don't know what an ISO is. I've decided to wait until after the install to do the BIOS/UEFI update.

Think it's interesting that TBar and Hal9000 got further than I can with incompatible computers. I'm considering a plan B now, will advise.

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Another Fred
Support SETI@home when you search the Web with GoodSearch or shop online with GoodShop.

An ISO is an image file of a CD or DVD. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_image for a quick read through. :)

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