When installing Windows ONLY connect the drive(s) that will run the OS and the optical drive. Be sure all others are disconnected by: inspecting the internal connections in the PC, disconnecting all externals, and verifying the target drive specs in BIOS > Drives
Disable drives not connected in BIOS > Drives
Set the RAID to AHCI for a single drive in BIOS > Drives.
Reboot and verify no errors about missing drives
With the Windows USB inserted, Reboot and press F12 at Dell splash screen > Choose USB Device
During Windows setup, choose Custom, NOT Upgrade
Determine the fate of the data on the drive and choose
Preserve All Files – (SOP): On the “Where do you want to install Window?” page you will select the largest partition and proceed. Windows.old will be created with the old OS. This will contain any data that was on the partition. If no Drives show up you may need to turn off BitLocker or install drivers. Dell has custom installers for newer laptops that include the needed drivers.
Wipe All Data – VERY RARE: Data will be destroyed: On the “Where do you want to install Window?” page you will need to DELETE all the partitions. Select each one then delete. Once you have only one selection which is Free Space proceed with the installation.
Set User to account name or NMS and Password to Mon…
