HP Envy h8-1414pc ahci install windows 8.1 legacy fix

[darknkreepy3#]

The H8-141pc is a nice computer for what it is, but it's default setup is garbage. I have a system that crashed in windows 10 x64 for whatever reason and couldn't reinstall 10, 8.1, 8, overall it was just a misaligned box of pain.

So, I found this:

1. took out the sata drive, 1tb, single unit
2. it is setup by default as raid, which is good if you have 2 drives, not one
3. yes, you can add a drive, but why not sell it with a second drive already? cost.
4. the BIOS is locked down by default, to install anything with USB you have to change security settings to allow legacy boot
5. always remember to pres f10 to save every change in every menu or it will not work
6. change to sata in the drive settings, right arrow key for changes, f10 to save
7. change the security to allow legacy, f10 to save
8. save and restart
9. the bios will tell you that there is a change to the boot style, and type in a code on screen and enter to allow it to happen
10. now you can use the computer as normal.

in a business setting, this is a great idea, but in a home setting, this is complete and total garbage. there is no reason to have a single drive sata and security settings out the wazoo as if someone would come into your home and do things to it, similar to a business setting where that makes sense.

if you're recovering from a bad win10 install, take out the drive, put it in another computer or a usb3/esata enclosure and move your data. maybe you'll have to change ownership rights of the user folder etc with a right click, inheritance and etc, but it will then read and copy.

delete all of the partitions on that drive, there are 6-7, and then make a big 931gb or maybe 256gb for windows and 665 for data/user files.

start your hp with a win 8.1 installer key, you can use the windows cd dvd tool to build it from your favorite ISO, and all should boot and work now.

add your drivers you might need, mbam and if you want, bloated AV "protection" and you're back in business.