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DavidGarcia's avatar
DavidGarcia
Iron Contributor
May 12, 2025

Infinite loading on installer (AHCI), other issues

I'm encountering an infinite loading screen when booting up the Windows Vista installer, specifically on that green loading bar after Windows loads the files. I get the same result in both Legacy or UEFI.

I figured out that changing the SATA Mode from AHCI to IDE made the installer accessible, but with more issues ahead. On Legacy, I cannot pick my hard drive and continuing gave me this error : "Windows could not determine if this computer contains a valid system volume".
On UEFI, I can go through with the installation after converting my hard drive to GPT, but once my PC reboots and Vista launches, it's an immediate blue screen. Switching back to AHCI from IDE still gives the blue screen.

My computer should be compatible as every subsequent version of Windows can run and it even has drivers for Vista. I don't know what to do from here though, I'd really appreciate some help,

2 Replies

  • Haowiki's avatar
    Haowiki
    Iron Contributor
    Aug 04, 2025

    If your hardware is very new or uncommon, finding compatible Vista drivers might be tough, but most Intel and AMD chipsets have workable drivers.

  • Youmeingkids's avatar
    Youmeingkids
    Brass Contributor
    Jul 31, 2025

    Enter BIOS and change the hard drive mode from AHCI to RAID or IDE, or vice versa. You can also reinstall the driver using the PE system and download the latest processor driver, which can be installed even without an internet connection. If the computer freezes at the logo screen when booting up, try turning off Secure Boot.

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