Windows Failed to Start

[Reverend]

I'm installing Win 7 on Z390-E. The first problem was 'No hard drive found' (Diskpart couldn't find it either). I changed a few things and now I get the error shown below when booting from a USB.

Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the
cause. To fix the problem:

1. Insert your Windows installation disc and restart your computer.
2. Choose your language settings, and then click "Next."
3. Click "Repair your computer."

If you do not have this disc, contact your system administrator or computer
manufacturer for assistance.

File: \Boot\BCD

Status: 0xc0000098

Info: The Windows Boot Configuration Data file does not contain a valid OS entry.

BIOS version is 1105.
CSM is Enabled,
Secure Boot is Disabled
OS Type is set to Other OS

My guess is the invalid OS entry is assuming you want to install win 10. Other OS must surely be right for Win 7?

Thanks - rev

[Reverend]

I know Asus says Win 7 is not supported but here's the proof that it can be done. To save you time, go to minute 41.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=npTbXWRJ1vs

In the other 40 minutes, the dude making the tutorial has done the following:

* Obtained the drivers (kinda lengthy because they're on a Chinese site and there were a lot of steps)
* Integrated them into the installation .iso

I did the same with the same tools but I will do the entire process again to make sure I didn't miss an option but I wasn't getting the Invalid OS error at first, that happened after I made BIOS changes. I have the BIOS manual but there's a lot it doesn't explain.

I know the destination SSD is in an unknown state but I don't know how to fix it. Last time we talked about this, we both decided that formatting during installation wuold be the way to go but if the drive is in a state that renders it undetectable, that won't work.

Could I format it using ubcd538.iso?

[jdc2000]

Possibly useful links:

https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/f...ror-windows-10

https://www.thewindowsclub.com/boot-...editor-windows