Cannot install Windows 8.1 on Late 2013 iMac

Attempting to install Windows 8.1 (retail) using Boot Camp Assistant but when I get to the "Select disk to install windows" screen, nothing appears.
I'm using a retail copy of the Windows 8.1 full installer DVD and I have the midrange 21.5" late-2013 iMac.

Installed my retail copy of Windows 8.1 from Windows 7 without any hiccups or hacks. Windows 7 can be installed in trial mode for free and easily by downloading a legal ISO from Digital River. Create a USB installation with Boot Camp Assistant and proceed as normal using the Windows 7 ISO. During Installtion, skip entering a license. After Windows 7 is successfuly installed, boot back into OSX and create just a drivers USB using Boot Camp Assistant. Boot back into Windows, insert your retail Windows 8.1 disc or use your download and let it install. Be prepared to do several "Hold-Option" boots to kick it into windows. Installation probably had 6 reboots.
Digital River ISOs
Windows 7 Home Premium 32Bit:
http://msft.digitalrivercontent.net/win/X17-58996.iso
Windows 7 Home Premium 64Bit:
http://msft.digitalrivercontent.net/win/X17-58997.iso
Windows 7 Professional 32Bit:
http://msft.digitalrivercontent.net/win/X17-59183.iso
Windows 7 Professional 64Bit:
http://msft.digitalrivercontent.net/win/X17-59186.iso
Windows 7 Ultimate 32Bit:
http://msft.digitalrivercontent.net/win/X17-59463.iso
Windows 7 Ultimate 64Bit:
http://msft.digitalrivercontent.net/win/X17-59465.iso
Thanks, and I hope this helps whoever needs it. I always hate when someone finds a fix and never reports back.

Similar Messages

Cannot install Win 8 on a late 2013 iMac using bootcamp on 10.9

I'm trying to install Win 8 on a late 2013 iMac (purchased a couple of months ago)
I have a win 8 pro DVD, but obviously there is no DVD in this iMac. I usally use the DVD drive in my older 2009 iMac for any disk based installs but I can't appear to use it here.
I followed the instructions and downloaded a Win 8 Pro ISO from Microsoft to use with my authentication code, created a bootable USB using bootcamp, created the partition and rebooted. Once I'd entered the code I get to the install location but it says I cannot install on the partition created by bootcamp. Even if I format the partition it says I need a GPT drive but I have MBR, so won't let me install.
I tried several suggestions including creating aprtitions in various other programs and once I even got past that screen, but as soon as it tried to install I got another error saying the MBR was formatted incorrectly and it failed.
I had no issues installing Win 7 via bootcamp on the older iMac, but this one has me stumped. I used to think I knew a bit about computers, but I'm fairly new to Mac related issues as the older iMac has always just worked.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Hello,
I just installed Windows 8.1 on my Late 2013.
There are just a couple of things I had to do that deviated from the Boot Camp Installation Manual.
1. I downloaded my copy of Windows 8.1 as an ISO image AND as a bootable USB from the Microsoft site.
Not sure why I did that but it came in handy because Bootcamp was taking a very long time to copy the ISO onto the USB stick..
The ISO copying seemed to freeze up, but it's likely that it was just taking a long time, probably 20mins.
So, instead of waiting, I took the contents of the the USB startup stick and simply moved them over to the stick that Bootcamp had formatted for the ISO copy (I cancelled that copy function and deleted any files that had copied but didnt complete).
Once that was done, the machine rebooted from the USB stick and began the normal Windows setup process.
All went very smoothly except that my mouse was not working.
2. To get around the mouse issue, I simply plugged in a MS USB Mouse and it worked immediately.
The Bootcamp manual advised that the way around this was to 'click in upper right corner and search for Bootcamp'. Problem was, it was nowhere to be found.
So, using my MS mouse, I navigated to the 'DESKTOP' icon in Win 8.1 and found File Explorer, which showed my USB stick connected along with Bootcamp and the MS Support File (i.e. All the Apple Drivers).
I began manually clicking on all the driver files until realizing that there IS a Bootcamp executable which will automatically install the drivers for the Nvidia card, keyboard, camera, mouse, etc....
Once that was done, my installation was completed.
The entire process took about an hour, but now that I've done it, it really shouldnt take much more than 45 mins.
I have the late 2013 iMAC, with the GTX780M and 1TB Fusion Drive i5 Quad Core.
For those who are leery about doing this, please note that I'm a PC 'lifer' and this is my very first go-around with doing anything on an Apple product.
It all went much more smoothly than I could have imagined, but if you are not a PC person, you might be a little challenged finding the Bootcamp in File Explorer or doing anything in Win 8.1 to get over these minor hurdles.
Good luck!
I'm looking forward to getting STEAM up and running to see how this thing games!

Installing windows xp on my late 2009 iMac

how do i install windows xp on my late 2009 imac?

I just requested that the Host move your thread over to the Boot Camp forum.
Hopefully after they do that maybe someone over there might see it and help you. Your question has gone far beyound my knowledge of Boot Camp.
Allan

Can't install Windows 8 x64 on late 2013 MBP with1TB SSD

Just got my new MBP and I'm trying to install Windows 8 using Bootcamp. I've tried using the DVD (with the thumb drive bootstrapper created by Bootcamp) and also an image written to the thumb drive by Bootcamp. In both cases, the install seems to go fine -- files copied, files "readied" (whatever that means) and so forth, all the way to 100%. Right after this step, though, the installation quits with the popup error message:
"Windows could not update the computer's boot configuration. Installation cannot proceed."
The installation quits right there, and tells me "The installation was canceled" and "Any changes to your computer won't be saved." Then it reboots.
I have tried repairing the installation using a Windows 8 repair disk, and I've tried (using the command prompt from the repair disk) to fix the MBR. Nothing works.
My best guess is that the x64 drivers for this model are not working properly, but I really have no idea. Searching the 'net has yielded nothing helpful. I suppose I'll have to bring it in to the Genius Bar, but I'd really rather save that couple of hours if I can avoid it.

Same here. Brand-new Retina MBP 15" Haswell 2.3GHz, trying to set up Windows 8 Pro (from full-version DVD on a USB SuperDrive) in Boot Camp in a 128GB partition; I enter my Windows key, then the installer spends a few minutes getting to 100% then it says:
"Windows could not update the computer's boot configuration. Installation cannot proceed."
At this point, whenever I would reboot my computer, it would come up a grey screen for a minute and then reboot again. I almost panicked, I though the Mac was dead, but then I remembered to hold down Option during boot and select the Mac partition, then use System Preferences to default to the Mac partition.
I guess we'll have to wait for a fix from Apple.

Blank screen when installing Windows 7 on my Late 2009 iMac

So before I drop everything and start hitting my head agains the wall I figured I would make one more stop and ask folks on the forum.
I'm trying to install Windows 7 Pro on my "late 2009" 27" iMac. Here is a quick config.
Here are the exact steps I take:
1. Start Boot Camp Assistant
2. Select both options to download Windows components and install Windows 7... and make the partion (80GB) allocation to Windows partition
3. Insert the Windows installation disc (Pro, full version)
Everything seems to be running smooth, meaning I see the windows installer and I'm able to select the partition where I want Windows to reside and here are the last few things I see...
Right after the Starting Windows the screen goes blank and that's is. If I simply restart at this point it goes back to the Starting Windows and blank screen again (no option to choose OS).
Since the wireless keyboard is not functioning at this point I learned to take out the CD from the drive by holding the mouse button on startup. From there I insert an installation disc for Snow Leopard and boot from disc by holding the "C" button on my USB keyboard. It lunches the Utilities where I'm able to select The Start Up Disk and here is where I actually see both partitions. That's how I got back to OS.
So what am I doing wrong? I though that it had to do something with the video driver but if the installer works than I should be able to go in there after it's in place and run the correct driver from the WindowsSupport folder that I downloaded earlier. I have tried this with 32-bit and 64-bit version of Windows 7 pro with the same negative result.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. I called the App store to see if they can assist but the only thing they suggested was CrossOver which doesn't help me.
Does anyone have any ideas on what to do/change?
Thank you.
Best regards,
Marcin

Got it!
After posting my question I noticed the "More like this" category and the second discussion was a hit.
https://discussions.apple.com/message/11290644#11290644
It was a display driver. All I needed to do was to boot from the CD again and following the directions in the post.
Worked like a charm.

Installing Windows 7 on a late 2009 iMac running Mavericks

I'm running a perfectly good late-2009 iMac running Mavericks and had a bootcamp partition that worked until I needed to replace my hard drive.
Now I want to install Windows 7 (via bootcamp) for gaming. Bootcamp 5 won't download the software or allow a USB/ISO Windows 7 load due to my model/ROM version, which is:
Model Name:               iMac
Model Identifier:          iMac10,1
Processor Name:          Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed:          3.33 GHz
Number of Processors:          1
Total Number of Cores:         2
L2 Cache:                      6 MB
Memory:                       8 GB
Bus Speed:                    1.33 GHz
Boot ROM Version:        IM101.00CC.B00
I've read quite a few threads about the apple software download server issues, creating an ISO, adjusting the BootCamp package, using virtualbox, etc. to bypass this. But can't find anything addressing my specific situation where I'm running mavericks AND have an older ROM version that won't allow USB install for some stupid reason.
I've made an ISO boot disk (and USB), tried adjusting my BootCamp package strings, and have virtualbox, winclone, Daemon tools, etc. but can't get to the point where I can upload the bootcamp software and Win7. Has anyone solved this problem?

No one has done this before?

Disabling Fusion Drive and Installing Windows on SSD of Late 2012 iMac

Hi, everyone. After a two-year wait, I'm ready to buy my first iMac (was waiting for USB 3.0). Before I get into my questions, I'll give you an overview of where I'm coming from so we can keep the discussion focused.
My Usage
I'm buying an Apple computer because it is the best-looking, quietist, and most powerful all-in-one computer I can find right now, but Windows is still my preferred operating system. I've used OS X before – it looks great and I'm sure it works great for a large number of people, but it's not for me. Windows works well and efficiently for me and I have thousands of dollars of design software for Windows. I'm not interested in a virtualization solution because of my performance needs. However, I do want to keep the OS X installation, if possible, for website testing and to play around with to learn the operating system better.
What I Want
I was attempting to buy the Late 2012 iMac last weekend, but it appears the BootCamp specifications and the Fusion Drive are currently limiting my usage needs. I'm configuring the top model iMac with the i7-3770 processor, 24GB RAM (8 default + 16 from Crucial), GTX 680MX, and the 3TB Fusion Drive. I don't actually want to use the Fusion Drive, though. I want Windows 7 64-bit and OS X 10.8 installed on the 128GB SSD and to use the 3TB hard drive as storage for my music, videos, photos, and documents.
My Questions
1. I've found a bunch of posts regarding installing Windows on the Fusion Drive, but they all seem to be about putting Windows on the slower 3TB hard drive portion and/or about trying to keep the Fusion setup after installing Windows. Does anyone have a walk-through for a new Mac user on how to break the Fusion Drive configuration and install Windows 7 and preferably OS X on just the SSD?
2. I've seen a bunch of posts debating about whether Windows can be installed natively using EFI to bypass the BootCamp limitations. Is this possible? The 21.5" version is running EFI version 2.0, so I can only assume the 27" would too, but it's not been added on the Apple website yet (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1237). From what I understand, Windows requires at least version 2.0 to run in EFI mode. Also, if I am able to get this method to work, will I still be able to install the Windows drivers from the OS X installation USB (or do they even come with USB drives anymore?)?
3. If I have to use BootCamp, I assume I will have to split the 3TB drive into 1TB and 2TB partitions for BootCamp to see it (so Windows can see it). So I'd have Windows 7 and OS X on the SSD, and two storage partitions on the 3TB HDD that would show up as two drives for my files that both operating systems could access. Is this assumption correct?
4. I've seen posts about OS X automatically trying to rebuild the Fusion Drive. Let's say I'm able to get Windows installed on the SSD. Will OS X, or future updates to it, ruin my Windows installation? I would hate to do all this work and then have an Apple update corrupt everything.
I know this is a long post, but I don't want to spend over $3,000 until I can be sure I can make it work for me. Thanks to anyone who can help!
iMac, Windows 7

First, an advice: Boot Camp isn't compatible with 3 TB hard disks and Fusion Drive. For 3 TB hard disks, there's a workaround, but it doesn't work on a 3 TB Fusion Drive, so you won't be able to install Windows until Apple fixes this, so my advice is to wait until Apple launches OS X 10.8.3 or buy the iMac with a 1 or 2 TB hard disk and an external disk.
1. The SSD is used automatically by OS X to store the applications and data you most use, but Windows can't use it, and there's no workaround for this.
2. You can try to install Windows 8 in EFI mode, but I don't guarantee that it works. I tried it on my iMac and I started getting BSODs after some startups. Also, Macs don't use UEFI 2.0 (Macs use EFI 1.x), so you can't use Windows 8 advanced features such as Secure Boot. For Windows 7, you can't install it in EFI mode (it requires UEFI 2.0 or later)
3. Fusion Drive only allows you to have two volumes, and with Boot Camp, you can only have two volumes on your computer: one for OS X and the other one for Windows. That's because Boot Camp emulates a BIOS to make Windows run (although it isn't neccesary in Windows 8, if Apple would want).
4. First, you can't install Windows on the SSD. Then, OS X shouldn't ruin Windows because each operating system have got its space

Need help installing windows with bootcamp on late 2012 iMac

i just recieved my 27" imac a couple weeks ago ands i would like to install windows so i can get some gaming done on this imac. can anyone send me a link to a step by step guide on how to install it using a 8GB memeory stick since i dont have an optical drive.....i have already watched the youtube videos on using bootcamp but they all seem to be for older macs with an optical drive
thanks in advance

Be advised... This will not work on the 3TB drives without a bit of hacking.
See this article: http://twocanoes.com/support/winclone/installing-windows-via-boot-camp-on-a-larg e-(2.2-tb-or-larger-)-drive-in-lion-(10.7)-and-later

Install mountain lion on a late 2013 iMac (currently running mavericks)?

I would like to install Mountain Lion 10.8.5 on my 27" iMac 14,2 currently running Mavericks 10.9.2?

Your iMac may have come with 10.8.4 so 10.8.5 ought to work. However, I don't think the Mountain Lion installer would let you overwrite Mavericks for a downgrade. Rather, you'd need to wipe the drive clean and do a fresh install. I'd suggest following these instructions for entering Recovery Mode and see which OS is offered for installation. If it's Mavericks, try the Internet Recovery option to see what the originally installed OS would be.
In any case, before you start installing or erasing, make a full, bootable external clone of your current installation.

Installing Windows 7 on Late 2013 iMac w/ Fusion Drive

Sorry in advance for the long post, but I have tried to exhaust all possibilities, and bring as much knowledge about our environment to the table to avoid confusion.
Here's our goal: Install Mac & Windows on a Late 2013 iMac with a 1TB Fusion Drive
Install our Mac Image with Deepfreeze on Partition 1
Install our Windows 7 x64 Image with DeepFreeze on Partition 2
Here's why our goal cannot work out of the box:
Deepfreeze for Mac, is not supported on a Fusion Drive. Now before anyone says "just don't use deepfreeze"...we are using it, and that is that.
In order to get our existing image to work on the iMac, we had to split the Fusion Drive.
Splitting Up the Fusion Drive
We booted into Recovery, Opened up terminal, retrieved the LvGUID, deleted it, and split up the SSD from the HD.
So now, we have a 128GB SSD, and 1TB HD showing up under Diskutilitiy.
We then partitioned the 1TB HD, into two, 500GB Partitions. One for Mac OSX 10.9.4, and the other for Windows.
The 128GB SSD is going to be used for scratch space, temp, etc. And is irrelevant at this time.
Deploying our Mac Image
After splitting the Fusion Drive, we netbooted and installed a "NetRestore" of our image. Worked completely fine, no issues. DeepFreeze Works fine, the 128GB SSD shows up just fine, and the other 500GB Windows Partition shows up fine. All drives / partitions can be written to with no problem.
Deploying our Windows Image
Deployed our Windows Partition image as we have done in the past, by booting into a windows PE Disk. (We have other various 2009, 2010, and 2011 iMacs across campus, with NO FUSION DRIVES installed, and dual boot them successfully using the same procedure. Minus the splitting of the fusion drive part of course) After the Windows image is deployed to the windows partition, we then boot it up to a Windows 7 Install disk to fix the MBR, Bootrec, and BCD options to allow it to boot properly. Here's where we run into issues: Upon getting the Windows 7 Install screen, the USB Keyboard and Mouse, DO NOT WORK.
Here's the options we've tried to get them to work properly
1. Tried another known working Mac USB Keyboard & Mouse = Failed
2. Tried a known working Windows Keyboard & Mouse = Failed
3. Plugged Just a known working Mac Keyboard into each USB Port to see if recognized = Failed
4. Plugged Just a known working Windows Keyboard into each USB Port to see if recognized = Failed
5. Plugged Just a known working Mac Mouse into each USB Port to see if recognized = Failed
6. Plugged Just a known working Windows Mouse into each USB Port to see if recognized = Failed
7. A Windows 8.1 Recovery USB will boot and the USB Mouse & Keyboard are recognized and installed! (YAY!!) However, we cannot repair a Windows 7 install with Windows 8.1..
BootCamp Drivers & Support Media
Downloaded the Current BootCamp Support drivers to enable the USB and other various drivers to be loaded during setup (Placed the $WinPEDriver$ and AutoUnattend.xml, and BootCamp folder on the Root of a USB, and modified a Windows7 Installation disk and placed on the root as well) The drivers do not load. Have also placed on a brand new USB2, and USB3 flash drive formatted at FAT32, to see if that made a difference, which it did not. The BootCamp USB made within Mac, it loads saying "Now booting into Boot Camp Assistant Created USB Drive..." or something like that (Don't remember the exact Message)
Side Note:
Restored Fusion Drive to its original State, and booted from the BootCamp USB drive, still no usb Mouse & Keyboard Support.

I have same issue
Tried everything differend hdd,ssd as well
Basically when trying instal win 7 via iOS maverick when reboting and windows booting to the first scree everything freezing cant do much.
Also tried install clear ssd without any system, but soon after format ssd or hdd I have error that I cant use this disk to install windows!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What is funny Windows 8 installing without any problem!!!
what is going on APPLE??wher is support
This issue I have only on Late 2013 on my other Late 2012 this issue not exist and everything working as should.

Cannot install Windows 8.1 via Boot Camp on MBPr 13" Early 2013; tried almost everything.

Hi guys,
yesterday, I decided to install Windows 8.1 on my Mac using Boot Camp. I tried to install it, but the first attempt ended into booting to the screen, where it says "Cannot find any bootable device" or something like that. So I googled it up and then tried the EFI Boot. The EFI Boot booted into the Windows installation properly, but I cannot choose the partition I want to install it on. I tried partitioning it in Disk Utility using Tuxera to NTFS, I tried formatting it in the installation itself, always restarted between the processes, I tried to delete the partition and create a new one in the installation, but no luck. I am still stuck on the error "Cannot install Windows on MBR partition. Please, choose a GPT partition". I have a 256GB SSD disk. I browsed the problems and solutions for 3 hours, but no luck. None of the solution helps. The only solution that would work I guess is if I don’t boot into EFI, but into the BIOS installation. But when I do that, I get the "Cannot find any bootable device", so a dead end here. I also tried the tips where they say to remove the USB stick when the Windows installation starts, but didn’t help either.
I am installing using a bootable USB drive, I do not have a Superdrive and cannot even lend it or something like that.
I am really desperate, can anyone please help me?
Thanks in advance,
DavidKop_

Some people have been successful installing 8.1 (me, for instance) despite it not being supported. However this seems to be hardware dependent.
I would have expected the normal WININSTALL option to be available on a Bootcamp-created USB, not just the EFI boot option.
It really depends on whether Bootcamp is creating a hybrid MBR when it creates the Bootcamp partition. Some later model Macs do not. On the Macs that do not create the hybrid MBR Windows may install in EFI mode.
If you remove everything and stretch the Macintosh HD back to the full size of the disc again then reboot and when the system restarts begin the Bootcamp installation again but do not let it restart at that time, you can then run the following code in the terminal and report its output we will be able to see if a hybrid MBR has been created (this is after the partition has been created by Bootcamp, but before it reboots).
sudo fdisk /dev/disk0

Problem installing Windows 7 64-bit on late 2013 iMac 27"

Is Windows 7 64-bit compatible with this computer?
Hardware and software:
• Late 2013 iMac 27", 3.5 GHz I7, 16 GB memory, 1 TB hard drive (no fusion drive)
• Mac OS 10.9.1
• USB thumb drive
• Boot Camp Assistant 5.1.0
• Windows 7 64-bit install disk iso image downloaded from Microsoft
Install steps:
1. Use Boot Camp Assistant to install Windows 7 install (from iso image) and Apple Support Software (creates WININSTALL USB drive)
2. Use Boot Camp Assistant to create 50 GB Windows partition on iMac internal drive and start Windows install
3. Complete initial install steps until given option to select install partition
4. Select 50 GB partition. Error message that partition is not formatted correctly. Use Advance Options to format (presumably to NTFS)
5. Select 50 GB partition again and click "Next"
6. Get error message "Setup was unable to create a new system partition or locate an existing system partition. See the Setup log files for more information."
7. Install quits at this point
I have successfully installed Win 7 on another computer (2010 Mac Pro) using these steps. I also tried installation on the iMac using an iso image created from my original Win 7 64-bit install disk, with the same installation error as above.
I'm wondering if Windows 7 and/or Boot Camp is compatible with this iMac. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

I am awaiting delivery on the exact model you have and have been researching how much trouble it will be to put 64 bit windows 7 ultimate on my machine when it gets here. I'm not pleased at what I've been reading so far. I have not seen the two other posts but yours is enough to concern me.
Have you also seen that 10.9.1 update may be responsible for this? I've seen where 10.9 caused some problems with the bootcamp app but then the process was completely hosed with the 10.9.1 update. Are you seeing this as well?
Being a life-long mac dude, it pains me when their stuff just doesn't work because it usually just does. ****, that's why I started on a mac in the first place.
The support site says that they come with 90 days of complimentary support. Is this not an issue they should be responsible for addressing via support? Or is that just one long wait on hold waiting to talk to somebody that won't consider this a pure apple issue?
I was also curious if your install .iso contains both 32 and 64 bit versions?

Cannot install Windows 8 Consumer Preview on MacBook Air 11" (Late 2010)

Hi, I'm trying to install Windows 8 Consumer Preview on my MacBook Air 11" (Late 2010 model) via Boot Camp assistant. I've hacked the Info.plist of the Boot Camp Assistant to allow it to create a bootable USB installer drive. After successfully creating the USB, the laptop proceeds to reboot itself but it never loads up the Windows installer. However, if I restart it while holding Option, and selecting EFI boot, the installer loads up. However, once it loads, I cannot install Windows 8 Consumer Preview to the Boot Camp partition because of this error: "Windows cannot be installed to this disk. The selected disk has an MBR partition table. On EFI systems, Windows can only be installed to GPT disks. Windows cannot be installed to this hard disk space. WIndows must be installed to a partition formatted as NTFS. Windows cannot be installed to this disk. This computer's hardware may not support booting to this disk. Ensure that the disk's controller is enabled in the computer's BIOS menu."
Can anyone guide me through steps that would hopefully resolve this problem? Thank you in advance

@minxinglee
even i am getting same errors I hope you found out solution by now ! plz... can u share it ! i need it urgently
Thanks in advance

Installed Windows 8 on a late 2011 MacBook Air and was working fine now keyboard not working so cannot enter password? Caplocks key works but I am locked out on my own PC and cannot seem to get it to recognize built in keyboard,bluetooth,generic USB one.

Installed Windows 8 on a late 2011 MacBook Air and was working fine now keyboard not working so cannot enter password? Caplocks key works but I am locked out on my own PC and cannot seem to get it to recognize built in keyboard,bluetooth,generic USB one.

Use the trackpad to scroll, thats what it was designed for. The scroll bars automatically disappear when not being used and will appear if you scroll up or down using the trackpad.
This is a user-to-user forum and most people will post on here if they have problems. You very rarely get people posting to say there update went smooth. The fact is the vast majority of Mountain Lion users will not be experiencing any major problems with the OS, or maybe with apps which are not compatible, but thats hardly Apple's fault if developers don't update their apps.

Cannot Install Windows 7 with AHCI mode

Hello,
Having just submitted a support ticket to MSI, I was curious to see if anyone else has experienced a similar issue or may be able to suggest a possible resolution.
I recently purchased a MSI Z87-G41 PC Mate for an htpc build.
I've ran into an issue of not being able to install Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit onto my ANY SATA 3 hard drive with SATA mode - AHCI enabled in bios.
Main parts for the build are:
Motherboard: MSI Z87-G41 PC Mate
CPU: Intel Core i3-4130 3.4 3 FCLGA 1150
RAM: G.SKILL Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600
PSU: Corsair Builder Series CX 600
OS HD: Crucial M500 SSD
During Windows install and selecting the SSD in which to install windows onto..
Windows will prompt with: “Windows cannot be installed to Disk x Partition x. (Show details)
Afterwards, I’ll select ‘Load driver’ and select the “Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver for 8x series,” provided by MSI drivers download page. Confirmed as a valid driver for the SATA AHCI controller.
"Select the driver to be installed" lists: “Intel(r) 8 Series/C220 Chipset Family SATA AHCI Controller” Looks good, then progress...
Followed by clicking on next- “Setup was unable to create a new system partition or locate an existing system partition. See the setup log files for more information.”
I've tried installing Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit via USB drive and OEM disc to no avail.
Performed a test using the same install procedure with my primary desktop computer which uses a MSI z68A-GD65 (G3) motherboard (AHCI enabled.) I was able to install windows to my Crucial M500 SSD without issue.
Confirmed the issue occurs while testing with different hard drives. I have yet to be able to install windows with AHCI enabled on this motherboard.
HDDs tested include:
WD Black WD5002AALX 500GB
Seagate ST3100524AS 1TB
Once I change SATA mode from AHCI to IDE, I was able to install windows without the need of pre-loading the Intel 8 Series SATA/AHCI driver.
Afterwards having installed windows, I decided to test by switching SATA mode back to AHCI. Doing so will cause the machine to bsod upon booting to windows. Later, I performed the registry edit to change IDE to AHCI mode within windows. Followed by again enabling AHCI in bios.
I was able to boot while in AHCI mode temporarily a couple of times until this method stopped working. Any attempt past the bios post, windows will not boot.
I've also tested the manual and XMP profile RAM settings as suggested by the sticky'd thread here https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?topic=178019.0
I would like to possibly resolve the issue in regards to utilizing AHCI mode for optimal performance for my hard drives and hot swap capability.
When I have more time, I suppose I can run a RAM test; but so far I simply believe it may just be a SATA controller or driver conflict with the motherboard.
tl;dr Cannot install Windows 7 onto any hard drive with AHCI enabled. Works fine with IDE mode.

** Update as of 6/3/2014 ** Issue resolved.
Received my replacement motherboard from RMA. Replacement is working without any issues with SATA mode set to AHCI.
Tested by running Windows 7 and Windows 8 install - both detected my SATA SSD and other HDDs as applicable drives to install Windows onto. Pre-loading the SATA controller drivers was not necessary. Windows boots up immediately without any delay now. Benchmarks are showing valid stats for SATA3 devices.
Also to note, the replacement motherboard came with bios version 1.5, compared the one I sent back which came with 1.6. In case if that had anything to do with it. Not going to risk updating the bios at this point.
Video of issue:
Benchmarks from the old motherboard on the Crucial M500 SSD taken with Crystal DiskMark
Benchmark from MSI Z87-G41 PC Mate (MS-750)
on SATA 3 port set to AHCI
CrystalDiskMark 3.0.3 x64 (C) 2007-2013 hiyohiyo
Crystal Dew World
* MB/s = 1,000,000 byte/s [SATA/300 = 300,000,000 byte/s]
Sequential Read : 264.792 MB/s
Sequential Write : 143.991 MB/s
Random Read 512KB : 250.614 MB/s
Random Write 512KB : 142.545 MB/s
Random Read 4KB (QD=1) : 24.176 MB/s [ 5902.3 IOPS]
Random Write 4KB (QD=1) : 82.152 MB/s [ 20056.5 IOPS]
Random Read 4KB (QD=32) : 210.018 MB/s [ 51274.0 IOPS]
Random Write 4KB (QD=32) : 134.663 MB/s [ 32876.6 IOPS]
Test : 100 MB [C: 35.4% (39.6/111.8 GB)] (x5)
Date : 2014/05/24 3:25:19
OS : Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 [6.1 Build 7601] (x64)
Benchmark from MSI Z87-G41 PC Mate (MS-750)
on SATA 3 port set to IDE
CrystalDiskMark 3.0.3 x64 (C) 2007-2013 hiyohiyo
Crystal Dew World
* MB/s = 1,000,000 byte/s [SATA/300 = 300,000,000 byte/s]
Sequential Read : 181.472 MB/s
Sequential Write : 141.275 MB/s
Random Read 512KB : 177.430 MB/s
Random Write 512KB : 141.393 MB/s
Random Read 4KB (QD=1) : 21.646 MB/s [ 5284.6 IOPS]
Random Write 4KB (QD=1) : 68.922 MB/s [ 16826.7 IOPS]
Random Read 4KB (QD=32) : 25.411 MB/s [ 6203.9 IOPS]
Random Write 4KB (QD=32) : 108.275 MB/s [ 26434.3 IOPS]
Test : 100 MB [C: 35.4% (39.6/111.8 GB)] (x5)
Date : 2014/05/24 3:41:42
OS : Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 [6.1 Build 7601] (x64)
Benchmark from MSI Z87-G41 PC Mate (MS-750) **Replacement from RMA**
on SATA 3 port set to AHCI
CrystalDiskMark 3.0.3 x64 (C) 2007-2013 hiyohiyo
Crystal Dew World
* MB/s = 1,000,000 byte/s [SATA/300 = 300,000,000 byte/s]
Sequential Read : 469.045 MB/s
Sequential Write : 138.655 MB/s
Random Read 512KB : 419.083 MB/s
Random Write 512KB : 135.032 MB/s
Random Read 4KB (QD=1) : 26.454 MB/s [ 6458.5 IOPS]
Random Write 4KB (QD=1) : 89.189 MB/s [ 21774.7 IOPS]
Random Read 4KB (QD=32) : 252.818 MB/s [ 61723.0 IOPS]
Random Write 4KB (QD=32) : 129.909 MB/s [ 31716.1 IOPS]
Test : 100 MB [C: 37.1% (41.5/111.8 GB)] (x5)
Date : 2013/03/10 10:02:50
OS : Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 [6.1 Build 7601] (x64)

Cannot install Windows 8.1 on Late 2013 iMac

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