Nitro An515-53 clean install issue

When trying to do a clean install of Windows 10 on a Nitro An515-53, but have run into “windows could not prepare the computer to boot into the next phase of installation” error.

I am able to boot from the install USB. I deleted all the partitions and left just unallocated space.

The Windows 10 installation begins but early on it stops with an error message “windows could not prepare the computer to boot into the next phase of installation”

I used diskpart.exe during installation to make sure SSD converted to GPT
The SSD drive appears in bios
I’ve disabled Secure Boot in Bios
BIOS is UEFi mode (there appears to be no other options for this model)
I have re-downloaded the Windows ISO, and I’ve tried another USB drive etc.

I am only 2 months out of warranty and Acer support won't answer my questions.

What am I missing?

Is there anything else I can try? Something in CMD before installing?

Thanks in advance for any advise!

Accepted answers

MaClane

Only use 2.0 ports.
Use Rufus to create the bootable pendrive:
https://rufus.ie/

Here's how:

https://www.intowindows.com/create-uefi-bootable-usb-of-windows-10/
https://www.aioboot.com/en/how-to-use-rufus-to-install-windows-10/

All comments

MaClane

Good afternoon bdcs6 !

Is the ISO you are using x64?
Has the pendrive been created with UEFI support in GPT mode?
Are you using a USB 2.0 port?

bdcs6

MaClane said:

Good afternoon bdcs6 !

Is the ISO you are using x64?
Has the pendrive been created with UEFI support in GPT mode?
Are you using a USB 2.0 port?

- The ISO I downloaded is the 64-bit version, not the 32-bit.

- I first cerated the USB with UNetbootin on a Mac but that couldn't boot at all from it. I then created with with Terminal on a Mac for GPT, which did allow to boot.

How can I verify if the boot drive I created has UEFI support?
Is there a better method to create a USB installation action drive that you can suggest?

- This model Acer has both USB 2 and 3 ports, and I have tried both.

MaClane

Only use 2.0 ports.
Use Rufus to create the bootable pendrive:
https://rufus.ie/

Here's how:

https://www.intowindows.com/create-uefi-bootable-usb-of-windows-10/
https://www.aioboot.com/en/how-to-use-rufus-to-install-windows-10/

bdcs6

MaClane said:

Only use 2.0 ports.
Use Rufus to create the bootable pendrive:
https://rufus.ie/

Here's how:

https://www.intowindows.com/create-uefi-bootable-usb-of-windows-10/
https://www.aioboot.com/en/how-to-use-rufus-to-install-windows-10/

Thank you for the links.

I will have to set-up windows on VM on my Mac as I dont have access to another PC. So, I will try and come back here, and update you.

bdcs6

MaClane said:

Only use 2.0 ports.
Use Rufus to create the bootable pendrive:
https://rufus.ie/

Here's how:

https://www.intowindows.com/create-uefi-bootable-usb-of-windows-10/
https://www.aioboot.com/en/how-to-use-rufus-to-install-windows-10/

OK I was able to get windows installed on a VM on my Mac, and used Rufus to create a Win10 installation drive.

Rufus crashed twice ... probably to my Virtualbox VM ... but the third time it completed the task.

Install went well, and the Acer laptop is back in business.

Thanks to MaClane for the help!