Are you staring at a frustrating “No drives were found” error while trying to install Windows? If you’re using an AMD RAID setup, this common problem happens because Windows doesn’t include built-in support for AMD RAID controllers. You need an AMD RAID preinstall driver to make your system visible during installation.
This guide will show you exactly what these drivers are, why you need them, and how to install them properly. We’ll cover everything from downloading the right drivers to troubleshooting common issues, so you can get Windows installed on your RAID array without headaches.
What Are AMD RAID Preinstall Drivers?
AMD RAID preinstall drivers are special software files that help Windows recognize your RAID storage during installation. Unlike regular drivers that you install after Windows is running, these drivers load before the operating system even starts installing. Think of them as a translator that tells Windows how to talk to your AMD RAID controller.
These drivers are different from regular AMD RAID drivers because they’re designed specifically for the Windows installation process. They’re smaller and contain only the essential files needed for the installer to see your RAID array. Without these preinstall drivers, Windows setup won’t detect your storage drives, and you’ll be stuck at the installation screen.
Why You Need AMD RAID Preinstall Drivers?
You need AMD RAID preinstall drivers because Windows doesn’t include native support for AMD RAID controllers. When you set up a RAID array using AMD hardware, the controller manages how your drives work together. Windows needs special instructions to understand this setup.
Without the preinstall driver, Windows setup can’t see your RAID array. It’s like trying to read a book in a language you don’t understand. The driver acts as a translator, making your storage visible to the installation process. Skipping this step means your Windows installation will fail before it even begins.
Where to Download AMD RAID Preinstall Drivers?
Getting the right AMD RAID preinstall driver is crucial for success. Here are the best sources:
Official AMD Website: Always start with AMD’s official support page. They offer the latest and most compatible drivers for all their chipsets. Look for the “RAID Driver” section and download the package that includes preinstall drivers.
Manufacturer Support Pages: If you have a pre-built system from Dell, HP, or Lenovo, check their support pages first. They often have customized drivers that work better with their specific hardware configurations.
Version Compatibility: Make sure you download the right version for your AMD chipset. Different generations (like X570, B550, X670, etc.) may require different driver versions. Check your motherboard manual if you’re unsure which chipset you have.
The download package should include both the preinstall drivers and the regular RAID drivers. The preinstall version is usually labeled as “F6 Driver” or “Preinstall Driver” in the package.
Step-by-Step Guide: Installing AMD RAID Preinstall Drivers
Follow these steps exactly to install your AMD RAID preinstall drivers successfully:
Step 1: Prepare Your Drivers
- Download the correct AMD RAID driver package from AMD’s website or your manufacturer’s support page
- Extract the files to a USB flash drive (don’t just copy the ZIP file)
- Keep the USB drive handy for the Windows installation process
Step 2: Configure BIOS Settings
- Restart your computer and enter BIOS setup (usually by pressing F2, F10, or DEL)
- Find the storage configuration settings
- Change the SATA mode from AHCI to RAID
- If using NVMe RAID, enable NVMe RAID mode
- Save changes and exit BIOS
Step 3: Start Windows Installation
- Boot from your Windows installation media
- When you reach the “Where do you want to install Windows?” screen, click “Load driver”
- Browse to your USB drive and select the extracted driver folder
- Windows should now detect your RAID controller and show your storage drives
Step 4: Complete Installation
- Select your RAID array as the installation location
- Proceed with normal Windows installation
- After Windows is installed, install the full RAID driver package for optimal performance
Troubleshooting Common AMD RAID Driver Issues
“Unable to Find rccfg RAID Driver” Error
This common error happens when the RAIDXpert2 management software can’t find the required drivers. To fix this:
- Make sure you installed the full RAID driver package after Windows installation
- Download the latest drivers from AMD’s website
- Uninstall any existing RAID drivers and reinstall the complete package
Installation Hangs or Fails
If your Windows installation hangs after loading the driver:
- Try an older version of the RAID driver
- Make sure you downloaded the preinstall driver, not the regular one
- Check that your BIOS is properly configured for RAID mode
RAID Array Not Recognized
If Windows still can’t see your RAID array:
- Verify that RAID mode is enabled in BIOS
- Try a different USB drive for the drivers
- Make sure all drives in the RAID array are properly connected
- Check that your RAID array is properly initialized in BIOS
RAIDXpert2 Management Software Issues
If RAIDXpert2 won’t work after installation:
- Install the latest .NET framework
- Run the software as administrator
- Reinstall the complete RAID driver package
- Check Windows firewall settings
AMD RAID Drivers for Different Windows Versions
Windows 10 Requirements
Windows 10 generally works well with AMD RAID drivers, but you need to use drivers compatible with your specific Windows 10 version. The latest AMD RAID drivers support both Windows 10 21H2 and later versions.
Windows 11 Requirements
Windows 11 has stricter driver requirements. You need RAID drivers that are specifically designed for Windows 11 compatibility. The latest AMD RAID driver packages (version 6.10.09.200 and later) include proper Windows 11 support.
Version-Specific Notes
- Always check the driver release notes for Windows version compatibility
- Some older RAID configurations may not work with newer Windows versions
- Windows 11 requires secure boot, which can affect RAID driver loading
Quick Answer Box: AMD RAID Preinstall Driver Essentials
What It Is | Special driver for Windows installation |
When Needed | During Windows setup on RAID systems |
Where to Get | AMD website or manufacturer support |
How to Install | Load from USB during Windows installation |
Critical Step | Must load before selecting installation location |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using the Wrong Driver Package: Many users download the regular RAID driver instead of the preinstall version. Always look for packages labeled “F6 Driver” or “Preinstall Driver.”
Not Enabling RAID Mode First: You must enable RAID mode in BIOS before attempting to install Windows. The driver won’t work if the controller isn’t in RAID mode.
Skipping Driver Extraction: Don’t just copy the ZIP file to your USB drive. You need to extract the files so Windows can access them during installation.
Using Outdated Drivers: Old drivers may not work with newer Windows versions or hardware. Always download the latest compatible version.
Pro Tips for AMD RAID Setup
Always Download Latest Drivers: AMD regularly updates RAID drivers to fix bugs and improve performance. Check for updates before starting your installation.
Keep Backup of Working Drivers: Once you find a driver version that works, save it somewhere safe. Future updates might break compatibility.
Test RAID Array Before Full Installation: Use the Windows installation environment to verify that your RAID array is working before committing to the full installation.
Document Your RAID Configuration: Write down your RAID type, drive assignments, and driver version. This information is invaluable if you need to troubleshoot later.
FAQs About AMD RAID Preinstall Drivers
Why does Windows say “No drives were found” during installation?
This error happens because Windows doesn’t have the right drivers to communicate with your AMD RAID controller. You need to load the AMD RAID preinstall driver during installation so Windows can recognize your storage array.
What’s the difference between preinstall and regular RAID drivers?
Preinstall drivers are small, essential files that load during Windows installation to make your RAID array visible. Regular RAID drivers install after Windows is running and provide full functionality and management tools. You need both: preinstall for installation and regular for operation.
Can I install RAID drivers after Windows is already installed?
Yes, but it’s more complicated. You need to use Windows Recovery Environment to inject the drivers, or you might need to reinstall Windows. It’s much easier to load the preinstall driver during the initial installation.
Why does RAIDXpert2 say “Unable to find rccfg RAID driver”?
This error occurs when the RAIDXpert2 management software can’t locate the required RAID drivers. Make sure you installed the complete RAID driver package after Windows installation, not just the preinstall drivers.
How do I know which AMD RAID driver version I need?
Check your motherboard’s chipset model and your Windows version. AMD’s website lists compatible chipsets for each driver version. When in doubt, download the latest version that supports your hardware.
Will AMD RAID work with NVMe drives?
Yes, modern AMD RAID drivers support NVMe RAID configurations. You need to enable NVMe RAID mode in BIOS and use the latest RAID driver package that includes NVMe support.
Why is my RAID performance slow after installation?
Slow performance can result from outdated drivers, incorrect RAID configuration, or not installing the full RAID driver package after Windows installation. Update to the latest drivers and ensure you installed both preinstall and regular drivers.
Conclusion
AMD RAID preinstall drivers are essential for anyone installing Windows on an AMD RAID configuration. Without these special drivers, Windows simply can’t see your storage drives. By following this guide, you now know exactly what these drivers are, where to get them, and how to install them properly.
Remember to always download the latest compatible drivers from AMD’s website, enable RAID mode in BIOS before installation, and load the preinstall drivers at the right moment during Windows setup. With the right preparation and knowledge, you can avoid the common “No drives found” error and get your Windows installation running smoothly on your AMD RAID array.