Can't Downgrade from Windows 8 to Windows 7 - Can't Boot Install CD

[larikang]

I just upgraded my BIOS and it somehow broke Windows 8.

I get a "Windows failed to start" error with code 0xc000000e.

So I decided this is a good opportunity to go back to Windows 7. I can boot off the install CD, but after a loading screen I get another "Windows failed to start" error with code 0xc0000185.

Any ideas?

[GiGaBiTe]

The Windows 8 error is something to do with a corrupt/missing boot loader. The Windows 7 error is something to do with not being able to access the installation media.

When you updated the BIOS, it probably changed the disk controller settings. Go into the BIOS setup and make sure that the SATA controller is set to AHCI mode and not RAID or legacy mode. If it's already in AHCI, try setting it to legacy mode and see if that helps.