Fixing Windows 10 installation error : We couldn’t create a new partition or locate an existing one

Last week I installed Windows 10 on an Acer Iconia Tab W500 and I encountered an error while trying to create a new partition. The Iconia Tab does not have a DVD drive so the easiest way to start is by creating a bootable USB with the Windows USB/DVD Download Tool – next you will need to boot off this USB drive and you will see the Windows 10 installation screens appear.

First you have to select the language to install, time and currency format and keyboard input. Next click install now. At this point you have the option to upgrade your existing OS or do a clean install – I selected Custom: Install Windows Only (advanced) since I did not need to keep the existing files and applications.

Next you need to decide where you are going to install Windows 10.

I removed both partitions I had but when I tried to create a new partition I got an error “We couldn’t create a new partition or locate an existing one.  For more information, see the Setup log files”. Workarounds such as removing the extra SD card or unplugging the USB stick did not resolve the issue. Luckily the steps detailed in this blogpost Error: "We couldn't create a new partition or locate an existing one. For more information, see the Setup log files." when you try to install Windows 8 (CP) are still valid for Windows 10.

1. Close the setup window and select “Repair>Advanced Tools”
2. Go to the command window
3. Start DISKPART.
4. Type LIST DISK and identify your SSD disk number (from 0 to n disks).
5. Type SELECT DISK <n> where <n> is your SSD disk number.
6. Type CLEAN
7. Type CREATE PARTITION PRIMARY
8. Type ACTIVE
9. Type FORMAT FS=NTFS QUICK
10. Type ASSIGN
11. Type EXIT twice (one to get out of DiskPart, the other to exit the command line tool)

Afterwards just reboot and start the setup again – you will now be able to use the newly created partition.

Tags van Technorati: Windows10,installation,microsoft,troubleshooting