Solved W11 install doesn't find SSD, I can't identify needed driver

I'm learning how to do more things with this project and right now I'm stumped. If anyone can help me I'd appreciate it a lot. (I wrote all this by hand, no ChatGPT.)

The Setup:
I have an Acer Predator Helios 18 that I want to do a fresh install of Windows 11 on. I used Clonezilla to make a full disk image as a restore point, and I've restored from it so I know it works, so I can fix the computer if something goes wrong. All important data is backed up separately.

I've used Rufus with Win11_25H2_English_x64_v2.iso from Microsoft's website to create a USB drive I can install Windows from. I already downloaded all provided drivers from Acer's website for this laptop. The BIOS is up to date (1.11) and has no problems. I believe the laptop has no hardware damage.

Once I install Windows, I expect I should be able to get everything else working.

The Problem:
1) When I run the USB to install Windows 11, the WinPE (Windows Pre-installation Environment) fails to recognize the built-in hard drive.
"Select location to install Windows 11" shows either nothing or only my USB.
Also, I have to navigate everything with the keyboard. The touchpad is not working. Plugging in a mouse works.

2) When I run I see about 30 separate things with Status: Problem, telling me that they need drivers. I don't really know what I'm looking at here. I can't identify what things are.

3) When I check my folder full of pre-downloaded drivers, I see about 300 separate drivers between 30 folders. This is too many to attempt to do by hand. I need some way to narrow it down or load them in bulk.

The Goal:
Fresh install of Windows 11 Home.
A local admin account.
Install all drivers and Windows updates.
Make a fresh backup so I can always bring the computer back to this known good state.

Specs:
OS: Windows 11 Home

CPU: Intel i9-14900HX 2.2 GHz, 24 core, 14th Gen
Chipset Model: HM770

GPU: GeForce RTX 4090 16 GB

RAM: 32 GB DDR5

Storage: PCIe NVMe 1 TB

Model number: PH18-72-924C
Product series: PH18-72

20 folders of drivers:
-APP Base Driver_Acer_1.0.0.4_W11x64_A (<1 MB)
-CardReader_Realtek_10.0.22621.21366_W11x64_A (14 MB)
-Chipset_Intel_10.1.46.3_W11x64_A (<1 MB)
-DES Driver_Acer_1.0.0.3016_W11x64_A (<1 MB)
-DisplayBacklightCtrl_Acer_1.0.0.14_W11x64_A (<1 MB)
-DPTF_Intel_9.0.11401.0_W11x64_A (7 MB)
-HID event filter_Intel_2.2.2.5_W11x64_A (<1 MB)
-Intel GNA_Intel_03.00.00.1457_W11x64_A (<1 MB)
-IO Drivers_Intel_30.100.2237.26_W11x64_A (<1 MB)
-IRST_Intel_19.5.7.1058_W11x64_A (2 MB)
-ISST_Intel_10.29.00.9677_W11x64_A (120 MB)
-MgmtEngine_Intel_2316.5.0.0_W11x64_A (21 MB)
-Thunderbolt_Intel_1.41.1372.0_W11x64_A (2 MB)
-TouchPad_Synaptics_19.0.25.11_W11x64_A (<1 MB)
-VGA Utility_NVIDIA_32.0.15.5608_W11x64_A (271 MB)
-VGA_Intel_31.0.101.4502_W11x64_A (524 MB)
-VGA_NVIDIA_32.0.15.5608_W11x64_A (969 MB)
-XPERI DTS Utility_XPERI_1.12.0.0_W11x64_A (101 MB)
-XPERI DTS Utility_XPERI_2023.3.13.0_W11x64_A (367 MB)
-XPERI DTS_XPERI_1.13.2.0_W11x64_A (9 MB)

I've left a few folders out. I assume stuff for Audio, Bluetooth, and LAN won't matter until later. Each folder that I've opened in the WinPE has multiple drivers. I don't think any of them are .exe files. I'm going to run the installer again and post the info from .

IRST_Intel_19.5.7.1058_W11x64_A (2 MB)

Click to expand...

could be what is needed in boot.wim image 2 to see the disk

and

-IO Drivers_Intel_30.100.2237.26_W11x64_A (<1 MB)
-TouchPad_Synaptics_19.0.25.11_W11x64_A (<1 MB)

Click to expand...

for the touchpad

SIW2 said:

"IRST_Intel_19.5.7.1058_W11x64_A (2 MB)"
could be what is needed in boot.wim image 2 to see the disk

Click to expand...

Hot dang! Sniped! That worked instantly.

IRST_Intel_19.5.7.1058_W11x64_A (2 MB)
->
VMD
->
Intel RST VMD Controller A77F

I'll update this post if I run into another problem or when I finish installing Windows.

step 10 here Clean Install Windows 11

I’m in Windows properly. So far so good. Thanks again for the help. I really was dreading having to learn something complicated to get through this small step.

IRST - Intel Rapid Storage Technology
VMD - Volume Management Device
RST - Rapid Storage Technology