PC won't boot off the USB

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CrossBird

Reputable
Apr 23, 2017
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4,510
The topic appears to be common here, but none of the given solutions seem to work.

System config:
Pre-built system (year 2010)
Mobo - G41 DDR3 L775 mATX
CPU - PDC E5500 2.8Ghz
PSU - Seasonic S12ii-520W (new)
RAM - 2 GB DDR3
OS - Windows 10 32-bit (originally Win 7, upgraded to Win 8, upgraded to Win 10)

Long story cut short, my Old PSU (200W) died. So I plugged in a new PSU after verifying it was okay to do so since it was a pre-built system. When I started the system, I got stuck on the Automatic Repair screen. I decided to clean install and created a Win 10 32-bit USB installation media.

Started the PC, got into BIOS to change the boot order to USB first. However, the boot order did not show USB at all. USB was detected under Hard Drives, along with the existing HDD. The tiny LED in the USB comes on as well, so I know it is being detected. However, the PC did not boot from the USB.

It kept getting stuck on auto repair. Then, after a few more tries and changing the settings in BIOS (including disabling quick boot), I got the frozen American Megatrends screen. I shut down the system and restarted, but it went back to the American Megatrends screen, despite trying to get into BIOS. Basically, BIOS was not accessible anymore.

Removed all connections to mobo - HDD, optical drive. Removed USB from case as well. Now, it allows me to go into BIOS. I have attached images here for what I see on the BIOS screen (again, with no HDD or USB drives attached). Can anyone tell me what settings I need to change to get it to boot from USB?

(Photos refuse to upload - posting links instead)

Main BIOS
Advanced BIOS Features
CPU Configuration
IDE Configuration
IDE Configuration - SATA Controller to Manual -Compatible
Boot Configuration Features
Boot Settings Configuration
Boot Device Priority

Note: On the BIOS I don't find the AHCI option anywhere. Neither do I see a secure boot option, or for that matter any of the (4) SATA ports - should they be visible?

Also, I tried removing the CMOS battery and replacing. On restart, it gives me this screen.
American Megatrends


The BIOS settings has remained the same after removing/reinstalling the CMOS battery. Right now, if I attach anything to the SATA ports, it goes back to American Megatrends - refuses to start, or even allow me enter BIOS.


 
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TerryLaze

TerryLaze

Polypheme
May 9, 2016
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All drives appear as ide on such old systems,even sata ones.
You will have to create an installation usb that has mbr instead of uefi you can use rufus for that,since such old bioses,as you already noticed,don't have any option for secure or legacy boot you have to boot with legacy/mbr.

The usb will then show up as a possible boot device in the bios and you will be able to boot from it but installation will still be tricky it's quite possible that win10 won't be able to recognize such an old board and won't be able to access the drives.
 
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C

CrossBird

Reputable
Apr 23, 2017
17
0
4,510
Thanks for your responses.

I was able to finally get the USB in boot device priority. I plugged in a new SSD, which was also detected (under hard drives and boot device priority). Disabled fast boot and exit BIOS. The USB light flickers, but the screen remains stuck on the Windows (blue) logo - no spinning dots. After about 15 minutes, the USB light goes off, but the screen stays the same.



TerryLaze, is there something I need to change in the BIOS settings that may be impeding the install?

I also read someplace that I should create a boot media with both 32-bit and 64-bit versions, and then press F8 when boot manager asks which version I want to install. That way, it seems, I can get to safe mode, and install from there.

All I really want to do is install, activate, and link the Win 10 license to an MS account. I believe I can then upgrade the mobo and retain the license.

Thanks again
 
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