Does the boot loop continue after modifying certain BIOS settings?
Does the boot loop continue after modifying certain BIOS settings?
I recently assembled a new computer about a week ago, set up Windows and used it for a short period. Then I accessed the BIOS to disable the SPD write disable feature, hoping to address the persistent rainbow effect on my RAM. While doing so, I considered testing an XMP profile.
After exiting the BIOS, the system powered on with the motherboard's amber DRAM indicator illuminated, functioning normally before restarting again and attempting a Windows boot. It managed to boot for about 20 seconds before displaying a blue screen with the error message "Storage Device Inaccessible."
It seems a parts list would be helpful:
MBD: Asus Rog Strix Z790-H Gaming WiFi
CPU: i9-12900KS BX8071512900KS
RAM: Trident Z5 64GB F5-6400J3239G32GX2-TZ5RK
SSD: Samsung 990 Pro 2TB MZ-V9P2T0BW
CPU Cooler: Phantom Spirit 120 SE ARGB
PSU: Corsair RM850x
Naturally, I first adjusted the XMP settings but found no improvement. I then reset the CMOS multiple times without success. Thinking it might be related to RAM since that can cause various issues, I installed RAM sticks one at a time in the A2 slot and ran MemTest86, which reported zero errors and no changes.
Thus, it appears the problem likely lies with the motherboard, as the SSD functioned correctly and shouldn't have been affected by these changes. When the system restarts after failing to boot, it initiates the Windows Recovery, prompting me to use DiskPart and chkdsk, but both fail to recognize the drive, displaying multiple errors.
When I boot from the USB drive, Windows installs with the same settings. During the drive selection, it displays "We couldn't find any drives." However, when attempting to boot, the green-yellow light remains illuminated for several seconds.
I would gladly share photos of all these screens, though access is limited for some reason. I explored various BIOS options, including boot settings that show Windows boot manager on the SSD and listing the UEFI USB installer. Under Intel Rapid Storage Technology it lists: "Intel RST 19.5.0.5676 rst vmd driver."
Non-RAID physical disks:
PCIe 1.0: Samsung SSD 990 Pro 2TB...
NvMe controller and drive info:
No NVMe device found
Secure erase list empty
Temperature monitor shows nothing from the SSD, unlike before this issue occurred.
Using EZ Flash 3 utility allowed me to inspect all directory structures on the SSD's three partitions, including the 96MB boot partition, 553MB recovery partition, and the 1.6GB Windows partition. The remaining space is unallocated, as I intended to use it for another system.
I attempted to set the boot sector recovery policy to automatic and tried all secure boot configurations, but nothing resolved the problem. I haven't enabled Secure Boot because I believe integrated graphics are involved.
In conclusion, I suspect the SSD has failed, though access to its file system indicates otherwise. If anyone has encountered similar issues or insights, I’d appreciate hearing from them.
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
I immediately started adjusting xmp settings but it didn’t help. I reset the CMOS several times without any effect.
To erase the CMOS, I unplugged the power, turned off the display, removed the battery, held the power button for 30 seconds, then reinserted it after an hour.
Did the operating system load while the CSM was active in BIOS before this issue occurred?
MBD: Asus Rog Strix Z790-H Gaming WiFi
BIOS version for your motherboard?
The board features a CMOS clear button, yet I kept it disconnected from power just in case, but the outcome remained identical whether I turned it on or off initially. This suggests it achieved the intended purpose: showing the message asking to enter setup to recover BIOS settings. After configuring RAID, vmd... (not using it), I pressed f1 to proceed and enjoy the optimized performance from ASUS. If you follow Intel guidelines and stick to the stock power limits, make sure to disable the ASUS multicore enhancement (MCE) in the BIOS settings. Then, navigate to the UEFI settings menu and press f1 to enter setup mode.
Sorry, I didn't mention the bios version being 1202. It was also on my list to test, but I don't have another PC to work with.
As I mentioned, I managed to fix the CMOS several times, and I also tried rearranging the RAM, but it seems to work now.
I also ran a memory test from the BIOS.
I don’t want to say it, but I’m curious if your boot partition is damaged. Should I not reinstall Windows? Could the install media even detect the SSD?
I’m not eager to mention the motherboard, though I believe you understand.
No, the installation window shows "we couldn't find any drives" at the selection screen. In the BIOS, the SPD is recognized as expected, but elsewhere the drive isn't listed. It seems the file system can be accessed via EzyFlash 3, which suggests it's not completely dead.
Without the ssd I was limited to booting only the usb installer, and there would definitely be no drive available for installation. Still, I’ll give it a shot anyways.
I’ve already tested another m.2 slot for the ssd—it supports pcie and sata, so I thought I could try both. But it seems the drive doesn’t work in sata mode, even though I expected it to. It might just be related to the existing issue.
Thanks for your suggestions.