Issue with PC failing to start Windows following RAM installation.
Issue with PC failing to start Windows following RAM installation.
Updated BIOS version has triggered a reset of BIOS configurations.
Restore boot-related parameters to their prior settings.
SATA controller configuration: AHCI, RAID, Intel RST with optane.
Boot mode: UEFI/legacy CSM.
Enable Fast boot: disabled, Secure boot: disabled.
In Boot Priority, specify the first boot device accurately—Windows Boot Manager for drive #X (for UEFI), and drive #X for legacy CSM.
When multiple drives are connected, ensure Windows is installed on drive #1 and the bootloader on drive #2.
Bootable devices should only be those with bootloaders active.
If Windows was set up in legacy CSM mode, it won’t boot in UEFI.
For installation, use a Windows installation media in the command prompt (press Shift+F10), run commands, and capture screenshots. (Upload to imgur.com and share the link.)
It seems you could be facing issues with boot drive recognition after installing the BIOS. You might try disconnecting all drives except the non-boot one, ensuring it is selected in BIOS (refer to the guidelines above). The two sticks may not work well together and are unlikely to match now. If Windows starts, swap the old stick for the new one to test. Retry the setup again, as you've already overcome the boot problems. Allow the BIOS time to adapt to the new memory. This process might require several reboots and a long black screen before loading.
Confirmed the SATA controller operates in AHCI mode.
Boot mode is set to UEFI.
Fast book and secure boot are currently disabled.
The current boot priority order displayed is:
UEFI Hard Disk > UEFI USB Hard Disk > UEFI CD/DVD > UEFI USB CD/DVD > UEFI USB Key > UEFI USB Floppy > UEFI Network.
Windows Boot Manager is not visible.
Windows was initially installed in UEFI mode.
I cannot boot from the Windows Installation Media; after reboot and pressing F11, I see "Enter Setup" instead of any HDD/SSD options.
Verify the hard drive BBS configurations. Display screenshots are available.
Are you certain about this?
Consider attempting a boot in legacy/CSM mode.
A separate computer must be used to generate the Windows installation USB drive.
You'll need an 8GB (or bigger) USB flash drive.
I believe the BIOS/Windows was initially configured in CSM and when I added the new RAM and chose 'Load Default Settings' it switched to UEFI (I mistakenly thought it was set up as UEFI - that's my mistake) - thanks.
@SkyNetRising
Your instructions prompted me to try the alternative setup.
I reverted to CSM, adjusted the priority order, and it now loads into Windows. I also added the second RAM, which is now registered and functioning properly.
Thanks for your feedback.
To verify your new memory setup thoroughly, I suggest starting the computer using a USB drive with MemTest86.
Run all the tests in MemTest86; they may take several hours. Any errors encountered indicate potential instability in your memory.
Minor BIOS adjustments, such as increasing clock cycles or lowering XMP settings, can sometimes fix the issue. However, persistent errors may lead to data loss on both hard disk and SSD.