Problem with MOBO and CPU failing to start Windows
Problem with MOBO and CPU failing to start Windows
Hi all,
Just upgraded my MOBO and CPU and I'm having a lot of strange problems getting it to boot into Windows on multiple HDD devices. Not sure what the problem is, and most solutions are stymied by additional problems. Maybe someone here can sort me out.
System specs:
MOBO: Asus Prime B550-PLUS (used)
CPU: Ryzen 5 5600X (used)
GPU: Zotac RTX 3060ti (used)
RAM: 2x DDR4 8GB 3200MHz Corsair Vengeance
HDD: Multiple, all Western Digital HDDs, no SSD available
Everything starts fine, MOBO runs its QLED checks and pulls up the BIOS. The previous setup had multiple HDDs plugged in, all of which are from older computers and still have their own (old, most likely pre-7) installations of Windows. Those automatically go to Startup Repair if I try to boot into them, but they don't do much, just an endless self-reboot cycle or it freezes up and has to be rebooted manually. I got BSOD code from trying to start Windows regularly on one of them, and that was 0x0000074.
The main harddrive with Windows 10 on it that I want to boot into, if I unplug the other HDDs, it won't recognize that one as bootable at all. It sees it as attached hardware and knows what it is, but won't boot into it, acts like there's nothing there to boot from. If I connect that same drive to the old MOBO and CPU, it works fine. There is also another HDD that it does this with. I've tried both UEFI and legacy modes with largely the same results; endless self-reboots, freezes, or asks to connect bootable media.
Also, I can't seem to boot from a USB drive; if I even connect a thumbdrive to USB, the BIOS becomes unstable and freezes up; either it gets stuck loading from F2 or it freezes up shortly after loading the EZ screen. So reinstalling Windows from a boot drive isn't feasible due to that. Full disclosure, I did forget to download the chipset drivers for the new MOBO, but figured I'd be able to get far enough to do that with the new equipment running, I've never seen this problem before. But I would have to take the whole rig apart and put the old hardware back to do that, which I'd prefer not to if there are any other solutions. I tried downloading them and putting them on a USB, but as mentioned, can't use a USB for anything or it just freezes up really easily.
It should also be mentioned that I did have this same problem with an identical MOBO, it just had slightly different symptoms (startup repair would fail, but was at least able to attempt -- this one just reboots over and over and startup repair doesn't seem to be able to do anything).
Anyone have any bright ideas, other than taking everything apart, downloading drivers, and hoping that fixes it? I've never had this much trouble swapping out hardware before. Is it possible that any of this equipment is faulty? I worry a little bit about the CPU with all the freezing, but everything looks normal on the BIOS.
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
Please note the make and model of your PSU and its age. What were your original specifications before the upgrade?
I recently upgraded my MOBO and CPU, but I'm encountering unusual boot issues when trying to start Windows on various HDDs. The problem seems unclear, and most fixes are hindered by other complications. Someone here might help.
Have you reinstalled the operating system after replacing your motherboard? If not, that should be your first step.
If you can access BIOS, which version are you running?
Also, I’m unable to boot from a USB drive.
Please contact a laptop or a friend who has a donor system and help me recreate the bootable installer.
Reinstalling Windows from a boot drive isn’t possible under these circumstances.
Consider switching to an SSD—ideally priced under 40USD:
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/vP...b-...500p3pssd8
(For users in the USA.)
Initially, if your system runs at 3200MT/s, consider reverting to the JEDEC standard of 2133MT/s. This adjustment may enhance stability. Other users have noted issues with instability when using Ryzen and Vengeance processors.
Startup Repair is a persistent Windows function that shows up after two failed boot attempts. You can disable it. Sometimes, skipping the troublesome installation, clearing the drive, and reinstalling the correct Windows version or performing an in-place update helps.
It's possible the Windows 10 boot partition resides on a different storage device. Disconnecting that drive will prevent the operating system from starting. This scenario can occur following a clone if you don’t disconnect the previous drive before booting from the new one. There are ways to reposition the boot partition correctly on Windows 10. Before installing any operating system, it’s wise to disconnect all other hard drives and SSDs to keep the boot partitions in their proper location.
This issue definitely needs attention (apologies if it seems obvious). Unless you can boot from a DVD, unstable USB starts are an issue.
Generally, I avoid downloading drivers from the motherboard website. Windows 10 handles new hardware well for driver detection. The only times I need to act are when setup fails to load Ethernet or WiFi chipset drivers, blocking internet access. Most unknown devices in Device Manager can be resolved by installing optional drivers from Windows Update.
Assuming a modern motherboard/CPU, booting from XP, 2000, Vista, or Windows 7 can be frustrating. Microsoft no longer supports older Windows versions with contemporary chipsets. There might be workarounds for some outdated components, but I prefer keeping older systems with XP-compatible hardware. These disks still allow reading/writing, though booting is unlikely.
Another challenge I faced for years running XP, 7, and 10 on separate drives was that each time I accessed my main Windows 10 SSD, the computer would take about 10 minutes to run CHKDSK across all other drives. This likely stems from a “dirty” bit being set on the Windows 10 drive after switching to Windows 7 or XP on another drive. I resolved it by turning off Windows “Fast Start” and removing hiberfil.sys from all bootable drives.
In conclusion, aim for system stability and prefer booting from Windows 10 or 11.
I agree with what was mentioned earlier. You can reinstall Windows from a USB drive if needed. Installation media is available for purchase, but it's better to use the media creation tool on another computer.
Thank you, I've handled that part well. In many situations, it has as well, which supports the reasonable assumption that it should. However, I'm uncertain about the purpose of your feedback—it doesn't appear to be aimed at helping constructively. I'm not here to gather everyone's views on whether I should anticipate the computer functioning after upgrading hardware; my focus is on resolving the immediate issue so it operates correctly now.
For those following along, I was able to boot the system, but the automatic restarts and freezing hinder its usefulness. It sometimes reaches the Windows logo before rebooting or experiences a bizarre striped graphics crash before freezing, yet it hasn't successfully started the Windows installation. The SSD is brand new, while the USB drive contains only the Windows media. I also attempted to replace the RAM in the other slots, but that worsened the problem.
I'm worried about the hardware at this stage. Does this seem like a faulty MOBO or CPU? Neither has been tested on other systems. The RAM might also be responsible.
My feedback focused on:
Occasionally, despite all your efforts, the outdated system won't function.
It's time to start from scratch with a new operating system. Just to confirm the hardware is working.
Best of luck.