Problem with starting Windows.
Problem with starting Windows.
I can't get my PC up to Windows. The installation DVD didn’t work, so I reset the CMOS. After that it booted but got stuck during the Windows setup. It displays branding and asks for F2, then restarts repeatedly. I changed the boot sequence on a different machine made with Media Creation Tool, but it still won’t start. I also tried using a DVD from years ago, but nothing helped. I’m stuck and need guidance.
Have you experimented with a bootable USB? I doubt the DVD tool is completely dependable; a faulty disc could ruin the process. NOTE: You’re seeing the motherboard logo since the creator might have built the bootable using that specific PC’s license key, suggesting the installer is searching for that hardware. This isn’t something I’ve encountered before, but software can link its registration to the exact combination of hardware. It’s frustrating enough with licensing issues, yet they’re getting smarter—using this helps prevent cheaters and complicates buying used parts. If your license key is no longer valid, you can find inexpensive Win10 keys for around $20. Still, it might be time to consider an upgrade. You didn’t mention Windows 10 or 11, but if you’re attempting a Win11 install on an older machine, that could also be the issue. Even updates are cutting support for certain processors. Edited June 21, 2022 by An0maly_76 Updated, more details
System details: running Windows 10 (unbooted), equipped with a Ryzen 3600x processor, RX 470 graphics card, Crucial Ballistix 16GB RAM at 3600MHz, TUF Gaming B550-Plus motherboard, BIOS version 2003, and 970 Evo NVMe SSD. Attempting repair via USB drive once I return from work with another machine available.
I replaced my SSD with the Sata SSD from my previous PC, but since I removed the NVMe, it’s now booting from the old one and causing issues. The same happens when trying to set up Windows. Next step is updating the BIOS using EZ Flash via USB. I’m changing from version 2003 to version 2803. Note: My system freezes during initialization when the keyboard and mouse are off—only 'TUF GAMING' appears on the screen, no loading, just a black void.
I tested the GPU on another computer and it functioned properly. After repositioning the CPU, no changes occurred. Changing the RAM sticks also didn’t make a difference.
Disconnecting and reconnecting the power cables didn’t help. The cables look okay now. Sometimes I see a blue screen during startup: messages like “Kmode Exception Not Handled” or “SYSTEM THREAD EXCEPTION NOT HANDLED.”