Recent installation issue, crashes during USB startup.
Recent installation issue, crashes during USB startup.
I'm struggling with this computer. After the installation, everything seemed fine initially—running benchmarks, playing games, monitoring temps and resources. Then it crashed. First it would freeze with KMODE EXEMPTION issues, then an IRQL not less or equal error appeared, after which it wouldn't boot Windows at all. Automatic fixes didn't help; they just caused another crash. Eventually, after removing a RAM stick, it worked again. We attempted driver installation via the MSI tool, but another BSOD occurred. Now USB booting isn't possible and the RAM trick failed this time. My PC specs are Windows 10 Pro, Intel i7-13700K, M.2 slot, DDR4 memory, RTX 4070 Ti. I've reinstalled Windows Media Creation Tool and even tried a Windows 11 installer, but nothing works. Every USB port was tested. Disabled Safe Boot and Smart Boot. No LED lights from the motherboard appear. BIOS reports everything normal, all components are present. CPU/XMP profiles aren't set. CMOS cleared by bridging jbat pins and removing the battery. I flashed the BIOS to the latest version from May 1, 2023. After the first crash, a memory test showed no problems. If I try booting from the hard drive, it just loops on “preparing automatic repairs.” Everything in this build is brand new, and I even brought it to a local repair shop—it was a huge waste of time and money.
Begin by clearing all unnecessary files to prepare for booting or installing Windows. If you plan to replace the storage drive, erase any existing SSD or HDD. Detach the graphics card and connect your monitor directly to the motherboard. Take out one RAM stick (you already did this, switch between them if possible). Ideally, borrow a friend’s DDR4 module for better performance. Disconnect any advanced keyboard and use a simple one instead (like the Corsair RGB4000-inator). Wipe the CMOS when the power is off, using the I/O shield button if available. Reinstall the BIOS settings again. The latest BIOS version appears to be 7E06v15 from March 24, 2023. Also, try booting in Safe Mode and installing drivers there via the provided link. These problems seem to stem from hardware or driver issues, so minimize external connections.
I followed all your instructions, except for the keyboard—checked the closet and found nothing but RGB lights for years. I swapped out the RAM sticks and even changed the RAM slots on the motherboard. Still can’t boot from USB. Only one M.2 drive has been installed so far. Could it be the motherboard? Should I try a standard keyboard instead?
I wouldn't expect it to be the motherboard. Would you check if the USB appears as a bootable device, even though it doesn't function? Is this USB a Windows 10 or 11 bootable drive? Try creating a bootable Windows 10 USB: 1. Connect the USB to another computer 2. Launch Command Prompt and follow these steps (this will erase the drive completely—back up any important files first): diskpart #Accept UAC if prompted List Disk Select Disk X #Pick X by inspecting its disk number ### and size. Locate the size matching your USB. Ex. Disk 1 Clean #Close Command Prompt 3. Press Windows Key + R to open Run 4. Type "diskmgmt.msc" and click OK 5. In the list at the bottom, find the USB device. 6. Right-click the unallocated space and choose "New Simple Volume". Set your desired settings. You may proceed through each step. 7. Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software.../windows10 or use this direct link: https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=691209 8. Run the tool. Wait for it to finish preparing and accept the license agreement. 9. Choose "Create Installation Media" and proceed. If prompted, pick "Burn to USB" and assign your USB drive. Avoid creating an ISO file. 10. Allow the download and installation process to complete. When the tool closes, attempt to boot from the USB.
I'm not feeling optimistic. You might want to contact MSI support or ask another person for assistance. Thanks for your understanding.