Unable to install a new operating system on the M.2 SSD, encountering BSOD errors.
Unable to install a new operating system on the M.2 SSD, encountering BSOD errors.
So I'm not unfamiliar with computers, especially back in my day... I used MSDOS and Windows 3.1... But I've never seen anything like this before, maybe I'm just getting old and lazy.
I have a setup (see below) and added a new M.2 SSD – WD Black 850x. I tried updating the BIOS to the latest version, restored factory settings, swapped out the USB thumb drive, changed the ports, used a different Windows image, but the installation kept failing. It ends with BSODs. Here are two examples: First, right after installation I get SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION... and sometimes KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE.
I've confirmed that the new M2 drive won't fail – tested multiple times, everything seems normal.
My PC works just fine with this configuration and another SSD (with the M.2 inside, data visible).
From my last attempt, I have a dump file – DumpStack.txt if you need it.
Any suggestions? I'm out of options.
🙁
https://jpst.it/40a-p
- DUMP FILE
HW INFO
https://jpst.it/40a-B
Do you know about this? The link suggests strongly updating SSD firmware.
So, it seems one stick doesn't matter much, that's my understanding. The firmware for the WD 850x is up to date. I drove to work and installed Windows perfectly; I'll see how it performs at home setup. Then the only concern is probably the MB size—what's the issue?
Do you have an alternative hard drive that allows installing Windows via the problematic system? This could fix a faulty motherboard. It might result in component incompatibility or issues with BIOS settings. The M.2 setup worked on another system—consider trying it if possible.
So... I discovered the answer – you’ll never guess what the issue was.
After further troubleshooting (the system ran smoothly on Windows 11 with an SSD, same setup, but new M.2 inside), I tried again – this time with a fresh installation on the M.2 drive. Eventually, I managed to complete the Windows setup without encountering any BSODs.
I was curious about how it worked this time, especially since there were no problems with other operating systems on the SSD. After installing all the motherboard drivers from another system, I connected the Ethernet cable (which I had installed via a different port because I was removing the GPU, testing other M.2 slots, and swapping memory sticks) and suddenly – BANG – a BSOD appeared.
Restarting again, keeping the cable inside, and it happened once more.
Looking at the hardware specifications, I realized I had used an external PCI-E network card, but I hadn’t suspected this was the problem, as other operating systems on the SSD worked perfectly. I think it’s best not to jump to conclusions.
Next, I visited the manufacturer’s website, downloaded drivers for another OS, booted into the new system on the M.2 drive without a cable connected, installed the drivers, and everything functioned correctly.
Now I can rest easy. Meh.
Thanks to everyone for your help and thoughtful suggestions.