Windows Clean install fails because of random crashes and restarts while the process runs.
Windows Clean install fails because of random crashes and restarts while the process runs.
Hello, I need assistance.
I purchased a prebuilt powerful PC in January 2024 for my freelance video production work. After setting it up, I opted to use my Microsoft account and an older PC configuration. This led to several minor oddities and occasional BSODs. It has been a month now, and the problems have intensified—more frequent BSODs and random crashes of editing software and games. Since two days ago, I can't even launch Windows.
I installed Raid myself (though I'm not entirely sure about that), which seemed to stabilize the system somewhat. However, it was clearly flawed before.
Currently, my PC is extremely unstable—I can no longer perform a clean installation of Windows. When I try, the computer either restarts immediately or after selecting keyboard language, or I encounter various BSODs linked to different components. I'm unsure what to do next. What options do I have?
I've already tried various USB drives and installation methods multiple times, using all available USB ports (including BIOS USB 2.0). I unplugged everything, swapped RAM and NVMe SSDs, and booted with minimal configurations. All three NVMe SSDs were tested in different slots, cleaned via DiskPart, and then deleted. I removed the Raid setup and created new ones (though my BIOS has very few Raid settings). I updated the BIOS and reset it.
I also consulted the manual and ChatGPT for guidance, but the issue remains unchanged.
Please let me know what I should do next.
My specifications:
- Processor: Intel Core i9 24-core (up to 6.0GHz), 36 MB cache
- Motherboard: ASUS PRO WS W680-ACE (LGA1700, DDR5, PCIe 5.0)
- RAM: 96 GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR5 5600MHz (4 x 24GB)
- Graphics: 16 GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 (HDMI, DP, LHR)
- Storage:
- 2 TB Solid State Drive (Samsung 870 QVO 2.5", SATA 6 Gb/s)
- 2 TB Solid State Drive (Solid State Drive P44 PRO GEN 4, PCIe SSD)
- 8 TB Samsung 870 QVO 2.5", SATA 6 Gb/s
- 12 TB Seagate IronWolf PRO, 3.5", 7200 RPM, 256 MB cache
- BIOS: Updated and reset
- I attempted to clean install Windows multiple times, tested all USB ports, swapped RAM and SSDs, and cleaned with DiskPart.
Help is needed!
If it keeps crashing during Windows installation repeatedly, my initial thought would be a memory or storage issue, though the CPU or motherboard might also be involved. It seems like you've already tried replacing RAM in different slots and only using one drive, etc. Based on the specifications I have, I’m going to assume this isn’t your first computer; could you try running the USB Windows install on another machine? (Make sure any necessary backups are saved beforehand). This would help eliminate the chances that the USB drive is damaged or that the installer or drive itself is faulty. That should likely point you in the right direction.
I would suggest running a test using just the primary disk (turn off the other hard drives).
Hello, thank you for your assistance!
I changed the RAM slots and sticks, and tried booting with them swapped while using only one.
The SSDs I have three of, probably related to the RAID setup.
Your suggestion was right—I have an older machine where the Windows boot system with the media creation tool works perfectly.
Also, other options function well when I choose repair instead of reinstalling Windows.
But on my new PC it causes issues.
Therefore, the last stick seems not to be the problem.
Hello thanks!
I tried this step again with all three disks, but the issue still continues. The only change was the screen resolution or it seems to fail earlier or later. However, whenever I click "yes I want a clean install," the process starts immediately.
It seems like the reinstallation isn't getting permission and that's why it restarts. But I'm not sure about this.
EDIT: DPC Watchdog caused a BSOD on the second attempt with just the third stick connected, while all others were disconnected. I stopped looking up more about it because the BSOD changed frequently.
When you save the iso file for USB use, you must act quickly, as the window for installation is short. If the file has passed its deadline, you need to obtain a new one.
After reinstalling, keep only the master copy and avoid connecting additional drives.
I use the windows 11 media creation tool, which is on a USB stick. It's not an iso disk I believe. I created a new one today in the late afternoon. It worked on another PC too. I wasn't expecting any special steps, but wouldn't it display something other than just restart or BSOD?
Ok, I'm using the master drive. Should I take care of the raid settings? Do I need to re-enable it or is there anything else I can do? Also, even after running the Media Creation tool and then immediately trying to restart, it didn't work.