Windows Nightmare Edition - - - I'm unable to reload the OS?
Windows Nightmare Edition - - - I'm unable to reload the OS?
So, exactly where it breaks? (screen captures recommended) How To - Windows 11 clean install tutorial This guide aims to assist you through a clean installation of Windows 11 version 23H2 or later. It can also be used for earlier versions, though some visual differences may exist. forums.
Step 9 will trigger a quick BSOD when starting services. The computer then restarts and jumps straight into the OS, skipping all further processes. By that time, the OS has almost no functionality left, but I managed to open settings and CMD, although I couldn't do much with them.
If it eventually works with the original installation, do you possess sufficient capabilities to run 'msconfig' or the alternative method for booting into safe mode? Once confirmed, attempt an inside upgrade of Windows 11. It might indicate a hardware or software issue.
After reviewing the information, it seems you grasped it correctly. The statement about using the same flash-drive on many computers should still work for installing Windows, and indeed, other known working drives also fail to install Windows on the customer's machine—this suggests a possible issue with the faulty or corrupted drive.
You haven't prepared yourself for replacing both the CPU and the GPU. You've already updated the motherboard, which is typically the final step before giving up. Your "boss man" might not be pleased with all the time invested on the customer's machine without success. Are you billing by the hour only, then returning a non-functional computer? Or will you replace it with a new system under warranty, without altering any other parts? You don't have to find an identical 13900K to confirm if the CPU is the issue—any compatible model from the list will work. You likely already have several old CPUs in your workshop. Try using one. Likewise, you don't need a new GTX 3070 or 3080 for testing purposes. Any PCIe card that supports your system will suffice, starting from a GT 730. It doesn't matter if it's fully Windows 10/11 compliant; the Microsoft Basic Adapter is sufficient. Finish what you started and replace both components.
Safe mode is still having the same problem—can't do much in there. I've used the same flash drives before installing several computers after testing, so I'm pretty sure it's not the drives. CMD opens but I can't run any commands; I don't remember what it says and can't even navigate directories. I tried a different GPU since we have one available, but nothing changed. It wasn't my choice to buy a CPU or test it, so I came here to check if it would make sense either way.
I have just three remaining thoughts:
1) Switch BIOS to verbose mode and observe any reports when the system boots.
2) Return to CMD to capture precise commands.
3) Request further details from the new customer regarding the machine—its purchase, usage, and related history.
Not a topic I’m accustomed to (full disclosure), but one idea that comes to mind is the computer could have been damaged by tools like BusKill or USB Killer.
It’s not harmful to explore this possibility.
Search online and reflect more on all actions taken and what the new customer mentioned, or didn’t mention.
I will definitely rely on the more security-conscious and experienced members here.
I fully grasp your situation and after reviewing the price of a new i3-13100, it's clear it represents a substantial investment for a small company, without any assurance that the 13900KF is functioning correctly.
I'm aware this is being straightforward, but it seems the 13900KF might have experienced some issues and the most sensible step would be to initiate an RMA with Microsoft.
https://community.intel.com/t5/Blog...n-...st/1633239
Additional considerations:
I’m sure you’ve already attempted to install Windows 10, but have you tried doing so with Secure Boot and TPM turned off in the BIOS? I also suggest using a local account rather than a Microsoft account. If you’re attempting to install Windows 11 with Secure Boot and TPM activated, it adds unnecessary complexity. Still, I doubt lowering security settings in 10 will resolve the problem.
What were your BIOS settings for 'Launch CSM' and 'Boot Device Control'?
It’s a possibility, but these options could influence the installation process, particularly if 'Launch CSM' is disabled or 'Boot Device Control' is set to 'Legacy OPROM only'.
Launch CSM
Settings: [Disabled] [Enabled]
[Enabled] To improve compatibility, ensure CSM fully supports non-UEFI driver add-ons or the Windows ® UEFI mode.
Boot Device Control
Allows you to choose boot-up modes based on device specifications. Devices with the chosen mode will appear in the boot priority list.
Settings: [UEFI and Legacy OPROM] [Legacy OPROM only] [UEFI only]
Given your system is modern, CSM should likely remain disabled, though it may be useful for ROMs on older LSI HBA cards and SFP+ 10GbE Solarflare NICs. Likewise, 'UEFI only' appears appropriate, but 'Legacy OPROM only' probably isn’t.
Summary: The 13900KF is likely affected. Apologies.