Solved PC doesn't boot from USB (like it always did)

[Tomoms]

Hi there
Since I installed Windows 7 on my notebook using EFI I'm unable to boot from any USB stick (obviously bootable). For example, if I insert my Windows 7 insallation USB (the same I used to install my system) and I set the correct boot order, my PC boots directly from my hard drive.

Any hint is welcome!

 

[AddRAM]

Disable EFI

Reinstall windows again.

 

[Tomoms]

Disable EFI

Reinstall windows again.

You may have misunderstood me. I don't want to reinstall Windows again, I just want to boot a Linux distribution or Windows's rescue utility.

 

[theog]

Are you booting the USB in UEFI mode?

 

[Tomoms]

Are you booting the USB in UEFI mode?

Yes I am. I haven't got separate entries for EFI/nonEFI mode, I have got an option to enable EFI for all the devices (USBs, HDD, DVDs...) and obviously I've enabled it

 

[gregrocker]

Look closely at all BIOS settings on all tabs in BIOS setup. Some may pertain to USB boot.

Format the stick correctly using Option One only from UEFI Bootable USB Flash Drive - Create in Windows for Win7.

For Linux you'll need to ask a Linux expert, perhaps in this thread: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/257048-dual-boot-windows-7-linux.html

 

[DavidE]

Disable EFI

Reinstall windows again.

You may have misunderstood me. I don't want to reinstall Windows again, I just want to boot a Linux distribution or Windows's rescue utility.

Why do you want to keep EFI and not go back to Legacy ?
In your other thread Greg asked why you reinstalled in EFI, and you replied "I reinstalled in EFI mode just to try it out".
http://www.sevenforums.com/general-...s-assumes-windows-resuming-2.html#post2874162

To me it seems your problems might be caused by using EFI on this "older laptop" ...
Maybe it's a problem with your laptop/BIOS/EFI ... ???
You could check with Samsung support, but will they support an older product that may need BIOS changes ???

If you didn't have these issues before installing with EFI, why not re-install with Legacy ?
You might be spending more time trying to make things work with EFI than it's worth, and may never work reliably !

 

[Tomoms]

I'm sure this problem is related to Windows simply because on this laptop I've used Linux + EFI for 2 years without these problems. I was able to boot into my Windows USB installer while using Linux in EFI mode, and so I installed Windows.

 

[AddRAM]

No, I didn`t misunderstand you

 

[DavidE]

I'm sure this problem is related to Windows simply because on this laptop I've used Linux + EFI for 2 years without these problems. I was able to boot into my Windows USB installer while using Linux in EFI mode, and so I installed Windows.

I didn't know you've been using Linux + EFI ... :shock:

Post a screen print of Disk Management:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/274797-disk-management-post-screen-capture-image.html

Greg is the top installation guru here.
He may see something in the DM that might help explain things ...
I'll look, but I'm no installation or Linux expert

 

[Tomoms]

I did this test: first thing, I removed my Hard Disk. Then I booted my Linux USB stick and it booted succesfully (EFI=on)! After doing that, I tried with my Windows 7 USB stick and it booted too. So I can say that Windows is causing the problem.
I've attached the screenshot you asked me.
Even though during the installation Windows created 2 little partitions (about 100 MB each) and the main C: drive, Disk Management show only one little partition.

 

[gregrocker]

It isn't always created but since you say you saw it during install the second MSI Reserved partition is hidden, most likely.

When you can boot media with your HD unplugged that won't otherwise boot it normally is resolved by wiping code from the HD. Even deleting all partitions will not wipe the boot sector of possibly conflicting code (most applicable in this case) or partition table. You'd really need to use Diskpart Clean Command .

I've never seen evidence in a case like this where the HD is clearly blocking media boot that it is caused he OS at all. More likely some conflict with old GRUB code.

You may be wipe the HD while it's plugged in by rebooting with the http://www.carrona.org/hddiag.html CD or Partition Wizard CD in the drive which should autostart. I'd test the HD with the long test anyway to be sure.

 

[Tomoms]

It isn't always created but since you say you saw it during install the second MSI Reserved partition is hidden, most likely.

When you can boot media with your HD unplugged that won't otherwise boot it normally is resolved by wiping code from the HD. Even deleting all partitions will not wipe the boot sector of possibly conflicting code (most applicable in this case) or partition table. You'd really need to use Diskpart Clean Command .

I've never seen evidence in a case like this where the HD is clearly blocking media boot that it is caused he OS at all. More likely some conflict with old GRUB code.

You may be wipe the HD while it's plugged in by rebooting with the Hard Drive Diagnostic Procedure CD or Partition Wizard CD in the drive which should autostart. I'd test the HD with the long test anyway to be sure.

So the only solution requires wiping the HDD and reinstalling Windows?

 

[gregrocker]

What is the HD diagnostics test results?

Try reformatting and writing the stick again. Use Option One in UEFI Bootable USB Flash Drive - Create in Windows which we know works for UEFI always. If it boots then the problem is the way the stick is written.

Try another stick.

 

[Tomoms]

I solved this problem by booting from USB using a hidden temporary boot menu. I wonder why in the user manual I couldn't find this menu; also, when I chatted with Samsung Support, they didn't told me about it either.

 

[gregrocker]

The Boot menu key for Samsung is F12.

 

[Tomoms]

The Boot menu key for Samsung is F12.

However I was able to boot from USB pressing ESC

 

[gregrocker]

Then it must be different on your model. Is everything OK now?

 

[Tomoms]

Then it must be different on your model. Is everything OK now?

Yes, everything IS ok