Embarassing problem: now it is more difficult to boot from USB

[steve2470]

Here is the problem, fellow CHaS ladies and gents:

1- I routinely do beta testing for the Windows Insider program. That means being comfortable with installing new versions of their OS on a regular basis. If I have a problem with a beta, I just go back to the most recent stable version, no problems at all.

2- One day recently, I had some time on my hands, so I installed this version: Windows 10 Team PPIPro. Idle hands are the devil's workshop, and all that.

3- Before you scold me, yes, I should have researched this OS. It is CLEARLY not meant for an ordinary PC, such as mine.

4- I found out instantly that this OS was not usable. It took great effort to uninstall it.

5- Before I installed that OS, I was able to boot from USB very easily.

6- Now, for some strange reason, I have to resort to legacy mode and FAT32 to even have a chance of booting any ISO. The ONLY ISO that boots easily is an old version of Windows 10 (1507, from July 2015, which I have the DVD for and I made an ISO from it).

7- I have researched this pretty extensively, but I am still at a loss. I use Rufus to make my ISO's. Usually a Rufus-made ISO boots easily, even in GPT/UEFI/NTFS mode.

8- Yes, I can still boot from my DVD writer/drive and I can boot from an ISO mounted on my C: drive.

9- Is this a common problem ? My motherboard is this one: ASRock X570 Phantom Gaming 4 Wifi ax The motherboard is completely updated with all relevant drivers. I have flashed the BIOS multiple times, and it's on version 2.20 now.

I know I can just replace the motherboard, but that's an absolute last resort. Any suggestions, or just continue to use my workarounds ? Thanks everyone.

Your very embarrassed CHaS host,

Steve

[Earth-shine]

1. I tell people with comp problems "Take two reboots and call me in the morning." But for you ...

I have no clue what's wrong here. So, in the absence of real advice, I suggest you do the most drastic form of reboot.

If this were my computer, I'd pull the battery from the mobo and the power cord from the chassis.

I'd let it sit there in the corner for a day totally without electricity. I'd say, "Bad computer!"

Then, I'd put a new battery in and try it all again.

Over the years, I have recovered several seemingly wasted computers in this manner.

Other than a total reset of all chips and capacitors, I'm not sure why it works.

Good luck!

[steve2470]

4. yes I need to try that, thanks nt

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

2. I'm guessing something happened to the MB USB basic I/O

Humor me and try this: unplug your mouse when you boot.

[steve2470]

5. ok I will try that nt

[Hugh_Lebowski]

3. Are you talking about booting straight from BIOS here, to an image you have on USB?

If so, I would unplug the HD where this weirdo Windows lived entirely and see if that changes anything.

[steve2470]

6. yes I am, but the HD has been erased several times

I really do not think the HD is the issue any more. Barring doing a super-serious erase of many hours, it's been erased totally. A new OS lives on it now.

[Hugh_Lebowski]

8. Ok, so the earth has been scorched/drive reformatted ...

I would unplug EVERY other drive you have but the USB, and see if the same (new, bad) thing happens.

I'd also try it with a different USB drive, if you have one.

At least this way you 100% rule out it's something on a physical drive.

You could also re-flash bios to the same version you had before. VERY long shot, but I don't know what else to try.

[CloudWatcher]

7. security lockout?

Running Microsoft software gives me a rash, so I'm just guessing here ... but did that last windows install enable some security software that blocks USB booting?

fyi, random google hit: https://www.groovypost.com/howto/disable-boot-usb-cd-bios-setup/

Good luck. If it doesn't jump up and start working you might describe more what you're seeing when it fails.

[hunter]

9. I'll let you in on a dirty secret... Windows is all written in GWBASIC.

As I recall, back when I was still playing with these things and reading the REMs, my favorite comment from the installation floppies was, "OKAY, LET'S LOAD THIS PIG..."

On a machine with just a few megabytes of memory Windows was a pig. Still is.

Thanks steve2470 for everything you do here.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GW-BASIC

[steve2470]

11. you're welcome ! nt

[steve2470]

10. Problem solved !

to earth-shine with his suggestion.

Now I can easily boot with my USB stick again, and install in UEFI/NTFS mode or legacy/FAT32/MBR mode if I wish. It's awesome. Somehow that damn OS, which I inflicted upon myself, caused my BIOS to get corrupted.

If I had a good workbench and a good set of computer tools, I would not have messed up my CMOS battery bracket twice now. The first time, I accidentally broke the holding bracket so that destroyed any chance of restoring it properly. I suppose I could have tried to get a technician to replace it, but not worth the cost and aggravation. I cannot do it myself. Replacing the motherboard ? Again, not worth the cost and aggravation.

This time, the bracket and clip and underlying spring all seem to be intact, but so far I cannot get the clip and spring to hold the CMOS battery in place.

I lived without a CMOS battery last time, and I can do it again this time.

Thank you everyone for your time and suggestions ! You all are the best !

Steve