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37724
August 31st, 2012 07:00
M11x R2 - Boot Windows Install through External CD Drive
Greetings.
So I've just had some new parts for my Alienware after having some issues and I figured I want a fresh start with it, as it's been getting a bit clogged up.
I'm trying to do a clean install of Windows (including C: Format) through the Windows 7 CD provided with my system, but having some issues.
So as it's an M11x, it has no Internal CD Drive and I bought the recommended Dell USB External CD Drive with my system.
But when I go into the Boot Options in the BIOS, it won't boot through the CD/DVD/BD Drive option, which is a given, but I also have no option to boot through a USB device.
So I'm kinda pulling my hair out over it. It's driving me crazy. The CD is in the External Drive from boot up and the drive is obviously plugged in from boot, but I have no option to boot from it.
Any ideas?
Thanks.
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Alienware-L_Por
842 Posts
0
August 31st, 2012 10:00
Try the USB's on the other side of the laptop.
ChaosEvaUnit
3 Posts
0
September 7th, 2012 10:00
I've tried all 3 of my USB ports, one on the left and the two on the right side and still no luck.
I'll boot up my laptop. Plug in the CD Drive and reboot.
Then before Windows boots, I'll hit 'F12 Boot Options' , the only options I get here are:
Hard Drive
CD/DVD/BD
Network
Diagnostics
Enter Setup
And this is the same regardless of which USB port is used.
I always try selecting CD/DVD/BD because USB isn't a choice and that never works either. I don't really expect it to, but just in case the extrenal drive is being recognised as an internal CD/DVD Drive for whatever reason.
Alienware-L_Por
842 Posts
0
September 7th, 2012 11:00
Have you tried creating a bootable USB with the Windows utility?
ChaosEvaUnit
3 Posts
0
September 7th, 2012 12:00
I was debating on doing this, it just seemed like such a hassle considering I should be able to boot from an External DVD Drive.
But I digress, I shall resort to this tactic and let you know how it goes.
Thanks.
fsneves
1 Message
1
October 20th, 2012 08:00
Hi there. You probably already solved the problem by now, but I will give my simple solution for new troubled users. I had exactly the same problem recently and after some try-and-error, e.g. change of BIOS firmware etc, I realized the problem was NOT THE LAPTOP at all, in my case was simply the external Dell DVD drive model:GX10N, that otherwise works perfectly. After changing it to my external "LG super-multi-blue" model:BE12LU30 the Win7 DVD booted directly using the left side USB port. I could format the HD and perform a clean install. Cheers.