inaccessible_boot_device on Windows 8 with Secure Boot (Alienware x51 R2)

Question

Hello, I have a Alienware x51 R2 Desktop computer and when I first bought it it came with Windows 8. Long story short I decided to install Windows 7 instead and to do this I had to disable the secure boot option in the BIOS. Now I've decided to install back Windows 8 and it worked and all but when I turn Secure Boot back on it gives me a blue screen with the message: inaccessible_boot_device. So I don't know what to do here. Basically what I want is to have Windows 8 on my computer with secure boot set to ON. I don't mind having to re-install Windows 8 since I didn't restore any of my backups yet I'm still trying to resolve this. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

lebanese_boy07 · Accepted Answer

Hello,

I re-formated my computer last night and ended up solving this issue finally so I thought I'd update this case with my solution.

Basically I followed this guide:

www.eightforums.com/.../38486-need-help-formatted-genuine-windows-8-lenovo.html

With the help of the Windows Installation Media Creation Tool, I was able to install Windows 8.1 with both Secure Boot and UEFI turned on. Please note that I used a USB Flash Drive and not a DVD, apparently it makes the whole process better somehow.

Thank you for your assistance and time Milena and Naomi!

Alienware-Naomi · Answer

Hi!

To get it to work, you need to completely re-install Windows while the Secure Boot is enabled. Otherwise, if you change it after the installation is completed, the system won't boot.

Here's a video with step-by-step instructions on how to install Windows 8.

lebanese_boy07 · Answer

Hello and thanks for the answer, But as I said I get a blue screen with the error ''inaccessible_boot_device'' when I try to boot from dvd with secure boot enabled. Do you have another suggestion?

Milena M458 · Answer

I will recommend you to disable the secure boot, format the whole hard drive and try to enable the secure boot again then reinstall windows. Lets us know if this helps you.

lebanese_boy07 · Answer

Hello, I did try that but no matter what I do it won't even let me boot from a DVD (to install Windows 8) on secure boot and it gives me the blue screen I mentioned earlier. This is turning out to be quite the headache, how was Windows 8 installed in the first place with secure boot?

Milena M458 · Answer

In that case you can send me a PM with your service tag and a brief description so I can check the account and help you further.

Locked Topics – Alienware General

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