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3 Posts
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757
July 24th, 2021 18:00
15 R4, unable to load Windows 10, ever!
Dear all, 1st post on this forum for a very very odd issue i'm having on my alienware
Lappy - Alienware 15 R4 I7-8750H,32GB RAM,1TB Samsung 960Pro NVME,500gb HDD
Symptom - Spinning windows logo forever on bootup
So i have this issue , laptop has been working fine for a long time, then suddenly out of the blue this happens and not after any windows updates.
What I have tried so far
1. Bios updated to latest version
2. Tried to re install windows from several usb sticks I have and unable to get to windows loader screen, still spinning logo when booting from usb
3 tried new nvme drive, same problem
4 tried new sata ssd, same issue
5 internal diagnostics show no errors, no hard drive or ram problems
6. drives have been complete wiped and re partitioned, still gets spinning logo
7 tried with older windows 10 installer, same issue
8 On one occasion, windows did load from the usb, once... ftaer initial install, rebooted and ... again spinny logo
9. Tried an ubuntu ( latest version ) usb stick... that loaded up fine for some odd reason
10 cmos has been reset
11 battery has been disconnected
12 wifi module has been disconnected
13 tried to install on nvme ony, and hdd only.. same issue
I'm getting really stumped on this.. and would love to hear any suggestions on how to get this thing alive again!
Cheers
Bruce
crimsom
9 Technologist
•
6.1K Posts
0
July 24th, 2021 23:00
Hi @bruceybonus81 welcome to this user to user discussion forum.
Hindsight: Your Alienware 15 R4 is about three years old? Did not create standby clone (copy) of OS(C:) boot drive. No occasional checks on drive health, e.g. CrystalDiskInfo utility.
Entering safe mode was not on your list? When in safe mode, open msconfig and uncheck the "boot only in safe mode" option, Restart (not Shut Down). Open user account and all the drivers will now work, so that laptop function is fully reinstated.
Can we run through what is working?
0. Remove all connections to laptop. Use bright light to visually check inside all external ports. Check that they are not damaged, no foreign objects, dust, debris, etc.
1. ac adapter diagnostic light stays on when connected to laptop socket.
2. Battery will charge and seems in good condition, power button led is white at power on.
3. POST works and completes without any errors.
4. Screen works, normal splash screen appears without any errors.
5. F2 will open BIOS menu. Settings appear normal.
6. F12 will open Boot menu. Settings appear normal.
7. Try to boot into windows more than three times, gives windows recovery menu ???
Please share an update on progress, so that other users derive benefit from your experience. Thank you.
bruceybonus81
3 Posts
0
July 25th, 2021 00:00
Hi,
Yeah, all those steps were fine, nothing seemed obviously wrong, and the fact that it would take a Different OS suggests that there's no hardware issues ( although the different OS may use different mobo resources )
BIOS is fine and upgradable from within without issues
All drives are fine ( can be used in different hard ware and have os's installed on them )
Battery charging no issues
No power issues
No error codes
Dell diagnostics show no errors across all hardware
All the Function key presses work fine
POST is ok
Will keep you all updated on my progress!
cheers!
bruceybonus81
3 Posts
0
July 25th, 2021 00:00
Funny, that, over 10 attempts and no joy and no recovery menu, anyway, i'll persevere
crimsom
9 Technologist
•
6.1K Posts
0
July 25th, 2021 00:00
Hi @bruceybonus81 thank you for sharing update.
7. Try to boot into windows more than three times, gives windows recovery menu.
Check 7 works, your windows boot problem has been solved. Please close this thread.