Long story short, I'm trying to boot from USB to install Windows on a replacement HD for an Alienware X51 R1. The BIOS POSTs properly then nothing happens.
The logical next step is to check the boot order but I can't because my USB keyboard only powers on after POST even when using the USB 2.0 slots. I reset the CMOS jumpers. I unplugged the CMOS battery and let it hang out for hours. No dice.
Sometimes it goes really quickly. Plug a basic wired keyboard into the I/O shield of the motherboard on the back of the PC, push restart or on and immediately start hitting F12 even if you don't see any prompts. If/when the boot menu pops up, select the USB drive and boot from your USB. If you encounter issue, make sure USB is not disabled in BIOs.
If all else fails direct it to load the option on restart to boot from your windows USB media before shutting down, in windows 10, under settings/recovery.
I unfortunately have no idea what my bios version is... I never needed to enter the bios until now on this specific machine.
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As for the other ideas lower down, I already used a basic wired keyboard (USB, not PS/2 since there is no PS/2 port) and I can't do anything in Windows since my HDD died and I'm trying to boot to USB to install Windows.
I have a second machine available but sadly it's a laptop which limits my options (can't slave the drive to install Windows).
Vanadiel
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Posted June 1st, 2021 10:00
Is the USB bootable?