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June 1st, 2021 10:00
Alienware desktop won't boot from USB
Hi !
I could use a little bit of help on this issue.
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.
Any ideas?
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Vanadiel
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June 1st, 2021 10:00
Is the USB bootable?
Elle_
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June 1st, 2021 10:00
Unfortunately I can't because my keyboard only powers on after POST.
Vanadiel
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June 1st, 2021 10:00
Can you enter your bios and see if you can change the boot order, and put boot from USB as the first boot device?
Elle_
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June 1st, 2021 10:00
It should be, I created it with the Windows 10 media creation tool for installing Windows on a new PC.
I also have my old Windows 7 recovery USB from Dell and it doesn't boot either.
Vanadiel
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June 1st, 2021 11:00
I am assuming you are not seeing an F2 prompt during POST?
Elle_
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June 1st, 2021 15:00
You're right, I'm not. Even when it worked, my system went from black screen to Windows screen without the usual F2/F12 prompt.
Vanadiel
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June 1st, 2021 17:00
Reason why I was asking is because the manual states that if you do see the F2 prompt, it initializes the keyboard.
So not seeing it would confirm it is not initializing the keyboard.
Would you happen to know which bios version your machine is running?
r72019
6 Professor
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June 1st, 2021 20:00
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.
r72019
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June 1st, 2021 21:00
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.
Elle_
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June 2nd, 2021 06:00
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
6 Professor
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June 2nd, 2021 07:00
You could remove the drive from the desktop, and get a USB to HDD connector cable so you can attach the drive to your laptop to install windows 10 on it.
After that you can move it back to the desktop and you should be able to boot into windows, after which you can use the advanced startup settings under windows 10 to reboot to the USB drive and reinstall windows 10 fresh.
Boot USB windows 10
USB to SATA Cable Have to make sure to select the correct interface for the drive, there's several options.