Can't believe I'm asking this, help needed in booting via USB

Allan Collins · 6 Dec 2018 at 21:57

I've got a new Gigabyte B450 Aorus M board and i'm attempting to install Windows from scratch.
I can't find anyway to get any USB devices (DVD drive and USB stick) to be seen by the BIOS/UEFI, all it sees are a couple of blank HHD's. There seems so few options available, it looks like the worst BIOS i've ever come across, nothing like the older ones I've been used to. The USB ports all seem to work as I've plugged Keyboards and mice into them. Some Bios screens have allowed the user to access a non UEFI setting to get back to the classic Megatrends type but I don't think this one can.

Can anyone enlighten me on how to get the blooming thing to recognise USB drives?

Testiculous · 6 Dec 2018 at 22:24

Had same issue a while back. Trying to do new os install and pc wouldn't see anything. Got vexxed with it and ended up putting blank ssd into a working pc after pulling its own hard drive, doing the install there then putting it back into the machine it was originally intended for. >.<

Allan Collins · 6 Dec 2018 at 22:55

That sounds like it's worth doing, but I thought that it wouldn't necessarily work due to differing Chipsets, is that something of a myth i've picked up?

Testiculous · 6 Dec 2018 at 23:05

I had the same suspicions about it too but was so peeved i figured i had nothing to lose in trying. Did install to new ssd on x48 and ran it in x58 system. Fired up instantly, no issues.

Ice Tea · 7 Dec 2018 at 09:22

With the USB plugged in try pressing f10 or f12 at boot to bring up the start menu to see if it lists all boot devices?

it1uk · 7 Dec 2018 at 12:44

Might want to check Secure Boot is disabled.

orbitalwalsh · 7 Dec 2018 at 12:53

as above, f10/f12 to select one off boot drive a selected drive .

before doing this , make sure the Drive you want the OS to install from is in top priority slot.

do this on any vendor board as it can stop boot cycles from happening if USB is selected as main boot drive .

once splash screen pops up, select USB stick and then select drive you want to install windows on . Also make sure you've unpacked the ISO correctly on the USB stick with nothing else on

LePhuronn · 7 Dec 2018 at 15:24

Allan Collins said:
That sounds like it's worth doing, but I thought that it wouldn't necessarily work due to differing Chipsets, is that something of a myth i've picked up?

Used to be an issue, but not so much any more. As an absolute last ditch though, you could go down this route just to get a bootable Windows and then trigger a full, clean re-install from within. Worked on a PITA Windows 7 install a few years ago.

Allan Collins · 7 Dec 2018 at 20:37

Tried everything above except switching the new drive into my own PC. Nothing I did showed the USB devices. I took the side panel off my machine, and had a moment of inspiration, I saw the CMOS battery and decided to have a go at clearing the new boards memory, took the battery out and for good measure shorted the CMOS pins too and powered it up, without any further input from me it only went and loaded Windows from the USB stick, I half expected it to fail half way through but it finished within 5 minutes.
So none the wiser but it's up and running, thanks so much for everyone's input!

Testiculous · 7 Dec 2018 at 22:20

Glad to hear you got it sorted in the end fella.

Ice Tea · 8 Dec 2018 at 09:14

Allan Collins said:
Tried everything above

Motherboards have a boot menu that is separate from the BIOS and this is accessed by one of the F/keys when the computer powers up and it allows you to access any attached device , and as orbitalwalsh said it can all so be used to stop boot loops.

If you don't have one then you need to find out why.