Windows won't boot with USB stick attached

chrismox · 9 Nov 2006 at 13:56

I have a Memorex USB stick that, when attached, stops my PC from booting, always hanging at the post screen.

Removing the USB stick will allow the boot process to continue - not a huge problem but an annoyance nonetheless.

Any ideas why that might be and how I can cure the problem?

Many thanks.

Moley · 9 Nov 2006 at 14:01

BIOS configured to boot from USB before Hard disk perhaps?

chrismox · 9 Nov 2006 at 14:04

I'll check but don't think so

Clarkey · 9 Nov 2006 at 14:16

my old pc did that with my ipod connected. Simple solution, unplug it. This has nothing to do with windows either so I don't know why its in here.

chrismox · 9 Nov 2006 at 16:06

Clarkey said:
my old pc did that with my ipod connected. Simple solution, unplug it. This has nothing to do with windows either so I don't know why its in here.

Well, excuse me.

Scania · 9 Nov 2006 at 16:15

Clarkey said:
my old pc did that with my ipod connected. Simple solution, unplug it. This has nothing to do with windows either so I don't know why its in here.

Its something to do with Windows I'd have thought, some kind of conflict perhaps ???

FWIW my pc periodically blue screens on boot up, only if something is plugged into the USB ports, never does it without the USB connected and, only periodically if something (usually my camera) is connected.

After 2 or 3 re-sets its fine, one day I'll troubleshoot it & find out whats the culprit.

Mel_P · 11 Nov 2006 at 13:44

I had exactly the same problem - and it started after I installed XP SP2. It took ages to get past the initial boot / memory check and then did a double beep - removing USB devices solved it.

I have 2 sets of USB sockets - 4 connected to the motherboard and 4 connected to a USB pci card. It ONLY applies to the sockets directly connected to the motherboard. I now get this error in my "Event Viewer"

"The NEC PCI to USB Enhanced Host Controller service failed to start due to the following error: The service cannot be started, either because it is disabled or because it has no enabled devices associated with it."

I get round it by only having items connected by USB at the boot connected to the PCI card USBs. May not be windows - but only started after SP2!

Mel P

e.g. from OCUK OcUK Value 4-Port USB 2.0 PCI Card (CC-001-OK) - about £10

chrismox · 11 Nov 2006 at 13:47

Thanks Mel_p

Interestingly, I have found a similar solution. If I connect the USB stick to one particular port, the boot will be trouble-free. All others seem to cause problems.

I have no idea why this should be but having found a solution, I guess the "why" is less important