Question Can’t boot to the Windows 11 installer ?

[gsevertson]

This may not be a problem when it comes to Windows 11, but the process to get there. I recently built my first PC, I was able to get it booted up correctly and get into the BIOS, but when I try to install Windows from there, I get stuck in a boot loop, where it’ll turn on for a few seconds, and turn off for a few seconds, then repeat for a long time. I let it go for 40 mins once. Then turned it off.

Now, I can only get to BIOS when I plug in a flash drive with the latest version of bios, and I do a flash bios. It then resets and I can turn it on and go into BIOS by pushing the “Delete” key. If I save from there without changing anything, it goes back into the boot loop. Nothing I do can get it out of this loop. Where I then again have to flash bios and get back there.

I have tried taking RAM out of the sockets and reinserting them, and tried running with one, without the other, and vice versa. Now the boot loop has stopped, the power will turn on, but the EZ Debug lights for CPU and DRAM are turned on and it’ll stop turning itself on.

CPU: Ryzen 5 7600X
RAM: 2 x 8GB DDR5
Mobo: MSI Pro B650M-A WiFi

Not sure if anything else matters, but let me know in the comments

Please anybody have any suggestions? This is my first PC and I’m going crazy not being able to figure this out.

 

[gsevertson]

This may not be a problem when it comes to windows 11, but the process to get there. I recently built my first PC, I was able to get it booted up correctly and get into the BIOS. When I try to install windows from there, I get stuck in a boot loop, where it’ll turn on for a few seconds, and turn off for a few seconds, then repeat for a long time. I let it go for 40 mins once. Then turned it off.
Now, I can only get to BIOS when I plug in a flash drive with the latest version of bios, and I do a flash bios. It then resets and I can turn it on and go into BIOS by pushing the “Delete” key. If I save from there without changing anything, it goes back into the boot loop. Nothing I do can get it out of this loop. Where I then again have to flash bios and get back there.
I have tried taking RAM out of the sockets and reinserting them, and tried running with one, without the other, and vice versa.
Now the boot loop has stopped, the power will turn on, but the EZ Debug lights for CPU and DRAM are turned on and it’ll stop turning itself on.

I have a Ryzen 5 7600X

I have two 8gb sticks of DDR5 RAM

Msi pro B650M-A WiFi motherboard

Not sure if anything else matters, but let me know in the comments

Please anybody have any suggestions? This is my first PC and I’m going crazy not being able to figure this out.

Update, I took it all apart and put it back together. I now just have the green ezdebug light, which I learned online suggests I don’t have an OS yet.
I was able to boot to BIOS. I did try installing windows again, I’m going to give it some time and see what happens.

 

[ubuysa]

Did you happen to notice as you took it apart, whether anything wasn't fully connected?

 

[gsevertson]

Did you happen to notice as you took it apart, whether anything wasn't fully connected?

I didn’t, I replaced the RAM and made sure it was fully connected. Which allowed me to fully
Boot into the BIOS again.
I am now wondering, could this be a sign of bad memory?

 

[COLGeek]

What storage devices do you have installed in this new system?

 

[gsevertson]

What storage devices do you have installed in this new system?

Just have a 2TB Internal SSD

 

[COLGeek]

Just have a 2TB Internal SSD

SATA or m.2/NVME? Does the BIOS properly detect the SSD?

 

[gsevertson]

SATA or m.2/NVME? Does the BIOS properly detect the SSD?

M.2/NVME, I believe it is properly detected in the BIOS.

 

[COLGeek]

When you created the Windows installation media, did you use the MS media creation tool? or, some other method?

Also, do you have the USB drive plugged into a front (attached to case) or rear (attached directly to motherboard) panel USB port? I recommend using a rear port.

 

[gsevertson]

When you created the Windows installation media, did you use the MS media creation tool? or, some other method?

Also, do you have the USB drive plugged into a front (attached to case) or rear (attached directly to motherboard) panel USB port? I recommend using a rear port.

I am using the rear ports.
I also used the media creation tool on a Windows laptop.

 

[COLGeek]

Try remaking the installation media, on a different USB drive if you have one.

Also, is your BIOS in its default state or have you modified any settings?

 

[gsevertson]

BIOS should be in its default state, I can try making the media creation tool again.
I had to borrow a laptop to do so, so if there are any other solutions that’d be super helpful.
I’m not sure if the issue pertains to the media creation tool though, anytime I turn the PC off and on it gets stuck on a boot loop it seems.

 

[gsevertson]

Try remaking the installation media, on a different USB drive if you have one.

Also, is your BIOS in its default state or have you modified any settings?

I have also tried secure erasing the SSD, PC just goes into a boot loop again.
Memory and SSD are correctly identified in the BIOS.
Another thing to note, the PC goes into a boot loop regardless if the Windows 11 installation usb is plugged in.

 

[COLGeek]

Have you re-seated the CPU at any point during your troubleshooting? What CPU cooler are you using?

 

[gsevertson]

Have you re-seated the CPU at any point during your troubleshooting? What CPU cooler are you using?

What do you mean “reseat” the CPU? When I took it all apart, I took the cpu out and made sure it all looked fine. Then put it back.
I am using a fan cooler.
This one to be exact:
https://a.co/d/dqAoAr7

 

[COLGeek]

Reseat means to remove, inspect socket, and re-install. Sounds like you did that.

The cooler should be okay, if mounted properly (verify you used the correct spacers). When you removed it, did you also replace the thermal compound between it and the CPU? Is the fan connected to the CPU fan header on the motherboard?

Did you tighten it all the way?

https://www.deepcool.com/download/pdf/AG400_Series.pdf

 

[gsevertson]

Reseat means to remove, inspect socket, and re-install. Sounds like you did that.

The cooler should be okay, if mounted properly. When you removed it, did you also replace the thermal compound between it and the CPU? Is the fan connected to the CPU fan header on the motherboard?

Did you tighten it all the way?

I did not replace the thermal paste if that’s what you’re referring to. It still had some dried on it from last time. Does that work?

It is tightened all the way, and I’m pretty sure the fan is connected to the fan header.

 

[COLGeek]

I did not replace the thermal paste if that’s what you’re referring to. It still had some dried on it from last time. Does that work?

It is tightened all the way, and I’m pretty sure the fan is connected to the fan header.

No, you should never re-use the thermal compound. When the cooler is removed, you should always clean and replace. Gaps, bubbles, etc are not your friend and can lead to heat issues.

Did you use the proper spacers?

 

[gsevertson]

No, you should never re-use the thermal compound. When the cooler is removed, you should always clean and replace. Gaps, bubbles, etc are not your friend and can lead to heat issues.

Did you use the proper spacers?

I guess I should order some more thermal paste, and wipes to clean the CPU.
I used the spacers that were recommended when the cooler came in.

Could the CPU thermal paste issue be causing my boot loop?

 

[COLGeek]

I guess I should order some more thermal paste, and wipes to clean the CPU.
I used the spacers that were recommended when the cooler came in.

Could the CPU thermal paste issue be causing my boot loop?

In theory, yes. If the CPU is getting too hot, it will throttle itself, or possibly even shut down.

I don't think that is the issue here, but you definitely need to address this.

Please post a link of the memory you are using.

 

[gsevertson]

In theory, yes. If the CPU is getting too hot, it will throttle itself, or possibly even shut down.

I don't think that is the issue here, but you definitely need to address this.

Please post a link of the memory you are using.

This is the memory I am using:
https://a.co/d/hd4NYyY

 

[COLGeek]

This is the memory I am using:
https://a.co/d/hd4NYyY

I would not have chosen that memory. More for an Intel-based system. Should still work at default speeds, but likely not at rated speed.

I would exchange for something else, if possible.

Changing may not solve the problem, but it definitely won't hurt things either.

For example: https://www.amazon.com/G-Skill-Trident-288-Pin-CL30-38-38-96-F5-6000J3038F16GX2-TZ5N/dp/B0BFCV7JZ8/

 

[COLGeek]

By the way, what power supply make/model are you using? Same for a video card if using something other than the integrated video controller.

 

[gsevertson]

I would not have chosen that memory. More for an Intel-based system. Should still work at default speeds, but likely not at rated speed.

I would exchange for something else, if possible.

Changing may not solve the problem, but it definitely won't hurt things either.

For example: https://www.amazon.com/G-Skill-Trident-288-Pin-CL30-38-38-96-F5-6000J3038F16GX2-TZ5N/dp/B0BFCV7JZ8/

Sounds good, I will look and see if I can return my current memory and buy a new one.

 

[gsevertson]

By the way, what power supply make/model are you using? Same for a video card if using something other than the integrated video controller.

I am using this PSU:
https://a.co/d/2T0Q73n

Then this Video Card:
https://a.co/d/6sYgj9I