Can't boot from USB while HDD is connected

[samer94mas]

I'm trying to boot a non-working-windows laptop from an external HDD with bootable windows installation in order to access repair tools, and it is working fine as it is tested on a working machine.
The boot order in BIOS is fine, the external HDD is set as the 1st priority and HDD as the last one.

Now, when booting without connecting the external bootable HDD, Windows takes too much time loading itself but then goes to "Preparing automatic repair" for couple of seconds before it goes to a black screen, and that is why I want to access repair tools.

When connecting the external HDD and booting with the right boot sequence, I can see the external HDD light blinking indicating that the laptop is reading the content, but then goes immediately into the black screen, without going through Preparing automatic repairs and much faster than the previous case.

If I physically disconnect the internal HDD and boot, the laptop can successfully boot from the external HDD, but obviously that does not help me repair Windows as it is disconnected.

RAM and Video card are okay since I am able to boot from USB while disconnecting the HDD.
I really can't find any logic in this problem, and I really appreciate any help.

Laptop Model: Packard Bell N15Q1
BIOS: V1.25

 

[Astralv]

How are you planning to access repair tools from external hard drive? My computer also stuck in Repair loop, also I do get access to repair tools but they fail- it can't even refresh itself or reinstall Windows.

 

[samer94mas]

How are you planning to access repair tools from external hard drive? My computer also stuck in Repair loop, also I do get access to repair tools but they fail- it can't even refresh itself or reinstall Windows.

You will need to install Windows installation media from Microsoft's website and install the ISO to the external hard drive and make it bootable.
You can download this tool here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10 and then follow the instructions to make your external hard drive bootable.
Once you boot from it, you can access repair and recovery tools or even reinstall Windows.
And remember that reinstalling Windows might remove your files depending on their location.

 

[misar]

If I physically disconnect the internal HDD and boot, the laptop can successfully boot from the external HDD, but obviously that does not help me repair Windows as it is disconnected.

RAM and Video card are okay since I am able to boot from USB while disconnecting the HDD.
I really can't find any logic in this problem, and I really appreciate any help.

Logic seems to suggest that the problem laptop is NOT booting from the external drive if the internal HDD is connected. This indicates that something in the BIOS settings is wrong. They should be the first place for further investigation.

If you want help you need to post the laptop model and BIOS type/version.

 

[samer94mas]

If you want help you need to post the laptop model and BIOS type/version.

Thank you, question has been edited with the laptop model and BIOS version.
Hope it helps.

 

[misar]

I assume you have pressed F2 during startup to enter the BIOS setup. It should be possible to press F12 instead and access a boot menu. This allows you to select a device to boot from one time only instead of changing the BIOS boot order setting.

Your external HDD should be listed in that boot menu - select it and press Enter. The laptop should then boot from the external drive. If the drive is missing or does not boot there must be a problem with the external drive as the internal HDD should have no effect on it.

 

[samer94mas]

I assume you have pressed F2 during startup to enter the BIOS setup. It should be possible to press F12 instead and access a boot menu.

Thank you for replying.
Booting from USB by pressing F12 gives same results as keeping it boot automatically from USB with boot sequence changed to make USB 1st.

If the drive is missing or does not boot there must be a problem with the external drive as the internal HDD should have no effect on it.

The external drive is working good because other working machines were able to boot from it, and even this machine is able to boot from it while the internal HDD is unplugged.

 

[rgd1101]

what exactly is on the usb?

 

[samer94mas]

what exactly is on the usb?

The external HDD is the USB device I want to boot from, it has the Windows Installation Media.
The internal HDD is where the broken Windows exists.

 

[Astralv]

If I physically disconnect the internal HDD and boot, the laptop can successfully boot from the external HDD, but obviously that does not help me repair Windows as it is disconnected.

When you say you can boot without internal HD, what you mean by boot? You mean- you get Windows working or did you mean it goes to install Windows option?

 

[samer94mas]

When you say you can boot without internal HD, what you mean by boot? You mean- you get Windows working or did you mean it goes to install Windows option?

I mean that the external HDD boots with the Windows Installation Media, not the installed Windows.