Unable to boot from USB in Motherboard BIOS

[ali13245]

Hello everyone, I seem to be having issues when trying to run memtest86 to check for any memory errors in the system, however whenever I try to boot from the usb in the bios, it just takes straight into windows. Does anyone know how to fix this? I have booted from a usb before, however that was on an previous version of the bios, I am currently using bios version 1.6. One more question, Why are there several types of USB drives to boot from? for example there is UEFI USB Key, and USB key. How do I know which one to choose? I am using an MSI Z97 Gaming 7 motherboard by MSI.

 

[Darkbreeze]

IF you are trying to run Memtest, you want the non-UEFI key. UEFI keys are for support of hardware that is UEFI compliant and is really only relevant to devices your trying to enable for use with the Windows environment. A standard flash drive is very unlikely to be a UEFI compliant device.

 

[Darkbreeze]

You might try the forced boot to specific device feature present on most current BIOS. What is your motherboard model?

 

[ali13245]

MSI Z97 Gaming 7

 

[ali13245]

I think I have found the issue, I went ahead and tried to flash the bios, however when i tried to select the file it asked me to insteres a media device. It seems that the bios is not recognizing the flash drive, do you know what may be causing this issue?

 

[Darkbreeze]

It could be an issue with THAT usb port, or the motherboard itself. Have you tried using a different USB port? Have you checked the BIOS to make sure USB functions didn't somehow get disabled or try swapping to the non-UEFI, or visa versa, usb function?

 

[Darkbreeze]

Make sure on the Advanced menu in the BIOS, that both USB and Legacy USB function is enabled. Temporarily disable MSI fast boot if it's enabled. Fast boot disables some devices during the boot process to expedite the boot process. I'd also try disabling secure boot if it's enabled, or enabling it if it's disabled.

 

[Darkbreeze]

Under "boot mode select" on the boot menu, set it to UEFI+Legacy, at least while trying to boot from USB. If none of that works, on the Exit menu there is an option for "boot override", which should allow you to specify which device you want the system to boot from.

None of this is helpful of course, if the USB port isn't working. Make sure the USB boot functions listed above are set correctly.

 

[ali13245]

I have tried all the ports on the motherboard, as well as the front panel usb, and still nothing 🙁. The boot mode is set to legacy + uefi, and I have msi fast boot disabled. I don't understand how all the usb ports stop functioning suddenly. When I first got the board, I could boot from usb without any issues. Where can I find the legacy usb function?

 

[Darkbreeze]

It's on the Advanced tab/menu.

 

[ali13245]

Okay I will try that, if all else fails, should I clear cmos? Will this harm system in anyway? :O

 

[ali13245]

OMG!!! Thank you!! It turns out legacy usb was disable, after enabling it, the usb devices were recognized!! You really saved me a huge headache lol

 

[Darkbreeze]

No it won't harm the system. I'd try setting optimal defaults in the bios before resetting the CMOS using the battery or jumper pins.