I recently built a new computer, and while I had no issues accessing the BIOS, I ran into a serious problem when trying to boot from a USB drive containing Windows 11 install media. Instead of installing, I got a blue screen with the message 'Windows needs to be repaired.'
I even tried a different USB that I've used successfully in the past, but it resulted in the same blue screen. After that, I wiped my SSD (a 2TB Samsung 970 Evo Plus that worked fine in my old setup) and attempted to create the install media on it, but to no avail.
In further troubleshooting, I created Windows repair media on both USBs but again got the same blue screen. I've reseated my RAM, CPU, and GPU, and reconnected all power cables, yet I'm still stuck on that blue screen.
I can access the BIOS and have tweaked my boot settings to prioritize the USB drive, disabled quick boot, turned off CSM, and used the recommended UEFI settings. However, when I reach the blue screen, I can either choose to modify boot settings or return to BIOS, and sometimes the computer just shuts off with no power to the USB or monitor. The boot, VGA, and DRAM lights illuminate, and I often see the DRAM light remain on until the PC manages to post, which sometimes takes a while.
If anyone has suggestions on what could be causing this issue or what parts might need replacing, I would greatly appreciate the help!
**Specs:**
- i5 14600KF
- RTX 3070
- Asrock B760M Pro RS
- 32GB DDR5 5400MHz Viper Patriot RGB RAM
- Segotep 650W PSU
- 2TB Samsung 970 Evo Plus M.2 SSD
1 Answer
It sounds like a hardware issue since neither the install nor repair media seem to work. Here are a few things you can give a shot:
1. Remove all drives and only leave the USB installer connected. If the system still crashes, your SSD is likely fine.
2. Test one RAM stick at a time and disable XMP/EXPO in the BIOS.
3. Make sure your motherboard BIOS is updated to the latest version.
4. If you can, try swapping in a different PSU. Segotep units can be unreliable and may cause issues like you're experiencing.
If you're still hitting blue screens after these steps, it might be a problem with the motherboard itself.
Should I be running the repair or install media when booting without an SSD connected?