What could be causing repeated restarts and failed Windows installations?
Asked by
MellowCedar42
My computer has started restarting constantly. Memory and storage checks from the BIOS report no problems, but after formatting the system and trying to reinstall Windows, the installer fails with varying errors involving RAM, the drive, and unexpected errors. I have tested multiple M.2 drives, tried different RAM sticks individually, disconnected peripherals and extra monitors, and used several USB installation drives and ports. The installation media sometimes becomes corrupted afterward. The system stays running during BIOS memory and storage tests, so I'm unsure whether the motherboard, processor, or power supply is responsible. The hardware is a Core i9-13900KS, MSI MPG Z690 Edge WiFi motherboard, four 32 GB Corsair Vengeance DDR4-3600 modules, and WD Black 4 TB M.2 drives. Where should I start troubleshooting?
Answers
Update the motherboard BIOS before drawing conclusions. Early Z690 BIOS versions may not properly support later 13th-generation processors, and some 13900K-series chips have also developed instability over time. Use the board’s Flash BIOS procedure with a freshly formatted USB drive, the correct BIOS file, and the required filename and USB port. If the board sees the drive but not the file, check the formatting, file extraction, filename, and exact BIOS model revision.
Reply to this answer
Start by loading BIOS defaults and leave XMP, manual timings, and any overclocking disabled during installation. Four DDR4-3600 modules can be difficult for the memory controller, so test with one stick and, if necessary, run the memory at 3200 or the motherboard’s default speed. If the installation succeeds at a lower speed, the issue is likely memory stability rather than the SSD.
MellowCedar42: The system has never been overclocked, but 3600 was unstable during testing. I’m trying 3200 now to see whether the installer becomes reliable.
Reply to this answer
Rule out the installation media separately. Create a fresh Windows installer using a known-good USB drive, preferably from another computer, and try a different USB port. During setup, disconnect every other storage device and leave only the target M.2 drive connected. If several freshly created installers become corrupted or fail across multiple ports, that points more toward system instability, USB power or controller problems, or the motherboard than toward one defective drive.
MossyComet31: I’ve tried four USB drives and multiple ports, although one of the drives was faulty. The USB media is recognized in BIOS, but the BIOS flash file still isn’t detected.
Reply to this answer
The BIOS tests do not completely clear the CPU, motherboard, RAM, or power supply. A system can pass short diagnostics while failing under the sustained load of Windows setup. After BIOS defaults and a known-good installer, test one memory module in the recommended slot, try another power supply if available, and inspect CPU temperatures and socket contact. If the same behavior continues with different RAM, drives, and installation media, the motherboard or processor becomes more suspicious; the 13900KS should be tested in another compatible board or replaced under warranty if possible.
Reply to this answer
Add your answer
Answers are reviewed before publication.
MellowCedar42: The BIOS was last updated in May, but the flash utility detected the USB folder and not the BIOS file. I’ll verify the file and flash procedure again.