Windows 10: Can't boot from USB while HDD is connected

Discus and support Can't boot from USB while HDD is connected in Windows 10 Installation and Upgrade to solve the problem; 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... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Installation and Upgrade' started by Samer Massad, Nov 5, 2018.

  1. Can't boot from USB while HDD is connected


    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.

    :)
     
    Samer Massad, Nov 5, 2018
    #1

  2. HDD in a HDD caddy is not showing up in the disk management

    Hi,

    To assist you better, I would like to ask some questions:

    • How are you connecting the HDD Caddy?
    • What is the make and model of your computer?

    If you are connecting the device using USB, I suggest you to check if other USB devices are recognized as USB devices or Other device. If it is displaying as other device, then the issue might be with the USB port. So, I suggest you to update the USB drivers
    by following the steps below:

    • Press Windows key + X, select Device Manager.
    • Expand Universal Serial Bus Controller.
    • Right click on the drive, select Update Driver Software and follow the on-screen prompts.

    Keep us posted on the status for further assistance.
     
    Eeshwar Kumar, Nov 6, 2018
    #2
  3. Boot from external USB HDD

    Hello!

    Any laptop should be able to Be booted from an external HDD.

    You can check this back accessing your BIOS and then checking if the BIOS gives you an option to boot from USB.

    If that option is listed, then you're good to go!
     
    Zackary Vanosdol, Nov 6, 2018
    #3
  4. Lazzer408 Win User

    Can't boot from USB while HDD is connected

    Booting from USB on x38 Motherboard, NOT?

    Typically the USB should be listed under the hard drive boot order. Set your "Boot Device Priority" to HDD first, then set the hard drive boot order to the USB stick first.


    Can't boot from USB while HDD is connected bios_asus-jpg.jpg
     
    Lazzer408, Nov 6, 2018
    #4
Thema:

Can't boot from USB while HDD is connected

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