Windows intermittently failing to boot

DX7 · 20 Mar 2018

I have an issue with a recent build whereby the system boots straight into UEFI and the SSD boot drive doesn't show up under boot options.

It happens intermittently (roughly every 2 or 3 weeks) and in the beginning a simple reboot would solve it.

Recently though, once it begins, rebooting no longer temporarily solves the issue.

I've tried a new SATA cable and using a different socket, so thought there must be an issue with the drive. The drive will show up however, if I connect it to a different computer using a drive dock.

If I use the Windows 10 installation flash drive I'm given the option to "Continue to Windows" from the system repair menu. After starting Windows via the flash drive the boot drive functions as normal for another few weeks.

Is this likely to be an issue with the SSD or could something else be going on?

Crucial MX500 250GB SATA
Asus Prime B 250M-A
Windows 10

Thanks

EdTittel · 21 Mar 2018

Gosh! That sounds vexing. You should visit the Crucial site and grab their Storage Executive software if you don't already have a copy. Among other things, this tool will "monitor your SSD's operating temperature and overall health" (including SMART data, which is exactly what you need to figure out if the SSD is in trouble, or getting ready to fail).
Otherwise, you can also use general purpose tools like CrystalDiskInfo (Std Edition) or HDSentinel to get the same kind of info about your disk. Do see if you can use one of these things to check the health of your SSD. It certainly sounds like something may be up.
HTH,
--Ed--

DX7 · 21 Mar 2018

Thanks Ed, I'll give that a go and see if it turns up anything.

EdTittel · 21 Mar 2018

Hope the news you get isn't too bad (or expensive). The encouraging news is that if you must replace your SSD, you can pick up a 256 GB for between $65 and $145 these days. So it shouldn't sting too badly if you must do this, and you may even get a faster drive in the bargain.
HTH,
--Ed--

DX7 · 21 Mar 2018

Storage Executive shows the drive as being in good health however, there was a Firmware update available so fingers crossed that solves it.

The only errors in S.M.A.R.T were 5 Ultra-DMA CRC errors. I think, given my limited knowledge and quick googling, isn't a high enough error count to be worried about.

There is a performance enhancement suggestion in Storage Executive to disable 8.3 Filename Creation which I'll try if the Firmware update hasn't fixed it.

Anyway, Thank you for help.

EdTittel · 21 Mar 2018

You're welcome. My gut feel is that if your planned repairs don't work out, you should try an in-place upgrade repair install next. There's a TenForums tutorial on that available at: Repair Install Windows 10 with an In-Place Upgrade.
HTH,
--Ed--