Clean install on EFI computer causing boot problems


  1. Posts : 1
    Windows 10 (build 9841)
       #1

    Clean install on EFI computer causing boot problems


    I had made a clean install of Windows 10 on an older computer without any issues.

    Then I tried to do a clean install on a newer EFI-based computer. I had trouble like many others once I tried to install to a GPT partition having booted from a USB which wasn't in EFI mode. For the benefit of anyone having that issue, I would recommend following this guide:
    UEFI Bootable USB Flash Drive - Create in Windows

    However, Windows is now installed, but I'm faced with a new issue. Windows never boots first time. I have to turn off the power by holding down for 5 seconds. Then windows will boot into a dual boot screen, offering Windows 8.1 and Windows 10. I though I had done a clean install, but apparently not.

    Anyway, I think my problem is that instead of clearing all of the partitions when doing the initial install, I just deleted and re-created the "OS" partition and installed Windows there. Thus I left all of the recovery partitions, including the WINRETOOLS partition, and also the EFI and MSR "reserved partitions". Does Windows just automatically recreate all of the partitions it needs? From advice elsewhere on the internet, it seemed like it would be a bad idea to remove all the partitions.

    Anyway, maybe this is not the cause of my problem. Thanks for any help!

    Update: the computer is a Dell XPS15 which has a hybrid drive (~500GB HDD and 32GB SSD). The SSD is just used for caching and faster startup. I think it uses Intel Rapid Start Technology and maybe other software to achieve the faster start times, but I've no idea how you would restore this functionality after wiping the primary HDD. Anyway, it may be possible that this hybrid arrangement, which I think makes use of RAID could be part of the problem.
    Last edited by aonghus; 18 Dec 2014 at 06:15.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 459
    Windows 8&10
       #2

    You probably need to disable the acceleration drive when installing an OS. It can be disabled using the Intel utility in the hidden icons on the taskbar. After you finish the install, you can re-enable it the same way. If you disable it, give it time to unwind before shutting down.

    It is normally best to remove all current partitions during an install to a clean drive. The install runs into problems removing partitions so it can install correctly.

    If you are trying to dual boot, make sure you are using the same configuration, UEFI or Legacy, if you are installing on one drive. You can have UEFI install and Legacy install on different drives, but the Boot Menu will probably not be available
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 69
    Windows 10 PRO
       #3

    Hi Saltgrass, thanks for that info. I was pulling my hair out wondering why the Boot Menu wasn't working. Windows 7(UEFI) on 1st drive, Windows 10 on 2nd. Oh well back to the dreaded EasyBCD. Windows 10 is legacy, what if I re-install as UEFI, will I get the menu then?
      My Computers


 

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