Can't boot Vista 64 when an external USB drive is connected

Z

zrinko

New Member
Hello,

This is a strange problem. I got a new USB drive for backups (my Old Firewire WD got too small).

Since I installed the drive, my Vista64 Ulitmate no longer boots while the drive is connected. If I unplug the unit, or turn it off, the PC boots fine.

I checked the BIOS, and see on option for USB boot to disable. Not sure what else to look for.

I saw a post from a Microsoft support for someone with a similar issue - the fix was to turn the hard drive off when booting. Well, that may be a workaround, but it is not a fix. I am leaving for vacation in few days, and I have to choose if I should leave the drive plugged in and have backups while I am gone, or unplug it in case there is an update that requires a reboot. If that happens my PC will not come on, and I will not be able to access it remotely.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Zrinko
 

My Computer

System One

Hi zrinko,

That's does sound strange indeed. Have you checked the cables? Also, have you looked at the instructions that came with the unit for any "special" procedures/configurations that might need to be peformed? There shouldn't be but...

Also, is this a WD or different brand?
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4GHz
    Motherboard
    Intel D975XBX2
    Memory
    Corsair TWIN2X4096-PC8500 (2x2GHz)
    Graphics card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 4890 (1GHz)
    Sound Card
    X-Fi Titanium - Fatality Pro Series
    Monitor(s) Displays
    hp w2207h (22" widescreen)
    Screen Resolution
    1680 x 1050
    Hard Drives
    One 750GB, 2x500GB Western Digital Caviar Black Hard Drives (32meg)
    PSU
    Antec Neo HE 550
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    Zalman CNPS9500 AT
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Revolution
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless Wave
    Internet Speed
    "High" Speed DSL? Is that like low speed FIOS?
    Other Info
    Q6600 B3 Revision OC to 3.0GHz
I had the same issue on my Vista system and never fixed it.
Try updating your drivers (particularly the storage and chipset drivers) from the device manufacturer's website (not Windows Update).
Then make sure that you've got all the Windows Updates that are available.
 

My Computer

System One

i have the same problem with my external also. i just make sure it is turned off before shutting down. i do not find it to be a problem as i back my stuff up then turn it off anyhow to save on wear and tear on the external drive.
 

My Computer

System One

  • CPU
    intel core 2 quad Q9450
    Motherboard
    gigabyte EP45-DQ6
    Memory
    8gb Gskill PC6400
    Graphics card(s)
    Visiontek Radeon 4870x2 2GB
    Sound Card
    X-FI fatality FPS 7.1
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Viewsonic VG2230wm
    Screen Resolution
    1680X1050
    Hard Drives
    VelociRaptor WD1500HLFS 150GB 10000 RPM, WD CAVIAR black 750GB
    PSU
    Antec TruePower New TP-750 watt
    Case
    Cooler Master HAF932
    Cooling
    XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler
    Internet Speed
    comcast 16mb\second
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