External HD causing windows to not start (BIOs?)

[nhcarpenter]

Hey all,

I picked up a Seagate "GoFlex" 2TB external HD, for backing up my desktop and storing some of the bulkier files that I rarely access.

When I start up the PC cold and the external drive is plugged in Windows won't launch. I get the normal series of statrup screen that I unsually get, but on the last one (when the windows start up screen would normally appear), I just get a blank screen w/a Dos type cursor in the upper left corner, And all kees cause a single beep.

I actually had a thumbdrive cause the same issue a long time ago and just quit using that one. Incidentally I have other external hard drives (like a 500GB passport) that cause no issue.

It's not a big deal, I can just plug it in every week or two to run a backup, but I'd like to be able to just keep it hooked up and forget about it. Actually I suppose it's better to keep it seperated from the system for power surges and viruses anyway. But if you know what's up please fill me in.

Thanks - NHC

OS: Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
CPU: Intel Xeon W3520
GPU: Saphire 6970 2gb
PSU: AcBel 625w
MoBo: Lenovo 4157
Bios: 60KT1805

[lazy6pyro]

Check your boot order in BIOS. If you have USB drive checked and above your main boot drive, it will try to boot to the drive, and fail because I'm assuming you don't have an boot files on the usb drive.

[Versteken]

Hey all,

I picked up a Seagate "GoFlex" 2TB external HD, for backing up my desktop and storing some of the bulkier files that I rarely access.

When I start up the PC cold and the external drive is plugged in Windows won't launch. I get the normal series of statrup screen that I unsually get, but on the last one (when the windows start up screen would normally appear), I just get a blank screen w/a Dos type cursor in the upper left corner, And all kees cause a single beep.

I actually had a thumbdrive cause the same issue a long time ago and just quit using that one. Incidentally I have other external hard drives (like a 500GB passport) that cause no issue.

It's not a big deal, I can just plug it in every week or two to run a backup, but I'd like to be able to just keep it hooked up and forget about it. Actually I suppose it's better to keep it seperated from the system for power surges and viruses anyway. But if you know what's up please fill me in.

Thanks - NHC

OS: Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
CPU: Intel Xeon W3520
GPU: Saphire 6970 2gb
PSU: AcBel 625w
MoBo: Lenovo 4157
Bios: 60KT1805


boot capable USB devices can cause odd behaviour like this. Check your BIOS, update it if one is available. set to optimal defaults then check and disable any unnecessary boot devices and pic option ROM scanning.

Also try sticking it in a different USB slot.

make sure all windows drivers are up to date for all devices, but esp for the chipset.

[nhcarpenter]

Fixed!

Thank you both, have some rep.

I don't usually go muttling around in the BOIS but that order of starup idea made sense. I move USB HDD to the last slot in the bios startup - problem solved

NHC