Dell M6600 no USB boot option

[Tofik]

Hullo,

After reinstalling Windows 7 64bit Pro on M6600 computer I notice I have NO USB boot option in one-time boot list (F12).
USB device is on the second place in BIOS boot sequence (F2).

USB ports works find. I can use all devices connected to them. Although external keyboard remains inactive till the Windows logon screen.

Because of the above I am not able to perform windows backup Image restore directly from an external HD used previously to backup the system. Attempting this I have a prompt to install the driver that I cannot localise.

I will deeply appreciate any helpful suggestion to solve the problem.
Thank you very much in advance,

 

[denis280]

Welcome to the forums, Tofik. in the bios under usb devise.boot from usb should be unable.

 

[Tofik]

Welcome to the forums, Tofik. in the bios under usb devise.boot from usb should be unable.

Thank you.

The problem is that that option IS checked/active. I have double checked every usb setting option in the bios.
Even when I insert an USB Drive into USB port the option boot from USB does not apears tin the one-time boot list (F12).

 

[alzan]

Thank you.

The problem is that that option IS checked/active. I have double checked every usb setting option in the bios.
Even when I insert an USB Drive into USB port the option boot from USB does not apears tin the one-time boot list (F12).

Check in your BIOS for BOOT DEVICES; if USB Device is not one of the bootable devices add it to the list.

You might also check your BOOT DEVICE ORDER after enabling USB as a BOOT DEVICE; you could make it the first BOOT DEVICE and avoid the one-time boot list (F12)

 

[Steltek]

Another thing, have you tried more than one brand of USB drive? I have a couple that work just fine for storage; however, they won't work as boot drives no matter what I do to them.

 

[Tofik]

Check in your BIOS for BOOT DEVICES; if USB Device is not one of the bootable devices add it to the list.

You might also check your BOOT DEVICE ORDER after enabling USB as a BOOT DEVICE; you could make it the first BOOT DEVICE and avoid the one-time boot list (F12)

In the BIOS all USB boot options are enabled. The USbB device IS checked in a boot order list.
Legacy USB was/is enabled by default and still not USB option showing up.

I do have two external hard drives connected via usb hub to a computer.
As described attempting to restore Windows Image Backup the system 'sees' none of them. A message prompting for driver installation is proposed as an option (second choice suggested is a network drive).

I have no such issue with other Dell computer (XPS M1530). I can perform here any action from/to an external USB drive.

Thank you for your response. Any other help will be greatly appreciate.

 

[Tofik]

Another thing, have you tried more than one brand of USB drive? I have a couple that work just fine for storage; however, they won't work as boot drives no matter what I do to them.

Thank you.
The problem is I cannot restore Windows Image Backup directly from previously connected external HD. The restore system does not "see" any of the USB storage device.

 

[Tofik]

I think the problem is solved. In a Dell M6600 model only two USB 2 ports could be used for USB booting.
While an USB key is inserted there the USB boot option IS enabled in one-boot list (F12).

However keybord connected there remains disabled, though highlighted until the Windows logon screen comes out.
Any idea on that?

Thank you for your response.

 

[alzan]

I think the problem is solved. In a Dell M6600 model only two USB 2 ports could be used for USB booting.
While an USB key is inserted there the USB boot option IS enabled in one-boot list (F12).

However keybord connected there remains disabled, though highlighted until the Windows logon screen comes out.
Any idea on that?

Thank you for your response.

Glad you got the USB boot issue solved.

In BIOS, is Support for Legacy USB enabled? If not enable it and see if that fixes the keyboard issue.

 

[Tofik]

Thank you.
All USB options in BIOS are checked/enabled - I have done double-triple check.

Still no external keyboard functionality in pre-windows environment - keybord being highlighted once computer starts and then the light go off, then the light come back but the keyboard is non-responsive untill the windows logon screen appears.

Here are three item under Keyboards in Device Manager:
HID Keyboard Device
Logitech HID Compliant Keyboard
Standard PS/2 Keyboard

 

[alzan]

Thank you.
All USB options in BIOS are checked/enabled - I have done double-triple check.

Still no external keyboard functionality in pre-windows environment - keybord being highlighted once computer starts and then the light go off, then the light come back but the keyboard is non-responsive untill the windows logon screen appears.

Here are three item under Keyboards in Device Manager:
HID Keyboard Device
Logitech HID Compliant Keyboard
Standard PS/2 Keyboard

You've probably checked but is there a setting in the Properties page of either the generic HID Keyboard or the Logitech HID Compliant KBD?

 

[Tofik]

You've probably checked but is there a setting in the Properties page of either the generic HID Keyboard or the Logitech HID Compliant KBD?

I am afraid not.
There is a standard Device Properties box for each entry. The only box to 'set up' is Power Management tab - 'Allow this device to wake the computer' (checked).

 

[Tofik]

Device and Printers keyboard components:

http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b586/TTofik/L_zps2f2b500f.jpg

 

[alzan]

I am afraid not.
There is a standard Device Properties box for each entry. The only box to 'set up' is Power Management tab - 'Allow this device to wake the computer' (checked).

Aside from contacting Logitech Support, I'm out of ideas.

 

[Ketchup]

... keyboard being highlighted once computer starts and then the light go off, then the light come back but the keyboard is non-responsive untill the windows logon screen appears...

Hello Tofik. This is the key right here, which tells you this has to do with a BIOS setting. Now, whether it is a setting your missing, or just an issue with the stripped down BIOS they put in these boards, is hard to tell.

I do have a question: when you refer to "keyboard" are we talking about the keyboard on the laptop, or an external keyboard you have plugged in/wireless connector to, the laptop?

 

[Gunbuster]

Lets clarify, do you have a Dell Precision M6600 laptop or have you listed the model in error?

 

[Tofik]

Lets clarify, do you have a Dell Precision M6600 laptop or have you listed the model in error?

Yes, I have got a Dell Precision M6600 Mobile Workstation with Windows 7 Pro x64.

 

[Tofik]

I do have a question: when you refer to "keyboard" are we talking about the keyboard on the laptop, or an external keyboard you have plugged in/wireless connector to, the laptop?

It is an external Logitech Illuminated corded K740 keyboard problem.
The native laptop keyboard works well as a part of the system.

 

[Gunbuster]

Okay so why don't you just use the built in keyboard?

 

[Ketchup]

Okay so why don't you just use the built in keyboard?

This is exactly what you need to do.

 

[Tofik]

Okay so why don't you just use the built in keyboard?

The simplest answer would be : Because I cannot see key signs while seating in front of a laptop screen.

Sounds/looks bizarre, is it not?