[ERROR] reboot and select proper boot device

[SylEm]

So my rig has really never had any issues up until the last couple days. Randomly when the computer is idle, or sometimes even during start-up, the screen goes black (like the boot up menu) and displays this message:

Reboot and Select proper boot device
or Insert Boot Media in selected Boot device and press a key

What I've tried already:
- Went into BIOS and ensured my boot up order is the internal hard-drive
- Tried this Microsoft Fix: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/922976
- Restarted computer

The only thing that seems to work is restarting the computer, but only temporarily does until I get the error. Any ideas.

 

[Bubbaleone]

That procedure is the method for changing the IDE/AHCI/RAID mode of the operating system without having to perform a reinstallation of Windows. I'm curious why you tried that; had you attempted switching the drive controller mode in BIOS and then this problem began? What you're describing sounds more like bad connections. Have you disconnected, inspected, then reseated your SATA cables, or tried different cables/connectors?

.

 

[SylEm]

I tried that first thing because I did a google search and someone had the same problem at it worked for them. I have not tried any of the other ideas you had. Can you explain to me what you mean by switching the drive controller mode in BIOS?

I have not physically disconnected and inspected it quite yet, but I will do that if the software idea you had doesn't work, just need some direction on how to do it.

 

[Bubbaleone]

Microsoft is a bit fuzzy on those directions you linked to. This is the step by step procedure:

1. Open regedit.
2. Go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\servic es\msahci
3. Click on msahci, then in the right pane double-click the value Start.
4. Change the Start value data to 0, then click OK.
5. Go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\IastorV
6. Click on IastorV, then in the right pane double-click the value Start.
6. Change the Start value data to 0, then click OK.
6. Close regedit, then shut down.
7. Restart the computer and immediately enter BIOS setup.
8. Find the SATA storage controller section and change the mode from IDE to AHCI.
9. Save and exit BIOS to reboot.

When you boot back to the desktop, Windows will tell you it needs to reboot one more time. Reboot and Windows will now be in SATA/AHCI mode.

EDIT: In your user manual, "Section 3.5.4 SATA Configuration", is where you find the settings to change the drive controller mode.

 

[sm625]

Regardless of the mode you are using, it should not make your computer randomly restart and then lose its SATA controller. It has to be a hardware/connection issue. I would take everything apart...

 

[Bubbaleone]

Regardless of the mode you are using, it should not make your computer randomly restart and then lose its SATA controller. It has to be a hardware/connection issue. I would take everything apart...

I agree, which is why I said in my first reply; "What you're describing sounds more like bad connections". I posted the reg hack for the OP in order for him to return the registry and BIOS drive controller settings to their proper configuration, before testing cables/connections.

 

[SylEm]

I will try your solution when I come home. Last night I did unplug the satadrive from one of the mobo ports and plugged it in to a different port on the mobo. Unfortanetely it didn't fix the problem. So are you guys saying that Bubbaleone's solution wouldn't work anyway and I should just not do it?

 

[Bubbaleone]

You stated you already have made registry edits. Since I don't know your level of expertise in editing the Windows registry or what changes you actually have made, the steps I posted will ensure that your registry is correctly configured, and BIOS settings are correctly set for booting in SATA/AHCI mode.

If following those steps doesn't correct your boot problem, then you will know that you need to look at your hardware i.e., connectors, cables, ports, etc. as the cause of the problem you're having.

 

[SylEm]

Ok I'm definetely going to try your suggestion then when I get home. My level of expertise in registry editing is....none. I used that "fix it" thing (referring to my solution I tried at the top of thread) that automatically did it for me. I'll let you know what happens after I try your idea though. Thanks again for your help

 

[Bubbaleone]

Ok I'm definetely going to try your suggestion then when I get home. My level of expertise in registry editing is....none. I used that "fix it" thing (referring to my solution I tried at the top of thread) that automatically did it for me. I'll let you know what happens after I try your idea though. Thanks again for your help

Follow those steps exactly, and note that when you reboot you must immediately go into the BIOS, verify that SATA and AHCI are set correctly, then save and exit. If for any reason you should boot back into Windows without correctly configuring the BIOS settings, or miss getting into the BIOS before it goes to the login screen, you will have to start over from the beginning.

 

[SylEm]

Follow those steps exactly, and note that when you reboot you must immediately go into the BIOS, verify that SATA and AHCI are set correctly, then save and exit. If for any reason you should boot back into Windows without correctly configuring the BIOS settings, or miss getting into the BIOS before it goes to the login screen, you will have to start over from the beginning.

Ok for sure I'll follow it exactly and report my findings.

 

[SylEm]

Microsoft is a bit fuzzy on those directions you linked to. This is the step by step procedure:

When you boot back to the desktop, Windows will tell you it needs to reboot one more time. Reboot and Windows will now be in SATA/AHCI mode.

EDIT: In your user manual, "Section 3.5.4 SATA Configuration", is where you find the settings to change the drive controller mode.

So I tried to do what you suggested, however "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Servic es\IastorV" isn't there. The IastorV file isn't listed. What do I do now?

 

[Ketchup]

There could be a problem with the Intel Rapid Storage Driver. Have you disabled any services or startup items related to this?

You should be able to find the latest driver here:

http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/P8Z68V_PRO/#support_Download_30

under SATA.

 

[SylEm]

ill try that out now n let u know

 

[SylEm]

Interesting, I don't think I've ever had this software installed before. Now when I open that program up, the current status says: "Your system is functioning normally". I mean, I guess that's a good sign? So does that mean the HDD is good? I'll report back if another crash happens. I've been typically getting about an hour use out of the computer before it crashes so if it lasts past that I'll be hopeful lol.

 

[Ketchup]

Interesting, I don't think I've ever had this software installed before. Now when I open that program up, the current status says: "Your system is functioning normally". I mean, I guess that's a good sign? So does that mean the HDD is good? I'll report back if another crash happens. I've been typically getting about an hour use out of the computer before it crashes so if it lasts past that I'll be hopeful lol.

Fingers crossed. Here is a description of what RST does.

http://www.intel.com/support/chipsets/imsm/sb/cs-020784.htm

Even when not running RAID, I personally think this is the driver to have over the Microsoft one.

Are the registry keys and values you couldn't find before available now?

 

[SylEm]

Bad news it still crashed .

 

[Ketchup]

OK, have you tried swapping SATA cables yet?

 

[SylEm]

Yeah and I plugged it in to different ports too. Is it possible the mobo drivers or bios needs updating?

 

[Ketchup]

Yeah and I plugged it in to different ports too. Is it possible the mobo drivers or bios needs updating?

Sure, I would go through the Asus page I linked above and update what you can, especially the 3603 BIOS. Since you have already updated the Intel Rapid Storage driver, you are already halfway there on that one.

 

[SylEm]

Ok so now something new has happened and maybe you guys can tell me If its correlated. I tried to do a system restore to a previous date, picking a date that was right before the issues started happening. When I did that all of the sudden I'm getting messages saying windows isn't genuine. Turns out the tech that gave me the disc gave me a pirated copy. I purchased a legitimate key now but I can't even activate it by the online or phone method. Is it possible that since my windows 7 was aparantly pirated that it wasn't getting all updates and thus causing these crashes?

 

[Ketchup]

Ok so now something new has happened and maybe you guys can tell me If its correlated. I tried to do a system restore to a previous date, picking a date that was right before the issues started happening. When I did that all of the sudden I'm getting messages saying windows isn't genuine. Turns out the tech that gave me the disc gave me a pirated copy. I purchased a legitimate key now but I can't even activate it by the online or phone method. Is it possible that since my windows 7 was aparantly pirated that it wasn't getting all updates and thus causing these crashes?

If you have a legitimate key, you should be able to enter your correct key. It should tell you to activate again, but then you can do so online. This is assuming that the tech installed the same version you have a key for:

1) Click the Start button
2) Right-click Computer
3) Select Properties
4) Scroll down window and click 'Change Product Key'

I would recommend pulling up installed updates in the control panel (under Programs and Features) too see about your update history. But once you have the key thing straightened out, you should be able to get any updates you missed.

But I am a little puzzled as to why someone would install a pirated copy of Windows, unless he did so before you got the key. He would have no reason to do so otherwise.

 

[SylEm]

Yeah I got the key yesterday only after finding out that my copy wasn't "genuine". I actually tried the steps you showed me but it claims the product key is incorrect. I tried over the phone and the "confirmation ID" they gave me claims it is invalid. They utlimately instructed me to do a full clean install, the only problem is I don't have the disc. They offered to let me download the ISO but the dang computer crashed in the middle of the install

Another UPDATE: I'm starting to believe it may be the HDD afterall, because several times when restarting the computer it won't detect the HDD at all, however it always detects my external HD, as well as the DVD ROM drive. I also have issues doing a clean install with an old legitimate version of windows that I do have because it couldn't locate a certain windows file when trying to install on the HDD in question. Is that a safe assumption?

 

[Ketchup]

Yeah, things are really pointing to the boot drive. Is it the Crucial SSD?
Do you have another hard drive to test with?

 

[SylEm]

Yeah its the 128GB Crucial M4 CT128M4SSD2 2.5" SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

I have an external HD, which is already connected to the computer. That thing hasn't had any issues being recognized my the mobo, however I haven't installed an OS on it yet.