Replaced HDD with SSD and now cannot boot Win Creation tool from USB

[COZZIE55]

Hello

Not a total idiot here.. (managed to swap my own PC’s HDD to an SDD recently)

Anyhow trying to do the same for my sons PC.
Took the HD out replaced with an WD 2.5 and am trying to to do a fresh windows install.
Thing is I cannot boot the windows creation tool from the USB despite trying everything. I continually get the error ‘an operating system wasn’t found’
I’ve enabled all USB compatibility options. I’ve downloaded the exe file again. I’ve used different USB ports.

When I don’t have the USB plugged in I get the error ‘reboot and select proper boot device or insert media boot media in selected boot device and press a key’
The USB is recognised in BIOS (as is the new SSD) and I’ve made sure the boot order is correct etc. I selected UEFI, enabled secure boot.
Only weird thing is when I disable CSM compatibility and F10 it restarts and sends my quickly back into BIOS

I’ve also updated the bios etc but still getting nowhere.
MOBO is an AS Rock H81-M HDS

Thanks in advance for any support

[phillpower2]

Hello COZZIE55,

Make sure that the USB device is plugged into a USB 2.0 port and not a USB 3.0 or 3.1 port, reason that this is important is because the USB 3.0/3.1 ports are not enabled by default on all MBs and especially older boards.

For computers that have UEFI as opposed to legacy BIOS, to be able to boot from your USB device you may need to disable secure boot and change UEFI to CSM Boot, not all computers and BIOS are the same, please refer to your user manual if you have one as the following steps are only one such example.

Restart the computer continually tap or hold down the key that will allow you to access the BIOS on your computer and then do the following;

Select Security → Secure Boot and then Disabled.

Select Advanced → System Configuration and then Boot Mode.

Change UEFI Boot to CSM Boot.

Save the changes and Exit the BIOS, commonly F10.

[COZZIE55]

Sorted it thanks. I basicaly forgot to create the windows creation tool Installer for USB!!

[phillpower2]

Glad you got it sorted and thanks for letting us know (y)