Bootable USB KEY problem

[blindman2]

Created a bootable USB KEY using DOS-on-USB / James' Format Tool.exe.

Works every time on our DELL laptops > E55K > E65K > D830 > D630.
Primarallay used for loading network software to enable ghostcasting sessions.

Same disk will not boot any of our DELL desktop computers > Precision T3400 > Optiplex GX745 > Optiplex 330 > 755 > etc.

Any ideas ?
NOTE: Laptops and Desktops in BIOS hard SATA drive mode is set to IDE mode because we are using XP Pro w/SP2 setup disk to run installation of Windows. Again laptops boot / desktops do not boot from the KEY.

 

[vacunita]

Is USB booting enabled in the BIOS of the desktops?
If it is enabled, is the Boot priority set to Boot from USB or removable drive first?

Do the desktops actually support booting from a removable device?

Are the USB drives plugged in before starting up the machine?

Does the BIOS recognize that the usb drives are plugged in?



----------------------------------
Phil AKA Vacunita
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Ignorance is not necessarily Bliss, case in point:
Unknown has caused an Unknown Error on Unknown and must be shutdown to prevent damage to Unknown.

Behind the Web, Tips and Tricks for Web Development.

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[BadBigBen]

basically, Vacunita is saying, plug in the USB Key/Stick, power on the Desktop, enter BIOS, make sure that the USB device is in the boot order as first boot device, exit and save... restart... and it should boot...

there are also other USB format tools, e.g. the HP Format Tool, for creating bootable USB sticks...

certain BIOS Setups, do not boot from USB if the emulation is set to USB FDD, the above HP utility will set the USB Key to be recognized as a Harddrive instead... just some thoughts...


Ben
"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."
How to ask a question, when posting them to a professional forum.
Only ask questions with yes/no answers if you want "yes" or "no"

 

[blindman2]

USB device a boot device is shown when key is inserted prior to power up and boot. ( press F12 for boot options )

Once again works fine on DELL Laptops
Does not seem to work on DELL desktops

You see system "tickle" the key - One flashing underscore shows up - no boot - hit enter - etc - any on KB and the key is looked at again repeatedly but no further boot progress - Called DELL support - no help from DELL on this question ?

Will check for USB floppy mode not sure if BIOS is trying to read this device as a jumbo floppy or as a USB hard disk. BTW I forgot that I had a 1 GB USB HD plugged in ( NTFS formatted and system was trying to boot from it with this F12 selection made ) goes straight to the KEY if it is the only USB item plugged in / F12 option is not shown when no USB disk devices are plugged in. i used similar boot disk prgrm to the HP - creates a LINUX boot disk - needed a dos key disk. Thanks !

 

[BadBigBen]

The HP utility formats the drive in FAT if you want...

also here you will find more information on USB booting:

http://www.911cd.net/forums//index.php?s=77f481fa309a21fb13c6a281065ad5e0&showforum=37

Ben
"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."
How to ask a question, when posting them to a professional forum.
Only ask questions with yes/no answers if you want "yes" or "no"