Can't Boot from USB DM1-4020sa

[sc2071]

Hi,

I just purchased an HP DM1 (4020sa) AMD E-450 Netbook.  I'm just getting started getting the computer setup and trying to run through some diagnostics to make sure the hardware is good.  I created a bootable 16GB USB stick with Memtest on it, formatted FAT32.  Runs absolutely fine on my desktop.

However, for the life of me I can't figure out how to boot from USB on the netbook!  I've tried changing the boot order, updating the BIOS, trying all 3 USB ports.  Nothing is working!

At first pressing ESC then F9 for the boot menu was giving me 2 options, one for boot from USB and the other to boot from the hard drive.  I could not select the USB, it was permenantly selected on the hard drive.  Now, I don't see the option at all!

I'm considering installing Win7 x64, Ubuntu, and in the future Win8... so I need to know USB booting is possible on this netbook.

Please help!  Thanks!

[JAREN]

Have you enstalled Windows (or another operating system) on the USB stick?

[sc2071]

I'm not sure what OS it is, perhaps MS-DOS?  Anyway, it is Memtest86+.  They have an auto-installer for USB key drives that I used.  I created it on my desktop, which is running Windows 7 x64.

http://memtest.org/#downiso

As I mentioned, my desktop boots just fine from the USB key drive and runs Memtest86+ without any issue.

[sc2071 · Accepted solution]

Well, although Memtest86+ v4.20 is suppose to support AMD E Series CPUs, perhaps it doesn't work fully yet.  I created a USB Key Drive with the Windows 7 x64 ISO, following instructions from Ars Technica, and that worked without any trouble whatsoever.

Anyway, don't know why the Memtest86+ won't work, but eh... oh well.  At the laptop DOES can boot from the USB.

[aaaaab]

I am having same problem with HP dm1-4010us.

I can not seem to boot from USB disk. 

I am trying to install Ubuntu (and get rid of Windows).

But nothing I do seems to recognize the USB disk. (which does work)

[cyberlizard]

same problem here.  I can't get it to boot from it either.  I tried different usb sticks in different usb ports and got knowwhere... just boots straight into windows.  Does not look like it even tried.

Steve

[aaaaab]

Steve:

I solved my problem, by downloading HP's format utiltiy and formatting the USB stick.   Then added the .iso and the laptop booted; linux loaded.

I don't know why HP format utility worked, while others did not.

Jim

[cyberlizard]

My plan is to install OS X.

The card was formatted with a Mac using the GUID formatting system.

Anyone got any other ideas?

Steve