I'm trying to re-install Windows 10 via a new SSD, but I get stuck in a boot loop.

[TroubleShootMe]

Previous HDD that came with the system has failed entirely, so I wanted to revive the system by swapping it out with a modern SSD. The PC originally came with Windows 10, so I created I windows 10 USB. My current issue is that no matter what I do the PC keeps boot looping every time it tries to boot off the USB. I've used different USBs alongside different versions of windows to see if I'd get a different result, but the result is the same. I think I'm going crazy here, but maybe something else is wrong or I'm missing something simple. Any help would be appreciated; thanks.

Note: I've scoured these forums for "similar" issues but none seem to be quite like mine, and I've also seen some videos on YT with the hopes for an answer but nothing specific to my situation. 

I've also hardware tested all I can within my given BIOS version and everything passes. I've also used the original and new RAM, and I even went as far as swapping the CMOS out of curiosity. I'm now in the line of thinking that it's something else that's failed or maybe even something wrong with the BIOS (not even sure if a bios update is possible with this model). Nonetheless, I'm open to all ideas and would love to pinpoint the problem for future scenarios. Thanks again to anyone who chimes in.

[zoey7886]

@TroubleShootMe, Welcome to the HP Support Community!  

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding Resolving Boot Loop Issue with HP Slimline Desktop - 270-a011! 

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.  

It appears you are facing a boot loop issue while trying to install Windows 10 on your HP Slimline Desktop - 270-a011 using a USB drive. Here are a few steps you can follow to resolve this:

Check Your BIOS Settings:

• Restart your PC and press the appropriate key (usually F10, F2, Delete, or Esc) to enter the BIOS/UEFI settings.
• Ensure the boot order is set to prioritize the USB drive.
• Disable Secure Boot if it is enabled:Navigate to 'Security' > 'Secure Boot Configuration'. Disable Secure Boot. Enable Legacy Support. Save changes and exit (usually F10).
• If your system uses UEFI, ensure the USB drive is formatted correctly for UEFI:The USB drive should be formatted in FAT32 and created using a tool that supports UEFI, such as Rufus.

Correctly Create the Windows 10 Installation USB:

• Use the Windows Media Creation Tool:Open the Windows Media Creation Tool on another PC. Select "Create installation media for another PC". Choose the USB drive and follow the prompts to create the installation media.
• Ensure the installation media is bootable and correctly created.

Check the USB Ports:

• Use different USB ports (preferably USB 2.0) on the desktop to eliminate any port-related issues.

Reset BIOS to Default:

• Sometimes resetting BIOS settings to default can resolve boot issues.Enter BIOS settings. Look for an option to reset to default settings (usually found under 'Exit' or 'Save & Exit').  

Hope this helps!

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, Please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!  

Regards, 

[TroubleShootMe]

Hey Zoey thanks for the prompt reply,

I've finally had the time to address your recommendations, allow me to respond in the order you've listed them.

Check your BIOS settings:

• Secure boot was disabled and my system does use UEFI therefore all windows installation media were formatted in the FAT32 format accordingly.
• I used AnyBurn to create them.

Correctly Create the Windows 10 Installation USB:

• I made 3 installation medias to troubleshoot from multiple angles. All media tools were made correctly and were bootable.
  • First, I made used 2 USBs that utilized USB 3.0 and 2.0 respectively.
  • Second, I made a installation media disc as the PC also has a disc tray.
  • All media had windows 10 setup installed on them

Check the USB Ports:

• I suspected that this could be a problem and used both ports on the PC respectively, the result I got was the same regardless of the port used. I tested both ports several times just to be sure.

Reset BIOS to Default:

• I also did this early on just to see if it'd give a different result, but this also resulted the same.

New Parts Installed:

• I've installed a new 256GB M.2 into the available slot on the motherboard. This is the target drive for windows if I can get the system to boot into a installation media
• I've also installed a secondary NVMe 512GB SSD to replace the old mechanical HDD.
• I've replaced the CMOS battery as previously mentioned in my OP.

My Findings and Experiences:

• With all this being said, I ultimately get as far as a multicolor screen that I'd compare to being similar to an old TV that's flipped to an unavailable channel.
• Both USB and disc achieve this result, so this leads me to believe the problem lies in a different component.
• I've also approached the angle of disabling all other bootable media listed in the boot order settings of the BIOS to isolate my boot device and avoid any interference from the other devices.

Please let me know if anything I've mentioned might be making my situation worse, or if there's more for me to test. Thank you for your help thus far.