BXNUC8i5INHJA1 : Boot failure

[Gaurav]

I am unable to boot my new NUC system.

At startup, it reports Preparing Automatic Repair, then Diagnosing & ultimately fails to recover.

Please let me know what can do to fix the failure?

The windows had come preinstalled, but since I am unable to start the system, so I can not retrieve the activation code. Please let me know how can I reinstall Windows & activate it.

[AlHill]

I would do a clean install as detail in this procedure:

https://forums.intel.com/s/question/0D50P00004Icw2bSAB/problems-with-microsoft-supplied-windows-10-install-media-use-this-procedure-to-install-windows-10-on-your-nuc?language=en_US

I would also update the bios prior to the procedure, followed by F9.

https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/29250?product=189233

Doc

[Gaurav]

Thanks Al.Hill for such a quick response.

The NUC came with preinstalled Windows OS. And I do not have the windows activation key backed up.

Will the activation be done automatically from the key stored in the BIOS? Or is there any other way?

[AlHill]

Your key should be stored. If so, you will get no choices for which version of W10 to install, as it knows what version you had from the key.

Now, were you ever about to completely boot the nuc? Or, did the nuc boot into windows never successfully complete?

Doc

[AlHill]

Note - I would be very tempted to return it to the place of purchase for a replacement, or solution.

Doc

[Gaurav]

Thank you.

I was able to boot in 2 to 3 time successfully. But it has been really slow.

The problem started occurring after I use disk management utility to shrink a volume and make some space available to install ubuntu along side windows.

The disk management was successful in creating un-allocated space. While trying to shutdwon, the system was hung and I decided to hard poweroff.

I believe thats where the failure got introduced and next boot onwards I am unable to boot.

Infact using live ubuntu usb stick, it does not show the unallocated space seperately, instead its still part on existing 1TB hdd partition.

[AlHill]

Sounds like you definitely created the problem.

You will note that ubuntu is not supported on your nuc:

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000005628/intel-nuc.html

And, I would have taken a good backup before attempting such a venture.

Just do the clean install of W10 as in my procedure, and forget the dual boot.

Doc

[LeonWaksman]

Hello @Gaurav​ 

1. Try to boot in Safe Mode from Command Prompt. The Command Prompt can be reached from Advanced Option Menu. 
2. After the Automatic Repair fails, you will see probably the Advanced Option Menu.
3. Click/tap on Troubleshoot.
4. Click/tap on Advanced options.
5. Click on Command Prompt
6. In the Command Prompt write the following command: bcdedit /set {default} safeboot minimal and press enter to execute this command
7. Close the Command Prompt window by clicking the X in the upper right corner of the Command Prompt window.
8.  Select Continue and sign in to Windows 
9. While in Windows, press Windows key + r. Run msconfig
10. Chose Boot tab and uncheck Safe boot. Reboot your system. 

Leon