Can't install Win10 on NUC8I5BEK - always locks up in the same place

[JTMelb]

Hi all,

Brand new NUC8I5BEK picked up yesterday, along with new RAM and M.2 drive.

Installed the RAM and M.2. Plugged in mouse, KB and HDMI, went straight into the BIOS and saw it was quite old and didn't have the security fixes of 0083. Flashed the .bio file from within the BIOS with no problems at all.

Plugged in Win10 2004 install USB. All proceeded fine until the section where you select region (in this case, Australia) where I noticed the screen flicker briefly and then return. Install then progressed until the account login / creation dialog - at which point the NUC completely locked up.

I rebooted. Same thing. I tried the Microsoft Win 10 retail USB. Same thing. I powered down, checked the RAM, removed and reinstalled it anyway, same thing.

Loaded BIOS default and tried both installer USBs.. same thing. I'm completely stuck. 

Any help greatly appreciated, thanks!

[LeonWaksman]

Hi @JTMelb 

1. I understand that it is not first time that you are installing Windows 10. However I'll describe you the method I'm using and may be you find it helpful: 

2. Please prepare your installation media (you need 8GB – 32GB USB stick), using Microsoft Media Creation Tool. This will install version 2004.
3. Your bios should be set to default settings. Enter bios (press F2 during boot) and then press F9 (Y) to set defaults and F10 (Y) to save settings and exit.
4. With the installation media inserted into rear USB slot, power ON your NUC and repeatably press F10 to get Boot Menu.
5. In this menu, choose UEFI option of the Installation media.
6. Follow this tutorial to continue with installation.
7. In para. 8 you may enter Product Key from the Microsoft Distribution you bought or click on the I don't have a product key and Windows may be activated later after installation. Please do not connect to Internet.
8. Skip on para. 13 and continue in para. 14. Important, do not format drive where you want to install Windows, rather delete all existing partitions from this drive, till you see one unallocated space.
9. Press Next and continue with the installation.

Leon

[JTMelb]

Hi Leon,

Thanks for your reply. The Win10 install USB of my own that I refer to in my OP is one created via the Microsoft Media Creation Tool. I have been deleting all partitions and not formatting. 

At this point it's not in one of the rear ports, currently using wired mouse/KB in those. 

Other than swapping the port the installer USB is in, just to clarify, am I enabling legacy boot/disabling UEFI? 

[LeonWaksman]

Hi @JTMelb 

1. No need to swap the USB ports if you can boot now from your installation media. However, from the Boot Menu, chose the UEFI line of the Installation Media.

2. Continue with installation without connecting to the Internet and without login into Microsoft Account. You may do this after finishing the installation.

3. Setting the BIOS to defaults, enable UEFI boot among other settings.

Leon

[JTMelb]

@LeonWaksman 

Between your tips and the guide, I'm now looking at Windows Desktop, so thank you muchly, greatly appreciated!

I have to admit however, I'm not quite sure how? All I've done for the install to progress beyond the previous point and complete successfully was move the USB to the rear, and disabled both Fast and Secure Boot.

I connected to the internet and logged in with the user's account.

As grateful as I am, I'm thoroughly confused; I've built 25-30 NUCs in the last 2-3 years and have never had to do this or come across this behaviour. 

Is this BIOS version specific or NUC model specific? Can I re-enable Fast Boot and Secure Boot?

Edit - sigh, I spoke too soon. Locked up at desktop. Really don't understand what it is about this NUC (failing faulty RAM) that's causing this.

[LeonWaksman]

Hi @JTMelb 

So, the problem was faulty RAM?  As I've mentioned above not the USB port and I know that also the Secure Boot  can be enabled (it is in my NUC). I never tried Fast Boot enabled, because it is not shortening the boot time, but blocks the functional keys to enter BIOS.  While the Secure Boot is enabled, the "F" Menu is hidden during boot (I don't know why), but the keys are functioning.

Glad that you solved this problem.

Leon

[JTMelb]

@LeonWaksman Sorry, you've misunderstood. Problem is not solved. Locking up at desktop as per edit in my comment. What I'm saying is, other than possibly faulty RAM - I don't have any other RAM here to test with, I don't understand what could be causing these issues.

[Sebastian_M_Intel]

Hello JTMelb, 

Thank you for posting on the Intel® communities.   

Based on what you report, and due to the fact that you already followed the steps suggested by the community; this can be a hardware problem. Please check our recommendations below: 

• I understand that you don't have any spare RAM memory to test, but this can be a cause of this issue.  
• As the unit is locked at the desktop, it can also be a faulty hard drive. If possible, try a different HDD/SSD or try checking for a diagnostic test from the drive's manufacturer.  
• Just to confirm, you tested 2 different USB drives to make the Windows installation, right?  
• You may want to check the following article about Operating System Installation for Intel® NUC to see if you get any different outcome. Or, check Troubleshooting Operating System Issues on Intel® NUC. 
• If after checking all the above you face the same problem, I will highly recommend you to contact the reseller and replace the Intel® NUC as you mentioned that you recently purchased it.  

Regards, 

Sebastian M  

Intel Customer Support Technician  

[JTMelb]

@Sebastian_M_Intel Thanks for your reply. Yes, I tried two different USB sticks with Windows 10 installers on them with the same results. The unit has already been returned to the reseller for replacement as their testing found the same issue.

I'm awaiting further specific details and a replacement, I just hope it's not model/BIOS version specific as I don't want the same issue to recur.

[Sebastian_M_Intel]

Hello JTMelb, 

Thank you for your reply. 

Based on that, we will be waiting for your outcome using the replacement unit. As soon as you have an update, please let us know.  

Regards, 

Sebastian M  

Intel Customer Support Technician 

[JTMelb]

Hi @Sebastian_M_Intel @LeonWaksman After some difficulty, the faulty unit has been replaced and I can report it's no longer locking up with the same RAM and M.2 SSD installed. I do have an issue however. 

The replacement unit's fan speed/fan noise is constantly high, even though I've selected the Quiet preset in the BIOS. The noise is insane. Clearly loud enough to be heard over a TV on decently high volume. I cannot provide the NUC to my customer like this. Again, never had such an issue with an Intel NUC.

Temps are not an issue; 26C at Windows Desktop, but according to the BIOS, the fan RPMs are 3600+

How do I fix this please? Getting quite annoyed with these issues given I've built so many NUCs with no such problems.

Thanks

[n_scott_pearson]

There is a new BIOS update available just today that fixes this fan speed control issue,

...S

[JTMelb]

@n_scott_pearson Thank your for reply. Is this known safe? Pardon my wariness, I normally wouldn't ask such a question but if you read my OP and the issues I encountered, I'm not absolutely convinced that the BIOS upgrade I did initially didn't have some input into the situation. The vendor concerned just confirmed my stated issue (locking up) and replaced under warranty.

How best to do the upgrade as safely as possible please?

[LeonWaksman]

Hi @JTMelb 

Please download and install the latest BIOS BECFL357.86A.0085.EB.msi

Leon

[n_scott_pearson]

And no, it had nothing to do with your hardware issue.

...S

[JTMelb]

Fan speeds now back to normal post BIOS upgrade. Bit gun shy given all the issues. Many thanks to all of you for your assistance throughout. @LeonWaksman @Sebastian_M_Intel @n_scott_pearson 

[Sebastian_M_Intel]

Hello JTMelb,  

I am glad to hear that all your problems are fixed. 

In that case, we will proceed to close this inquiry. If you need further assistance, please submit a new question as this post will no longer be monitored.  

Regards,  

Sebastian M   

Intel Customer Support Technician