NUC7I5BNH boot up Issues

[BStig]

On every boot up, the NUC crashes to blue screen, it restarts after gathering information and then will sometimes crash or will boot to Windows 10 fine. Once booted up... it can be unstable for a short while - but usually after 5-10 minutes, the computer runs fine. I've updated to the latest bios and the system was built with high quality components. What would make it crash everytime on start up???

[LeonWaksman]

Was it once working good? Or, it is a new installed system?

If it is a new system that never ran, please describe the P/N of the RAM memory modules and drives.

Except to update bios, did you install any drivers?

Leon

[BStig]

Had been stable - but bios and driver updates have been installed that appear to be the issue. Samsung EVO 960 500 GB main drive, 16GB Crucial Memory DDR4-2133 (CT2K8G4SFD8213) + a Seagate Hybrid 2.5 in harddrive. Currently at bios 72. with all other drivers up to date except the latest Management Engine which I assume is associated with the latest bios.

[n_scott_pearson]

Also, have you made any recent changes in the BIOS configuration itself?

...S

[BStig]

No changes - just the updates - attempting to correct the crash. Still at Bios 72.

[LeonWaksman]

You should update your BIOS using recovery method with the Security Jumper Removed

• Prepare USB stick fully formatted to FAT32 with Bios file BN0073.bio https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/28640/BIOS-Update-BNKBL357-86A-?product=95067 . Format your USB with Quick Format option unchecked. Do not format your USB in MAC (OS) or Linux machine. Use Windows.
  • Disconnect the power adapter and remove the bottom panel from your NUC.
  • Remove the Yellow Bios Security Jumper.
  • Insert the USB with the BN0073.bio file.
  • Reconnect the power adapter and power ON the NUC. Wait 30 sec - 2min. The Recovery process will start automatically and will end after 2 -5 minutes.
  • When bios recovery is completed, switch the power OFF, remove the power adapter and replace the Security Jumper (pins 1-2) . Reinstall the bottom panel.
  • Power your NUC ON.
  • Enter Bios setting by pressing F2 during boot process.
  • Press F9(followed by "Y"), to set Bios to default settings. Press F10 (followed by "Y"), to save the settings and exit to O.S. Let the NUC fully reboot.

1. It important to update Chipset and Management Engine Drivers. Download and install the Chipset Driver first: https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/26801/Intel-Chipset-Device-Software-for-Intel-NUC-Kit-NUC7i3BN-NUC7i5BN-NUC7i7BN?product=95067 . Next download and install the Management Engine Driver: https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/28215/Intel-Management-Engine-Consumer-Driver-for-Windows-10-64-bit-for-Intel-NUC-Products?product=95067
2. Reboot your NUC.
3. If before update, you have customized bios settings, you can enter again to Bios setting to change the necessary settings. 

Leon

[BStig]

Thanks for the detailed response. Can I ask - what is the reason for removing the "security jumper"? And why bios 73 verses the latest 76?

Regards,

[n_scott_pearson]

Removing this jumper is what signals that the Recovery BIOS should be invoked in its most-thorough mode of operation. BIOS 73 is the version that installs the BIOS Security fixes. Upgrading from there to the latest BIOS can then occur without using the BIOS Recovery process.

...S

[LeonWaksman]

Hello @BStig​ 

1. Bios recovery with the secure jumper removed is the best method (Scott explained it already above) to update bios. Powering NUC with this jumper removed, causes NUC after power ON, to look for bios file and if founded, starting automatically the recovery process.
2. Version 73 was written by mistake, sorry for this, Although my link is O.K. pointing to last version 76.
3. If you prefere, you may update bios gradually. First to ver 73 (with recovery method) and then using F7 method. However, I would go directly from your current version 72 to 76.

Leon

[BStig]

Thanks for all the support. I updated the bios per the instructions (straight to V76) - set to default and saved. I then updated Chipset and MgmtEng. So far - everything went smoothly and the system boots up without crashing.

I did remove the data 2.5in drive prior to all of the updates. Wondering if it could be placing too much load on the system at boot up? Its a Seagate Momentus XT drive. I will reinstall the HD after putting the system through some additional checks just to validate stability.

I will let you know how it all turns out.

Again - thanks for the help!