SAMSUNG NP350U2B - Can't Boot From USB

[Bootman 650]

Hi

A job that's come into the shop recently is a Samsung NP350U2B netbook. After initial diagnosis it was clear that the HD was badly damaged. I have replaced the HD with a new one physically. However, now I am struggling to boot from USB devices to re-install the operating system.

I have tried with a USB CD/DVD drive which I use with thousands of other laptops and netbooks to boot from no problem.

I have also made a bootable USB drive (using a program called rufus) to make a bootable UEFI USB of Windows 8.1.

Neither of which seem to work. The BIOS on this machine is pretty basic, but I will post pictures of the settings and options within the BIOS. Was also thinking of updating the BIOS - only snag with that is I can't boot from any devices to do so.

Any help would be greatfully appreciated.

 

[Moltuae]

My first thought would be legacy mode.

Is there an option in the BIOS to enable legacy support for all USB devices?

 

[Bootman 650]

I can't post a link to URL's of the images yet as I haven't made 15 posts. What is the alternative?

 

[Bootman 650]

My first thought would be legacy mode.

Is there an option in the BIOS to enable legacy support for all USB devices?

Thanks for the Quick reply mate.

Yes, there is the 'Legacy USB Support' which is currently '[Enabled]'

 

[tek9]

Are you using USB 2.0 or 3.0 ports?

 

[Bootman 650]

Hi Tek9,
Both ports on this model of Laptop are USB 2.0.

 

[Moltuae]

Are you using USB 2.0 or 3.0 ports?

I would also add to that to try other USB ports regardless.

I've had laptops that will only boot from certain USB ports, even if those ports are USB 2.0 and otherwise fully functional.

Also, does it have a BIOS or a UEFI?

If it's a UEFI, try turning off UEFI boot support (if you have the option).

 

[Bootman 650]

I would also add to that to try other USB ports regardless.

I've had laptops that will only boot from certain USB ports, even if those ports are USB 2.0 and otherwise fully functional.

Also, does it have a BIOS or a UEFI?

If it's a UEFI, try turning off UEFI boot support (if you have the option).

I have tried both USB ports.

I have tried UEFI boot support both enabled and disabled. Neither seem to work.

Have tried alternative USB pen drives + USB optical drives.

Thanks for the help, we will get there in the end

 

[HFultzjr]

Just for shits and giggles, see if it will boot a Linux distro USB.

 

[Bootman 650]

I've actually fixed it -I used a SATA 2.5" HD from a similar Samsung Netbook with Windows 7 pre-installed. Got into Windows 7. Ran the BIOS update utility. Reseated the new HD and am now able to boot from USB devices. BINGO! Not sure why the old BIOS version wouldn't work.

Thanks for all the help!