Samsung NP350V5C Assistance Required

[Fkofilee]

Samsung NP350V5C Assistance Required.

Hi Guys

Need help with the above model. I installed windows 7 on the unit as it originally came with Windows 8.

After completing a shrink on the HDD it refused to boot from the initial splash screen.

I attempted a reinstall of windows 7 are wiping it complete. Still same issues. However the settings are as they should be.

The only way to get the laptop to boot is to use F10 to select from the boot list. Not automatically.

The boot partitions were deleted and recreated as appropriate and fixmbr etc was completed to no avail.

My last port of call is a bios reflash / upgrade. I believe the issue relates to a partial BIOS corruption however I just want to make sure there Is nothing I have missed

 

[C12Friedman]

If there is a BIOS update available, I'll suggest trying it. If it isn't any newer, I don't see the point. I'm not getting BIOS corruption from the symptoms, more along the lines of driver conflict or... well, something to do with the OS install. I found this thread which should (hopefully) get you going http://www.sevenforums.com/installation-setup/325828-samsung-laptop-doesn-t-boot-after-downgrading-windows-7-a.html

 

[Fkofilee]

Hi C12

I forgot to mention i did Diskpart and Clean all etc and it didnt make a difference.

 

[C12Friedman]

Okay, that's something then, did you follow an install guide such as this http://support-us.samsung.com/cyber/popup/iframe/pop_troubleshooting_fr.jsp?idx=415842&modelname=NP350V5C ? or something similar (I think I'll suggest that guide though since it is specific to your laptop)

 

[Fkofilee]

Yep i did... Ive installed close to 200 windows 7 installs for friends and families and this is the first time ive seen this happen... Its so bizarre :/

 

[C12Friedman]

That is quite strange, I'm wondering if the HDD's controller isn't being finicky, do you have another 2.5" HDD or SSD you can try in there?

 

[Fkofilee]

Yep, No Difference,

I would like to add this only started occurring after i shrunk the HDD using Windows Drive Manager

 

[C12Friedman]

I now see the idea of flashing BIOS as a possible fix - much of this doesn't seem to make sense (as you are aware).
I'll suggest resetting the laptop if you haven't tried that route yet - with no power to the laptop (battery out, unplugged) press and hold power button for ~30 seconds or even resetting the CMOS clock (you'll need to get inside to do that) before flashing BIOS.