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Just an update to put this frustrating problem to rest. Remember, could only boot into Safe Mode with BSODs galore in normal mode. Resolution involved:

1 Changing motherboard. This was done using known bios that safely worked before. Problem persisted exactly as before.

2 Changed memory, even though MemTest indicated no troubles. no change to problem.

3 Changed GPU for known working model.  Still no luck.

4 Despite Intel CPU check passing all tests, decided to change CPU from the i9 13900K to the CPU I upgraded from, an i9 12900KF. Don’t ask me to explain, but problem immediately solved. Bad CPU, bad CPU….

Rebuilt machine with recovered Macrium images and put paid to a long and frustrating episode. The CPU was the  last device I would have suspected to fail in this idiosyncratic way but I’ll chalk it up to experience.

4 users thanked author for this post.

windbg, satrow, Alex5723, TechTango

Update: CPU checks out OK. Now have a boot log text file that shows what has loaded and what hasn’t but  it contains thousands(?) of entries and I’m not sure how to reach conclusion  but will research.

I used to have a dual boot (both Windows 11) each on its own drive. I had wiped the second drive free (as well as disconnecting all peripherals save mouse and keyboard), during troubleshooting that included trying all manner of reset, in place repair, clean install that all failed. I decided to restore the second Windows boot to its drive, disconnect the primary boot drive set bios to boot accordingly. Restore worked but the bsod problem is identically there for it too.

In all instances the offending bsod involves Ntfs.sys. Some site info suggested possible video driver issues but I used DDU to fully uninstall my Nvidia drivers with no improvement.

Am I completely off-target if I now suspect a motherboard issue? From Alex’s reply, Intel ME is deeply implicated in the boot up process.  I’ve run out of ideas for further hypotheses and my rational side won’t let me cast chicken entrails. I appreciate all the advice and welcome more.

Ron

Thanks Alex, I’m sure it would be worth trying if I had the requisite skills and apparatus but it’s beyond my tech grade,

Ron

 

Thank you for your reply Susan. It was the Asus bios update that also flashed the Intel ME firmware. I reverted to the previous (stable) bios but have not been able to roll back the firmware.

Thanks TechTango I did set the Bios to Asus’s default values, but it made no difference.

Thanks Paul, will look see.

Ron

 

Thank you for your reply Susan. It was the Asus bios update that also flashed the Intel ME firmware. I reverted to the previous (stable) bios but have not been able to roll back the firmware.

Ron