PC will not post after fully formatting storage drive.

Understanding and Troubleshooting Post-Formatting Boot Failures on Windows PCs

Experiencing issues with your PC post-storage drive formatting can be both perplexing and frustrating. Recently, an individual working on their custom or prebuilt Windows 10 system encountered a sequence of problems after performing a full, non-quick format on a 2TB HDD. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of common causes, troubleshooting steps, and best practices to resolve such issues effectively.

Case Overview

The user’s PC details:
– Model: MSI Infinite A series (prebuilt)
– Year: Approximately 2017
– Specifications: Intel i5-7400 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti (vertical mount)
– Storage Drive: 2TB HDD with several bad sectors, partially repaired with third-party tools, but still showing signs of wear

Scenario Summary:

1. The user initiated a full, non-quick format of the HDD (~4 hours).
2. During the process, they left the system at around 98% completion.
3. Upon returning, a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) appeared, indicating Windows was analyzing the issue.
4. The system appeared to hang at 0% progress before abruptly rebooting.
5. Post-reboot, the PC entered a boot loop (rapid on-off cycle).
6. Subsequent troubleshooting included reseating the BIOS battery, disconnecting the HDD, reseating RAM modules individually, and switching to integrated motherboard video output.
7. Despite these efforts, the system no longer displays anything on the screen.

Potential Causes

Several factors could contribute to the observed symptoms:
– Partial or failed drive formatting leading to filesystem or hardware inconsistencies.
– Bad sectors on the HDD exerting stress on read/write processes.
– Corrupted system files resulting from the interrupted format.
– BIOS or firmware inconsistencies caused by hardware resets.
– Power or connection issues, including GPU or RAM seating problems.
– Damage or failure in the GPU, RAM, or other motherboard components.

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Confirm Hardware Connections:
2. Ensure all cables, especially power and data cables to the HDD, are securely connected.
3. Reseat the RAM modules carefully, testing each slot individually if needed.

4. Remove and reinsert the GPU, or try booting with integrated graphics if available.

5. Reset BIOS Settings:

6. Clear BIOS by removing the CMOS battery (leave out for 5-10 minutes) or