Computers & Tablets

[Option1]

Having purchased my tablet at Best Buy in 2018, I become quite miffed when my perfectly operating tablet failed during a Win 10 update, giving up after 2 days of watching the "undoing changes made to your computer" message replay. Insignia weren't much help as they would only state the tablet was a joint product between themselves and Microsoft and they were not responsible for the software elements (incl drivers). Additionally, I have not been been able to get anywhere with MS as yet. Their recommendation was to create a Win 10 USB boot thumbdrive using Windows download tool (which I've done) and boot from it to reinstall Win 10. Unfortunately on my tablet, assuming all NS-P10W8100 tablets have the same BIOS, I can find no option to boot from USB. There are only 3 options: 1. UEFI: Built-in (loads Shell) 2. Windows Recovery (which only brings up the recovery / troubleshoot window with options that didn't work) 3. Windows Boot manager (again, loads Shell) My question is, with these boot limitations in BIOS, how do I set it to boot from USB? Do I have to set it within EFI Shell? If so, what is the command?

[KyleR-BBY Senior Social Media Specialist]

Hi, Option1,

Welcome to our community. Having an update fail is never a good experience. I'm sorry to hear that happened to you.

If the option isn't coming up to boot from the USB stick, we'd want to get hands on with it to check it out. Please set up a reservation to visit Geek Squad for a free consultation here.

We'll check it out and see if we can offer any advice, or if it looks like something that needs to be checked in for service.

Sincerely, 

[nckhammond]

What if you stick in your USB, goto the trouble shooting screen, click advanced, is there an option to boot from device? Possibly also under startup settings in advanced.

[Option1]

Sorry for delay - not been able to reply until now. Thanks for the offer but I'm working abroad at the moment and won't return stateside until middle of March. Not sure what 'free consultation means' but to purchase a computer without providing a way to reinstall the OS is is not my idea of a 'best buy'. I have been in touch with both Microsoft and Insignia: Microsoft have provided support to prepare the Win 10 iso file but do not know how to complete the install on the tablet (likely via UEFI command) and have urged me to pressure Insignia for the info. Insignia, on the other hand, have been purposefully unhelpful stating over and over the install method is CLASSIFIED. Here is their reasoning for this - a quote from their reply: "The reason my co-worker advised a local technician is because this is classified information that we as technical support cannot give out to avoid giving misinformation, thus compromising your Tablet." This was after I had made it clear my tablet was bricked due to the Win update and that I was a certified CompTIA A+ technician myself (even gave them my Career ID No). In addition, when I asked if that 'local technician' would have/know the install method, I received no answer. Insignia have been explicitly condescending and contradictory in their replies, so, please excuse me for sounding a little angered. There is something very fishy about Insignia and I don't think they are being exactly honest with me.

[Option1]

"What if you stick in your USB, goto the trouble shooting screen, click advanced, is there an option to boot from device? Possibly also under startup settings in advanced." Had already tried this and got nowhere. I even got Microsoft Support involved in case I was missing something. The only way I can see installing the iso file (on USB) is via EFI command-line but Insignia won't give the commands or an alternative method. They are being particularly unhelpful and their excuses don't add up.

[nckhammond]

Some of those cheap tablets will only boot from the micro USB port on the tablet and not the one on the keyboard. I've used adapters to goto full USB then a hub for a flash drive and a keyboard.

[KyleR-BBY Senior Social Media Specialist]

Hi, Option1,

Welcome back to the forums. 

If our Insignia support line was not able to provide the information you need, you would need to have a professional perform the work on your laptop. I hope nckhammond's post helps, but if not, a trip to your local computer support shop may be needed.

Sincerely,