"the boot devices have been changed"

[Uncle_Mojo]

Here's what I'm working with:

LanParty UT nF4-D (modded to SLI & SATAII) (BIOS Date Code 2005/11/14)

AMD 3700+ San Diego

1GB (2X512) OCZ DDR500

WD Raptor 150

BFG 7600 GT OC

X-Fi Xtreme Gamer

Floppy

 

OC @ 2.7, 1:1 RAM Prime stable for 18+ hrs.

 

The system runs great, but there is an annoying message during post stating that "the boot devices have been changed" and to press F1 to continue or Delete to enter BIOS.

The Raptor is the 1st boot device, and I've changed nothing since OS install (XP Pro.) and every time I look at the BIOS settings, they are unchanged, yet I still get this message. While this wouldn't bother me much, I'm building this for my nephew and would really like to get rid of this issue. FWIW the Raptor also shows up as a removeable device in the taskbar.

 

I've never seen this behavior before, and the only new parts are a "SATA II Compatible" data cable for the Raptor. Any pointers? Is the OS recognizing the RAptor as a removeable device the issue? Update BIOS?

 

Whaddaya think, fellas? Thanks!

[uneedav8]

I would set all the HD as the first boot device and disable all the others 2-3-4. Check to set if the data cables for the optical drives are nice and tight. Could be that SATA cable on the raptor. SATA 2 cables are fine....they just have the added locking mechanism. Try another SATA cable. Unlikely but a weak CMOS battery can cause this too. Maybe a CMOS clear after currents setting saved in Genie BIOS profile and reloading it after. Good luck with that.

[Uncle_Mojo]

Thanks! I already swapped out all the cables and the CMOS Battery. The Raptor is set as first boot device already. I'll give the other ideas a shot. I'd really like to get this sorted out before I deliver this box.

[Sharp]

Hello,

 

Do you have any usb devices plugged in, flash drive/hard drive/external drive?

These can change the boot order and will cause that message to be shown.

[Uncle_Mojo]

Hello,

 

Do you have any usb devices plugged in, flash drive/hard drive/external drive?

These can change the boot order and will cause that message to be shown.

 

Thanks for the reply!

I've periodically had a USB flash drive installed as well as a USB wireless network adapter.

After playing around with it some, it appears that this is indeed the case. Now, why would this interfere with the boot order, and how do I prevent this behavior from interfering with startup?

[Sharp]

It changes the boot order as a new device has been detected and is added to the boot order list.

 

You cannot stop this from happening but before handing the pc over, remove the USB drive enter the BIOS and press on save and exit.