Wired XBOX 360 controller stops my PC booting up correctly

[Brave Pixel]

My PC on Boot will show two black screens with text in the bottom right, 9C, and A-something before it boots to the main BIOS logo with BIOS prompts and then to windows.

I have a wired XBOX 360 controller which when plugged into any USB slot (front, back, 2.0, 3.0), will cause my PC to freeze on the 9C screen on booting, and if I unplug then restart, the PC loads fine.

I suspect my PC is trying to boot from the controller instead of my hard drive, but all priority in my BIOS points to my main HDD as 1, and everything else hidden.

Specs:
Windows 8.1 64bit
MSI Z87 G41 motherboard
GTX 1060 3GB
intel i5 4570
12 GB DDR3 RAM
650W PSU
1TB Toshiba 7200rpm HDD

Also note, this has happened since I've had the controller for over a year, and I've replaced my GPU and HDD already so unlikely these are the issue.

I've done too many system restores and clean formats of windows to count, and certainly no virus or malware present.

Thanks

[humboldt]

in my opinion the error can't be windows related. is far as i can see your bios doesn't get it(anymore) or your controller is defective. you could maybe, if existing, try a bios update. or you have to replace the controller. i wouldn't if in windows mode the controller causes no troubles.

[TehSpoopyKitteh]

9C = USB Detect so its either a incompatible USB device connected (I highly doubt its that), or your boot order is looking for a USB drive to boot from!

Can you try with your keyboard or mouse connected to a USB 3.0 port and see if that error stops please?

Also, make sure your USB drive is not included in the boot order...

Source:
https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?topic=169937.0#pnav