Hi all.
I updated the BIOS on an ASUS laptop, I don’t remember the model, maybe Asus x550, via Easy Flash. The update seemed to go fine. At least the process completed and the machine rebooted. After rebooting the BIOS opened. Boot devices are no longer displayed. In addition, the settings for selecting boot devices, as well as the “Create a boot option” option, have disappeared. Moreover, in SATA configurations hard disks are displayed, which means they are determined. But they are not in the Boot section, just as there is no USB drive, which was previously detected and worked. Moreover, he clearly sees the drive, because after the reboot he first starts to spin it, but does not want to boot from any device! It just opens the BIOS. That's all.
As I understand it, it’s updated, it’s updated, because it loads, it sees that a new version... But he doesn’t want to load the devices. It just opens the BIOS when you turn it on. When exiting - reboot. The screws are formatted and of course he won’t boot from them, but he didn’t open the BIOS before, he just wrote “where is your boot device?”, and now neither of this nor from the boot drive. Perhaps some data was written incorrectly to CMOS, but I have no idea how to reset this data (I don’t suggest disassembly, the machine is new).
I updated the BIOS with a connected USB drive. It had boot priority.
Chipset - Intel HM76
I took the BIOS firmware from the official website.
I read the manual for such updates - everything is simple, insert a flash drive with the new BIOS, use the Easy Flash utility (which is located in the BIOS) to select the file and confirm the update.
Basically, the BIOS jambs are of a slightly different kind - a black screen.
In general the solution:
go to the Boot section in the BIOS, then enable Launch CSM
then go to the Security section and disable the option Secure Boot Control.
BIOS is the Basic Input/Output System, the heart of the computer, without which the normal operation of other components and software is impossible. When you turn on your computer, the BIOS starts first and only after you turn it on, the operating system starts loading.
Theoretically, since Windows boots after the BIOS, reinstalling the operating system or adding another OS should not affect the normal BIOS operation. However, there are often cases when an attempt to establish a second operating system causes the BIOS to not load.
In this case, we can assume that the BIOS settings have gone wrong and restoring the default settings may solve the problem. To reset the settings, you need to perform the following operations.
- Disconnect PC and monitor from electrical network.
- Open the system unit and remove the battery from the motherboard.
- Wait a few minutes.
- Return the system battery to its place.
- Connect power to the computer and monitor.
After restarting, the BIOS will start loading “like the first time”. If the problem disappears after this, it is recommended to format the boot HDD and reinstall the operating system. Preferably one that has previously worked without problems. It is quite possible that the added operating system was damaged in the distribution.
Connection problems
There is a high probability that the BIOS does not load due to breaks in the power supply networks or data loops. To check this option, you first need to listen to see if the cooler is spinning motherboard. The BIOS is part of the processor and therefore poor cooling of the motherboard leads to malfunctions.
Perhaps the contact groups of the fan have come loose, which is why it does not work. After this, carefully inspect all cable and cable connections. Check to see if dust has accumulated on the motherboard or contacts. Dust is an excellent conductor electric current, and even creates electrostatic fields, to which electronics are very sensitive.
- Clean the device from dust using a vacuum cleaner and a brush.
- Sequentially disconnect the contactors and clean the terminals from dirt and oxidation. You can use a school eraser to clean the contacts.
- Check that all connectors are securely attached. It is likely that vibration caused the contacts to separate, and therefore the equipment stopped working correctly.
After the maintenance, you can try to start the computer again. The screen is black again and the BIOS won't load? Then we can assume that one of the internal modules is faulty. Including the motherboard itself could fail or need to be reflashed.
You can download the new firmware for the motherboard on the manufacturer’s official website. Updating the firmware is a difficult and quite risky task. Therefore, if you don’t know exactly what and how to do, it’s better not to take risks, otherwise you can ruin your entire computer, in a place with hard drives. It is better to contact the service center.
Faulty blocks in the computer
None of the above helped? Then the likelihood of hardware failure increases and you can start checking the blocks.
Disconnect and remove anything from the device that is not necessary for the computer to start. Leave only the motherboard, power supply and one of the brackets random access memory. The computer will not work in this state, but it is possible to check the serviceability of the motherboard itself.
A common reason for the inability to start a computer is insufficient power from the power supply. For example, you replaced the motherboard with a more advanced one, which requires more electricity. However, the power supply remains old. Or so - additional hard drives or some other functional components were installed in the system unit. Energy consumption can increase quite significantly. Installing a more powerful power supply will solve the problem. If the issue, of course, is a lack of energy.
Often, loading the BIOS is prevented by a malfunction in the video card. If possible, you need to check the video card by replacing it with another similar one. Or install the video card in another computer. Here you need to look at the compatibility of the equipment. Otherwise, you won’t find the problem, but you may create new problems.
If the minimum configuration - motherboard, power supply, RAM socket - the system unit is working and the BIOS is loading, then the problem is in one of the removed modules. After installing and connecting the next unit, try turning on the computer again and see what happens. As soon as the BIOS stops starting again, we can assume that you have discovered a faulty unit. Now all that remains is to find a similar one and replace it.
In reality, everything often turns out to be much more complicated. For example, the computer sometimes boots and works quite normally, and then, without apparent reason, starts to glitch. The problem may be in violations in software, as well as component failures.
Such periods of normal operation, alternating with the inability to load the BIOS, are typical for three types of problems.
- Presence of microcracks on the motherboard. Because of this, contact periodically disappears.
- The electrolytic capacitors on the motherboard or power supply have dried out. This malfunction mainly applies to old system units that have been in use for a long time. Sometimes faulty capacitors can be identified by characteristic swelling of the housing.
Poor contact in the connected wires. As already mentioned - the presence of dust, oxidation of contacts, insufficient pressure. If the contactors have fixing screws, they must be tightened completely. The opposite situation also happens - clamping screws that are tightened too tightly lead to deformation of the connectors and poor contact in the connection.
Even the most careful users will one day have to log into the basic computer system themselves. Being afraid and doing something wrong is normal, but the same cannot be said about the opposite reaction - the frivolity of beginners driven by the irresistibility of testing the microsystem in action. However, both some and other users may have a question: “The computer does not enter the BIOS: what to do,” even when the “same” service key for calling the basic microsystem of the computing device is used to enter. It will be interesting for everyone, even you an advanced user!
Introductory theory of "unstartability"
Let's leave the dull story about what a BIOS is and why it is needed at all... You need to know one thing - BIOS is not a place where you can thoughtlessly conduct experiments. Before changing any parameter or making a certain change in the operation of the microsystem, you need to understand that the result may be tragically unexpected. So let’s turn on our brains and get down to business.
Energy “CMOS problem” - the battery is dead
The one who knows what we are talking about will smile. Although it is not a fact that if the situation “The computer does not enter the BIOS” occurs knowledgeable user immediately draws attention to the battery, which keeps the CMOS memory chip, so to speak, in good shape.
Sometimes an advanced computer engineer takes a roundabout route - he tries to reflash the BIOS or subjects the system to a kind of software “shock therapy”, loading various DOS utilities and trying to resurrect the “maternal instinct” of control system bootability.
In fact, the first thing you need to do when the problem we are considering occurs is to replace the CMOS battery and reset the BIOS settings to default values.
Where is the “main” battery located and how to reset the BIOS?
The location of the battery may depend on the modification of the computing device, its type and other design features of the device. If we talk about laptops, access to the battery is often incredibly difficult, since the battery is often hidden deep in the bowels of the compact device. However, turning to the material of the article, which is located , you can reset the BIOS settings without going through the difficult process of dismantling the laptop frame.
In the case of desktop computers, everything is much simpler - disconnect the power cable from system unit, remove the protective cover and, without much tension, we immediately find a large coin-type battery. Naturally, it must be dismantled and before installing a working battery in its place, close the battery contacts of the socket with any metal object (static, you know!). After that, proceed to the “reset user settings” operation.
Mechanical method - closing special connectors with a jumper or clicking on the “Clear” button
Some manufacturers provide the motherboards they produce with a special button, pressing which allows you to clear the CMOS memory and return the BIOS settings to, so to speak, their original state - factory. However, most motherboards is equipped with a more ascetic reset mechanism - a three-contact breaker, the location of which can be easily determined by the “CLR CMOS” marking.
So, in order (by default, we de-energized the computing device and removed the protective casing):
- Typically, the reset pin mechanism is located in close proximity to CMOS batteries. However, in the photo below, the jumper is located in a different place on the board.
- Working position of the jumper “1-2” - move the contactor one position forward/backward, in accordance with the markings on the motherboard. Regarding the graphic example (above picture), this is position “2-3”.
- Wait a couple of minutes and install a new battery in the battery connector.
- If the motherboard is equipped with a special button, activate it.
- Close the cover and connect the power cable to the system unit.
- Turn on your computer.
If everything went well, as they say, “Hurray”, then pressing the “right” button will take you to the interface basic settings, no - we continue to look for the reason.
Keyboard “passions”, or Why can’t I enter the computer’s BIOS?
Sometimes, especially with regard to portable electronics, the culprit of “uncontrollability” is the keyboard module itself. Make sure that none of the keys are stuck, that is, not in a closed (pressed) state.
Perhaps some unfortunate incident that happened the day before will come to mind - a spilled cup of coffee, for example.
In any case, it’s worth trying the “connecting an external keyboard via USB connector” option.
If the premises are correct, the keyboard module needs to be replaced. For desktop computers The most acceptable testing scheme is to connect a known-good keyboard to the PS/2 connector.
Complex case - “hard” problems
The inability of a computer system BIOS to start or complete a full initialization process may be caused by a malfunction of any hardware component of the computer. Most often the reason lies in incapacity hard drive. By the way, do not neglect the importance of sound signals (produced by the BIOS system). You can find out more about “beep” codes . This kind of knowledge greatly simplifies the process of finding a specific fault.
It is not uncommon for a favorable boot scenario to be disrupted by a malfunction of the front connection panel, to which external audio and other peripheral devices are connected. Try disconnecting the external controller connecting cable from the motherboard.
Check whether the problem “the computer does not enter the BIOS” has been resolved; if not, disconnect the hard drive and start the computer again. In the end, if possible, experiment with RAM strips - check their performance, so to speak, by alternating connections. All of the above also applies to laptops. Perhaps information from It will come in handy for you.
In addition to what has been said
So, you, dear reader, have become familiar with the basic methods for eliminating the reasons when the computer does not enter the BIOS. We dare to assure you that the described troubleshooting algorithm is the most optimal. However, if your BIOS has simply crashed, then you still cannot do without flashing the CMOS chip (see the article located ). Happy repairs to you!
BIOS is the basic input and output system that stores special algorithms necessary for the proper functioning of the entire computer. The user can make certain changes to it in order to improve the performance of the PC, but if the BIOS does not start, this may indicate serious problems with the computer.
There is no universal way to solve this problem, since, depending on the cause, you need to look for a solution. For example, in some cases, in order to “revive” the BIOS, you will have to disassemble the computer and carry out some manipulations with the hardware, while in others, it will be enough to simply try to enter it using the capabilities of the operating system.
Reason 1: Problems with components
If, when you turn on the PC, the machine either does not show any signs of life at all, or only the indicators on the case are lit, but there are no sounds and/or messages on the screen, then in most cases this means that the problem lies in the components. Inspect these components:
Physical damage to important computer components occurs, but the main reason for the inability to start a PC normally is severe dust contamination of its insides. Dust can become lodged in fans and contacts, disrupting the flow of voltage from one component to another.
When disassembling the system unit or laptop case, pay attention to the amount of dust. If there is too much of it, then do “cleaning”. Large volumes can be removed with a vacuum cleaner operating at low power. If you use a vacuum cleaner while cleaning, be careful as you may accidentally damage the inside of your PC.
When the main layer of dust has been removed, arm yourself with a brush and dry wipes to remove the remaining dirt. It is possible that contamination has entered the power supply. In this case, it will have to be disassembled and cleaned from the inside. Also check the contacts and connectors for dust.
Reason 2: Compatibility issues
In rare cases, the computer and BIOS may stop working due to incompatibility of any component that is connected to the motherboard. Usually, identifying the problem object is quite simple, for example, if you recently added/changed a RAM stick, then most likely the new stick is incompatible with the rest of the PC components. In this case, try starting the computer with old RAM.
Less commonly, it happens when one of the computer components fails and is no longer supported by the system. It is quite difficult to identify the problem in this case, since the computer does not start. Various sound signals or special messages on the screen that the BIOS gives can be very helpful. For example, by error code or sound signal you can find out which component is the problem.
In the case of incompatibility of certain components on the motherboard, the computer often shows signs of life. The user can hear the operation hard drives, coolers, launching other components, but nothing appears on the screen. Most often, in addition to the startup sounds of computer components, you can hear some extraneous signals produced by the BIOS or some important PC component, thus reporting a problem.
If there is no signal/message or they are illegible, then you will have to use this instruction to find out what the problem is:
If you completely assembled the computer (without finding a problematic element), connected all the devices to it and it began to turn on normally, then there can be two explanations for this behavior:
- Possibly due to vibration and/or other physical impact on a PC, a contact from some important component has come out of the connector. In the actual disassembly and reassembly, you simply reconnected an important component;
- A system failure occurred due to which the computer had problems reading a component. Reconnecting each element to the motherboard again or resetting the BIOS solves this problem.
Reason 3: System failure
In this case, the OS loads without any complications, work in it also proceeds normally, but when you need to enter the BIOS, you are unable to do anything. This scenario is extremely rare, but it does happen.
The method for solving the problem that has arisen is effective only if your operating system boots normally, but you cannot enter the BIOS. Here we can also recommend trying all the login keys - F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12, Delete, Esc. Another option is to use each of these keys in combination with Shift or fn(the latter is only relevant for laptops).
This method will only be applicable for Windows 8 and higher, since this system allows you to restart the PC and then turning on the BIOS. Use this instruction to perform a reboot and then start the basic input and output system:
In case you have an operating room Windows system 7 and older, and also if you do not find the item "Firmware and UEFI Settings" V « Additional options» , you can use « Command line» . Open it with cmd commands in line "Run"(called by key combination Win+R).
You need to enter the following value in it:
shutdown.exe /r /o
After clicking on Enter the computer will reboot and enter the BIOS or offer boot options with entering the BIOS.
Typically, after such an entry, the basic I/O system will boot without any problems in the future if you are already using key combinations. If it is not possible to re-enter the BIOS using the keys, it means that a serious failure has occurred in the settings.
Reason 4: Incorrect settings
Due to a failure in the settings, the hot keys for entering may change, so if such a failure occurs, it would be wise to reset all settings to factory settings. In most cases, everything returns to normal. This method is recommended to be used only in cases where the computer boots without problems, but you cannot enter the BIOS.
Sometimes after some laptop models stop loading the operating system. Instead, when turned on, they immediately automatically enter the BIOS. There, if you look at the boot list (), you will notice that it is empty. That is, it has neither a hard drive nor DVD drive, nor bootable flash drive, which you could paste into USB port. Although they are all connected and can even be displayed in the BIOS among the connected devices.
What to do in this situation and how to return the laptop to working condition yourself at home?
Why is this happening?
In most cases this situation occurs, as mentioned above, after resetting the BIOS settings. Moreover, it is not necessary to do this through the corresponding menu. It is enough to remove the battery from the laptop for a few minutes and disconnect it from the electrical network. Updating the BIOS and removing dust also often leads to its reset.
In some versions of laptops, especially after 2016, the BIOS contains various options, the incorrect installation of which will prohibit booting from a hard drive or flash drive. Therefore, when turned on, the laptop itself enters the BIOS, since it does not see a single device from which it could continue booting.
How to fix this situation?
For this purpose in BIOS settings that appear on the screen immediately after turning on the laptop, you need to find the option and disable it, that is, put it in the Disabled state. It may have a slightly different name, such as Fast Boot, and is usually located on the Advanced or Boot tab. IN Asus laptops With the UEFI system, you need to press F7 in the main window to activate the advanced mode.
Fast Boot Option
As soon as you have disabled Fast Boot, immediately save the settings with the F10 button, then restart the laptop and go into the BIOS again.
Next, on the Boot or Security tab (possibly in our case on other tabs), you need to find the option and also disable it by moving it to the Disabled state, and the UEFI and Legacy OS (CSM - Compatibility Support Module) (OS Mode Selection) parameter should be set to CMS OS or Other OS or Legacy.
Secure Boot Option
OS Mode Selection Option
Now we save the settings using the same F10 button, reboot and check. The laptop should start loading Windows.
If this does not happen, then try to find the Legacy Support option in the BIOS and set it to Enabled. Also, if there is a parameter, then you need to use it by selecting it with the “Enter” button and entering the code from the message that appears.
“Clear All Secure Boot Keys” option in BIOS
If all else fails?
In this case, there is a possibility of serious problems with the hard drive. You need to try to replace it with another one that is known to work.
