Reasons and solutions for why the computer turns on but the BIOS does not start

BIOS Basics and Its Importance

Understanding the BIOS is essential for solving computer problems. This is because the BIOS is responsible for initializing the hardware and controlling the basic instructions for loading the operating system when the computer starts up.

When you start your computer, the BIOS first checks the hardware status. For example, check that your keyboard, mouse, hard disk, memory, etc. are working properly. This is called POST (Power On Self Test). Once all checks have been completed, the BIOS will load the operating system from the hard disk.

The problem of the BIOS not starting is one of the reasons why the computer does not start properly. Understanding these roles can give you clues to solving BIOS problems.

What is BIOS?

BIOS is an extremely important element that controls the basic operations of your computer. That's because BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System, and it's the first piece of software that runs when your computer starts up, and it controls communication between your hardware and the operating system.

When you start up your computer, the BIOS starts up first. This BIOS checks the operating status of various hardware and, if there are no problems, hands over control to the OS. In other words, if the BIOS does not function properly, the computer will not be able to boot normally.

Understanding the existence of the BIOS and its functions is essential for understanding how a computer works and identifying and solving potential problems. The BIOS is the "heart" of your computer, and you need to understand its importance.

Please also refer to what BIOS is.What is BIOS (IT terminology dictionary)?

Main functions of BIOS and its role

The BIOS controls the basic operations of your computer, and its responsibilities are more diverse than we can imagine. This is because the BIOS manages the communication between the hardware and the operating system, ensuring the proper operation of your computer.

The BIOS is the first thing that runs when your computer starts up, and it does a variety of things, including checking memory, initializing peripherals like the keyboard and mouse, and, importantly, determining the boot order. Boot order is how the BIOS specifies which device (for example, internal hard drive, USB drive, DVD drive, etc.) to load the OS from.

The role and functionality of BIOS is very important and is the foundation for the normal functioning of your computer. By understanding these features and adjusting the BIOS settings as necessary, we will be able to obtain optimal performance.

Main symptoms when BIOS does not boot

When BIOS does not boot, it usually manifests itself with certain typical symptoms. Understanding this symptom is essential to diagnosing and resolving the problem.

Specifically, even when the computer is turned on, the screen may remain black or an error message such as "no bootable device" or "boot device not found" may be displayed. Additionally, the beeps may not be heard at startup, or may beep in an unusual pattern. Additionally, the power supply and CPU fan may work, but the screen may be blank.

If these symptoms occur, the BIOS may not be booting properly. By accurately diagnosing such problems and taking appropriate measures, it is possible to restore your computer's performance.

The screen stays black and doesn't display anything

A black or blank screen usually indicates a problem booting into the BIOS. This happens when there is a problem with your computer's most basic hardware settings.

For example, when you turn on your computer, the manufacturer's logo or BIOS settings screen is usually displayed. However, if the screen remains black and nothing is displayed, it is possible that the computer detected an abnormality during the self-diagnosis process and stopped booting to protect itself. This abnormality may be caused by a problem with the BIOS itself, a failure of hardware such as the motherboard, RAM, or power supply, or a misconfiguration of these.

In this way, a black screen with nothing displayed indicates that there is some kind of problem with the BIOS or hardware required to start the computer. Therefore, when this symptom appears, you should check your computer's hardware to identify and resolve the problem.

This article may also be helpful.Causes and repair methods when a Windows computer does not start or turn on

Fan spins but doesn't start

A fan running but the computer not starting usually indicates a problem with other hardware or the BIOS, although the power supply is normal.

Specifically, when you start up your computer, the fan runs first to manage the computer's temperature. However, if the subsequent boot process is not successful and does not reach the BIOS as a result, the fan will continue to run but the screen will be blank. This indicates a problem with the motherboard, CPU, memory, or BIOS itself.

For example, BIOS booting may be interrupted if the CPU or memory is not properly connected or faulty. However, the power supply is normal and the fan continues to rotate.

If the fan spins but the computer does not start, you should first check your hardware connections and then investigate the BIOS issue. By resolving this situation, you can make your computer boot normally again.
Please also refer to this article.Causes and solutions when the PC does not start but the fan is spinning

The beep does not sound or sounds abnormally.

No beeps or beeps in an unusual manner usually indicate a BIOS problem or hardware failure.

The BIOS is the first thing that loads when your computer starts up, and then verifies your hardware. If this verification is successful, there is usually a single beep and the OS begins to load. However, if there is a problem with the hardware, the BIOS will emit a different pattern of beeps to indicate the problem.

For example, a series of beeps can indicate a memory-related problem, and a long beep can indicate a CPU problem. However, if there is no beep at all, this usually indicates a speaker issue, a BIOS failure, or a power supply issue.

If your computer does not beep or beeps in an unusual manner, you should first investigate BIOS or hardware issues. Resolving this situation will allow your computer to start up normally again.

Main causes and checkpoints of BIOS boot failure

BIOS boot failures often result from hardware issues, misconfigurations, or failures in the BIOS itself. It is very important to know the checkpoints to identify the reason.

First, hardware problems may include problems with the memory, CPU, motherboard, or power supply. Additionally, failure to update or corruption of the BIOS itself may affect booting.

Specifically, you can check for hardware issues by opening your computer and checking for physical damage, or by testing each piece of memory. You can also initialize the BIOS settings by trying to clear CMOS. Problems with the BIOS itself can be resolved by downloading and installing the latest BIOS from the manufacturer's website.

Therefore, when the BIOS does not boot, it is important to cycle through these checkpoints to identify and resolve the issue. By doing so, you can restore stable operation of your computer.

Power and connection issues

Power and connection problems can be one of the main reasons when your computer's BIOS won't boot. Therefore, the first important checkpoint is to ensure the correct power supply and reliable connections.

Regarding power supply, it is necessary to determine whether the computer is receiving power normally and whether there is any problem with the power supply unit itself. Connectivity issues, on the other hand, mean checking whether internal components (CPU, memory, storage, etc.) are properly connected to the motherboard, and whether cables are properly installed.

First, make sure your computer is connected to a power source. If the power cord is disconnected or damaged, the computer will naturally not start. Additionally, if the power supply unit itself is malfunctioning, booting the BIOS will also be inhibited. Additionally, improper internal connections can cause problems, such as certain hardware not being recognized.

Therefore, when the BIOS does not boot, it is important to first check for power and connection issues. This will get you past the first major hurdle and allow you to move on to the next troubleshooting step.

Hardware failure

One of the major reasons why your computer's BIOS won't boot is due to hardware failure. Therefore, identifying and repairing failed hardware early is a critical step in resolving this issue.

This is because each part of the computer must communicate properly with each other and work together. Therefore, if any part, such as the CPU, memory, motherboard, or power supply unit, is malfunctioning, it may prevent the BIOS from booting.

For example, if your CPU is overheating, your computer may automatically shut down to protect itself. This results in a BIOS not booting condition. Also, if the memory is faulty, the BIOS may not be able to properly read the computer's basic hardware settings.

When you encounter BIOS boot problems, it is important to first check for hardware failure. This will allow you to determine the cause of the problem and choose the appropriate solution.

Problem with BIOS settings or version

One reason why the BIOS fails to boot is due to a problem with the BIOS settings or version. Therefore, checking and updating the BIOS settings and version may help resolve the issue.

The reason is that the BIOS is in charge of the interface between the computer's hardware and the operating system, and if they don't work together properly, the computer won't work properly. For example, an older BIOS version may not support newer hardware, or a newer BIOS version may not be compatible with older hardware.

If the BIOS settings are incorrect or the BIOS has become unstable due to an update, your computer may hang during the boot process or display an error message.

If the BIOS does not start, it is important to check the BIOS settings and update the version if necessary, considering the possibility that the problem is due to a problem with the settings or version.

CMOS battery and BIOS chip issues

Problems with the CMOS battery and BIOS chip are also one of the reasons why the BIOS won't boot. Problems with these components may affect the BIOS' ability to boot or function properly.

The reason is that the CMOS battery retains the BIOS setting information and remembers it even when the power is turned off. The BIOS chip, on the other hand, stores the computer's basic operating instructions. If neither of these is working properly, problems may occur with BIOS startup or functionality.

For example, if the CMOS battery deteriorates, the BIOS settings may be initialized every time the computer is turned off, making it impossible to start up normally. Additionally, if the BIOS chip is malfunctioning, necessary instructions may not be passed to the computer and the computer may not start up properly.

When dealing with BIOS won't boot issues, you may also want to consider replacing the CMOS battery and inspecting the BIOS chip. This is because these two components play a key role in booting the BIOS.

What to do if the BIOS does not start: Basics

If the BIOS won't boot, the first thing you should try is the basic workaround. The reason is that the cause of the problem is likely to be a simple mistake or a small malfunction.

Specifically, it's important to start with simple steps such as checking the power cable connection and checking for problems between the PC and the power supply. Other effective remedies include replacing the CMOS battery, relocating memory, and checking hardware connections.

Trying these basic workarounds may resolve your issue. However, if these methods do not resolve the problem, there may be a deeper problem. In that case, consider asking a professional. Therefore, we recommend that you first try the basic solutions for the problem that the BIOS won't boot.

Check and correct power connections

Checking and correcting the power connection is one of the basic measures to take when BIOS boot failure occurs. Because if the power supply is inadequate, the PC will not boot properly and will not reach the BIOS.

As a concrete solution, first make sure that the power cable is firmly connected to the PC and the wall outlet. If the power cable is loose or broken, fix or replace it. Also, check that the power supply unit (PSU) is functioning properly. This can be done by using a dedicated tester or a spare power supply unit.

In other words, checking and fixing the power connection is the first step in resolving the BIOS not booting issue. Trying this simple step may help you avoid more complicated troubleshooting.

Cleaning the inside of your computer

Cleaning the inside of your computer is a basic method that contributes to solving BIOS boot problems. This is because dust and dirt can interfere with equipment cooling and inhibit hardware performance.

For example, if the CPU or graphics board cooler, fan fins, or the inside of the power supply unit are covered with dust or soot, heat may not dissipate properly, leading to overheating. As a result, the computer may stop booting to protect itself and may not even reach the BIOS.

Therefore, cleaning the inside of your computer is a basic measure to resolve BIOS boot problems and maintain your computer's performance and lifespan. Regular cleaning is important not only for aesthetics but also for maintaining the health of your system.

CMOS battery replacement

Replacing the CMOS battery is an effective way to resolve the issue of BIOS not booting. If the CMOS battery deteriorates or runs out, the BIOS setting information may not be retained and the computer may fail to boot into the BIOS.

For example, when the CMOS battery deteriorates, the system date and time may be reset or settings may be reset to factory defaults. This is a result of the battery becoming low powered and unable to retain BIOS configuration information. If these symptoms are observed, the CMOS battery needs to be replaced.

Therefore, replacing the CMOS battery is an important means to solve the problem of BIOS boot failure. Replacing the battery is a relatively easy task, and one that is necessary to maintain normal operation of your computer.

What to do if the BIOS does not start: Advanced version

The advanced version of what to do when the BIOS won't boot deals with more technical methods. If basic solutions do not resolve the issue, you may need to perform a detailed check of your hardware or update your BIOS.

For example, if the cause is a hardware failure such as RAM or graphics card, remove and replace each part one by one or replace it with test hardware to verify. Such a detailed check will help you identify faulty hardware and resolve the issue.

Another effective method is to update to the latest BIOS. BIOS updates are especially necessary when installing new hardware or to resolve security issues.

Therefore, if the basic version does not resolve the issue, we recommend that you try the advanced version solutions, such as more detailed hardware verification and BIOS updates. These are essential steps to keep your computer working properly.

Resetting BIOS settings

Resetting BIOS settings is an effective way to resolve BIOS boot failure issues. This is because misconfigurations or compatibility issues can cause BIOS boot failure.

If you experience boot failure after adding new hardware or manually changing BIOS settings, those settings may be causing the problem. In such cases, the problem may be resolved by restoring the BIOS settings to factory defaults using jumpers installed on the motherboard.

If you experience BIOS boot failure, we recommend that you try resetting the BIOS settings, especially if you have recently added new hardware or changed settings. This will help resolve any misconfigurations or compatibility issues, and increase your computer's chances of starting successfully.

Reinstalling or replacing hardware

Reinstalling or replacing hardware may be an effective way to resolve BIOS boot failure. This is because hardware-related issues, such as malfunctions or compatibility issues, can cause BIOS boot failure.

If the newly installed memory is defective or its specifications are incompatible with the motherboard, the BIOS may not boot properly. In this case, check the memory again and reinstall or replace it if necessary.

You may also need to replace the motherboard or CPU. The CPU is the most difficult to break, so if you determine that the memory and motherboard are normal, you will eventually suspect a problem with the CPU.

In conclusion, if you encounter a BIOS boot failure that suggests a hardware issue, consider reinstalling or replacing the affected part. This increases the possibility of a successful BIOS boot. Resolving the problem is an important step for stable computer operation.

BIOS update

Updating the BIOS can be a solution to BIOS not booting issues. This is because if the BIOS version is old or has bugs, the computer may not start properly.

For example, if you install a new CPU or memory that is not compatible with the current BIOS version, you may experience a BIOS not booting issue. In that case, downloading and updating the latest BIOS from the manufacturer's website may resolve the issue.

If the BIOS does not boot, we recommend that you try updating the BIOS. However, there is a risk that the system will not boot if this task fails, so we recommend that you perform this task with extreme caution and, if necessary, seek professional help.

Summary of causes and solutions for computer power on but BIOS not booting

The issue of computer turning on but not entering BIOS can be caused by various reasons, such as power supply, hardware failure, faulty BIOS settings, CMOS battery issue, etc. These problems can be resolved by using appropriate countermeasures.

For example, making sure the power cord is connected properly, cleaning the inside of your computer, or replacing the CMOS battery may resolve the issue. Resetting BIOS settings, reinstalling or replacing hardware, or updating BIOS may also be effective solutions.

In conclusion, there are many reasons why your computer's BIOS won't boot, but most of them are solvable. However, some steps require specialized knowledge, so it is also important to seek professional help when necessary.