Access the BIOS in Windows 10, decode boot beeps and reset corrupted settings
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If the BIOS says it can’t And Windows, then it’s one of two things: very bad news or nothing to worry about. If pressing a key clears the message and leads to a normal launch, then your PC is trying to boot from a CD or DVD. Simply eject the disc or access the BIOS to rearrange the order of locations from where your PC boots.
To access the BIOS press F2 or Delete (Del) or similar then look for the boot options. Use the cursor (arrow) keys and Enter to place the CD or DVD drive below the hard drive that contains Windows. Press Escape (Esc) and then choose Save. If this doesn’t solve your problem, then your hard drive might be faulty. Use Hiren’s BootCD tool (www.snipca.com/19459) on another PC to create a CD that’ll let you boot without Windows.
Insert the CD you’ve created into your PC. Use the cursor (arrow) keys and Enter to select “Mini Windows Xp’. When it launches, double-click HBCD Menu, then click Programs followed by Testing. These utilities will help you diagnose your hard-drive problem: choose HDD Scan, select the problematic drive and then click the ‘S.M.A.R.T.’ button for a report.
No BIOS key message
On booting up, most PCs display a message to let you know which key to press to access the BIOS. However, not all PCs do this and those that do flash the notification quite fleetingly. If you’re using a new PC running Windows 8.1 or 10, skip to the next tip. But if you’re using an older version of Windows - or you upgraded to Windows 10 from Windows 7 - then the keys you need to try are F2, Delete (Del) and F10: just keep tapping them from the moment you switch on.
Can't access BIOS on new PC
Worried that your new PC Is faulty because pressing F2 or Delete doesn’t access the BIOS? That’s because the traditional BIOS has been replaced by something called the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface, or UEFI. No two UEFIs are the same but all are accessed via Windows. Click Start then Settings, and then ‘Update and recovery’, followed by Recovery. Now click ‘Restart now’ under ‘Advanced startup’, followed by Troubleshoot and then ‘Advanced options’. Finally, click UEFI Firmware Settings, followed by Restart.
You can hear beeps but see no display
Hearing high-pitched beeps after your PC is switched on is the BIOS’s way of telling you something’s wrong. The problem could be anything from a dead battery (see the final fix) to a faulty processor. First, check your motherboard’s manual, or the support pages of the manufacturer’s website. There’s also a comprehensive list of these ‘beep codes’ and their meanings at www.snipca.com/19460. It’s a good idea to open up the PC to make sure all the components are firmly inserted and free from dust - then try booting again.
BIOS is corrupted
Sometimes the BIOS gets corrupted, resulting in a confusing boot message, beep code (see previous tip) or nothing at all. In these circumstances it might be possible to restore the BIOS by ‘flashing’ it. The process varies from one manufacturer to another so you’ll need to visit the relevant support pages to check the precise method, but typically it involves using a second PC to copy downloaded BIOS files to a USB stick and then ensuring if s inserted into a specific USB port before switching on your faulty PC.
BIOS forgets time, date or other settings
When your PC’s BIOS forgets the time, date or other settings, it’s probably down to a faulty backup battery. This cell (type CR2032) lives on the motherboard. Replacing the battery is easy: just open your PC, use a flat-headed tool to carefully prise out the dead cell and then pop in the replacement. Now access the BIOS and set the time and date. If other BIOS settings have been messed up, look for an option like ‘Reset BIOS Defaults’ or ‘Load Failsafe Defaults’. Press Escape (Esc) to exit and save your changes.