Computer Doesn't Boot After BIOS Update for Intel® Desktop Boards

What are you seeing?

Your Intel® Desktop Board doesn't boot after a BIOS update.

How to fix it

Clear the CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor).

Clearing the CMOS memory can solve BIOS corruption, but causes you to lose all customized settings in the BIOS. You also need to reset date and time in the BIOS setup after clearing the CMOS.

Caution

Only clear the CMOS if it's absolutely needed. Before you start, make a note of all BIOS settings on your system.

Use one of the following options to clear the CMOS.

Option 1: Clear CMOS in Maintenance Mode
Some boards can boot into Maintenance Mode even if they cannot boot normally. Follow these steps:

1. Turn off all peripheral devices connected to the computer. Disconnect the computer power cord from the AC power source (wall outlet or power adapter).
2. Remove the computer cover.
3. Move the configuration jumper from pins 1–2, to pins 2–3.
4. Plug AC power back in and turn on the computer.
5. The computer should automatically boot into BIOS Set Up Maintenance Mode.
6. Press F9 to restore BIOS factory default values.
7. Press F10 to save and exit BIOS.
8. Turn off the computer and disconnect AC power.
9. Move the configuration jumper back to pins 1–2.
10. Replace the computer cover.
11. Reconnect power and turn on the computer.

Option 2: Clear CMOS by battery removal
If the computer will not boot into Maintenance Mode, you can clear the CMOS by removing the battery from the board.

1. Turn off all peripheral devices connected to the computer. Disconnect the computer power cord from the AC power source (wall outlet or power adapter).
2. Remove the computer cover.
3. Find the battery on the board and remove it.

   • If the battery is in a horizontal or vertical battery holder, use a medium flat-bladed screwdriver to gently pry the battery free from its connector. Note the orientation of the plus and minus signs (+, -) on the battery.
     

   • If the battery is connected to an onboard connector by wires, disconnect the battery wire from the connector.
     

4. Leave the battery out for 10–15 minutes for the CMOS to lose the settings.
5. Reconnect the battery using one of the following methods:
   • Insert the battery back into the horizontal or vertical connector. Be sure to orient the + and - correctly.
   • Plug the battery wires back into the onboard connector.
   • Replace the computer cover.
   • Reconnect AC power and turn the computer on.

BIOS Recovery
If clearing the CMOS doesn't resolve a no-boot situation, try a BIOS recovery.

Troubleshooting System Boot Issues
If clearing the CMOS and doing a BIOS recovery don't resolve a no-boot situation, see Troubleshooting System Boot Issues.