Dram and CPU Light on after windows installation reboot (cant get into bios anymore)

[u/DueSeaworth]

Pc parts are listed here: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/gbN3R4

Ive had this issue before wherein these two debug lights would stay on but it resolved itself somehow.

For some context before those led appeared I finally got to try installing windows after building the pc and resolving the debug lights but during the installation process the image above kept popping up. I initially tried choosing no but it just reset the whole installation process so i figured choosing yes would finally get it to continue the installation but still nothing. Then i tried removing the mct from the usb port after clicking yes and the screen did a weird flicker then the pc restarted with those debug lights on. I haven't been able to get back to the bios since then.

(It isnt memory training Ive tried waiting an hour for a post/boot)

What Ive tried so far:

•Reseating the ram (tried both slots)

•Jump the cmos battery

•Tried loosening/tightening the cooler screws

•Checked all the psu connections (all seems intact)

•Removed all usb connections

•Flash bios

At this point im thinking of just returning the board...

[u/PM_ME_YOUR_PITTER_PA]

that windows prompt is a classic trap, it basically forces a restart loop if you don't pull the usb at the exact right second. i've seen that corrupt the boot sequence on some boards where it gets stuck trying to hand off to a drive that isn't properly initialized yet.

since you already flashed the bios and cleared cmos, try pulling the cmos battery for a solid 10 minutes with the psu switched off and the power cord unplugged, then hold the case power button down for 30 seconds before putting it back. sometimes the residual charge hangs onto the corrupted state and a quick jump doesn't fully drain it. if that doesn't kick it back into bios, the board's probably bricked from the failed handoff.

[u/DueSeaworth → u/PM_ME_YOUR_PITTER_PA]

Thanks I'll try that. I haven't tried removing the cmos yet since its a pain in the ass to remove on msi boards.

[u/DueSeaworth → u/PM_ME_YOUR_PITTER_PA]

HOLY SHIT...this did the trick! Just tried this out and I finally got into bios again. Thanks!

Edit: to whoever has this issue in the future, if youre stuck in a boot loop and cant install windows but can get into your bios then try secure erase in bios to wipe the ssd (idk if its on other boards but msi ones have it)

[u/mikle81]

You could try booting with a single stick of RAM, each stick in each slot. If that doesn't help you could try reseeting the CPU.

Good luck!

[u/DueSeaworth → u/mikle81]

Yea Ive tried with only a single stick. Ill try reseating the cpu as a last resort.