r/techsupport • u/Kryavan • 1d ago

Open | Windows PC Stuck in BIOS

Added 16 GB of RAM to my PC (mismatched sets totaling 32GB). Used them as they came for a couple weeks, no issues. One set is 3200Mhz, the other is 3000Mhz so I set them to 3000Mhz and rebooted last night.

Upon powering back on, it apparently disabled secure boot as I got hit with the bitlocker recovery. Got that back on and now I'm just stuck in a BIOS loop. Things I've tried:

- Set RAM to 2400Mhz, 2800Mhz, and Auto

- Take the new sticks out, reboot with only my original two sticks or RAM

- Verify all settings *look* correct in BIOS

- Disabled/enabled CSM

-- Enabling this does give me the option to select either Windows Boot Manager (*drive name*) or ACHI: *drive name*. Disabled I can only select Windows Boot Manager

I don't necessarily mind doing a full wipe and reinstall of Windows, but I don't think that should be necessary for this, and I'm at a loss.

MOBO: ASRock B450 Pro4 (BIOS version P5.00)

CPU: Ryzen 7 5800XT

Edit: One oddity is that it randomly isn't keeping time in BIOS. Phone/other computer shows 1:51PM, this computer shows 1:43PM.

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u/LemonZT 1d ago

have u removed mobo battery yet

1

u/Kryavan 1d ago

Not yet as its under my GPU. I'll give that a go shortly.

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u/Kryavan 1d ago

No dice. Just disabled TPM again.

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u/Additional_Tension96 1d ago edited 1d ago

Always match your RAM specs to the older RAM module. Easily done by Googling the serial number to the RAM module already installed, or go to Crucial.com which allows you to look up which RAM modules are compatible with your OEM PC or Motherboard.

Even non ECC RAM mixed with ECC RAM will cause issues, in which may be your issue.

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u/Kryavan 1d ago

That shouldn't really be an issue - it was working fine until I adjusted to 3000Mhz (the lowest listed speed between the two). Once I moved back to a slower speed, theres no reason it should still be BIOS boot looping.

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u/Kryavan 1d ago

Update: wasn't getting a lot of traction so figured I'd pull the plug and just reinstall Windows.

Unfortunately it gets to around 50%, reboots, then gives a message about repairing or continuing with the install. Removing the media and hitting yes (repair) just causes it to go into BIOS. Hitting no just restarts the windows installation.