Can't get into BIOS, blinking underscore on top left.

Benandlola · Dec 19, 2015

I was trying to get into my BIOS to overclock my cpu (i5 4690k) on my GA-Z97x SLI motherboard but when I click del (the button to get into my bios) a black screen shows up with a blinking white underscore in the top left corner. Not sure why this is the case, but any help would be appreciated.

boju · Dec 19, 2015

Did this happen after you overclocked? Does the screen remain black with underscore or does it continue to load Windows?

If the overclock failed and remains on the underscore, will have to clear cmos. Either clear cmos jumper/button or remove the cmos battery.

If your computer continues to boot after the underscore, the del key you're using isn''t the right key to enter bios, try another del key like backspace. F8 is another common key, should say on bios post screen which options to use.

boju · Dec 19, 2015

When only the cursor is showing, other possible causes are:

HDD is not being detected.
Bootable CD/DVD is left in the the tray.

Soon as you turn the PC on, (don't go by the monitor, video feed can be slow) repeatedly pres del to enter bios. Its possible you're just missing it, the time to enter bios can be quite short.

If you can get in bios, check your hdd is listed and is set to first boot priority.

Benandlola · Dec 20, 2015

boju :

I can enter my pc regularly everything works and is fine but when i try to enter the bios this happens, I have tried every single F key and delete as well

boju · Dec 20, 2015

The manual says del key. the second the pc is turn on, spam the heck out of del key for good 10 seconds.

Benandlola · Dec 20, 2015

boju :

ive done that countless times its not working

boju · Dec 20, 2015

Trying another keyboard id imagine would be the next thing to try.

Benandlola · Dec 20, 2015

boju :

ive done every single F key none work

boju · Dec 20, 2015

I did mean try another keyboard, not keys. What keyboard is it?

Benandlola · Dec 20, 2015

boju :

its the cmstorm devastator one. the thing is i could get into the bios before only now its not working. and i dont have any spare keyboards to plug in

boju · Dec 20, 2015

Ok i was thinking it could be a wireless keyboard.

Which operating system are you using? I am wondering now if Fast boot has something to do with this.

If you enabled this option in the bios, you will need to clear cmos to disable it.

boju · Dec 20, 2015

Also look at this post: http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-2564321/gigabyte-ultra-fast-boot-bios.html

Benandlola · Dec 20, 2015

boju :

Im using windows 10 and whats cmos?

boju · Dec 21, 2015

Cmos is memory the bios uses to store information and settings. There's a watch sized battery on the motherboard giving cmos power to retain that information. If the battery is removed (PC turned OFF never remove it while its still on) will erase cmos and return bios back to defaults.

I suggest you do some more research before trying to overclock (Overclock guides, how to overclock and what to do if overclock is not successful) Clearing cmos is good to know if a setting or bad overclock prevented your PC from booting.

---

Thanks for letting me know you have Win10, see here: http://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/4189-fast-startup-turn-off-windows-10-a.html

Disable fast boot. I have a suspicion this is the reason and its bypassing the bios screen.

boju · Dec 21, 2015

The reason i suggested clearing cmos is its quite common for motherboard bios's to have fast boot options, bypassing the bios splash screen for faster boot times. When set, is bit of hassle getting back in afterwards, clearing cmos is just easier.

But im guessing you haven't been in the bios at all, Win10 has fast boot on by default and if the motherboard supports fast boot, it will use it.

Benandlola · Dec 21, 2015

Ok so I did both of those things cmos and disable fast boot. Now when I turn on my computer and click nothing I always get the screen with blinking cursor. So I effectively can't get into my pc anymore. Also none of the f keys work and I've tried using my windows USB and that doesn't work either. It always goes to the back screen with flashing underscore in the top left

boju · Dec 21, 2015

I thought you only get the cursor when you hit del or any key. You said it boots normal before, this is confusing.

That cursor thing, its either the hdd not being detected or theres a cd left in the dvd tray, they're really only the two causes for a cursor.

boju · Dec 21, 2015

What do you mean none of the Fkeys work? like in general?

If it is in general, have a look at your keyboard, there will be an F Lock, a button to toggle F keys on/off button.

Can't get into BIOS, blinking underscore on top left.

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