PC ceases to transmit following failed HDD replacement attempt
PC ceases to transmit following failed HDD replacement attempt
Hello! In short, I attempted to duplicate my hard drive and replace it, but the process didn’t go as planned. Now I’m trying to restart the PC using the original drive again, which worked briefly before it stopped responding. The machine is a Lenovo ThinkCentre M72e with an Intel i3 chip, 4GB RAM, Windows 10, and a 250 GB HDD. It’s been set up for my HTPC use. I initially used a different PC with multiple SATA ports to clone the drive with Macrium Reflect Free. However, I suspect something went wrong during cloning, as the new drive didn’t boot. I decided to revert to the original drive instead.
The main problem is that I can’t access the boot menu. After a fresh Windows install and several restarts, it wouldn’t start from the home computer. My guess is the CMOS was corrupted—possibly due to power loss—and resetting it helped, but not enough. I’ve tried everything: checking RAM, battery, BIOS updates, power cycles, even testing with a different machine. Still, after disconnecting and re-setting the CMOS, I haven’t gotten it to boot or access the menu.
Without reaching the boot screen, I can’t flash a new BIOS or try other fixes. The power indicator lights up but shows nothing. I’ve tried all sorts of workarounds—switching ports, using USB tools, checking fuses—but nothing works. It feels like the system is still alive, just stuck in limbo. I’m hoping for a miracle, but it’s been a frustrating process.
Usually once you power on and press the BIOS key right away, you'll gain access. The device doesn't recognize your presence and will keep booting. This approach works across all operating systems I've tested—Windows, Linux, BSD, and Mac. Don't wait for the logo; it may appear too briefly to enter successfully on the first attempt.
Consider removing all USB devices and then turning it on. This method also worked for me when I swapped an HDD in and out, and it didn’t boot properly afterward. No BIOS or loading screen appeared. In a similar situation, unplugging the mouse and keyboard helped it start.
I'm still in a bit of a pickle, but it finally got me to the boot menu! Thanks a lot—I feel a little better now. Hope things improve for my USFF!
I've finished getting the computer restored and working properly again, so here's the conclusion to the issue: Removing the keyboard from the USB port didn't fix all of my problems, but it appears that that was the one issue that was preventing progress in solving the issue. FWIW I also removed the monitor from the VGA port, but I don't know if that made a difference or not. I still had to do another CMOS reset and then I was able to boot into Windows and use Lenovo's software to flash a new BIOS, after which the computer started behaving much better. Would it be a good idea to add the keyboard/USB removal tip to the list of things to try in the no post sticky thread?
I'm happy to assist! Of course. However, I believe this issue is limited to older platforms because I haven't encountered it on modern systems. As long as it can benefit others, it should be included.
My recent progress was limited. After bringing the issue machine back online from my initial upload, I haven’t managed to connect the other computer I used for cloning the drives, and all the advice I followed previously hasn’t worked. The system in question is a Dell OptiPlex 7010. If anyone has suggestions on what else I should attempt, I’m open to hearing. I believe the motherboard isn’t completely faulty—it was functioning properly before I tried swapping the drives, and it continues to spin fans and emit beeps if I start it without RAM.