Question: PC freezes for one minute upon startup?
Question: PC freezes for one minute upon startup?
Hi everyone,
I’m facing a really annoying problem with my PC. It was functioning smoothly until yesterday, but now it freezes instantly within about a minute when accessing BIOS or Windows. The entire screen becomes unresponsive. Keyboard functions like Caps Lock and Num Lock work briefly before the screen goes black. Removing and reinserting the CMOS battery allows the system to boot normally, but I have to do it every time I want to use the computer. After shutting it down and trying to restart later, the freezing issue resurfaces. I’ve had to constantly recharge the BIOS battery to keep it running.
What I’ve tried so far:
- Reseated RAM and SSD
- Updated BIOS to the latest version
- Disabled Windows Fast Startup
- Checked CPU temperatures – they’re normal before freezing
- Specs: AMD Ryzen 5 5600, ASUS Prime B450M-K II, WD SN570 SSD, ASUS Radeon RX 6700 XT, Cooler Master PSU, Windows 10, BENQ GL monitor
The BIOS version is 4644. Any advice would be very helpful.
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
Motherboard:
ASUS Prime B450M-K II
Please list the specs to your build like so:
CPU:
CPU cooler:
Motherboard:
Ram:
SSD/HDD:
GPU:
PSU:
Chassis:
OS:
Monitor:
include the age of the PSU apart from it's make and model. BIOS version for your motherboard at this moment of time.
Have you looked into the Windows event viewer to identify any significant issues or errors?
Are there any signs of corrosion on the battery holder, similar to what’s found at its contacts?
Has the PC experienced a power or electrical surge, perhaps from a nearby lightning strike?
Every time you remove and reinsert the CMOS battery, it seems to reset the CMOS/BIOS, which could indicate a failing motherboard. When this happens—removing the battery and then turning off the PC—it works as expected, but shutting down causes data loss; this might suggest a faulty battery.
I would start by replacing the battery and see if that resolves the problem.
If it doesn’t, consider updating the BIOS to the latest version from the manufacturer (such as Asus).
If the issue persists, remove any unnecessary components to boot into BIOS, like storage drives. Test with a single RAM module in the A1 slot (or the slot specified in the board manual for single RAM use).
Since your CPU lacks integrated graphics, you’ll need to keep the graphics card connected.
Add components one at a time to pinpoint any hardware causing the freezes.
Before installing a new battery, reset the CMOS—typically by shorting jumper pins marked CLRTC with a screwdriver tip for 30 seconds. After resetting, insert the new battery and verify that the system remains in BIOS without freezing, and that Windows boots normally.
I usually think so, but why does the OS change the CMOS before turning off? I wonder if this might happen because of a bad operating system or a tool like Ryzen Master trying to replace the CMOS with wrong information.
Update
I have a quirky thought: after resetting the CMOS using a jumper or battery and letting the system operate, then pressing reset to confirm the OS doesn’t overwrite it, will the device still work after restarting?