Windows 11 boot loop
Windows 11 boot loop
Hello, I tried to turn my PC on and it just kept turning on and off without showing any display, this is an old PC that's been working fine. I tried to access the BiOS but it wouldn't let me. I saw online that taking the ram out and putting it back in solves the issue. I tried that, the machine stayed on but the display was not showing up. Somehow it reverted back to the boot loop. As I was looking for the CMOS battery (which I still cannot find), I saw that there is a red light on my motherboard, the light is for VGA. Is my PC toast?
Thanks in advance
Edit: I took the GPU out and tried to use onboard graphics. Still stuck on bootloop and now I noticed the CPU light is also going off while the VGA red light disappeared.
Here is a video of the lights on my CPU.
View: https://youtu.be/flEhZcXNRlQ?si=8zJ3Gb8Zf3vAuzWR
With the built-in graphics, are you able to view the bios? Also, when did the boot loop begin? For example, following a software update, driver installation, or other changes.
No, I can't. It seems the issue persists even when the GPU is disabled and onboard graphics are active.
Yes, last night everything was functioning properly. However, my copy and paste functionality didn't work that night, so I restarted my computer and the issue resolved. I also shut down my PC overnight and turned it back on this morning.
It's unfortunate you can't reach the BIOS settings. If possible, a bootable USB would have been useful for running scans, but you require BIOS access to identify the USB as the boot device. You might attempt using just one RAM stick (swap if necessary) and disconnect all external devices and additional hard drives. Check if it boots and report back.
Could you share more details about what you're considering bringing to the computer shop?
Consider attempting to start from a simple setup. Disconnect all devices and peripherals, retaining just the RAM and built-in graphics, then initiate the boot process to check for BIOS functionality.
Yeah, I also tried the RAM upgrade. The first time I installed it, the screen started up with some white text on a black background, but my computer shut down abruptly before showing the message, then it just keeps looping.
The battery tends to be concealed beneath the GPU, making it difficult to locate.
Without knowing the components you're working with, all I can do is make an educated guess.
Plug the PC in and keep the power switch pressed for 20 seconds to empty the power supply capacitors.
Take out the GPU and check for the battery. Handle carefully to avoid damaging the holder.
Use a volt meter to assess the battery's condition. If it doesn't read 3.0v, it's time to replace it. You can usually find replacements at Dollar Tree or order online.
This is likely the initial step before considering more expensive solutions.
It could very well be a faulty power supply, but without a parts list you're working with, we have no choice but to proceed.