Of course, I should've known it wouldn't detect it with my bios access. I thought maybe if I unplugged the old hard drive it might work, nope. So im on live environment right now. Linux is installed, already. I can't get windows 10 USB to boot, I believe it's in bios too. Gosh Darn eh. I have some idea of what my password is. Just cant get it. I even tried clr_cmos and battery for half hour, it reset everything to default, but the password. Anybody know how I can get into my bios or for the machine to detect the SSD? Please? Anyway I can do either from Linux?

frogfreak517,

Welcome to LQ forums.

I believe that the Debug command will work via Windows, but it may not work in all hardware:
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/for...debug-command/

NB The Debug command may damage your computer and make it non-bootable, so proceed at your own risk!

Please read the feedback on the above link first. Do you feel lucky?

The Debug command can be executed from booted Windows Command Prompt or from FreeDOS .

1. Install FreeDOS on a USB flash drive using Rufus or Unetbootin.

2. Download the debug.exe tool and save it to the root of your USB flash drive.

3. Boot up the computer with your USB flash drive and type the following commands: (take note that the second and third commands start with the letter O and not the number zero.)


4. Restart your computer with Ctrl + Alt + Del and you should encounter an error message like “CMOS checksum error” which is normal.

You can now access the CMOS setup without entering a password.

What is the machine?

If it's a Lenovo, there's a warning that a BIOS USER pw can only be reset by a service center.

If it's the BIOS ADMIN pw... requires new mainboard...

Thanks. I figured out the bios password. The pin worked for me this time. But I still can't get it to boot from the M.2 SSD.

Also, can I update bios with the program you gave me?

Attempting to update the BIOS in any manner not instructed by the maker of the computer or motherboard is an effective way to free up HDD(s) and SSD(s) for use with a working computer.

frogfreak517,

No.

Forget about updating the BIOS. That is very unlikely to be the problem.

What exactly are you planning to do?

W10 and Linux in a dual boot?

One drive or two?

I am trying to dual boot Win10 and Mint on the SSD only. I have a new motherboard and tower ready to go, I just need a new power supply. The new mainboard should boot the M.2 SSD. I have an error screenshot of it trying to boot Mint Debian 6 on the old PC. I'll have to figure out how to post it. Even so, my PC doesn't read Win10 USB. So I guess I'm waiting for the new PC. Thanks for all your help.

I am in the process of returning the M.2 card and PCI to M.2 card. I'll be getting an 2.5 SSD. MY computer shall detect it and BOOT as it's data. But if you want to help others, we can keep this post open.

I'd still like to update my bios. Also, my bios resets on every reboot. Can anybody help with that?

Posting a link that requires a sign in is very bad!

2 members found this post helpful.

If you want to update the BIOS, then you need to find out who the maker of your motherboard is. There is probably a small sticker on your mobo or it is printed in large white letters.
The mobo maker has the BIOS, the mobo manual, instructions as to how to flash the BIOS.

If the BIOS forgets its setting once you shutdown (but it remembers when you reboot), probably the lithium button battery is weak.
Turn off the PC.
Upload the 120 VAC or 240 VAC cable.
Then pop out the battery and measure with your multimeter. It should be between 3.0 to 3.2 V.