Bootloop after RAM upgrade. Reset BIOS?

The machine is MSI Titan GT80 SLI.

I triple boot Windows 10, Windows 10 and Ubuntu.

I had 3x8GB RAM modules installed. I added one 1x8GB for the total of 4x8GB of RAM. Ever since then the machine start bootlooping. It goes to the bootloader, to the entry that I created with bcdedit and then does not boot and repeats the cycle.

Both Win10 disks do that. They are identical.

My 3rd disk has Ubuntu on it, it boots and sees the 32GB installed. No issues.

I can get to the BIOS, it can see 32GB of RAM.

I get into Ubuntu Linux by hitting F11 during the boot cycle and then selecting the Linux SSD.
I used to be able to do that for the Win10 disks, both of them and no longer can.

I've read that I have to reset CMOS, is that so and if so, how? Via BIOS or via jumpers?
I just don't want to break anything on top of this.

• How to clear the CMOS | MSI HQ User-to-User FAQ

The link you provide is for resetting Desktop motherboards. On some laptops it's very difficult to reach the Cmos battery. Some use a rechargeable small battery, others use the CR2032 coin battery on a case and some also use he CR2032 coin battery soldered to two wires an a small connector.

The best way to reset the BIOS is to do a firmware re flash.
- Go to MSI web site and download the last BIOS firmware. If necessary unzip the files.
- Copy the unziped BIOS firmware to a USB flash disk.
- Enter BIOS and do a BIOS update using the files on the USB flash disk.

The assumption is that the cause is the newly added RAM.
This may or may not be correct.
These are some trial and error steps:

1) Remove all RAM modules and re-seat one module.
Remove the power cable and hold down the power button for 30 seconds.
2) Power on

3) These are links for resetting the BIOS:

How to Clear Your Computers CMOS to Reset BIOS Settings:
How to Clear Your Computer’s CMOS to Reset BIOS Settings
3 Ways to Reset Your BIOS - wikiHow:
3 Ways to Reset Your BIOS - wikiHow

You are correct. It is an assumption. But I haven't made any changes to the machine in any way, not software, not hardware.

I did install the new RAM DIMM module with the machine shutdown, but not unplugged. I wonder if this may have fried something. The laptop was still plugged in. However the Linux SSD boots just fine. No issues with anything, not affected at all. Sees all 32GB, all 4 modules (which does BIOS as well, just doesn't boot).

Maybe the CR2032 battery went bad finally. I got the machine about 2+ years ago and it wasn't new when I got it. I realize the Lithium coin cell runs for a long time but Titan GT80 is a 2015 or so year model. So it's in the range when the battery should be failing. It's 3V but has a tiny mAh capacity. At the very least, I will pull it and measure it and install a new lithium 3V battery.

Don't think that the battery is the problem. From your description is a rechargeable battery. As on a Laptop, when the PS isn't attached, the main battery will still power the BIOS. The 3V battery is only when there is no PS and no main battery.

Why don't you do a Repair install? Mount a Win 10 iso and run setup. Choose to keep programs and data. It will reinstall Win 10 keeping programs and data.

Typically if one operating system works fine and another does not the problem is with the operating system.
Problematic hardware is unlikely if Ubuntu works fine.

zbook said:

Typically if one operating system works fine and another does not the problem is with the operating system.
Problematic hardware is unlikely if Ubuntu works fine.

I agree!!
Do a repair install.

How much will I lose of my operating system configs?

And why have both disks gone bad? I have win10-1903 on one disk and its clone on another. Why have *both* of them gone bad?

- - - Updated - - -

Hardware was never suspected, it's the BIOS config and memory that's present.

When the computer is booted is it able to boot to the Windows desktop?
If yes, then you can perform an in place upgrade repair as per Megahertz's post.
If no, then comment into the thread and if possible post images.