How do I prove my CMOS is defective?

AddRAM said:

Let`s try this.

Go into the Bios and disable everything but the OS drive. No DVD drive, no storage drive, nothing, disable everything but your OS drive.

Save and exit. F10

Tell us what happens.

Does it go to Windows ?

It boots to Macrium Reflect PE environment (which is the second item in the boot sequence). It totally bypasses the Windows 10 boot.

You say you don`t press any key and it goes to windows, as others have already said, that is perfectly normal.

Why is there a DVD in the tray ?

The DVD is my original Windows 10 Installation Disk which is in there because I had to perform multiple clean installs in orde to make my computer bootable.

What are you trying to do ?

I am trying to boot into Windows 10 as my system should - being that Windows 10 is the first of the two multiple boots in the boot sequence (the second being Macrium Reflect PE environment).

After I did as you requested, I place the DVD back in the drive and booted. The usual message to press any key to boot from the CD or DVD appeared. I did not press a key and my normal boot window appeared giving me the choice to boot from either Windows 10 (default) or the Macrium Reflect PE environment. I chose Windows 10 and Windows booted normally.

I still don`t see any problem.

And why are you putting a DVD in the tray ?

You are not making much sense.

I also use the Macrium Boot screen and I set it for 3 seconds, if I don`t touch anything, it goes to windows like it should.

And why do you say you choose W10 ?

Even with a Macrium Boot screen you do not have to choose Windows, it does that by itself after the timeout is done.

Once again, WHY are you putting a DVD in the tray ?

And why are you putting a DVD in the tray ?

I don't need to - but, just by luck, I found that it's the only way my PC will boot (as I explained).

You are not making much sense.

You are probably right - but I'm just telling you the facts as I know them. This entire issue doesn't make any sense to me (yet).

I also use the Macrium Boot screen and I set it for 3 seconds, if I don`t touch anything, it goes to windows like it should.

In my case, the Macrium PE is second in the boot sequence. I didn't know I could place it first and apply a number of seconds before the next boot item (Windows 10) would boot. Sounds like a great idea.

And why do you say you choose W10 ?

I guess it will default to Windows 10 if I let it - but I've just always done it this way. Never thought about any other option.


Even with a Macrium Boot screen you do not have to choose Windows, it does that by itself after the timeout is done.

Got it (I think).

Once again, WHY are you putting a DVD in the tray ?

Don't need to - but I can't boot into W10 without it as I explained. I'm sure my explanation may not be clear - but I'm stating the facts as I see them. BTW, I tried to boot without the W10 Installation Media in the drive - and received an error saying noe boot device found. Thank you.

AddRAM said:

I still don`t see any problem.

I may not have used those exact words, but it's a fact. I'm just looking for help with an issue no one has been able to yet solve. If you want to call me out on every word, please stop trying to 'help' me. You folks know a lot more than I do - but I have a problem which no one, in over two months of trying, can explain what's going on with my computer. Thank you.

I don't know what you mean by the four blue window panes - but, yes, I see exactly that after I attempt to boot with only a DVD in the drive and I DON'T press any key to boot from the DVD. I used to see that screen all the time (every time) when I cold booted or re-booted my PC - but only see it now as I just described above. Do you have an idea on what might be causing my issue? Also, please tell me how you take a screenshot before your system is fully booted. If I can do that, perhaps I can explain better what I'm seeing as I attempt to boot under different scenarios. Thank you.

BTW, I'm going to sleep now - but will look for your response in the morning. Thanks again!!!

ignatzatsonic said:

Is this what you see, a few seconds after you see the 4 blue window panes??

Thanks - and which photo editor do you use please? Also, am I right in assuming that you can only use PrintScreen once while booting (since the Clipboard only holds one screenshot at a time? Thank you.

ignatzatsonic said:

Screen shot..........all I did was press the "print screen" key near the upper right corner of my keyboard. And then paste that into my photo editor.

- - - Updated - - -

Oh, I just realized what you meant by the four blue window panes - and the answer is 'yes.'