My dektop PC refuses to boot (neither into BIOS nor Windows)

Hi all

For some time my computer has had some difficulty logging into BIOS as well as Windows. When I turn it on, it spins up in cycles of 15 - 30 seconds, but all that appears on the screen is "No Signal". The blue HDD-led flashes briefly at the beginning of the cycle and again, yet more briefly, towards the end. However, after some trying, the computer may end up booting into BIOS and, after I check out of BIOS, it usually boots into Windows as well.

The last time I tried to access my computer, I used a Windows 10 boot disk, I got a message saying that my computer needed to be repaired, and the error code 0xc000000e. I need to be lucky to get access to the boot disk as well.

In a forum on a different website, I have been advised to make a LinuxLive USB-key to help me get access to and diagnose my computer. However, I could not make my computer access the USB-key I successfully made according to instructions.

I have a lot of photos, luckily not stored on the system participation, but on a different HDD, which I was able to access by installing it in a different computer in the house. However, the folder containing those of my photos which are taken with my Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ40 was completely empty. Of course, I was in shock, and it was an enormous relief when, a couple of days later, I managed to log into Windows on my computer and found that the Lumix DMC-TZ40 photos seemed to be all still there!

I would be very, very happy, if someone could help me get into my computer and -- not least -- get more stable access to my Lumix TC40 photos.

If you can't access BIOS reset BIOS to factory default settings.

3 Ways to Reset Your BIOS - wikiHow

Your profile indicates you built the system in 2014. I would first replace the mobo battery then go from there.

"If you can't access BIOS reset BIOS to factory default settings.

3 Ways to Reset Your BIOS - wikiHow"

Thanks, Free Booter, but these three ways to reset BIOS to factory settings seem to presuppose an ability to access BIOS. However, as I started with pointing out, I am NOT able to boot into BIOS, or Windows for that matter --- except if I am very lucky.

Is there some way to get more reliable access BIOS than I experience now, or will I have to throw away a computer that I find fast and reliable once I'm into Windows?

Do you see BIOS logo or computer manufacturer logo when you power on the computer.

"Do you see BIOS logo or computer manufacturer logo when you power on the computer."

No, only "No signal"

What Does "No Signal" Mean? - Ask Leo!

GEWB said:

Your profile indicates you built the system in 2014. I would first replace the mobo battery then go from there.

I had already replaced the button cell, but thanks anyway.

JeppeArne said:

"If you can't access BIOS reset BIOS to factory default settings.

3 Ways to Reset Your BIOS - wikiHow"

Thanks, Free Booter, but these three ways to reset BIOS to factory settings seem to presuppose an ability to access BIOS. However, as I started with pointing out, I am NOT able to boot into BIOS, or Windows for that matter --- except if I am very lucky.

Is there some way to get more reliable access BIOS than I experience now, or will I have to throw away a computer that I find fast and reliable once I'm into Windows?

A way to reset the BIOS is to use the "clear CMOS" jumper. (It's in your manual, which is available for download.)

Removing the motherboard battery could have done it, but you may want to try the jumper just to be sure.

You could also try disconnecting the drives. I'm not sure that a problem in that area would prevent a BIOS screen from being displayed on a UEFI system, but the interaction with the drives seems to be a lot more significant with UFI than with older MBR systems.

I intended to ask what the diagnostic LEDs were showing at boot time, but a quick look at the manual suggests that there are none.

Best of luck. The PC isn't anywhere near old enough that I'd suggest discarding it.