Short Boot Loop Fix Write-up

[Cereal5]

Hey LTT,

 

Wanted to do a basic write up of some recent problem solving I did for my computer, in case anyone runs into a similar issue.

 

For some backstory, yesterday I did some minor dust clean up on my PC, reinstalled my optical drive (which is officially dead), and installed Corsair's iCue software.

 

Upon start up today, I received a pause on mobo code "bf", which means there is some sort of RAM instability or inability to properly read RAM during start up. Then, after 15 seconds or so, the computer turned itself off, then back on again. The code "bf" showed up once again, and the process repeated. This is called a boot loop. The most commonly recommended first thing to try for fixing this issue is clearing the CMOS. This is done by (after turning off your PSU and removing the power cable) removing the small watch battery on your motherboard, most commonly located near the PCIe slots (there's only one CMOS so if it's not there keep looking), waiting 10 minutes or so to replace it, and restarting your computer. Fortunately, this worked for me. If, however, this did not work for you, the next thing I would try would be to reseat your RAM sticks, reset your BIOS, and even check for bent CPU socket pins. If still no luck, I would get help from someone more experienced in repairs.

 

After successfully passing the "bf" code upon restart, the computer then got stuck on code "A2". A2 is an issue related to finding and/or reading the boot drive. In my case, all I had to do was go into the BIOS, assure that the computer prioritized the SSD in looking for a boot drive, and after doing so I had no problems.

 

Only 2 strange things remain. My pc, up until now had displayed the code "AA" after booting to windows (and it would stay on that until turning it off). It now displays code "30" (later reverted back to "AA"). Not sure what either mean, I'm just glad it works. Also, after entering my windows password, it loaded my desktop from the night prior. Discord, Steam, even the multiple Google Chrome pages I had open. Not sure what that is all about, but like I said, glad to have it working again.

 

Hope this helps someone else with a similar issue!

[Cereal5]

[edit]