Could it be that the computer is trying to boot from the hdd and that's why its failing to find it and the boot manager keeps switching?
Definitely. One of my laptops normally boots from its internal drive. I use an external USB hard drive for backups. If I forget to disconnect that USB hard drive when I'm done, next time when I try to boot, the laptop tries to boot from the USB hard drive and fails because there is no bootable OS on it. I get an error message about lack of boot partition, at which point I disconnect the USB drive and then boot the laptop normally.
BIOS settings can be lost if the CMOS battery (also called coin-cell battery) is weak. I wouldn't normally expect this to be an issue for a relatively new computer, but it's possible. They are cheap, so I suggest that you install a new CMOS battery.
Whenever touching components or working inside a computer, wear a grounded wrist strap, also called anti-static wrist strap, ESD wrist strap, or ground bracelet. It's a cheap and sensible precaution. Rest the laptop on an anti-static mat or at least a reasonable alternative such as corrugated cardboard. (Repeatedly touching a metal case part is not sufficient mitigation with modern components.)
Easy fix. Plug in the external drive after you boot. I do it all the time as I move between PC and Laptop. Just remember to use the "Safely remove hardware" when you unplug so you do not risk corruption.
But that’s not what I want, it was working before the last bios update or is this something that because the last Dell bios update broke it, I have to wait for the next one and hope they fix it?
filbert
4 Operator
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1.8K Posts
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June 7th, 2023 12:00
Definitely. One of my laptops normally boots from its internal drive. I use an external USB hard drive for backups. If I forget to disconnect that USB hard drive when I'm done, next time when I try to boot, the laptop tries to boot from the USB hard drive and fails because there is no bootable OS on it. I get an error message about lack of boot partition, at which point I disconnect the USB drive and then boot the laptop normally.
crimsom
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June 6th, 2023 14:00
Hi @LionfromtheN0rth welcome to this free user-to-user Alienware laptop discussion forum.
HOW TO CHANGE BOOT SEQUENCE - Dell Community.
Please note there may be additional assistance on the Dell Alienware Desktops Support Forum.
LionfromtheN0rth
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June 6th, 2023 15:00
as I said in my post I did this but when I would turn it on again, it keeps switching back how do I stop that?
Vanadiel
6 Professor
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June 6th, 2023 15:00
Is the external HDD a bootable device?
LionfromtheN0rth
1 Rookie
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8 Posts
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June 6th, 2023 15:00
That could be but it only does it when I have an external hdd plugged in. It boots completely fine without it
filbert
4 Operator
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1.8K Posts
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June 6th, 2023 15:00
BIOS settings can be lost if the CMOS battery (also called coin-cell battery) is weak. I wouldn't normally expect this to be an issue for a relatively new computer, but it's possible. They are cheap, so I suggest that you install a new CMOS battery.
Whenever touching components or working inside a computer, wear a grounded wrist strap, also called anti-static wrist strap, ESD wrist strap, or ground bracelet. It's a cheap and sensible precaution. Rest the laptop on an anti-static mat or at least a reasonable alternative such as corrugated cardboard. (Repeatedly touching a metal case part is not sufficient mitigation with modern components.)
mattyb3
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1.7K Posts
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June 6th, 2023 15:00
Note: Post moved to the Alienware Desktop section.
LionfromtheN0rth
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June 6th, 2023 16:00
No
Iain K Mackay
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June 7th, 2023 03:00
Easy fix. Plug in the external drive after you boot. I do it all the time as I move between PC and Laptop. Just remember to use the "Safely remove hardware" when you unplug so you do not risk corruption.
LionfromtheN0rth
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8 Posts
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June 7th, 2023 06:00
But that’s not what I want, it was working before the last bios update or is this something that because the last Dell bios update broke it, I have to wait for the next one and hope they fix it?
LionfromtheN0rth
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8 Posts
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June 7th, 2023 11:00
Could it be that the computer is trying to boot from the hdd and that's why its failing to find it and the boot manager keeps switching?
LionfromtheN0rth
1 Rookie
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8 Posts
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June 7th, 2023 16:00
I’m just gonna deal with the plug in after boot, thanks to everyone who tried to help.