Can't enter one-time boot menu

Question

Hi,

I have a dell inspiron 11 3169 which for some reason boots only to the BIOS recovery menu, I get 2 options on the screen:

1- Recover BIOS: and when I choose it the only thing that happens is it will show an error message saying "flash update failed. press any key to reset system". and the system freezes even if I press any key nothing happens, I have to hold down the power button to restart it.

2- Reset BIOS Settings to Default: which shows only the usual messages to confirm that I want to reset the BIOS and when I do confirm it will just restart and return back to the same screen.

I have created a bootable usb drive and downloaded the BIOS file from the support site but I can't boot from the flash drive to install it, can't enter to one-time boot menu.

Is there a solution to this?

Thanks,

Clintlgm · Answer

After pressing the power button spam F12 that should get you to the one-time boot menu. If that doesn't work you might try replacing the BIOS battery. To do that you'll need to download the Services Manual from Support log in and enter your model number and Service Tag Number. There you will find what is required to replace the BIOS/ Motherboard battery

chaosity · Answer

Thank you for your reply I have tried both solutions but I still get the same result; boots up only to BIOS recovery screen

chaosity · Answer

Thank you for your reply I have tried both solutions but I still get the same result; boots up only to BIOS recovery screen. Is there any other solution or should I just give up?

Clintlgm · Answer

That sounds like you have no bootable drives or Mechanical issues with your Motherboard. If installing a new BIOS battery did not solve the problem.

chaosity · Answer

What to do then? Is it a dead end? I am looking for a similar hard drive to try if changing it will reflash the BIOS and brings it back to live again

nyc10036 · Answer

a new hard drive won't solve a BIOS that is corrupt

Inspiron

Can't enter one-time boot menu

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