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17 Posts
0
639
March 15th, 2023 23:00
XPS 8930, boots to Aptio setup utility screen
I replaced the motherboard reinstalling all the components. When I started the computer it never showed the dell logo but did show F2, F12 options which didn't do anything. Every time the computer restarts it goes back to the Aptio Setup Utility - American Megatrends, Inc. screen. There are only 2 options listed on the (single, only) RECOVERY tab, they are RECOVER BIOS an RESET BIOS SETTINGS TO DEFAULT. Neither option does anything to move past this screen every time it reboots I's back again. Any help would be appreciated.
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JOcean
9 Legend
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12.6K Posts
0
March 16th, 2023 05:00
Did you install a new MB or a used one? My point is that the CMOS battery could be weak which would generally give an error but could be requiring you to reset the BIOS. With a weak battery that would happen with every boot. Try installing a brand new recently purchased CMOS battery. Of course it is always possible that the replacement MB is defective.
RoHe
10 Elder
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45.2K Posts
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March 16th, 2023 12:00
And just to add...
1. If the battery is dead on the new board, BIOS probably reverted to its default settings. Dell typically sets SATA Operation to RAID in BIOS setup and installs Windows for RAID, even if you're not using a RAID config. The default SATA Operation setting is AHCI.
If Windows on your boot drive was installed by Dell for RAID, PC may not boot when BIOS is set to AHCI, hence unsuccessful attempts to repair. Be careful about changing that setting because you might make the PC unbootable and end up having to reinstall everything. Hopefully all your personal files are backed up on external media, or at least are stored on a separate internal drive in this PC.
2. Once you get PC to boot, you might find that Windows is no longer activated because you've changed motherboards, each of which has its own Microsoft product key embedded in it. If it's not activated, try logging into your Microsoft Account and see if that activates the OS for the replacement board.
jcy110
17 Posts
0
March 16th, 2023 19:00
I did replace the CMOS battery with a new one first, the board has to be bad. I will be sending the MOBO back for a refund or replacement. Never had this problem before where the BIOS screen only has one TAB and none of the 2 options do anything, LOL see attached pic.
jcy110
17 Posts
0
March 16th, 2023 19:00
Previous motherboard swaps with Dell MOBOs havent been a problem because it senses it is a Dell part and didn't need to have a clean install. With Win 10 I will have to see if this is the case and report back but I know on DELL computers Win 7 it did not have to be reloaded. I am sending the MOBO back for a replacement or refund. Will post how it goes with the next one I get.