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In most of the cases, Windows computers will initiate the bootup process the moment people hit the Power button. Assuming that there is nothing out of the ordinary, Windows users would soon see the login screen and they could start using their devices. That being said, it’s not uncommon for the bootup process to experience errors and “Flashing Boot Block” is a prime example. Read to the end if you like to learn more about “Flashing Boot Block” meaning and what must be done.
“Flashing Boot Block”: Breakdown
Description
As your Windows PC boots up, you may come across a message that says “Flashing Boot Block”. The message also incorporates a progress bar and the percentage indicator of that bar should increase over time. When the percentage indicator reaches 100%, “Flash Complete!” will appear on the progress bar. However, “Flashing Boot Block” still lingers and you cannot reach the login screen.
Meaning
Boot Block is the first block of a storage media that holds important data used to start a system. Thus, Boot Block is in essence the area of the BIOS(Basic Input/Output System) used for booting. If your computer is unable to boot normally, Boot Block will allow the BIOS to be recovered via the use of a floppy disk. That is possible due to the fact that Boot Block only supports booting floppy drives.
Causes
Generally speaking, “Flashing Boot Block” is an issue that only surfaces when BIOS has run into problems. As a result, Windows fails to boot and “Flashing Boot Block” won’t go away. Suspects include updates for Windows, apps, BIOS not being installed properly, … At the moment, “Flashing Boot Block” is often reported by those who own HP laptops.
How To Bypass “Flashing Boot Block”
Since Flashing Boot Block is BIOS-related, the natural solution is to restore the BIOS. All computers integrate measures that automatically recover the BIOS in times of emergency. Don’t worry if that doesn’t work though because other solutions exist.
Restore Previous BIOS Settings
Now you may be wondering: “How can I change any settings if the computer is unable to boot?”. Fortunately, there is a certain key combination that can be used to restore the previous BIOS configurations in that scenario.
- Step 1. Turn off the PC.
- Step 2. Connect the power cord.
- Step 3. Press and hold Windows + B (Windows + V on certain laptops) then press and hold the Power button for 3 seconds.
- Step 4. Now release the Power button while continuing to hold Windows + B. You should hear some beeping sounds. If things proceed smoothly, BIOS Update utility is going to open and perform a BIOS recovery. Wait for the process to complete and determine whether the issue persists. If the utility does not show up, it means that either your PC does not support the feature or there was a hard drive failure.
Reset CMOS
One of the main causes for automatic BIOS restoration failure is corrupted CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor). The BIOS settings are stored within the CMOS so it’s wise to consider resetting the CMOS.
- Step 1. Turn off the computer.
- Step 2. Press and hold the Windows + V and hold down the Power button for about 3 seconds
- Step 3. Release the Power button while continuing to hold down Windows key + V
- Step 4. When the CMOS Reset screen appears or your PC makes beeping sounds, Stop and wait for the process to finish.
- Step 5. Lastly, press Enter to reboot the computer.
Use USB Recovery Flash Drive
It is possible to make a BIOS recovery USB flash drive and use it to recover the BIOS. Needless to say, you need a working PC that could connect to the Internet and a USB flash drive. After you finish preparing, go through the following steps:
- Step 1. Download a suitable BIOS version from support site to the working PC.
- Step 2. Insert the USB flash drive into the working PC.
- Step 3. Run the downloaded BIOS file to create a BIOS recovery USB flash drive.
With the recovery USB flash drive in hand, it is time to perform a BIOS recovery on the malfunctioning computer.
- Step 1. Turn off the PC and wait about 15 seconds. If your computer is a laptop, connect it to a power source.
- Step 2. Insert the USB flash drive into an available slot on the malfunctioning computer.
- Step 3. Press and hold Windows + B (or Windows + V) then press and hold the Power button for about 3 seconds.
- Step 4. Release the Power button while continuing to hold down Windows + B (or Windows + V).
Use Floppy Disk Drive
Floppy disk drives are outdated and may be difficult to find. Still, if your PC is an old model and none of the other solutions have worked, give the floppy disk drive a go.
- Step 1. Pick up a 1.44MB floppy disk drive in MS-DOS format.
- Step 2. Insert the floppy disk into a working PC.
- Step 3. Download the BIOS to the working PC, look for the following files: the executable, platform.bin, (bios name).ful, and autoexec.bat then put them into the floppy drive. Remember to add the command line “phlash.exe /mode=3 (bios name).ful” into the autoexec.bat file. Also, you should replace (bios name) with your actual BIOS’s name.
- Step 4. Move on the malfunctioning PC and toggle the 10 switches on the system board from top to bottom in order to activate the Boot Block.
- Step 5. Insert the floppy disk into the malfunctioning PC and turn it on. The recovery is now in process and will wrap up after approximately 40 to 50 beeps.
- Step 6. When you hear a long beep that indicates the completion of the process, turn the PC off immediately before it starts over again.
- Step 7. Flip the 10 switches back to their original state to disable Boot Block.
- Step 8. Remove the floppy disk and boot the PC.
Should I Update My BIOS?
Unlike other operating systems, programs and drivers, you don’t need to update the BIOS if not necessary. If the computer works perfectly fine with no boot error, updating the BIOS is completely unnecessary. An updated BIOS will NOT have any impact on your PC’s performance. Furthermore, a failed BIOS update process will potentially prevent your PC from booting.
Is It Possible To Fix “Flashing Boot Block” By Replacing The BIOS Chip?
Chip replacement should be able to address “Flashing Boot Block”. Nonetheless, the process involves tampering with the hardware and requires utmost caution. You will need the right BIOS chip and the knowledge to correctly position it to get the desired result.
Where Can I Purchase A BIOS Chip?
If you wish to buy new BIOS chips, try contacting your motherboard’s manufacturer. They may sell BIOS chips or even give them away for free. Otherwise, you can try your luck with organizations that sell pre-flashed chips.
Tuan Do is an accomplished author, content provider, and IT specialist with a strong background in computer science. Having studied IT at Hanoi Bach Khoa University, he possesses extensive knowledge in the field and specializes in Microsoft Windows. Tuan plays a vital role as a valued member of 4G Britain magazine, where he provides engaging content, tutorials, and practical fixes for readers. His expertise allows him to simplify complex concepts, making him a reliable source of accurate and insightful tech information. With a deep passion for technology, Tuan is committed to keeping readers informed about the latest advancements in the industry. Through his contributions to 4G Britain, he empowers both tech enthusiasts and professionals by delivering valuable insights and solutions. Tuan’s dedication to providing exceptional content ensures that readers can rely on him as a trustworthy resource in the ever-evolving world of technology.