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Question

Can't access BIOS options on MSI Wind U100

Feb 9, 2015 10:17AM PST
My main problem: I can't access BIOS boot options on my MSI Wind U100. I get the main BIOS screen, but it's conspicuously missing the "hit del for options" that used to be there--and when I try hitting various F keys and/or del, nothing ever brings up any option. Instead, I just go straight to Grub Rescue (a relic of a broken Grub boot program from an Ubuntu install--more on that below), and I can't get out.

Why I want to get to boot options: because I have a Windows XP bootable USB that I want to use to get into recovery mode and fix my MBR. But I can't figure out how to get that USB to boot when BIOS won't cooperate and when my only other option is Grub Rescue.

How I got in this mess: I was dumb. I had a dual-boot Ubuntu/Windows XP system that I wanted to restore to factory default, with Windows only. So in Windows I deleted the Ubuntu partitions and rebooted without fixing MBR first. Ugh.

To fix the problem, on another computer, I made my XP bootable USB, but as I said, I can't get my Wind to boot into it (or anything else, or give me any BIOS options at all). Any suggestions? (I've read a lot about Grub Rescue, but it seems that it doesn't have USB drivers...?)

Discussion is locked

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Answer
After power up PRESS AND HOLD the Del key.
Feb 9, 2015 10:22AM PST

At worse you'll have to unplug the HDD.

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Re: After power up PRESS AND HOLD the Del key
Feb 9, 2015 10:15PM PST

Hmm...not sure I ever HELD the del key, but I tried rebooting and pushing it quickly so many times that I'm not sure. When I'm home from work I'll try! Thanks!

And you mentioned "unplugging the HDD." Like, cracking open the case and removing the battery, even?

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Yes.
Feb 9, 2015 11:39PM PST

Sometimes if the machine has gotten into a strange way you have to pull the HDD or other parts. Sometimes I've had to wipe the HDD on another PC. All part of the techy procedures you learn to do.
Bob

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Re: After power up PRESS AND HOLD the Del ke
Feb 10, 2015 9:25AM PST

Hmm... holding DEL didn't do it. Guess I'm looking for a screwdriver. I'll report if it works.

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Is there any chance the keyboard is broken?
Feb 10, 2015 9:30AM PST

Sometimes you find a broken keyboard. But you'll figure that out after you pull the HDD out.

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Answer
the BIOS option
Feb 9, 2015 11:03AM PST

is there, even if you don't see it. Follow Rob's advice. To restore XP you need to run FIXBOOT and FIXMBR commands.