DIGIT-ARC read-only archive · snapshot: July 23, 2026

Windows Unable to Start after BIOS Flash

12 posts · originally from https://geek.digit.in/community/threads/windows-unable-to-start-after-bios-flash.147960/

RBX
RBX Original post #1
Oct 24, 2011 at 5:15 PM
Downloaded a utility from Intel website that flashed the BIOS to latest revision.
At the windows boot animation, the PC restarted and I was later prompted with Startup Recovery option. I denied the restoration and chose repair.
Files were repaired but the startup still fails at boot animation and Startup Repair doesn't help anymore.
Also, its log tells the windows build to be 7600 but I updated it to 7601 two days ago.
mithun_mrg
Oct 24, 2011 at 5:47 PM
Full config please also can u boot in safe mode
asingh
asingh #3
Oct 24, 2011 at 6:29 PM
Are you able to enter the BIOS..successfully.
RBX
RBX #4
Oct 24, 2011 at 6:51 PM
Unable to boot in safe mode. Able to get into BIOS settings - reset them to default but the problem persisted.
asingh
asingh #5
Oct 24, 2011 at 8:47 PM
try to re do the install.
Anish
Anish #6
Oct 24, 2011 at 8:50 PM
Does a BSOD appears before restart @ the boot animation?
RBX
RBX #7
Oct 24, 2011 at 10:42 PM
No BSOD, plainly reboots and then prompts for Startup Repair or Normal Startup.

Tried the System Restore as well, it would go through various steps and say something like Finalizing Restore but always result in error 0x8000ffff.

The installation was pretty new so I used a Live Linux Disc to access disk and move some files and reinstalled the OS. It was a pain to go through all the windows updates.

The problem doesn't remain for now but I'm curious if BIOS Flash was the reason behind this.
Anish
Anish #8
Oct 25, 2011 at 7:56 AM
The problem doesn't remain for now but I'm curious if BIOS Flash was the reason behind this.
Probably yes.
IMO, dont update BIOS unnecessarily. Update only if needed (If poor performance experienced and new features are added to the new version or BIOS is broken)
Futsuu
Futsuu #9
Oct 25, 2011 at 1:35 PM
Nah, I don't think so. Remember, flashing resets BIOS settings, so it probably changed something that made your Windows installation hate it, like switching SATA mode to AHCI from IDE or something.

You just had to find whatever setting it was to fix the problem.
Anish
Anish #10
Oct 25, 2011 at 10:24 PM
like switching SATA mode to AHCI from IDE or something.

And thats the exact reason I asked to check for the BSOD. A BSOD usually appears when SATA mode is changed to AHCI. Anyways, he got his buddy running....

xD
RBX
RBX #11
Oct 31, 2011 at 7:02 PM
IMO, dont update BIOS unnecessarily. Update only if needed (If poor performance experienced and new features are added to the new version or BIOS is broken)

It unlocked some options that fall under overclocking. I haven't touched them yet.
meetdilip
meetdilip #12
Oct 31, 2011 at 8:23 PM
I think Wondershare Live Boot 2012 will help you in this case. Give it a try.