Solved BIOS: Can access BIOS utility, but cannot change settings.

[mikeo56]

Hello:

This is my first post here, so hi to everyone.
I just got an ASUS X401a Notebook and I want to use a flash drive to boot from Linux.
I need to change the sequence in the BIOS so that the flash drive is first choice to boot from.
I have no problem accessing the BIOS utility, but it allows me to alter only some settings. Those in blue colored font I can change those in black font I cannot. What drive to boot from first is in black and not adjustable.
I used command line to work as admin and I also set up a password for admin in the BIOS to access the BIOS utility, but still no go; some things are allowed to be changed some aren't.

Any help is appreciated.

 

[Carl Lawrence]

Is it asking for a password or something?

 

[Trinty]

Hello, mikeo56.
Welcome to Seven Forums.

Try to disable Boot Booster / Quick Boot in your BIOS and try again. I found it somewhere for How to boot from USB flash drive.

Trinty

 

[TVeblen]

On an Asus laptop, press ESC immediately when the system boots and you will be offered the boot device menu.

Hope that helps.

 

[mikeo56]

No, Carl a password was not requested by the Bios utility, until I set an admin password in the Bios utility. I restart, F2, get Bios, give password and I am in, but still I cannot change certain items in the Bios and one of them I cannot change is the sequence, putting the flash drive/usb first.

Thanks

 

[mikeo56]

TVeblen:
Same thing; I get to the boot menu in Bios but I still am not able to adjust the sequence.

Thanks

 

[TVeblen]

No, this would not be the boot menu in the BIOS settings.
This is a separate pop-up window that offers you the boot device menu.

You need to immediately start tapping the ESC key just after you push the power button to turn on the laptop. The same procedure as if you were pressing F2 to get into the BIOS settings. If you see the Asus screen go by it is too late.

 

[mikeo56]

I have been at the wrong place in the Bios utility and am not communicating exactly what is going on. I don't mess with the Bios that often. (Need to try Linux Now). But, In the Bios utility: Under Boot Option Priorities there is "Boot Option 1", "Add New Boot Option" and "Delete Boot Option". Highlight "Boot option" and hit enter, it shows a choice of the "system hard drive", which is active or "disable".
Highlight "Add New Boot Option" and I get three new choices to highlight: "Select Filesystem", "Path For Boot Option" and "Create".
It is not as simple as XP, where your choices are already laid out and you simply pick. I do not know what to enter.

 

[TVeblen]

Please stop thrashing about in the BIOS. You just need to follow the instruction.

Also: your operating system has nothing to do with your BIOS.
You are experiencing the new UEFI BIOS that is used on all newer laptops today. Time for the old dog to learn the new tricks.

 

[Sir George]

Hello:

This is my first post here, so hi to everyone.
I just got an ASUS X401a Notebook and I want to use a flash drive to boot from Linux.
I need to change the sequence in the BIOS so that the flash drive is first choice to boot from.
I have no problem accessing the BIOS utility, but it allows me to alter only some settings. Those in blue colored font I can change those in black font I cannot. What drive to boot from first is in black and not adjustable.
I used command line to work as admin and I also set up a password for admin in the BIOS to access the BIOS utility, but still no go; some things are allowed to be changed some aren't.

Any help is appreciated.

The following images show that you should be able to change the boot settings;

 

[mikeo56]

Thanks Sir George

I no longer have the problem of setting the sequence in the BIOS. The USB Flash is now first. I simply restarted with the flashdrive inserted and it came up on the BIOS sequence as an option. My problem now is that when attempting to run Fedora live CD from the Flash drive there is a bug, it will not run. I am using UNetbootin and I figure I'd try some other distro.

 

[Sir George]

Please stop thrashing about in the BIOS. You just need to follow the instruction.

Also: your operating system has nothing to do with your BIOS.
You are experiencing the new UEFI BIOS that is used on all newer laptops today. Time for the old dog to learn the new tricks.

A review of the article cited below seems to contradict your statement;

HTG Explains: Learn How UEFI Will Replace Your PC’s BIOS - How-To Geek

The boot sequence is clearly an option in UEFI from what I see. Am I missing something?

 

[Sir George]

Thanks Sir George

I no longer have the problem of setting the sequence in the BIOS. The USB Flash is now first. I simply restarted with the flashdrive inserted and it came up on the BIOS sequence as an option. My problem now is that when attempting to run Fedora live CD from the Flash drive there is a bug, it will not run. I am using UNetbootin and I figure I'd try some other distro.

Well, I'm glad you got one problem solved.

 

[mikeo56]

sorry dbl post

 

[TVeblen]

Please stop thrashing about in the BIOS. You just need to follow the instruction.

Also: your operating system has nothing to do with your BIOS.
You are experiencing the new UEFI BIOS that is used on all newer laptops today. Time for the old dog to learn the new tricks.

A review of the article cited below seems to contradict your statement;

HTG Explains: Learn How UEFI Will Replace Your PC’s BIOS - How-To Geek

The boot sequence is clearly an option in UEFI from what I see. Am I missing something?

Perhaps. One of the major features of the UEFI BIOS is that is is highly configurable by the system manufacturer. Options and features can be offered or hidden, on or off. It can have a GUI or just the legacy settings screens. It can be pure EFI or a hybrid of legacy BIOS and UEFI (most are hybrids).

It is going to be a headache for folks like us trying to understand each particular setup and give clear instructive answers.