Can't get to BIOS/UEFI after upgrading CPU! :(

[JohnFLite]

I have a Biostar TZ77B mobo with an LGA 1155 socket, and I upgraded my ivy bridge i3-3220 to an i7-3770.

Afterwards, I turn on my computer and after the Biostar T-series splash screen, I get an American Megatrends screen that tells me that a new CPU has been detected, and I need to reset the motherboard to its defaults.  Except I can't get into the bios/uefi using the prescribed <delete> keypress no matter how many times I try it.

Now, it must be said that the computer goes from this American Megatrends screen into Windows 10 and seems to work fine.  It even registers the new cpu.  Still, I try and try to reset to get into the bios/uefi to reset the mobo to the defaults.

Well, after getting some advice, I pull out the CMOS battery, which I'm told will reset the mobo defaults.  After waiting a bit, I put it back in, it clicks firmly into place, BUT I'm still getting the American Megatrends screen telling that I need to reset to the mobo's defaults--which pulling the batter was supposed to accomplish--AND now I get a "cmos fail" message.  Ugh.

I have to say, the computer still seems to work fine, it boots, loads the OS, etc., despite the problems.

What can I do?  I'm at a loss.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[DaveLembke]

I'd check your BIOS version it should say version at the splash screen. It may be working ok, but your BIOS might be the initial bios vs the newer bios with microcode for that CPU. http://www.biostar-usa.com/app/en-us/mb/introduction.php?S_ID=579#download

Z77DF419.BST    Update CPU micro code    4096 KB    2012-04-19

They also state this in RED warning:

Please update system BIOS before upgrade your processor (CPU) to avoid system failure

http://www.biostar-usa.com/app/en-us/mb/introduction.php?S_ID=579#cpusupport

[JohnFLite]

I noticed one of those updates has to do with an keyboard/mouse/usb problem.  It occurs to me that it may be that it is a failure to read the keyboard that is preventing me from getting into the BIOS/UEFI.

But I don't know what to do about it.  The website warns me not to run updates while the system is running, but what other way is there to run an update?  I don't know how to use the downloads. 

In system update, my BIOS version is 2.7, so it needs to be updated. 

Any suggestions what my next step might be?

[DaveLembke]

The keyboard one they have there is a beta. I usually dont go with beta's but in your situation you might need to use it. There is a BIOS Update Utility down the page 4.62MB in size that you will need and need to download the .BST file to flash the system.

The

Z77DF823.BST    Fix USB KB and mouse in BIOS problem ( Beta )    4096 KB    2012-08-23

looks like a newer flash than the

Z77DF419.BST    Update CPU micro code    4096 KB    2012-04-19

and it would include all the patches and support updates of prior flashes.

If it were me, I'd flash first with

Z77DF419.BST    Update CPU micro code    4096 KB    2012-04-19

and see if that helps before just going with the Beta flash file.

If the Microcode update doesnt solve the issue then you can try the

Z77DF823.BST    Fix USB KB and mouse in BIOS problem ( Beta )    4096 KB    2012-08-23

Myself I try to avoid running Beta versions of everything, especially a BIOS Flash since a bad flash can kill the motherboard. If you have a different keyboard to use you can try that too. I have seen issues with wireless USB keyboards and mice not working until the OS is up and running for driver support. Or use a wired USB keyboard or if this motherboard has a PS2 port try a PS2 keyboard before going the route of the beta flash.

This is the utility to run from Windows with nothing else going on and it will need to target the .BST file that you flash from. Be sure not to disrupt power as the flash is happening or else the board can be bricked with a corrupt bios flash.

BIOS Update Utility
Operating System    Version    Date    File Size    
Windows XP x86/ XP x64/ Vista x86/ Vista x64/ Server 2003 x86/ Server 2003 x64/ XP MCE/ 7 x86/ 7 x64/ 8 x64/ 8 x86/ 8.1 x86/ 8.1 x64/ 10 x86/ 10 x64

The flash process should be run the Bios Flash Utility and then point it to the BIOS Flash File that you want to flash the motherboards BIOS chip with. Its usually pretty straight forward.

[JohnFLite]

Thanks for this.  As I mentioned previously, I tried to reset the mobo by taking out and replacing the battery, and I must have done something wrong, because I'm getting a "cmos fail" message.  It doesn't effect anything, but I am fearful that it might mess ups the updates?

[patio]

Battery is in upside down...printed side up...

[JohnFLite]

Dave, can I run the BIOS update from windows?  On the website, it says not to run updates while the system is running, but I'm not sure what that means.

(The battery is seated correctly.  I double-checked)

[DaveLembke]

Yes it can be run from windows. Just give windows about 5 minutes after it boots up for all services etc to calm down. And no power disruptions during flash.

[patio]

In other words...don't use the PC for anything else til finished...

Remember to re-boot after.

[JohnFLite]

Thanks guys!

[JohnFLite]

Last note.  The ps2 keyboard worked, and I reset to the optimized defaults.  Now I will have to decide whether to update the BIOS or leave well enough alone.  Anyway, thanks so much for your help!

[patio]

Good news...

[DaveLembke]

Last note.  The ps2 keyboard worked, and I reset to the optimized defaults.  Now I will have to decide whether to update the BIOS or leave well enough alone.  Anyway, thanks so much for your help!

If all works now with no post error messages, then I'd leave it alone and not flash. Each time a motherboard is flashed there is the chance that it will get corrupt and trash the board. Odds of it happening are unlikely if proper  precautions are taken, but risk is always there with a flash of a ROM chip. Some boards have a backup ROM as a failsafe to avoid a bad flash from bricking a motherboard.

[patio]

That MBoard isn't 1 of them....