5

I have a new desktop computer: a LENOVO model 3493-BFG with Windows 8.
I started the computer without any problem. Once Windows was automatically set up, I created a recovery media (an USB hard-drive).
I then restarted the computer to see if the recovery media can boot. I was unable to use it because the BIOS displayed Error 1962: No operating system found. Press any key to repeat boot sequence.
I the rebooted without any USB device connected but the same message appear.

If I press F12 during the BIOS POST, I then have the list of bootable devices. I select the hard-drive and the system correctly boot.
So I configured BIOS to keep only the hard-drive. But the same error stops the boot process. I then reboot, press F12 then ENTER, and it's okay.

Whatever the way I boot (cold, or a reboot from Windows), I get the same message Error 1962: No operating system found. Press any key to repeat boot sequence.

I reseted the settings to BIOS defaults (inside the BIOS). Nothing better.
I used the clear CMOS switch and saw the settings where reverted to defaults. Nothing better.

I flashed the BIOS to latest version, which is only one week old. Same error.

I configured the BIOS to disable UEFI, I tested I don't remember what. Always the same error.

I used another hard-disk, with Linux. Set the BIOS to accept non UEFI boot, and everything was ok.

I put back the correct hard-drive and BIOS settings. No boot if I don't use F12.

I disconnected the DVD drive... tadammm... the system booted.
I changed the SATA port of the DVD. Same boot error.
I changed the DVD drive. Same boot error.
I inverted DVD and HD SATA ports. Same boot error.
edit: disconnecting the DVD drive no longer allow the system to boot without F12.

In short, I can boot:
Using F12
or without the DVD drive (edit: this even no longer works)

Anyone have an idea to solve this problem ?

Improve this question
  • Have you reordered the boot device priority and save the settings to BIOS? – Brad Patton Mar 1 '13 at 19:58
  • same came to mind, what is the boot-device priority? – Gjordis Mar 1 '13 at 20:08
  • 1
    The boot device priority is written in the question: "So I configured BIOS to keep only the hard-drive". BIOS default don't works better (USB devices, then DVD, then HDD). – Bertrand SCHITS Mar 1 '13 at 20:25
  • Good question but this is sounding like a firmware issue, or maybe when you booted the USB stick it modified the Windows bootloader on your hard drive somehow?? – allquixotic Mar 1 '13 at 22:07
6

Most UEFI firmwares are bugged and/or misleading. LENOVO makes no exception. I don't know if this is because the thing became too complicated with frequent evolutions, or because they don't bother.

When you reset a LENOVO BIOS/UEFI, the default values seems correct, but aren't.

You have to configure CSM (Compatibility Support Module) to Enabled, as if you want to boot a legacy OS. This setting is disabled after a BIOS reset (and probably upgrade).
Disabling the support for older OSes just break the possibility to boot. I think this can be considered as a (not serious) bug.

Be carefull to also set UEFI as first or only boot method (which is already the default).

Improve this answer
  • 1
    Thanks, this is exactly that ! I edited the answer to add details. – Bertrand SCHITS Mar 2 '13 at 20:22
1

I fixed this problem on ThinkCentre M81 by switching boot method from UEFI to Legacy.

Improve this answer

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.