How I can fix UEFI Samsung notebook?

I baught my Samsung NP530U4C 2 months ago.
I wanted put clean Windows 8 install with DVD (no recovery partition) on SSD partition.
Windows 8 found on SSD partition now but i have a problem with BIOS and UEFI.

In BIOS I can't select other boot devices - only Windows Boot Manager.
I try set Fast BIOS disabled and Secure Boot disabled ... all time is only WBM.

Please help me. How can I fix UEFI and BIOS?
I have newest BIOS now - A07ABH.
Can I reflash my BIOS?

Maybe send me please solution, how i can fix my UEFI (boot priority in BIOS and F2 key).
Now F2, F10 etc keys not found too.
Only system startup with SSD partition.

I will be thankful, help me

 

Sorry to hear about your troubles. I do not have firsthand experience with these new Win8 delivered models, and thus with these new BIOS versions; mine only has UEFI enabled/disabled and no SecureBoot.

But seeing that you have been waiting all day for a response, I'll try to give you a few pointers the best I can:

1) If your disk is still partitioned using GPT layout (which it sounds like) you have to keep UEFI enabled in order for Windows to read the drive. See this thread for another case of this issue:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/samsung/711865-difficulty-installing-windows-7-series-9-13-a.html

2) If you cannot get into BIOS using F2, you could try with a CMOS reset using the battery disconnect pinhole button underneath the PC (assuming it's the same on Series 5). Disconnect the power adapter first, then hold the battery disconnect button and the Power Button simultaneously for one minute. After this, try power on again and start hitting F2 after approx 1 sec, at a rate of 1-2 presses per second. FIRST read this thread for more info:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/samsung/706510-samsung-laptops-bricked-using-uefi.html

If you still cannot get into BIOS (even after doing the same procedure and waiting 48 hours as described in that thread) you probably have to contact Samsung.

3) IF you can get into BIOS, you can try re-enabling UEFI and ONLY disable SecureBoot, then re-install Win8 from the DVD (hit F10 after power on to select boot device). If that succeeds, you should be able to re-enable SecureBoot after installation is finished (to help protect against malware). I found that advice in this thread over at the Sager and Clevo forum:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/sager-clevo/711280-windows-8-reinstall-problems.html

4) ALTERNATIVELY, you can start over completely, disabling UEFI (I think it's called CSM/Legacy mode or something) AND SecureBoot AND converting your disk to the good old MBR layout. This will wipe it and you have to install Windows again, creating partitions anew. I only suggest this so lightly because you said your Recovery Partition is already gone.

See these threads for discussion of that:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/sam...-clean-windows-7-install-series-9-900x3d.html

http://forum.notebookreview.com/samsung/711865-difficulty-installing-windows-7-series-9-13-a.html

They talk about Win7, but the key thing here is about converting from UEFI/GPT to Legacy BIOS/MBR.

Some of these threads I linked are ones I remember because I participated in them. Others are once I found using the following Google search: site:notebookreview.com UEFI Windows Boot Manager SecureBoot disable.

One of the hits from that search led me to the posting of Microsoft UEFI Guidelines for vendors over at the Asus forum:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/asu...-microsoft-tecnical-document.html#post9026369

Once again, I hope this can get you on your way. I wish I could tell you a magic fix for your problems, but again, I simply don't have first hand experience with these issues. You'll have to do some reading and try out different things.

Please keep us posted on your progress

 

Thanks for anawet.
I have a big problem now.
I turn on my notebook and enter to bios not found F2 key and other rok F10 etc.
I see windows 8 automated recovery screen and restart. Blue screen problem.
What can i do now? I do cmos reset and nothing.
Off cmos battery and turn 60 second power button. I off battery too.
Please help me

 

How can i take ssd disk with my notebook?
Where is ssd in this model?
Maybe help me it?

 

There is only a short time window for getting into the BIOS. Start the computer and keep pressing the F2 key about once per second. Don't hold the key down.

John

 

This is problem F2 key not found no reaction... :'(

 

Can i enter to bios other method?

 

As I wrote in the other thread where you posted, I am almost certain your problem is that you disabled UEFI while your disk is still GPT partitioned. You have to either enable UEFI again (getting into bios) OR get your disk converted to MBR.

But I think you're running into Win8 Fast Startup, which doesn't fully restart after a shut down - making it difficult to get into bios. But since you cannot boot Windows, you can't disable Fast Startup.

I think your best choice is to keep trying to hit F2 at just the right time after restart or power on, so you can get into bios and re-enable UEFI.

The other option is to take out the disk (SSD or HDD) and convert it to MBR on another PC.

Otherwise I am afraid the PC will have to go back to Samsung for service.

I could be wrong of course, but that's my assessment.

 

I know i must uefi off but i cant enter to bios. Keys F2 etc not found.
can i enter to bios or uefi off other method?

 

Where is the ssd disk in this notebook? I cant find it...

 

NO! You have to turn UEFI back ON!

Please re-read my posts carefully so you understand the underlying issue.

Your problem began when you turned UEFI off while your disk is still GPT partitioned. UEFI needs to be enabled in order for Windows to read GPT disks.

Here in another thing to try: Turn the PC on; I assume it will come up and get stuck in the Windows Boot menu. WHILE it is still on, press AND HOLD the power button until it turns off, THEN let go. Don't keep holding it after the LEDs turn off. We're trying to create a disorderly shutdown, so that Windows doesn't just resume.

Now power on again and try to enter bios with F2. You may have to try this many times.

 

I read exactly your posts but when i turn on F2 I haven't reaction.
Look this video - http://student.zsl.gda.pl/~krystian/VIDEO0013.zip

I do hard CMOS reset and not found ... UEFI default has been ON.
I don't know why system not found and I can't enter to BIOS...
Have you a other idea?

 

Is it possible to somehow disconnect the SSD in this notebook?

 

OK I see, thank you for the update.

If the reason F2 doesn't work is that you are stuck in a Win8 Fast Startup loop, CMOS reset may or may not not help (I know that I suggested that previously). Instead I suggested a "disorderly" power off in my last message (by keeping the power button pressed until the PC shuts off) in order to force a "full" start-up on the next power on.

If that doesn't work either to get you into BIOS, then I guess something else must be wrong. Even more so if you say you never changed the UEFI settings from the default ON (as I assumed had to be the case).

I am afraid I cannot think of anything else to try. Unless others have ideas, I suggest you call Samsung service for help.

(BTW I did see your private message, thank you. I prefer to answer questions in the forum where it might help others. I check this forum several times a day -- my earlier posts today were from my Android phone because I wasn't at my PC -- but I am not watching it constantly, as I am sure you can understand).

 

I try by keeping the power button pressed until the PC shuts off and F2 not found all time...
Do you see my video?

Can I disconnect SSD? Do you know, what can I do it in this ultrabook?
I think... it maybe helped.

 

You should be able to remove the SSD which might allow you to then get into the BIOS. It is definitely worth trying.

John

 

Ok but where is disk SSD in this notebook?
I open notebook and i don't see SSD disk...

 

What is the capacity of the SSD? If it is 8 / 16/ 24GB then it is the ExpressCache and is non-removable.

If it is not the ExpressCache chip then post a photograph and we can try to identify it.

John

 

I have 24GB... so what can i do it now?

 

It looks like you tried to install Windows on the iSSD. I don't have first-hand experience of the iSSD and ExpressCache. You may find some suggestions in this thread.

John

 

I think you nailed it there, John, I hadn't thought of that.

@intensecrew: I just re-read your opening post, and admittedly you DID write that you wanted to install Windows on the SSD. I thought you just meant the main disk -- although I did wonder for a second if this Series 5 came with an SSD or if you had installed it yourself.

Question: During that new installation, did you delete partitions on the HDD?

Here the reason I ask: Installing Windows on the iSSD is not a bad idea (particularly since you have a 24GB iSSD and since Win8 is relatively compact). But unfortunately these Samsungs can can NOT boot from the iSSD -- it wasn't designed for that. Windows Setup doesn't understand that and still installs on the iSSD, assuming it will be the boot device.

It is still possible to run a Windows installation from the iSSD, but only by keeping the boot partition (SYSTEM) on the HDD (in the case of UEFI both an EFI and a SYSTEM partition). But if you deleted the partitions on the HDD, there won't be a boot partition -- and you cannot boot.

Even if that is the correct diagnosis (finally ) it still doesn't explain why you cannot get into BIOS using F2. Ordinarily a situation like this should be fixable by booting your Windows Setup DVD again and installing on the HDD. But neither F2 nor F10 are working, for some reason.

You said you had disabled SecureBoot and FastBoot, correct?

I will give this some more thought the next couple days (I am afraid no more time today). But it is possible you still have to call Samsung after all. Or maybe remove the HDD as john suggested.

 

Ja wlasnie zainstalowalem Windowsa 8 na SSD i bylo ok, a pozniej z jakiegos powodu sie cos stalo z biosem, ze nie moglem bootowac z innych urzadzen oprocz Windows Boot Manager.
Probowalem to jakis naprawic i cos sie stalo, ze F2 i inne klawisze przestaly dzialac.
Nastepnie system przestal sie bootowac i tak jak na tym filmie.

Samsung NP530U4C bricked? - YouTube

Jakbym mogl wejsc do biosu to bym juz cos zdzialal.
Nie wiem jak mam wejsc do biosu

 

How keys will be found bios recovery mode in this model?
FN+ESC or WIN+B not found...

 

If you haven't read this thread about bricking problems then do so. There might be some clues there.

John

 

I read it carefully and i do it:

I disconnect AC power and i push cutting off battery power.
I disconnect CMOS battery from mobo.
I push power button 60 second now.
I push FN+B or FN+ESC keys and push power button
I connect my AC adapter and push power button.
moments the screen is black and flashes... and nothing.

 

Maybe I will be must send this notebook to service
I dont know method to repair this uefi bios.

 

Yeah, I know it's a hassle, intensecrew, and not what you want to hear. But I think you may have to at least give Samsung a call. If they don't have a clever suggestion, they'll probably say you need to send it in.

 

I would also recommend passing the problem to Samsung. If they try to be difficult by claiming that you broke it then I would replay that it's their problem because they made it breakable.

John

 

The problem with F2 and F10/F12 (Boot Manager) keys suddenly stopping working is that because Windows Bootmanager messes up the contents of NVRAM. Your only option would be to create a WindowsPE startup disk with a copy of your BIOS update (not the updater) to be able to reflash it with additional commands. Usually there is a command to clear nvram contents, like for Phoenix Tiano it's /cvar

You'd then have to remove the SSD and boot up the laptop from your bootable WindowsPE to be able to reflash.

 

Hello, I posted a problem about a NP300 with the same issue. I wonder if the victims of this bug had it resolved?

Can you please offer me some hope of help?

I am willing to go this route if there's good chance of reviving a NP300 Samsung. Any idea how to convert it to MBR? Any steps?

This could be solution #2 perhaps? Sadly I don't have much experience with WindowsPE nor have any idea if this laptop has SSD. Moreover, where can I get the BIOS update file you are pertaining to?

Thanks a lot. Hope you can help me with this.

 

There are some tips for finding BIOS update files in this thread.

However, you need to know the basic BIOS name for your notebook in order to search for other versions of the BIOS.

John

 

Thanks John. I am still unclear if laptop has SSD. This is specifically the NP300E4X-A03PH.
If I should go for this route, I need to download first everything.

I emailed Samsung support regarding this matter, I will let them you guys know what they think. I'm hoping they won't blame Ubuntu this time. I just wonder if its worth saving this laptop given if I need a mobo replacement.

 

Samsung won't have put an SSD in a Series 3. However, that's irrelevant to the problem.

It looks like your notebook is from the transition period between Windows 7 and Windows 8 when there was an epidemic of bricking problems http://forum.notebookreview.com/samsung/706510-samsung-laptops-bricked-using-uefi.html. Samsung provided an improved BIOS for later models which were sold with Windows 8 pre-loaded and, for some of the transition period models, released updated BIOSes (there were 3 for my NP900X4C in the 6 months after Windows 8 arrived). However, there's no certainty that users would have installed these new BIOSes although SW Update would sometimes alert people to their existence.

John