Can't access bios to change boot order! /TrueCrypt

[nmeseth]

I am currently unable to access my bios because of the TrueCrypt Boot Loader. This also means I can't change my boot order to boot into a cd.

The boot order was messed up, and whenever the password is entered it just says "No available partition" and then shuts down, so I have to press [ESC] to avoid the boot loader. And this skips any chance to enter the bios.

Is there any way to fixmbr/fixboot without booting into a USB or CD?

The only other way would be to remove my hard drive and get a new one to install windows on. But I can't afford a new hard drive right now.

 

[excidium]

Your BIOS STARTS your boot loader. Its a "basic input/output system", it looks at your list of bootable devices and displays the boot menu from the first one it can.

Have you tried hitting DEL, INS, <or whatever your motherboard supports> when starting your computer? That should put you into your BIOS regardless.

 

[nmeseth]

Your BIOS STARTS your boot loader. Its a "basic input/output system", it looks at your list of bootable devices and displays the boot menu from the first one it can.

Have you tried hitting DEL, INS, <or whatever your motherboard supports> when starting your computer? That should put you into your BIOS regardless.

Yeah I understand that.

I've rapidly pressed F2/Del/INS/F8 the entire boot up, and it never gives me anything.

The TrueCrypt Bootloader blocks anything like that.

 

[mbarnes86]

Hi Nmeseth

what sort of PC or Laptop do you have ?

Have you looked a motherboard user guide to see what key gets into the BIOS ?

There is often another F key which can change boot order (usually F12 on Dells, F8 on some Acer)

With a desktop PC it is usually easy to disconnect the sata data cable (either at motherboard or hard disk end) if it really is a problem with master boot sector preventing you getting into the bios

More likely a different keyboard may help.
(some have alternate functions available on Function Keys at power on, until a special key is pressed, eg F10 does not send F10 key code)

regards

Mike Barnes

 

[COLGeek]

So, will the system boot to the HDD otherwise? If so, can you disable TrueCrypt from within Windows 7 and then making your needed changes? You will need administrator access to do this and the TrueCrypt password.

 

[nmeseth]

@mbarnes86: I built the computer myself, I'm quite tech literate myself, but unfortunately this MBR problem is way above my head. I'll try some more keys and possibly my other keyboard to trigger the BIOS. I'll try F2, F12, DEL, and INS.

@COLGeek: Unfortunately TrueCrypt doesn't detect any encyrption on my drive, but when encrypting it says "Boot loader already installed" and even after re-installing the bootloader and removing it, it doesn't go away.

EDIT: Yes, I can access my Windows 7 easily by bypassing the boot loader, as its not fully installed.

The main issue here is that when my computer boots up it does this process

~MSI Logo
~TrueCrypt Boot Loader
[ESC/Bypass to Partition 0]
~Windows Logo

-Theres no room to press DEL to access the bios, I'll keep on trying while using the truecrypt bootloader and hopefully access my windows 7 install disk.

 

[COLGeek]

Restart the system. As soon as the screen goes blank. Hold down several keys at once. The intent is to cause a keyboard error to force access to the BIOS. Sometimes this method works.

 

[hawkster]

Restart the system. As soon as the screen goes blank. Hold down several keys at once. The intent is to cause a keyboard error to force access to the BIOS. Sometimes this method works.

you are the man it worked for me . Peace brother

 

[rm_]

Malware as altered the time you can access your BIOS to 0. You are probably completely screwed. For others with the same problem but without an encryped drive, I might shed some light.

I was looking for how to alter the BIOS time myself when I came across this. I had the same problem. I vaugely remember reading about being able to alter your boot time a year or two ago. I remembered this after I fixed my computer the hard way. I expect to have the problem again so I am doing the research. The malware may keep the file opened exclusivly but probably can't in safe mode. I fixed my computer by removing the disk and low-level formatted it on a different computer. Only then could I install a new version of windows on that disk. If you have files you need on the old disk buy a new disk, install windows on that one then move the data files over from your old drive. This kind of crap will become more common as malware improves.