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Lenovo ThinkPad E320 - Can't Access BIOS, SSD Installation Issue, GPT Partition Error

viper_80 11706 13
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  • #1 16765111
    viper_80
    Level 13  
    Posts: 154
    Rate: 18
    Hello,
    The laptop is a lenovo ThinkPad E320, I don't know what happened but I can't enter the bios.
    After pressing the ESC or F1 key because this is how you entered the bios, the message "Entering Bios Setup Utility" is displayed for a moment and after a while it disappears and the computer continues to start. I disconnected the batteries from the bios but it does nothing. Generally, I have a problem because I sold a disk from this computer and bought a ssd and I can't do anything right now.
    When I try to install the system, I get the message "Cannot install Windows on this disk. The selected disk has the GPT partition style"
    Any ideas ?
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  • #2 16765158
    qs300
    Level 33  
    Posts: 2088
    Help: 242
    Rate: 361
    Maybe boot from linux and try to format the disk in NTFS format.
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  • #3 16765361
    viper_80
    Level 13  
    Posts: 154
    Rate: 18
    Of course I can do that but this does not solve the problem with entering bios and I would not like to format the disk due to the data that I already have there.
  • #4 16765595
    lisek
    Service technician RTV  
    Posts: 39712
    Help: 6307
    Rate: 6802
    :?: Same happened?
    After combinations, e.g. as described on the Lenovo forum Link_ can-t-enter-bios-after-changing-from-uefi-to-legacy

    Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E320 is a Quanta PS3 platform
    - there should be an inscription on the disc: DAPS3MB .... rev.?
    * e.g. DA0PS3MB8E0 REV: E
    HM65 chipset
    matrix e.g. LP133WH2 TL (L3) or similar

    Lenovo ThinkPad E320 - Can't Access BIOS, SSD Installation Issue, GPT Partition Error
    25q32bvsig - 4MB - BIOS
    25x40bvsig - 256kB - KBC

    Try with a USB keyboard

    ps
    In the Service Guide for this model
    link
    And (ver. Cz) especially pages 122 .... on the Bios system update

    Before the combination in the BIOS combination: Fn + F1
    * BIOS and in Boot Device Manager ..... Fn + F12
    Attachments:
    • thinkpad_edge_e320.pdf (2.85 MB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
    • Guide_service.pdf (15.71 MB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
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  • #5 16766468
    viper_80
    Level 13  
    Posts: 154
    Rate: 18
    The same with a usb keyboard. The only option is probably the installation of windows if you can install and upgrade bios but I have to figure out a 7mm drive somewhere because I do not want to format the current one.
    With F12 it is the same or the message "Preparing Boot Device List" and the computer goes further or the bios must be damaged or something is blocked.
    I don't know if this happened because several people used the computer unfortunately.
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  • #6 16767339
    lisek
    Service technician RTV  
    Posts: 39712
    Help: 6307
    Rate: 6802
    This laptop doesn't have a NoVO button (hidden in the hole) or Onekey recovery?
  • #7 16768207
    Stani12
    Level 28  
    Posts: 1180
    Help: 134
    Rate: 107
    Remove the hard disk drive. Unplug the adapter. Disconnect the battery. Hold power for 15sec. Connect only the power adapter. Run and enter the bios as you entered before. If you enter, load the default settings and restart.
    If this does not help, then you probably have what the post above lise wrote. An additional button on the power board is available in the hole on the side of the housing, close to the power button.
  • #8 16768271
    viper_80
    Level 13  
    Posts: 154
    Rate: 18
    Walkthroughs with disconnecting everything I used first from the Lenovo forum. There is no such button.
  • #9 16768471
    Stani12
    Level 28  
    Posts: 1180
    Help: 134
    Rate: 107
    Apart from the fact that you can bet a new bios, I have no other idea.
  • #10 16840794
    Arex16
    Level 12  
    Posts: 87
    Help: 2
    Rate: 14
    On the left side has a needle button and instead of turning on the laptop, you start from this button - BIOS SETUP
  • #11 16879581
    viper_80
    Level 13  
    Posts: 154
    Rate: 18
    Hello,
    I'm going back to the topic, I still can't enter the bios but I installed windows 10. How to safely put a new bios now?
    Currently, everything works, but you can't turn on the wifi card.
  • #12 16879626
    Stani12
    Level 28  
    Posts: 1180
    Help: 134
    Rate: 107
    Pdd with the concept of "put a new bios", I meant to reprogram flash memory with a new batch in the programmer. The procedure is independent of what system is installed. It is important to program the correct batch with the ME region rewritten from the previous region and the read windows key because you probably have UEFI / bios / and the key is saved in it.

    Added after 4 [minutes]:

    Whether it's a driver issue or maybe a hardware issue, it's best to run a computer from a bootable disk or flash drive with the linux mint system. The available ISO image is on the linux website. Of course, in your case you have to count on luck to have it set up in the setup because you can't change anything about it.
  • #13 16880424
    viper_80
    Level 13  
    Posts: 154
    Rate: 18
    I updated the bios to the latest version from windows and of course it did nothing. Is it possible to enter bios directly from windows?
    I used to have such a possibility in a dell laptop.
  • #14 16881188
    sylweksylwina
    Moderator of Computers service  
    Posts: 13170
    Help: 1875
    Rate: 2336
    There is a possibility. But only in UEFI mode.
    You can try to put on a disk in another Windows 10 computer in UEFI mode, with a little luck after inserting into lenovo the system will boot, Windows 10 does not have big problems after changing the configuration.

    Unless you have legacy mode enabled permanently in Lenovo without boot support in UEFI, it will not start.
    How will the system start when you click on close in the start bar hold shift. You should turn on the menu with advanced settings on which you click, choose the option to set the firmware - with a little luck UEFI will start.
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around issues faced by a user with a Lenovo ThinkPad E320, specifically the inability to access the BIOS setup and problems related to installing an SSD. The user reports that pressing ESC or F1 briefly shows a message indicating entry into the BIOS, but the system continues to boot without entering the setup. Attempts to resolve the issue include disconnecting the battery and using a USB keyboard, but these have not been successful. Additionally, the user encounters a GPT partition error when trying to install Windows on the new SSD. Various suggestions are made, including formatting the disk, checking for a hidden recovery button, and performing a BIOS update. The user eventually installs Windows 10 but still cannot access the BIOS or enable the Wi-Fi card. Further advice includes using UEFI mode for installation and potential BIOS reprogramming.
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FAQ

TL;DR: ThinkPad E320 shows “Entering BIOS Setup Utility” but skips BIOS; its 4 MB BIOS flash and UEFI/Legacy choices matter. “There is a possibility. But only in UEFI mode.” Fixes include power-drain, side needle-button, or firmware update paths. [Elektroda, sylweksylwina, post #16881188]

Why it matters: This FAQ helps E320 owners restore BIOS access, install SSDs, and resolve GPT/UEFI install errors without losing data.

Quick Facts

How do I get into BIOS on a Lenovo ThinkPad E320 when F1 seems ignored?

Try F1 or Fn+F1 at power-on. If it flashes “Entering BIOS Setup Utility” then boots, perform a power-drain reset: remove drive and batteries, hold power 15 seconds, connect AC only, and retry. Also check the side “needle” button to invoke BIOS setup. [Elektroda, Stani12, post #16768207]

Where is the E320’s hidden BIOS button?

On some E320 units, a small pin‑hole button sits on the left side near the power button. Press it instead of the main power switch to start directly into BIOS Setup. Use a straightened paperclip. [Elektroda, Arex16, post #16840794]

Why does Windows say “Cannot install on this disk. The selected disk has the GPT partition style”?

This appears when the installer’s boot mode and disk partition style do not match. Legacy BIOS expects MBR, while UEFI expects GPT. Booting the installer in the wrong mode triggers that message, even on a new SSD. [Elektroda, viper_80, post #16765111]

How can I install Windows 10 if I can’t open BIOS to change UEFI/Legacy?

Prepare a Windows 10 disk on another PC in UEFI mode. Insert it into the E320 and boot. In Windows, hold Shift while clicking Restart to open Advanced startup, then choose firmware settings if available. “There is a possibility. But only in UEFI mode.” [Elektroda, sylweksylwina, post #16881188]

What is UEFI, in simple terms?

UEFI is modern firmware that replaces legacy BIOS and boots from GPT disks. On the E320, certain Windows firmware options appear only when Windows is running in UEFI mode. [Elektroda, sylweksylwina, post #16881188]

What is GPT versus MBR?

GPT and MBR are disk partition styles. GPT pairs with UEFI and supports modern boot methods. MBR pairs with Legacy mode. If firmware boots in Legacy while the disk is GPT, Windows setup blocks installation with an error. [Elektroda, viper_80, post #16765111]

The keyboard doesn’t trigger BIOS. Should I try a USB keyboard?

Yes. Connect a USB keyboard and press F1 or Fn+F1 at power-on. Some users also report pressing Fn+F12 for the Boot Device Manager. If the prompt appears and vanishes, proceed with power-drain and side-button checks. “Try with a USB keyboard.” [Elektroda, lisek, post #16765595]

How do I perform a safe power-drain reset on the E320?

  1. Remove the hard drive/SSD and disconnect main and CMOS batteries.
  2. Hold the power button for 15 seconds.
  3. Connect AC only, power on, and press F1/Fn+F1 to enter BIOS. [Elektroda, Stani12, post #16768207]

Can I update the E320 BIOS from within Windows 10?

Yes, Lenovo provides a Windows-flashable update. However, users reported that a successful flash did not restore BIOS entry in their case. Consider hardware-level reprogramming if issues persist. [Elektroda, viper_80, post #16880424]

What does “reprogram the BIOS with programmer” mean on this model?

It means flashing the 4 MB system BIOS chip externally and preserving important regions (like ME) and the embedded Windows key. A hardware programmer writes the correct image to the 25Q32 BIOS flash. [Elektroda, Stani12, post #16879626]

What chips hold firmware on the E320 motherboard?

The system BIOS resides in a 25Q32BVSIG 4 MB SPI flash. The keyboard controller (KBC) uses a 25X40BVSIG 256 kB flash. The platform identifies as Quanta PS3 with an HM65 chipset. [Elektroda, lisek, post #16765595]

My Wi‑Fi card won’t turn on after Windows 10 install. What should I check?

Boot a live Linux USB (e.g., Mint) to test the adapter outside Windows. If Wi‑Fi works there, reinstall or update Windows drivers. If it fails in Linux too, suspect hardware or a firmware whitelist issue. [Elektroda, Stani12, post #16879626]

Can I format the SSD to fix the GPT error without losing my data?

Reformatting removes data. If you must keep data, avoid formatting. Instead, boot the installer in the matching mode or move the drive to another PC to adjust partitions after a backup. [Elektroda, viper_80, post #16765361]

Does the E320 have a NOVO/OneKey recovery button like newer Lenovos?

Some users looked for it and did not find a typical NOVO button. A side needle button may exist instead to invoke BIOS Setup directly. Check the left side near the power switch. [Elektroda, Arex16, post #16840794]

Edge case: What if Legacy mode is stuck and UEFI boot is unsupported?

If Legacy is enforced and UEFI boot is unavailable, Windows will not expose firmware options via Advanced startup. In that case, use hardware entry methods or service-level reflash. [Elektroda, sylweksylwina, post #16881188]

What is the KBC and why does it matter here?

KBC stands for Keyboard Controller. On the E320, it stores firmware in a 256 kB flash. Input issues at boot can relate to KBC firmware or its initialization, affecting F1/F12 responses. [Elektroda, lisek, post #16765595]
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