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
- Platform uses Intel HM65 and a 4 MB system BIOS flash (25Q32), plus a 256 kB KBC flash (25X40). [Elektroda, lisek, post #16765595]
- BIOS entry keys: F1 or Fn+F1; boot menu via Fn+F12. Some units also have a side “needle” button. [Elektroda, Arex16, post #16840794]
- Power-drain reset: remove drive and batteries, hold power 15 seconds, then try BIOS. [Elektroda, Stani12, post #16768207]
- Windows installer may show “Selected disk has GPT partition style” when firmware/boot mode mismatches. [Elektroda, viper_80, post #16765111]
- Windows 10 Advanced startup can expose firmware settings only when booted in UEFI mode. [Elektroda, sylweksylwina, post #16881188]
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?
- Remove the hard drive/SSD and disconnect main and CMOS batteries.
- Hold the power button for 15 seconds.
- 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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