FAQ
TL;DR: Lenovo G580 shows 2 SMART attributes (01/C8) flagged; "For this disk (01) it should be 0." Boot issues and no BIOS access suggest HDD faults and possible BIOS reflash. [Elektroda, safbot1st, post #16923198]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps G580 owners fix slow startup, no-BIOS access, and NOVO-button failures without guesswork.
Quick-Facts
- Boot menu keys tried on G580 include F12 or Fn+F12 when NOVO/F2 fail. [Elektroda, safbot1st, post #16923269]
- SMART showed read/write error indicators (01 and C8) on the system drive. [Elektroda, safbot1st, post #16923198]
- Zeroing/remap wipes all data; back up first or copy elsewhere. [Elektroda, Kasek21, post #16923127]
- User reported boot order stuck to disk, blocking USB/CD boot changes. [Elektroda, hequu, post #16923243]
- Basic hardware triage advised: test single RAM stick, swap slots. [Elektroda, safbot1st, post #16923233]
Quick Facts
- Boot menu keys tried on G580 include F12 or Fn+F12 when NOVO/F2 fail. [Elektroda, safbot1st, post #16923269]
- SMART showed read/write error indicators (01 and C8) on the system drive. [Elektroda, safbot1st, post #16923198]
- Zeroing/remap wipes all data; back up first or copy elsewhere. [Elektroda, Kasek21, post #16923127]
- User reported boot order stuck to disk, blocking USB/CD boot changes. [Elektroda, hequu, post #16923243]
- Basic hardware triage advised: test single RAM stick, swap slots. [Elektroda, safbot1st, post #16923233]
How do I enter BIOS on a Lenovo G580 when NOVO and F2 don’t work?
Try the Boot Menu with F12 or Fn+F12 at power-on. If that also fails, the firmware may be corrupted and require reprogramming. A contributor advised that the BIOS might need to be “re-programmed” with a hardware programmer when entry methods don’t respond. [Elektroda, safbot1st, post #16923269]
Why is my G580 so slow to start and then hang?
The system drive shows SMART warnings for read and write errors (attributes 01 and C8). That points to mechanical or surface damage on the HDD. A failing disk can stall POST and Windows loading. "You have damaged mechanics or the surface of the plate." Replace or fully test the drive before troubleshooting software. [Elektroda, safbot1st, post #16923198]
What do SMART 01 and C8 actually indicate?
In the thread, 01 is tied to read errors and C8 to write/uncorrectable errors. The expert added that for this disk, attribute 01 should be zero. Multiple flagged attributes increase the chance of imminent failure, so plan for replacement. [Elektroda, safbot1st, post #16923198]
Can I reach BIOS with the hard drive disconnected?
The reporter tested this and still couldn’t enter BIOS without the disk installed. That edge case suggests a deeper board or firmware issue on this unit. If your system behaves the same, seek firmware service next. [Elektroda, hequu, post #16923205]
How do I zero and remap the HDD on a G580?
Use a bootable toolkit. 1) Download UltimateBootCD and write it with Rufus. 2) Boot from USB/CD to disk tools. 3) Run zeroing and remap procedures, then retest SMART. This process was suggested specifically for this case. [Elektroda, Kasek21, post #16923115]
Will zeroing/remap erase my files?
Yes. Zeroing overwrites the entire disk, and remap can reallocate sectors. The advisor explicitly warned that all data will be deleted, so back up first. [Elektroda, Kasek21, post #16923127]
I can’t change boot order because it’s stuck on the disk—what now?
That was reported here when BIOS access was blocked. Try the Boot Menu hotkey approach first. If entry remains impossible, handle the drive on another PC to run diagnostics or recovery, then revisit firmware service. [Elektroda, hequu, post #16923243]
Should I test RAM when BIOS won’t open and boot is erratic?
Yes. Remove down to one module, swap slots, and retest. Faulty RAM can mimic storage or BIOS faults during POST. A contributor with the same model recommended this quick isolation step. [Elektroda, safbot1st, post #16923233]
Another HDD makes the screen backlight but nothing else—what does that mean?
The thread author saw only the panel light with a different disk installed. That symptom still points to firmware or board-level issues, not just the drive. Continue with RAM checks and BIOS service. [Elektroda, hequu, post #16923205]
What is the NOVO button and why won’t it open BIOS here?
NOVO is Lenovo’s physical button that should open a boot or recovery menu. In this case, NOVO didn’t launch BIOS at all, aligning with a suspected firmware fault. Pursue Boot Menu keys or BIOS reflash. [Elektroda, hequu, post #16923155]
Could the BIOS be corrupted on my G580?
Yes. When NOVO/F2/F12 fail, one expert suggested the BIOS may need reprogramming with a hardware programmer. “I’m afraid the BIOS has been re-programmed and you need to program again.” [Elektroda, safbot1st, post #16923269]
If I can’t boot tools on the G580, how can I test the bad disk?
Work on a desktop PC. Connect the laptop drive via SATA or USB adapter and perform the remap or zeroing there. The advisor explicitly recommended doing the remap on a desktop if the laptop can’t boot tools. [Elektroda, safbot1st, post #16923275]
What’s a practical next step order for this exact symptom set?
Follow this: 1) Test with one RAM stick and alternate slots. 2) Try F12/Fn+F12 Boot Menu. 3) Diagnose the HDD elsewhere if needed, then consider BIOS reflash. This mirrors the thread’s working plan. [Elektroda, safbot1st, post #16923233]
Any telling stats from this case that map to my issue?
Yes. One 4 GB RAM stick was installed, and two SMART attributes were flagged simultaneously. That pattern correlated with slow POST, no BIOS access, and boot lock. Use it as a triage signal. [Elektroda, hequu, post #16923243]
