FAQ
TL;DR: On the Lenovo G50-30, a ~5 mm "Novo" button by the power jack opens BIOS; “press it and you have access to the bios.” [Elektroda, dzg4, post #17004999]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps G50-30 owners fix unresponsive Novo buttons and still reach BIOS to reset settings or boot order.
Quick Facts
- Novo button: ~5 mm, next to the power socket; press while the laptop is off. [Elektroda, dzg4, post #17004999]
- Alternate entry: hold Fn+F2 at power-on to reach BIOS Setup. [Elektroda, krzysiek_krm, post #17004967]
- USB workaround: plug in a USB keyboard and hold F2 or Delete during startup. [Elektroda, RafalB, post #17006831]
- Symptom: Novo button may not respond at all even when pressed correctly. [Elektroda, Orzeszkowe, post #17005857]
- Real-world outcome: thread resolved after service found the disk was “closed” (storage issue). [Elektroda, Orzeszkowe, post #17009806]
How do I enter the BIOS on a Lenovo G50-30?
Power off the laptop. Press the side Novo button to open the Novo Menu. Choose BIOS Setup from the list. If the screen stays black, try again with the charger connected. “On the off laptop we keep the Nova button and enter the BIOS.” [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #17004961]
Where is the Novo button on the G50-30 and what does it look like?
It sits next to the power socket. It’s a small round button, about 5 mm in diameter. Press it only when the laptop is completely off to trigger the Novo Menu and reach BIOS Setup. “Press it and you have access to the bios.” [Elektroda, dzg4, post #17004999]
What key combination opens BIOS if the Novo button doesn’t work?
Hold Fn+F2 while turning the laptop on. Start pressing before you hit the power button and keep holding until BIOS appears. One post notes this combo “appears in many descriptions” for G50 models, which includes the G50-30. [Elektroda, krzysiek_krm, post #17004967]
Can I use an external keyboard to get into BIOS?
Yes. Connect a USB keyboard, then hold F2 or Delete during power-on. This bypasses issues with a worn internal keyboard. Users report success using this approach on the G50-30. “Connect the keyboard to USB and normally hold the F2 / Delete key.” [Elektroda, RafalB, post #17006831]
My Novo button does nothing—what should I check first?
Verify the laptop is fully powered off. Press the Novo button and feel for a distinct click. If there’s no click, the button may be stuck or not contacting internally. Try again with AC power connected. If still dead, move to keyboard methods. [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #17005873]
Why can’t I get into BIOS even after trying all keys and Novo?
A storage fault can mask prompts or stall startup. In the thread case, service found the disk was “closed,” and normal access resumed after fixing the drive issue. If inputs seem ignored, diagnose storage next. This is an edge-case but real. [Elektroda, Orzeszkowe, post #17009806]
What exactly is the Lenovo Novo button?
It’s Lenovo’s dedicated recovery button that, when pressed on a powered-off machine, opens the Novo Menu. From there you can choose BIOS Setup, Boot Menu, or Recovery. On G50-30 it’s a small 5 mm button near the power jack. [Elektroda, dzg4, post #17004999]
How do I reset BIOS settings on a G50-30?
Enter BIOS using the Novo button or Fn+F2. In BIOS, choose Load Setup Defaults, then Save and Exit. If you can’t enter BIOS due to an unresponsive button, use the USB keyboard F2/Delete method first. [Elektroda, RafalB, post #17006831]
Does the exact Lenovo model variant matter for BIOS entry steps?
Yes, confirm the precise model and keyboard layout. A responder asked to verify the housing and model, implying variations. If your layout differs, prioritize the USB keyboard method to eliminate key-scan quirks. [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #17005853]
How can I tell if the Novo button is physically stuck?
Press gently and listen or feel for a click. If it feels mushy or doesn’t click, it may not contact the switch beneath. In that case, skip to keyboard entry or consider hardware inspection. “Is not sometimes pressed inside and does not touch anything?” [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #17005873]
Step-by-step: enter BIOS with the Novo button
- Shut down the laptop completely.
- Press the side Novo button once and wait for the Novo Menu.
- Select BIOS Setup and press Enter.
“On the off laptop we keep the Nova button and enter the BIOS.” [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #17004961]
Is Fn+F2 always required on the G50-30?
Not always. Some units accept F2 alone; others need Fn+F2, per user reports. Start with Fn+F2 if your F-keys default to media actions. This combination is cited for G50-series BIOS access. [Elektroda, krzysiek_krm, post #17004967]
Could a bad hard drive prevent BIOS from showing?
BIOS should show regardless, but a failing drive can hang the splash screen or hide prompts. In this thread, service fixed access after addressing a “closed” disk. If keys fail and Novo is dead, check the drive early. [Elektroda, Orzeszkowe, post #17009806]
What’s the fastest fallback if the internal keyboard is unreliable?
Use a wired USB keyboard and hold F2 or Delete during power-on. This method removes any doubt about internal keyboard faults and often works immediately. It’s the quickest practical workaround. [Elektroda, RafalB, post #17006831]
Any simple statistic from this thread I should know?
One concrete detail: the Novo button on G50-30 is about 5 mm wide, which helps you locate and press the correct control quickly. That measurement guided the successful BIOS entry reports. [Elektroda, dzg4, post #17004999]
