Very slow Boot/Shut times, wrong System Time always

Troubleshooting Prolonged Boot Times and Incorrect System Time on Lenovo Legion 5: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Experiencing abnormal boot times and persistent system time discrepancies can be frustrating for any user. Recently, Lenovo Legion 5 users have reported issues such as unusually lengthy startup sequences and incorrect system clocks, often accompanied by forced boot menu prompts and perplexing boot behaviors. This article aims to provide a detailed overview of these issues, explore potential causes, and offer effective troubleshooting steps to restore optimal system performance.

Identifying the Symptoms

The primary symptoms include:
– Extremely slow boot processes, sometimes requiring multiple restart attempts
– The system displaying incorrect date and time immediately after boot
– The system defaulting to the boot manager screen on startup, attempting to boot via PXE (Preboot Execution Environment)
– Power indicator light turning on without fans or keyboard illumination during initial power-on, indicating a possible hardware or BIOS issue
– Variability in boot success, with occasional successful startups followed by return to slow boot behavior

Possible Causes

Several factors could contribute to these symptoms:
1. BIOS Configuration or Firmware Issues: Outdated or misconfigured BIOS settings may interfere with normal startup processes.
2. CMOS Battery Degradation: While a new CMOS battery can resolve timekeeping issues, a faulty or improperly seated battery may persist.
3. SSD or Storage Problems: Although the SSD appears functional, underlying issues such as firmware incompatibilities or connection problems may cause startup delays.
4. Network Boot Settings: Incorrect boot order settings may cause the system to attempt network boot (PXE) before booting from internal storage.
5. Hardware Malfunctions: Memory modules or motherboard issues could also impact boot times and system time accuracy.

Recommended Troubleshooting Steps

Verify and Adjust BIOS Settings
Enter BIOS Setup by pressing the designated key during startup (usually F2 or DEL).
Ensure the primary boot device is set to your internal SSD with Windows 11.
Disable ‘Network Boot’ or ‘PXE Boot’ options if enabled and unnecessary.
Update BIOS firmware to the latest version provided by Lenovo, even if already current, to ensure compatibility.
Check and Replace CMOS Battery
Since the CMOS battery was replaced, confirm it is properly seated and functioning.
Consider testing with another CMOS battery if issues persist.
Investigate Storage and Hardware Health
Run a diagnostic utility to check SSD health (Lenovo Vantage or third-party tools).
Perform a Windows startup repair or