Trying to fix a Lenovo m710q

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Troubleshooting the Lenovo M710q: A Guide to Overcoming BIOS Lock Issues

Hello tech enthusiasts,

Today, I find myself facing an intriguing challenge with a Lenovo M710q mini PC. This compact machine, equipped with an Intel i3-7100T processor, 8GB of DDR4 RAM, and a 128GB SSD, came from an auction where many of its counterparts were touted as functional. However, I’ve encountered a roadblock that’s proving to be a bit more complicated than I anticipated.

Understanding the Situation

Upon powering up the M710q, I discovered that it was running an outdated version of Chromium OS. Despite my efforts, I have been unable to access the BIOS settings using the usual keys such as F1, F2, Delete, and more. Oddly enough, even without the SSD installed, I continue to face the same issues:

  • No Access to BIOS: Attempts to enter the BIOS using various key combinations have been fruitless.
  • Keyboard Challenges: The keyboard seemingly doesn’t function before booting into ChromeOS. I’ve tried activating the caps lock and other keys, but there’s no response.
  • Operating System Installation: I have been unable to install any OS, whether it be Linux or Windows.
  • Boot Order Modification: The inability to change the boot order is particularly frustrating.
  • BIOS Chip Reading: Using a BIOS programmer to read the BIOS chip has yielded no success, likely due to my inexperience in this area.

In an effort to remedy the situation, I’ve attempted to reset the CMOS battery and reposition the jumper, but each time, I’m met with the same result: no initial splash screen or pre-POST messages, just an error relating to Chromium that suggests the issue may be embedded in the BIOS itself.

Seeking Solutions

Given that this is my first encounter with such a BIOS-related issue, I’m reaching out for insights and advice on how to proceed further. My ultimate goal is to revive this machine and install a Linux operating system, and I would appreciate any tips or strategies from those experienced in similar situations.

Thank you for your suggestions in advance! Let’s collaborate and figure this out together.

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One Comment

  1. Hi,

    It sounds like you’ve already taken some good initial steps to troubleshoot your Lenovo M710q. Given that standard BIOS access keys are not working and there’s no post or splash screen, the issue might stem from a corrupted BIOS or a hardware fault.

    Here are some suggestions that might help you move forward:

    • Attempt a BIOS Reset: You’ve reset the CMOS battery and repositioned the jumper, which is great. Ensure you leave the CMOS jumper in the reset position for at least a minute before returning it, and verify the CMOS battery is functioning correctly.
    • BIOS Recovery: Some Lenovo models support BIOS recovery via a USB Flash Drive. Check the Lenovo support page or user manual for specific instructions on performing a BIOS recovery or BIOS update method suitable for the M710q. Usually, this involves creating a BIOS update USB with OEM-specific files.
    • Hardware Diagnostics: Since the keyboard doesn’t respond early in boot, try using a different keyboard, preferably a wired PS/2 (if your system supports it) or a different USB port, to rule out connectivity issues.
    • Firmware Update/Recovery Tool: For more advanced options, Lenovo sometimes provides a bootable BIOS update tool that can be loaded via a USB. If the BIOS chip is accessible, a hardware programmer might be necessary to re-flash it
    Reply

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