SOLVED: Stuck at the BIOS screen after update BIOS version 0099

How to Fix BIOS Stuck Issue After Updating Intel DH61 Series Motherboards

Updating the BIOS on Intel DH61 series motherboards (such as DH61BE, DH61CR, DH61DL, DH61WW, DH61SA, DH61ZE) can sometimes lead to a common issue: the system gets stuck at the BIOS screen after the update, particularly with version 0099. I recently encountered this problem with my Intel DH61SA Classic Series motherboard (BIOS version 0048) and successfully resolved it. In this blog post, I’ll share a step-by-step guide to fix this issue and get your system booting again.

The Problem

After updating the BIOS to version 0099, many users find their computer stuck at the BIOS screen. While BIOS settings remain accessible, the system fails to boot into the operating system. This issue is prevalent when updating from older BIOS versions, like 0048, to the latest version, 0120, as per Intel’s BIOS update requirements.

According to Intel’s BIOS Update Release Notes, if your motherboard is running BIOS version 0048, you must first update to version 0099 before proceeding to version 0120. Skipping this intermediate step can cause compatibility issues, leading to the BIOS screen hang.

My Solution: Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s how I resolved the issue using the F7 BIOS Flash Update method. This guide assumes you’re working with an Intel DH61 series motherboard and have encountered the BIOS stuck issue after updating to version 0099.

What You’ll Need

• A USB flash drive formatted to FAT32.

• BIOS update files: be0099.bio and be0120.bio, downloadable from Intel’s official website.

• Access to your computer’s BIOS settings.

Step 1: Prepare for the BIOS Update

1. Download the BIOS update files (be0099.bio and be0120.bio) from Intel’s official website.

2. Format a USB flash drive to FAT32.

3. Copy both be0099.bio and be0120.bio files to the root directory of the USB drive.

Step 2: Update BIOS to Version 0099

1. Insert the USB drive into a USB port on your computer.

2. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS startup screen.

3. Press F7 to access the BIOS Flash Update menu.

4. Select the USB drive and choose the be0099.bio file to start the update.

5. Wait for the update to complete, then restart your computer.

Note: After this step, my system got stuck at the BIOS screen, unable to boot into the operating system. If this happens to you, proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Update BIOS to Version 0120

1. Restart your computer and re-enter the BIOS screen.

2. Press F7 again to access the BIOS Flash Update menu.

3. Select the USB drive and choose the be0120.bio file to update to version 0120.

4. Wait for the update to complete.

At this point, one of two outcomes may occur:

• Case 1: The update is successful, and your computer boots into the operating system.

• Case 2: The update fails, resulting in an erroneous BIOS, and the system remains stuck.

In my case, I encountered Case 2. If this happens to you, don’t worry—proceed to the recovery steps below.

Step 4: BIOS Recovery for Failed Update

If the BIOS update to version 0120 fails, follow these steps to recover:

1. Power off your computer and unplug the power cable.

2. Open your computer case to access the motherboard.

3. Locate the 3-pin jumper on your motherboard (consult your motherboard manual for its exact location).

4. Remove the jumper from its current position.

5. Reconnect the power cable and ensure the USB drive with the BIOS files is still connected.

6. Power on the computer. This will trigger an automatic BIOS recovery process. Wait for it to complete.

7. Once the recovery is finished, power off the computer and remove the USB drive.

8. Reattach the jumper to its original position.

9. Restart your computer.

After following these steps, my system successfully booted into the operating system with the BIOS updated to version 0120.

Tips to Avoid Issues

• Always verify the BIOS update sequence required for your motherboard. For Intel DH61 series motherboards with BIOS version 0048, updating to 0099 is a mandatory intermediate step before version 0120.

• Ensure your USB drive is formatted to FAT32, as other formats may not be recognized by the BIOS.

• Double-check that you’ve downloaded the correct BIOS files from Intel’s official website.

• If you’re unsure about handling the jumper or accessing the motherboard, consult a professional to avoid hardware damage.

Conclusion

Getting stuck at the BIOS screen after an update can be frustrating, but with the right steps, it’s a fixable issue. By following Intel’s recommended update sequence and using the F7 BIOS Flash Update method, you can update your Intel DH61 series motherboard’s BIOS to version 0120. If the update fails, the BIOS recovery process using the jumper method can restore your system.

I hope this guide helps you resolve the BIOS stuck issue and gets your system back up and running smoothly. If you have any questions or run into other issues, feel free to leave a comment below!