Stuck/returns to RAID setup screen, cannot return to BIOS F2 even pulled CMOS battery

[macerq1]

Hello I had a boot problem and erroneously changed CMOS settings and selected RAID now its stuck in the RAID setup screen and I can't get out even restarting, using F2 to get back to BIOS doesn't work. Returns to RAID setup screen every time 

 pressing F2 no longer returns me to CMOS screen to disable RAID.  Even removing CMOS battery no effect still goes to RAID screen.  CTRL-F changes to another RAID screen but no option to disable to return to standard single drive SSD.  Can't seem to get back to standard BIOS screen.  please help.

Aptio Setup Utility (C) 2010 American Megatrends, INC ver 2.10.1208 BIOS Main BIOS version= EBRAR110 build date 10/26/2012

This is a proprietary motherboard in a rail mount PC with ASUS

[Manas_Intel]

Hello @macerq1!

I am so sorry to hear you’re stuck in this frustrating boot loop. It’s never a fun experience when a quick setting change turns into a technical hurdle, especially when the standard "F2" shortcut seems to be ignoring you!

Based on the BIOS information you provided (Aptio Setup Utility by American Megatrends), this isn't actually an Intel hardware failure. Instead, it is a firmware configuration conflict specific to your motherboard's BIOS.

When the SATA mode is switched to RAID, the system often prioritizes the RAID initialization screen before the keyboard drivers are fully loaded, which is why your F2 keypress isn't registering in time to get you back to the CMOS settings.

Because this is a proprietary motherboard in a rail-mount PC, the best path forward is to reach out to your OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or ASUS support. They will have the specific "backdoor" steps or jumper settings required for that exact rail-mount model to force the BIOS to reset to AHCI mode.

In the meantime, a common "community fix" for this is to temporarily unplug your SSD/Hard Drive and then power it on. This

often forces the RAID controller to fail, which can sometimes "break" the loop and allow you to access the BIOS menu again to toggle the setting back to standard mode.

I hope you're back up and running very soon!

Thank you for reaching out to the community!

Warm regards,

Manas Sharma

Intel Customer Support Technician