Thank you, in advance for any help. I have been trying to fix this issue for well over a year!
I have an ASUS ViviBook, Notebook PC,
Model #: E203MA-TBCL432B
MFD: 2018-09
Pre-installed Win 10 but was running Fedora-Workstation-Live-x86_64-38-1.6.iso
Issue:
My partner was using it at the time the issue first occurred; this is what info I could get from him.
A Google or Chrome update prompt popped upon the screen, while he was browsing the internet. He selected to allow the update. There was a second prompt that he okayed; then, it just shut off. When it powered back on, it flashed the “ASUS” splash screen and displayed a “Enter Password” screen.
I have tried every hard key boot option I can find, booting from usb, etc. I cannot get it to do anything other than flash the ASUS screen then the password screen. ASUS online tech support was no help.
At one time I did use encryption and BIOS password lock, but no password I try works. I’ve even tried passwords with caps lock on just in case.
The password screen reminds me of either a BIOS or encryption login; so, I have tried disconnecting the battery, discharging remaining power by holding down the power button, and leaving it disconnected for hours to try to reset BIOS/CMOS. I completely removed the hard drive and leaving it disconnected from power, to no avail.
It has an eMMC (soldered to the board); so I’m limited to what I can do there. It looks like I can buy a new board (pretty cheap), but I want to use that option only if that is the only option. I love to learn and use these opportunities to do just that. So, if anyone has any ideas, I’m game to try and would love the input. Again, thank you in advance.
I am more than happy to provide any further info that I might have missed or not considered.