Pattern to record: The firmware rejects a previously bootable system after an update or board change.

Record the boot configuration

Record the laptop model, current firmware settings and whether the SSD is detected before changing boot options. Preserve any BitLocker recovery information so a firmware change does not turn a startup fault into a data-access problem. One possible explanation is that trusted keys and the installed loader no longer agree.

Preserve recovery options

Keep stable power and do not interrupt a firmware write. Clearing keys without approval can break managed security and encryption.

Firmware and hardware checks

1. Record current settings, check hardware detection and compare a known recovery path before updating firmware.
2. Record key state and verify the operating-system loader and organisational policy.

Recovery and startup checks

If the checks support this cause, restore approved keys or repair the signed boot chain. Verification should cover cold boot, restart, storage detection, security state, sleep and Windows loading.

For an assessment of your Windows laptop, contact AEPC in Burswood or call 027 908 8880. Provide the model and the conditions that reproduce this problem. Workshop visits are by appointment.