Stuck in BIOS on old RoG Strix laptop

[MediumQ]

I'm trying to breathe some new life into my old laptop, but I'm unable to get past the BIOS. After an insanely lengthy load on the ASUS splash screen, the BIOS utility loads automatically. Everything seems to be in order, storage devices are detected and the drive with the Windows 10 install is found and recognized. However, whenever I save these options and quit, and it begins the boot process from the start again, I'm right back in the BIOS. I initially suspected a dead CMOS battery, but that seems unlikely seeing as how the system clock shown in the BIOS is completely correct. I've also had a look inside the laptop, but couldn't find any immediate signs of damage that would explain this.

What could be the reason why Windows 10 isn't starting immediately anymore? The laptop was mostly fine when I last checked it about a year or two ago.

[MediumQ]

I also want to add that many important BIOS options which would allow me to boot something else are literally impossible to select or change, for instance Secure Boot. They are either greyed out or not possible to move the cursor to. I'm able to provoke a Secure Boot violation message by inserting a stick with Linux on it. The stick shows up as expected in the BIOS utility.

[Anbby_ROG]

Hi @MediumQ ,

Could you please provide us with the exact model of your laptop and let us know what replacements or changes you have made? 

This will help us further diagnose the issue. Thank you.

[MediumQ]

The model is a GL753V laptop from 2017.

I haven't made any significant changes to hardware or software. I've opened it up, but only to peek inside. I haven't removed any components apart from the bottom cover that protects the components.

[Anbby_ROG]

Hi @MediumQ ,

Based on your description, the storage devices and the Windows 10 installation drive are being detected properly, but the system is unable to boot into the operating system and repeatedly enters the BIOS. This could be related to some settings or hardware issues. Please enter the BIOS and check if the Boot Order is set to boot from the drive where Windows is installed.

Additionally, although the BIOS detects the hard drive, we recommend checking the drive's status to ensure it is functioning correctly. Since you mentioned that the last time you checked the laptop was one or two years ago, electronic devices that haven't been used for a long time may encounter issues. Even though the system clock displays correctly, we suggest checking the CMOS battery to rule out any related problems.

The above information is provided for your reference.