FAQ: Why won't my Host PC boot into EyeLink or Windows?

[Jono]

If your Host PC will not boot into either the EyeLink software or the Windows operating system, the most likely cause is a depleted internal CMOS battery. This can happen if the system has not been used for an extended period. The internal CMOS battery typically has a life of about 2-5 years before it needs to be replaced, but may discharge faster if the system has not been connects to mains power for some period of time.

When the CMOS battery discharges, the computer's BIOS settings revert to their defaults, which can prevent the system from finding the boot drive. Here is how to correct the settings.

To correct the BIOS settings

• EyeLink 1000 Plus Host software ≤5.15 or EyeLink Portable Duo Host Software ≤6.15:
  
  1. Enter the Boot Menu: Restart the Host PC and press the F12 key repeatedly during startup until the boot menu appears.
     
  2. Enter BIOS Setup: From the boot menu, select the option to enter BIOS Setup.
     
  3. Correct the SATA Setting: In the BIOS menu, navigate to the following section:
     • System Configuration -> SATA Devices.
       
  4. Ensure this setting is set to AHCI.
     
  5. Save and Exit: Save the changes and reboot the computer.
     
• EyeLink 1000 Plus Host software ≥5.50 or EyeLink Portable Duo Host Software ≥6.50:
  
  1. Enter the Boot Menu: Restart the Host PC and press the F12 key repeatedly during startup until the boot menu appears.
     
  2. Enter BIOS Setup: From the boot menu, select the option to enter BIOS Setup.
     
  3. Make sure that all BIOS settings outlined in section 1 of the One-time Upgrade Instructions for your make/model of Host PC:
     • EyeLink 1000 Plus
       
     • EyeLink Portable Duo
       
  4. Save and Exit: Save the changes and reboot the computer.
     
• EyeLink II or EyeLink 1000:
  
  1. Enter the Boot Menu: Restart the Host PC and press the DEL key repeatedly during startup until the BIOS menu appears
     
  2. Correct the SATA Setting: In the BIOS menu, find the SATA Operation setting.
     
  3. Ensure this setting is set to AHCI.
     
  4. Save and Exit: Save the changes and reboot the computer.
     

If this does not resolve your issue, please email us at  support@sr-research.com.