The motherboard is the core factor that holds your computer’s components. So if the motherboard gets an error, everything falls apart.
If your computer gets stuck on a black screen with error code 99 at the right bottom corner of your screen, it means error 99’s temporary data failed to flush at your CMOS battery startup, generally. But other reasons can cause this issue too.
Don’t worry. Like you, I have faced this issue earlier. Getting panicked is natural in this situation. But I got some quick fixes that you must try to eliminate the problem.
In this article, you will get a clear idea about what is motherboard error 99 and which methods I used to solve this issue.
Let’s get started.
What Causes the Motherboard Error 99 on Windows?
The motherboard error 99 is not an actual error. It just shows which stage is currently running on your super IO initialization. In other words, error code 99 talks about a problem with the boot process, precisely the master hard disk.
Some users using MSI motherboards have reported that they cannot boot their computer because of error code 99, which appears on the lower right part of their screen. So one question that may come to mind is what could be the reason behind showing error code 99 on the motherboard?
Based on the reports, this error code contains several possible catalysts.
Here are the possible reasons for motherboard error 99:
Damaged kernel temp data
You may see this error 99 code if the temp data used in your low-level software components is damaged or corrupted. To fix this, you must remove the CMOS battery for a long time to allow the system to forget temporary data.
BIOS inconsistency
Some aggrieved users said the problem occurs when a related voltage makes the system so unstable that it can no longer start.
Insufficient PSU
You may see error code 99 because you use a low-end PSU. It is unable to provide adequate power to each connected peripheral or component. Disrupt all unnecessary peripherals or upgrade to a stronger PSU to fix this issue.
Hardware problems
Sometimes, an error can occur if a short circuit or other motherboard issues are causing your system to crash. The best way to solve this is to get a technician to repair your motherboard. Otherwise, replace your motherboard if it is still under warranty.
Problem with USB ports
If you use an older computer model with a PS/2 port for the keyboard and mouse, you have found another possible reason. It may be an error that appears when USB-based components are used.
Also, follow our guide on how to Clean Thermal Paste on CPU Pins or Motherboard.
How to Fix Motherboard Error 99 on Windows
There are several ways to fix motherboard error 99 on Windows. But I will share the absolute working fixes you’ll be benefitted applying.
Error 99 is a motherboard-related issue. So the steps below will work for all motherboards and Windows versions.
Here are the methods to fix the motherboard error 99 on Windows:
1. Clear the CMOS battery
One possible reason for seeing error code 99 is the incompatibility of BIOS and UEFI settings. In this case, the quick solution is to open your PC case and temporarily remove the CMOS battery to clear the data stored on your computer at boot time.
Here are the steps to clear the CMOS battery:
- Turn off your computer and disconnect it from all the power sources.
- Open the case and locate the CMOS battery on the motherboard.
- Use your fingernail or any conducive object to remove the CMOS battery from its slot.
- Leave the battery out for 1 minute to ensure that the CMOS can forget its temporary cache data.
- Insert the CMOS battery into its specific slot and put back the case. Make sure everything is connected correctly.
- Reconnect your computer to the power source and boot it up normally.
After booting, check if the motherboard error 99 still shows.
2. Reset the UEFI or BIOS value to their default
If you see the error 99 code on your screen, you can fix it by resetting the UEFI and BIOS settings. But before you proceed with the following methods, remember that the reset direction will be different for each low-end software.
Here are the steps to reset the BIOS and UEFI values:
- Restart your computer.
- Press and hold the Delete, Esc, or F keys while rebooting your PC to enter your BIOS system.
- Navigate and click on the menu named Setup Defaults, Factory Default, or Reset to Defaults vary on your motherboard.
- Select the Load Setup Default option to reset the value.
Save the changes and wait until the startup is completed.
If you want to reset the UEFI settings to their default value, Restart your system and long press on the Esc key or F keys while rebooting the machine. Navigate to Recovery > Troubleshoot > Advanced > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart > Restore > Restore Defaults.
Once the prompt appears, confirm the reset of your UEFI settings and wait until the boot is completed.
Check out our post on Can I Upgrade CPU Without Changing Motherboard.
3. Remove the peripherals of your computer
Sometimes error 99 code can be seen due to being connected to a faulty USB port. Disconnect your USB power headset and external HDD or SSD to resolve the issue.
Therefore if your PSU can not provide enough power to each component connected to the motherboard, disconnect all unnecessary peripheral connections, such as the external speaker and the printer.
4. Check your time and date in BIOS
This problem can also be caused by having the wrong time or date set in BIOS settings. To solve this issue, you can adjust the time and date of your BIOS settings according to the region.
Here are the steps to check the time and date in BIOS:
- Restart your computer, press and hold the Esc or F keys while rebooting your system to enter the BIOS menu.
- Use the cursor key to navigate the Time and Date option in the main menu.
- Check the Date and Time. Change if needed.
- Select Save and Click Exit.
Boot your computer and check if the error is resolved.
5. Connect your keyboard and mouse via PS/2 ports
If you are still using an older model motherboard with PS2 slots, the problem is probably with the peripherals connected to your USB ports.
Although it sounds strange, some victims have benefited by disconnecting the keyboard and mouse to solve the issue and connecting older components via the legacy PS/2 slots.
6. Change the disk controller mode to AHCI
Error 99 code issue occurs if your HDD mode is set to IDE or RAID. Missing an essential driver is also a cause of this problem.
To resolve this issue, you must change the HDD controller mode to AHCI.
Here are the steps to change the disk controller mode to AHCI:
- Go to your Windows search bar and type cmd.
- Right-click on the CMD app and select Run as administrator.
- Type the following command and hit the Enter key.
bcdedit /set {current} safeboot minimal (ALT: bcdedit /set safeboot minimal)
- Restart your computer and enter the BIOS setup.
- Set the SATA mode to AHCI.
- Select Save and Exit.
- Open your computer again.
- Go to the Windows search bar and type cmd.
- Right-click on the cmd app and select Run as Administrator.
- Type the following command and hit Enter key.
bcdedit /deletevalue {current} safeboot (ALT: bcdedit /deletevalue safeboot)
Restart your computer once again, and Windows will automatically open with AHCI enabled.
7. Have it sent to a technician
If none of the above methods work for you, then your motherboard may be affected by a short circuit that is affecting your computer’s internal components.
To solve this problem, you need to send it to your manufacturer to replace your motherboard or your entire computer if it is still under warranty. Otherwise, have your computer inspected by a professional computer technician.
Check out our separate post on Will a Motherboard POST Without a CPU.
FAQs
What does 99 mean on a motherboard?
Motherboard 99 is a hardware-related issue. And it prevents the operating loading system properly.
How do you reset the BIOS?
Boot your computer into the BIOS mode > Setup defaults > Load setup defaults option > save and Exit.
How do I clear the CMOS battery?
Shutdown your computer > remove all the power cables > open case > use a conducive object to remove CMOS battery > Insert CMOS battery after 1 minute and turn on the computer.
A Final Thought
In today’s world of technology, there are many motherboard manufacturing companies. Different motherboard companies and their problems are also different.
For that reason, many high-end motherboards now have Q-code displays installed to give us an idea of what’s happening in our computers. Finding the exact cause and resolve can be complicated with just a code.
Thankfully, fixing the motherboard error 99 is relatively easy. All you need is to have patience and apply the above-mentioned methods accurately on your rig.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
