The Linux efivar command will let you set the UEFI variables at a fairly low level. You can also use the efibootmgr command to change the boot order, and probably to add boot loaders too.
I needed to turn off Secure Boot recently to enable an Arch Linux installation on a laptop. The easiest solution was to call an Aira agent for assistance. I read somewhere that the Secure Boot setting can't be changed once the operating system is loaded; you have to do it from the firmware menu during the boot process. I can't verify this claim though. At least on my laptop (a Lenovo P51), you can also change the EFI variables within Windows using scripts available from the manufacturer's web site.
On 2/22/19, 13:39, "John G Heim" wrote:
I am not sure I am totally up on the latest technology. But my guess is
that you will probably have to get sighted assistance. About a year ago,
I poked around looking for linux tools that allowed you to access EUFI
settings. I found nothing of significance.
There is some chance you could manage it with the KNFBReader iPhone app.
The KNFBReader app can read a computer screen. It does not do well with
console text. It does much better with black text on a white background.
I actually succeeded in changing a BIOS setting once but I used a PC
Weasel card. So that is a card that looks like a VGA card to the system
but it actually gives you text output on a serial port. You can use a
null-modem cable and a terminal emulator on a second machine to get to
the console display. So what I did was to google for how to change the
setting and found a video where the person walked you through changing
the setting. I could kind of follow along with which keys he was
hitting and did the same thing. It worked. But there was probably devine
intervention. Every once in a while I look on Craig's List for one of
those PC Weasel cards. They stopped making them years ago. It saved my
bacon many a time though.
It can be frustrating to get sighted assistance from someone who is not
tech savvy to do something like change a EUFI setting. Another thing
I've done in the past is to pack the machine up, drag it to a used
computer store, and offer them $5 to helpme. Actually, the last time I
did something like that, I didn't set a price ahead of time and they
dinged me for $20. Lots of times they'll do stuff like that for free though.
On 2/21/19 10:59 PM, David Mehler wrote:> Hello,
>
> I've had to do a new win10 install and somehow I must have cleared my
> bios settings, had also to replace a power supply. The first clue came
> after the machine was booted up again and wouldn't boot off of any USB
> drive, so I checked system information, UEFI was back on as was secure
> boot. I do not remember how I turned this off as I just did it once
> and forgot about it. I do not like UEFI nor secure boot, although I
> understand the purpose i'd rather be able to set my machine to boot
> off an inserted USB thumb drive.
>
> The motherboard is an Asus m5a97 and the bios is an american megatrends.
>
> Suggestions welcome.
>
> Thanks.
> Dave.
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