Getting into the BIOS on a compaq...

[Clong]

Basically what it says in the title. How do get into the BIOS? Tried mashing the F1 key, delete key, F5 key, but it just says "replace system disc and press any key". Just can't find the any key anywhere:p

[Jalfrezi]

try the f10 key, that was the key on the older compaqs, dunno if it still is tho..........

[Fizzy]

Yeah, I'm pretty sure it's F10. Why do you need to be in the bios? Either the drive isn't formatted, or it or the HD controller isn't very well. Had the same at work today on one.

[Martin T]

Its defiantley F10. I work on the fvckers all day.

[Clong]

Basically i am trying to reinstall windows 98 (it's a bloody old PC okay) as it throws a wobbler every time you boot it up. I created the floppy boot disc, got into DOS, formatted harddrive and then tried to re-boot the thing from the floppy. No joy, from conversations around the office i think the bios needs to be told to boot from the floppy (or the CD-rom) in order to do what i am trying to do. Apprently some BIOS setting are configured so they always look at the harddrive, if there is no data is comes up with a message "replace disc and press any key".

So at what point do you press teh F10 key? Tried holding it down, continually pressing teh key and all i get is a message that "keyboard error". Sodding POS, not come across this kind of problem before.

[gaz.thomas]

If you're mashing the keyboard you may well confuse the pooter into thinking that the keyboard is fecked - hence the keyboard error.

Gaz
-x-

[Martin T]

When it says Press F10 for setup at the bottom of the screen, hit it once and wait.

[Clong]

It doesn't do that, it just goes through the memory count and thats it. Occasionally it will show F1:Boot at the bottom of teh screen, but pressing F1 F5 or combination thereof results in it giong all pete tong.

[AshT_200]

Does a little square flash in the top right hand corner?

If so hit the F10 key then.

What model Compaq is it?

[Clong]

Usually get a flashing cursor. Couldn't say which compaq it is, tis old though. P200 i think. Just trying to get it running for the out-laws, their PC is a P75 :eek: .