Installing windows on reformatted drive

[ssb]

Was given an ACER computer that had been reformatted to remove drive content.
At startup, is checking memory and giving a flashing cursor. (a: drive
lights up w/ a startup disk in it, but does not execute. ) Not showing drive
check or drivers of any kind executing..... nothing after memory checks but
flashing cursor. Has a Western Digital 64AA IDE hard drive.

Who can tell me what to do to install Windows 98SE from my CD?

[Gary S. Terhune]

You need to go into BIOS and see that the "Boot Order" is correct.
Getting into BIOS (Setup) on your system is *probably* done using the
Delete key, but it may be F1, F2, F10, or even some other keystroke.
There is usually a message on the very first screen telling you what key
to use to "Enter Setup."

The Boot Order (or whatever your BIOS calls it) is usually a series of
two, three or four items, listed numerically, showing what drive is
first scanned for a bootable partition. My preference is to set Floppy
first, CDROM second, and HDD0 third. If offered, "Additional boot
devices" should be fourth.

If the boot order is correct, but the startup disk doesn't work, you
should try with another startup disk. If you still have no luck, post
back.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User

"ssb" > wrote in message
...
> Was given an ACER computer that had been reformatted to remove drive
content.
> At startup, is checking memory and giving a flashing cursor. (a:
drive
> lights up w/ a startup disk in it, but does not execute. ) Not showing
drive
> check or drivers of any kind executing..... nothing after memory
checks but
> flashing cursor. Has a Western Digital 64AA IDE hard drive.
>
> Who can tell me what to do to install Windows 98SE from my CD?

[ssb]

Think I've now tried all keys and am not getting to BIOS. It never leaves
the first screen. Not going anywhere past memory checks....... I think it
is hitting a: because light comes on, just not executing startup disk. I've
tried a Win95, Win98, and WinMe startup disk downloaded from www.bootdisk.com.



"Gary S. Terhune" wrote:

> You need to go into BIOS and see that the "Boot Order" is correct.
> Getting into BIOS (Setup) on your system is *probably* done using the
> Delete key, but it may be F1, F2, F10, or even some other keystroke.
> There is usually a message on the very first screen telling you what key
> to use to "Enter Setup."
>
> The Boot Order (or whatever your BIOS calls it) is usually a series of
> two, three or four items, listed numerically, showing what drive is
> first scanned for a bootable partition. My preference is to set Floppy
> first, CDROM second, and HDD0 third. If offered, "Additional boot
> devices" should be fourth.
>
> If the boot order is correct, but the startup disk doesn't work, you
> should try with another startup disk. If you still have no luck, post
> back.
>
> --
> Gary S. Terhune
> MS MVP Shell/User
>
> "ssb" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Was given an ACER computer that had been reformatted to remove drive
> content.
> > At startup, is checking memory and giving a flashing cursor. (a:
> drive
> > lights up w/ a startup disk in it, but does not execute. ) Not showing
> drive
> > check or drivers of any kind executing..... nothing after memory
> checks but
> > flashing cursor. Has a Western Digital 64AA IDE hard drive.
> >
> > Who can tell me what to do to install Windows 98SE from my CD?
>
>

[Gary S. Terhune]

Nothing on that screen tells you what to press to enter Setup?

My apologies, I didn't read your previous closely enough--your problem
isn't with the floppy drive or the disk or the boot order. Sounds more
like a serious hardware problem if POST isn't even enumerating the
drives. Time to open that case and check all connections, jumpers, etc.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User

"ssb" > wrote in message
...
> Think I've now tried all keys and am not getting to BIOS. It never
leaves
> the first screen. Not going anywhere past memory checks....... I
think it
> is hitting a: because light comes on, just not executing startup disk.
I've
> tried a Win95, Win98, and WinMe startup disk downloaded from
www.bootdisk.com.
>
>
>
> "Gary S. Terhune" wrote:
>
> > You need to go into BIOS and see that the "Boot Order" is correct.
> > Getting into BIOS (Setup) on your system is *probably* done using
the
> > Delete key, but it may be F1, F2, F10, or even some other keystroke.
> > There is usually a message on the very first screen telling you what
key
> > to use to "Enter Setup."
> >
> > The Boot Order (or whatever your BIOS calls it) is usually a series
of
> > two, three or four items, listed numerically, showing what drive is
> > first scanned for a bootable partition. My preference is to set
Floppy
> > first, CDROM second, and HDD0 third. If offered, "Additional boot
> > devices" should be fourth.
> >
> > If the boot order is correct, but the startup disk doesn't work, you
> > should try with another startup disk. If you still have no luck,
post
> > back.
> >
> > --
> > Gary S. Terhune
> > MS MVP Shell/User
> >
> > "ssb" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > Was given an ACER computer that had been reformatted to remove
drive
> > content.
> > > At startup, is checking memory and giving a flashing cursor. (a:
> > drive
> > > lights up w/ a startup disk in it, but does not execute. ) Not
showing
> > drive
> > > check or drivers of any kind executing..... nothing after memory
> > checks but
> > > flashing cursor. Has a Western Digital 64AA IDE hard drive.
> > >
> > > Who can tell me what to do to install Windows 98SE from my CD?
> >
> >

[Hugh Candlin]

"ssb" > wrote in message
...
> Think I've now tried all keys and am not getting to BIOS. It never leaves
> the first screen. Not going anywhere past memory checks....... I think
it
> is hitting a: because light comes on, just not executing startup disk.
I've
> tried a Win95, Win98, and WinMe startup disk downloaded from
www.bootdisk.com.
>
To restore the ACER BIOS back to bootable settings
press and hold the F10 key as you turn on the computer.

You should hear two beeps indicating that the settings
have been restored.

[ssb]

Can't find any loose connections. I'll go to Western Digital site and verfiy
jumper settings for drive but don't imagine those would have been changed.
Let me know if you have any helps on troubleshooting POST failures.

Thanks!


"Gary S. Terhune" wrote:

> Nothing on that screen tells you what to press to enter Setup?
>
> My apologies, I didn't read your previous closely enough--your problem
> isn't with the floppy drive or the disk or the boot order. Sounds more
> like a serious hardware problem if POST isn't even enumerating the
> drives. Time to open that case and check all connections, jumpers, etc.
>
> --
> Gary S. Terhune
> MS MVP Shell/User
>
> "ssb" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Think I've now tried all keys and am not getting to BIOS. It never
> leaves
> > the first screen. Not going anywhere past memory checks....... I
> think it
> > is hitting a: because light comes on, just not executing startup disk.
> I've
> > tried a Win95, Win98, and WinMe startup disk downloaded from
> www.bootdisk.com.
> >
> >
> >
> > "Gary S. Terhune" wrote:
> >
> > > You need to go into BIOS and see that the "Boot Order" is correct.
> > > Getting into BIOS (Setup) on your system is *probably* done using
> the
> > > Delete key, but it may be F1, F2, F10, or even some other keystroke.
> > > There is usually a message on the very first screen telling you what
> key
> > > to use to "Enter Setup."
> > >
> > > The Boot Order (or whatever your BIOS calls it) is usually a series
> of
> > > two, three or four items, listed numerically, showing what drive is
> > > first scanned for a bootable partition. My preference is to set
> Floppy
> > > first, CDROM second, and HDD0 third. If offered, "Additional boot
> > > devices" should be fourth.
> > >
> > > If the boot order is correct, but the startup disk doesn't work, you
> > > should try with another startup disk. If you still have no luck,
> post
> > > back.
> > >
> > > --
> > > Gary S. Terhune
> > > MS MVP Shell/User
> > >
> > > "ssb" > wrote in message
> > > ...
> > > > Was given an ACER computer that had been reformatted to remove
> drive
> > > content.
> > > > At startup, is checking memory and giving a flashing cursor. (a:
> > > drive
> > > > lights up w/ a startup disk in it, but does not execute. ) Not
> showing
> > > drive
> > > > check or drivers of any kind executing..... nothing after memory
> > > checks but
> > > > flashing cursor. Has a Western Digital 64AA IDE hard drive.
> > > >
> > > > Who can tell me what to do to install Windows 98SE from my CD?
> > >
> > >
>
>

[ssb]

Held the F10 but didn't get anything different, not even the 2 beeps.

"Hugh Candlin" wrote:

>
> "ssb" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Think I've now tried all keys and am not getting to BIOS. It never leaves
> > the first screen. Not going anywhere past memory checks....... I think
> it
> > is hitting a: because light comes on, just not executing startup disk.
> I've
> > tried a Win95, Win98, and WinMe startup disk downloaded from
> www.bootdisk.com.
> >
> To restore the ACER BIOS back to bootable settings
> press and hold the F10 key as you turn on the computer.
>
> You should hear two beeps indicating that the settings
> have been restored.
>
>
>
>

[ssb]

Checked hard drive jumper settings. They are correct. I removed the jumper
and got an "invalid drive" message. Displayed basic system config with error
message. Couldn't make any changes but was able to see that hard, floppy
drive is setup.

"ssb" wrote:

> Held the F10 but didn't get anything different, not even the 2 beeps.
>
> "Hugh Candlin" wrote:
>
> >
> > "ssb" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > Think I've now tried all keys and am not getting to BIOS. It never leaves
> > > the first screen. Not going anywhere past memory checks....... I think
> > it
> > > is hitting a: because light comes on, just not executing startup disk.
> > I've
> > > tried a Win95, Win98, and WinMe startup disk downloaded from
> > www.bootdisk.com.
> > >
> > To restore the ACER BIOS back to bootable settings
> > press and hold the F10 key as you turn on the computer.
> >
> > You should hear two beeps indicating that the settings
> > have been restored.
> >
> >
> >
> >

[Hugh Candlin]

"ssb" > wrote in message
...
> Held the F10 but didn't get anything different, not even the 2 beeps.
>
Power it off.

Unplug the keyboard.

Power on again.

See if you get the infamous

"Keyboard not found. Press F1 to continue" message.

Think about installing a fresh CMOS backup battery.

[PattyL]

Something that I like even better than unplugging the keyboard is to lay
your forearm across the keyboard pressing down several keys at once.
Generally (if the boot is getting that far), you will get a Keyboard error
message that tells you what key or key combination to press to enter setup
or F1 to continue. In this case, you actually can do it. <g>

PattyL


"Hugh Candlin" > wrote in message
...
>
> "ssb" > wrote in message
> ...
>> Held the F10 but didn't get anything different, not even the 2 beeps.
>>
> Power it off.
>
> Unplug the keyboard.
>
> Power on again.
>
> See if you get the infamous
>
> "Keyboard not found. Press F1 to continue" message.
>
> Think about installing a fresh CMOS backup battery.
>
>

[ssb]

Got into BIOS last night (CTRL/ALT/ESC) and drives, boot order are fine.
Date/time were right, too, so doesn't that indicate CMOS battery OK? I get
'keyboard error or missing keyboard" when I unplug the keyboard. Read
somewhere that a startup disk won't work if NTFS was on drive. I don't know
anything about computer before I got it -- not what OS was installed, how
drive formatted, or anything else. It just seems like it's working, just
waiting for something...........

"PattyL" wrote:

> Something that I like even better than unplugging the keyboard is to lay
> your forearm across the keyboard pressing down several keys at once.
> Generally (if the boot is getting that far), you will get a Keyboard error
> message that tells you what key or key combination to press to enter setup
> or F1 to continue. In this case, you actually can do it. <g>
>
> PattyL
>
>
> "Hugh Candlin" > wrote in message
> ...
> >
> > "ssb" > wrote in message
> > ...
> >> Held the F10 but didn't get anything different, not even the 2 beeps.
> >>
> > Power it off.
> >
> > Unplug the keyboard.
> >
> > Power on again.
> >
> > See if you get the infamous
> >
> > "Keyboard not found. Press F1 to continue" message.
> >
> > Think about installing a fresh CMOS backup battery.
> >
> >
>
>
>

[Hugh Candlin]

"PattyL" > wrote in message
...
> Something that I like even better than unplugging the keyboard is to lay
> your forearm across the keyboard pressing down several keys at once.
> Generally (if the boot is getting that far), you will get a Keyboard error
> message that tells you what key or key combination to press to enter setup
> or F1 to continue. In this case, you actually can do it. <g>
>

I would have suggested that, but, as I recommended,
he held down the F10 key while the PC booted.

That should have at least initiated the BIOS Setup program,
and, failing that, should have given him a keyboard error.

It did neither, suggesting that your "method" would not have
worked either, even though there is nothing wrong with it.

> PattyL
>
>
> "Hugh Candlin" > wrote in message
> ...
> >
> > "ssb" > wrote in message
> > ...
> >> Held the F10 but didn't get anything different, not even the 2 beeps.
> >>
> > Power it off.
> >
> > Unplug the keyboard.
> >
> > Power on again.
> >
> > See if you get the infamous
> >
> > "Keyboard not found. Press F1 to continue" message.
> >
> > Think about installing a fresh CMOS backup battery.
> >
> >
>
>

[Gary S. Terhune]

Startup disk will work fine no matter what the hard drive has on it. If
the HD has NTFS partitions on it, it will need to be repartitioned and
reformatted, and FDISK will see NTFS as an unknown partition, but it
will otherwise work fine.

Going back to the original problem--if your boot progression doesn't get
past memory check, your hardware *is* the problem. If all you see is the
memory check, and then a black screen (with or without a blinking
cursor) and you are certain that all drive connectors and jumpers are
properly configured, then you should pull all cards except the video and
disconnect any peripherals except keyboard (yes, disconnect mouse, too.)
If that doesn't change anything, your motherboard is probably fried.
Might try a different keyboard and video card, just to make sure.

You might also try updating ESCD. See
http://www.pcguide.com/ref/mbsys/res/pnpESCD-c.html for more details.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User

"ssb" > wrote in message
...
> Got into BIOS last night (CTRL/ALT/ESC) and drives, boot order are
fine.
> Date/time were right, too, so doesn't that indicate CMOS battery OK?
I get
> 'keyboard error or missing keyboard" when I unplug the keyboard. Read
> somewhere that a startup disk won't work if NTFS was on drive. I
don't know
> anything about computer before I got it -- not what OS was installed,
how
> drive formatted, or anything else. It just seems like it's working,
just
> waiting for something...........
>
> "PattyL" wrote:
>
> > Something that I like even better than unplugging the keyboard is to
lay
> > your forearm across the keyboard pressing down several keys at once.
> > Generally (if the boot is getting that far), you will get a Keyboard
error
> > message that tells you what key or key combination to press to enter
setup
> > or F1 to continue. In this case, you actually can do it. <g>
> >
> > PattyL
> >
> >
> > "Hugh Candlin" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > >
> > > "ssb" > wrote in message
> > > ...
> > >> Held the F10 but didn't get anything different, not even the 2
beeps.
> > >>
> > > Power it off.
> > >
> > > Unplug the keyboard.
> > >
> > > Power on again.
> > >
> > > See if you get the infamous
> > >
> > > "Keyboard not found. Press F1 to continue" message.
> > >
> > > Think about installing a fresh CMOS backup battery.
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >

[Hugh Candlin]

"ssb" > wrote in message
...
> Got into BIOS last night (CTRL/ALT/ESC) and drives, boot order are fine.

How is the boot order set up?
Are the drives set to Auto detect, or are the parameters set manually.
If set to auto detect, the drives, as you say, should be fine.
If set manually, the drive itself could be dead.

Try this. Start the boot process, then wait.
If the drive is defunct, the BIOS may try for a very long time
to detect it. Half an hour should do it.
Believe me, I have first-hand experience with such a delay.

> Date/time were right, too, so doesn't that indicate CMOS battery OK?

Probably. However, as it is a $2 part, and the machine is probably
5 years old, it won't hurt to replace it while you have the case off anyway.

> I get 'keyboard error or missing keyboard" when I unplug the keyboard.

Natch. At least that proves that the BIOS is apparently functioning
normally.

> Read somewhere that a startup disk won't work if NTFS was on drive. I
don't know
> anything about computer before I got it -- not what OS was installed, how
> drive formatted, or anything else. It just seems like it's working, just
> waiting for something..........

I would set the boot order to Floppy. Period. Take the hard drive
and CDROM out of the equation altogether. See what happens.

What OS was the boot floppy created on?
Not that it really matters at this stage. Just curious.

[ssb]

Left running and eventually a 'Serial port conflict, equipment config' error
displayed. Changed serial port settings, and now will eventually go through
POST and display system menu at top of screen with an 'illegal system disk,
replace disk and press any key' error.

(Takes maybe 30 minutes from power on to do this. Sits with same screen
(not black, has ACER logo, memory message, etc.) as before and flashing
cursor during the wait)

The a: lights every so often and the 'illegal system disk' error redisplays.
(Am using the Win98 startup disk, but have downloaded and tried Win95, WinMe)

Could the a: be bad even if light comes on?

I'll remove unnecessary cards and change boot to a: drive. Will provide
that update later....

"Hugh Candlin" wrote:

>
> "PattyL" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Something that I like even better than unplugging the keyboard is to lay
> > your forearm across the keyboard pressing down several keys at once.
> > Generally (if the boot is getting that far), you will get a Keyboard error
> > message that tells you what key or key combination to press to enter setup
> > or F1 to continue. In this case, you actually can do it. <g>
> >
>
> I would have suggested that, but, as I recommended,
> he held down the F10 key while the PC booted.
>
> That should have at least initiated the BIOS Setup program,
> and, failing that, should have given him a keyboard error.
>
> It did neither, suggesting that your "method" would not have
> worked either, even though there is nothing wrong with it.
>
> > PattyL
> >
> >
> > "Hugh Candlin" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > >
> > > "ssb" > wrote in message
> > > ...
> > >> Held the F10 but didn't get anything different, not even the 2 beeps.
> > >>
> > > Power it off.
> > >
> > > Unplug the keyboard.
> > >
> > > Power on again.
> > >
> > > See if you get the infamous
> > >
> > > "Keyboard not found. Press F1 to continue" message.
> > >
> > > Think about installing a fresh CMOS backup battery.
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
>

[ssb]

Removing the cards made no difference.

I removed the 'master' jumper on the hard drive. Now the system goes right
through POST on power up, but still comes up w/ 'invalid system disk,
replace disk and press any key' error (when boot order is A, then C) or
'insert system disk and press enter to reboot' (when boot order is only A).
I tried using just a system disk w/ fdisk, format and sys rather than the
startup disk but still didn't execute. I've tried swapping the floppy drive
w/ another -- didn't help.

"ssb" wrote:

> Left running and eventually a 'Serial port conflict, equipment config' error
> displayed. Changed serial port settings, and now will eventually go through
> POST and display system menu at top of screen with an 'illegal system disk,
> replace disk and press any key' error.
>
> (Takes maybe 30 minutes from power on to do this. Sits with same screen
> (not black, has ACER logo, memory message, etc.) as before and flashing
> cursor during the wait)
>
> The a: lights every so often and the 'illegal system disk' error redisplays.
> (Am using the Win98 startup disk, but have downloaded and tried Win95, WinMe)
>
> Could the a: be bad even if light comes on?
>
> I'll remove unnecessary cards and change boot to a: drive. Will provide
> that update later....
>
> "Hugh Candlin" wrote:
>
> >
> > "PattyL" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > Something that I like even better than unplugging the keyboard is to lay
> > > your forearm across the keyboard pressing down several keys at once.
> > > Generally (if the boot is getting that far), you will get a Keyboard error
> > > message that tells you what key or key combination to press to enter setup
> > > or F1 to continue. In this case, you actually can do it. <g>
> > >
> >
> > I would have suggested that, but, as I recommended,
> > he held down the F10 key while the PC booted.
> >
> > That should have at least initiated the BIOS Setup program,
> > and, failing that, should have given him a keyboard error.
> >
> > It did neither, suggesting that your "method" would not have
> > worked either, even though there is nothing wrong with it.
> >
> > > PattyL
> > >
> > >
> > > "Hugh Candlin" > wrote in message
> > > ...
> > > >
> > > > "ssb" > wrote in message
> > > > ...
> > > >> Held the F10 but didn't get anything different, not even the 2 beeps.
> > > >>
> > > > Power it off.
> > > >
> > > > Unplug the keyboard.
> > > >
> > > > Power on again.
> > > >
> > > > See if you get the infamous
> > > >
> > > > "Keyboard not found. Press F1 to continue" message.
> > > >
> > > > Think about installing a fresh CMOS backup battery.
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >

[Hugh Candlin]

"ssb" > wrote in message
...
> Removing the cards made no difference.
>
> I removed the 'master' jumper on the hard drive. Now the system goes
right
> through POST on power up, but still comes up w/ 'invalid system disk,
> replace disk and press any key' error (when boot order is A, then C) or
> 'insert system disk and press enter to reboot' (when boot order is only
A).
> I tried using just a system disk w/ fdisk, format and sys rather than the
> startup disk but still didn't execute. I've tried swapping the floppy
drive
> w/ another -- didn't help.

Check the floppy cable.

Make sure that the twist is closest to the drive end,
not the motherboard end.

Make sure that you use the connecter AFTER the twist,
as that is the one associated with the A drive.

Make sure that the colored edge goes to pin 1
on the drive connector and at the motherboard.

As you have two drives, I surmise that you also have
2 cables. So try the other cable also.

[PattyL]

Just thought that I'd mention that I tested holding the F10 key during the
boot on the three systems we have here and on the laptop and one desktop,
there was no effect. The systems booted normally.

On the other desktop (an HP), it started the system recovery. Oops! When I
cancelled the system recovery, I did get a message to press the F1 to run
setup or F10 to run recovery.

So your theory that holding the F10 key should initiate the BIOS setup is
not valid on all systems.

PattyL


"Hugh Candlin" > wrote in message
...
>
> "PattyL" > wrote in message
> ...
>> Something that I like even better than unplugging the keyboard is to lay
>> your forearm across the keyboard pressing down several keys at once.
>> Generally (if the boot is getting that far), you will get a Keyboard
>> error
>> message that tells you what key or key combination to press to enter
>> setup
>> or F1 to continue. In this case, you actually can do it. <g>
>>
>
> I would have suggested that, but, as I recommended,
> he held down the F10 key while the PC booted.
>
> That should have at least initiated the BIOS Setup program,
> and, failing that, should have given him a keyboard error.
>
> It did neither, suggesting that your "method" would not have
> worked either, even though there is nothing wrong with it.
>
>> PattyL
>>
>>
>> "Hugh Candlin" > wrote in message
>> ...
>> >
>> > "ssb" > wrote in message
>> > ...
>> >> Held the F10 but didn't get anything different, not even the 2 beeps.
>> >>
>> > Power it off.
>> >
>> > Unplug the keyboard.
>> >
>> > Power on again.
>> >
>> > See if you get the infamous
>> >
>> > "Keyboard not found. Press F1 to continue" message.
>> >
>> > Think about installing a fresh CMOS backup battery.
>> >
>> >
>>
>>
>
>

[Hugh Candlin]

"PattyL" > wrote in message
...
> Just thought that I'd mention that I tested holding the F10 key during the
> boot on the three systems we have here and on the laptop and one desktop,
> there was no effect. The systems booted normally.
>
> On the other desktop (an HP), it started the system recovery. Oops! When
I
> cancelled the system recovery, I did get a message to press the F1 to run
> setup or F10 to run recovery.
>
> So your theory that holding the F10 key should initiate the BIOS setup is
> not valid on all systems.

The OP identified his computer as an Acer brand.
My research and response was predicated on that fact.

If you jumped into the middle of a thread and read a post
which contained advice to FORMAT C:, would you do it?

[PCR]

Here is what I have for that...

Enter BIOS Setup & jot down your settings.

You must press a key at boot to enter BIOS Setup. If you don't know the
key to press, try "Esc" at the manufacturer's logo. Then, the key to
press to enter BIOS setup will show up. Quickly press it. For this
Compaq, it is F10.

In BIOS, use TAB & the arrow keys to navigate, & ENTER to select. (Well,
there may be a legend showing your keys are different.)

While in there, you'd better go through all the menus & jot down the
settings. If they are not set to defaults, and somehow, someday, they
are cleared, all these settings will have to be input again.

......Quote of Candlin about...............
......keystrokes to get to BIOS Setup....
Usually DEL, but F1, F2, F10 are also common.

Other keystrokes which might work are:

AMI BIOS: Del key during the POST
DTK BIOS: Esc key during the POST
Award BIOS: Ctrl-Alt-Esc
Misc BIOS: Ctrl-Esc
Phoenix BIOS: Ctrl-Alt-Esc or Ctrl-Alt-S
IBM PS/2 BIOS: Ctrl-Alt-Ins after Ctrl-Alt-Del

If all else fails, shut down, power off, unplug the keyboard,
and power up again, as some older systems will default
to the CMOS Setup if a keyboard is not found.
.......End of Quote............................


--
Thanks or Good Luck,
There may be humor in this post, and,
Naturally, you will not sue,
should things get worse after this,
PCR

"PattyL" > wrote in message
...
| Just thought that I'd mention that I tested holding the F10 key during
the
| boot on the three systems we have here and on the laptop and one
desktop,
| there was no effect. The systems booted normally.
|
| On the other desktop (an HP), it started the system recovery. Oops!
When I
| cancelled the system recovery, I did get a message to press the F1 to
run
| setup or F10 to run recovery.
|
| So your theory that holding the F10 key should initiate the BIOS setup
is
| not valid on all systems.
|
| PattyL
|
|
| "Hugh Candlin" > wrote in message
| ...
| >
| > "PattyL" > wrote in message
| > ...
| >> Something that I like even better than unplugging the keyboard is
to lay
| >> your forearm across the keyboard pressing down several keys at
once.
| >> Generally (if the boot is getting that far), you will get a
Keyboard
| >> error
| >> message that tells you what key or key combination to press to
enter
| >> setup
| >> or F1 to continue. In this case, you actually can do it. <g>
| >>
| >
| > I would have suggested that, but, as I recommended,
| > he held down the F10 key while the PC booted.
| >
| > That should have at least initiated the BIOS Setup program,
| > and, failing that, should have given him a keyboard error.
| >
| > It did neither, suggesting that your "method" would not have
| > worked either, even though there is nothing wrong with it.
| >
| >> PattyL
| >>
| >>
| >> "Hugh Candlin" > wrote in message
| >> ...
| >> >
| >> > "ssb" > wrote in message
| >> > ...
| >> >> Held the F10 but didn't get anything different, not even the 2
beeps.
| >> >>
| >> > Power it off.
| >> >
| >> > Unplug the keyboard.
| >> >
| >> > Power on again.
| >> >
| >> > See if you get the infamous
| >> >
| >> > "Keyboard not found. Press F1 to continue" message.
| >> >
| >> > Think about installing a fresh CMOS backup battery.
| >> >
| >> >
| >>
| >>
| >
| >
|
|

[ssb]

OKAY................... Things are much better but still need some help.

I exchanged floppy drive and cable and startup disk now works fine. Problem
is that CD runs off Sound Blaster 16 sound card and apparently won't operate
with generic drivers on startup disk. I've downloaded SB16 'update' drivers
(hope that doesn't turn out to be problem). How do I get these loaded w/
startup disk?



"PCR" wrote:

> Here is what I have for that...
>
> Enter BIOS Setup & jot down your settings.
>
> You must press a key at boot to enter BIOS Setup. If you don't know the
> key to press, try "Esc" at the manufacturer's logo. Then, the key to
> press to enter BIOS setup will show up. Quickly press it. For this
> Compaq, it is F10.
>
> In BIOS, use TAB & the arrow keys to navigate, & ENTER to select. (Well,
> there may be a legend showing your keys are different.)
>
> While in there, you'd better go through all the menus & jot down the
> settings. If they are not set to defaults, and somehow, someday, they
> are cleared, all these settings will have to be input again.
>
> ......Quote of Candlin about...............
> ......keystrokes to get to BIOS Setup....
> Usually DEL, but F1, F2, F10 are also common.
>
> Other keystrokes which might work are:
>
> AMI BIOS: Del key during the POST
> DTK BIOS: Esc key during the POST
> Award BIOS: Ctrl-Alt-Esc
> Misc BIOS: Ctrl-Esc
> Phoenix BIOS: Ctrl-Alt-Esc or Ctrl-Alt-S
> IBM PS/2 BIOS: Ctrl-Alt-Ins after Ctrl-Alt-Del
>
> If all else fails, shut down, power off, unplug the keyboard,
> and power up again, as some older systems will default
> to the CMOS Setup if a keyboard is not found.
> .......End of Quote............................
>
>
> --
> Thanks or Good Luck,
> There may be humor in this post, and,
> Naturally, you will not sue,
> should things get worse after this,
> PCR
>
> "PattyL" > wrote in message
> ...
> | Just thought that I'd mention that I tested holding the F10 key during
> the
> | boot on the three systems we have here and on the laptop and one
> desktop,
> | there was no effect. The systems booted normally.
> |
> | On the other desktop (an HP), it started the system recovery. Oops!
> When I
> | cancelled the system recovery, I did get a message to press the F1 to
> run
> | setup or F10 to run recovery.
> |
> | So your theory that holding the F10 key should initiate the BIOS setup
> is
> | not valid on all systems.
> |
> | PattyL
> |
> |
> | "Hugh Candlin" > wrote in message
> | ...
> | >
> | > "PattyL" > wrote in message
> | > ...
> | >> Something that I like even better than unplugging the keyboard is
> to lay
> | >> your forearm across the keyboard pressing down several keys at
> once.
> | >> Generally (if the boot is getting that far), you will get a
> Keyboard
> | >> error
> | >> message that tells you what key or key combination to press to
> enter
> | >> setup
> | >> or F1 to continue. In this case, you actually can do it. <g>
> | >>
> | >
> | > I would have suggested that, but, as I recommended,
> | > he held down the F10 key while the PC booted.
> | >
> | > That should have at least initiated the BIOS Setup program,
> | > and, failing that, should have given him a keyboard error.
> | >
> | > It did neither, suggesting that your "method" would not have
> | > worked either, even though there is nothing wrong with it.
> | >
> | >> PattyL
> | >>
> | >>
> | >> "Hugh Candlin" > wrote in message
> | >> ...
> | >> >
> | >> > "ssb" > wrote in message
> | >> > ...
> | >> >> Held the F10 but didn't get anything different, not even the 2
> beeps.
> | >> >>
> | >> > Power it off.
> | >> >
> | >> > Unplug the keyboard.
> | >> >
> | >> > Power on again.
> | >> >
> | >> > See if you get the infamous
> | >> >
> | >> > "Keyboard not found. Press F1 to continue" message.
> | >> >
> | >> > Think about installing a fresh CMOS backup battery.
> | >> >
> | >> >
> | >>
> | >>
> | >
> | >
> |
> |
>
>
>

[PCR]

I'm not sure what this thread is about. Do you want to install Sound
Blaster or all of Windows?

--
Thanks or Good Luck,
There may be humor in this post, and,
Naturally, you will not sue,
should things get worse after this,
PCR

"ssb" > wrote in message
...
| OKAY................... Things are much better but still need some
help.
|
| I exchanged floppy drive and cable and startup disk now works fine.
Problem
| is that CD runs off Sound Blaster 16 sound card and apparently won't
operate
| with generic drivers on startup disk. I've downloaded SB16 'update'
drivers
| (hope that doesn't turn out to be problem). How do I get these loaded
w/
| startup disk?
|
|
|
| "PCR" wrote:
|
| > Here is what I have for that...
| >
| > Enter BIOS Setup & jot down your settings.
| >
| > You must press a key at boot to enter BIOS Setup. If you don't know
the
| > key to press, try "Esc" at the manufacturer's logo. Then, the key to
| > press to enter BIOS setup will show up. Quickly press it. For this
| > Compaq, it is F10.
| >
| > In BIOS, use TAB & the arrow keys to navigate, & ENTER to select.
(Well,
| > there may be a legend showing your keys are different.)
| >
| > While in there, you'd better go through all the menus & jot down the
| > settings. If they are not set to defaults, and somehow, someday,
they
| > are cleared, all these settings will have to be input again.
| >
| > ......Quote of Candlin about...............
| > ......keystrokes to get to BIOS Setup....
| > Usually DEL, but F1, F2, F10 are also common.
| >
| > Other keystrokes which might work are:
| >
| > AMI BIOS: Del key during the POST
| > DTK BIOS: Esc key during the POST
| > Award BIOS: Ctrl-Alt-Esc
| > Misc BIOS: Ctrl-Esc
| > Phoenix BIOS: Ctrl-Alt-Esc or Ctrl-Alt-S
| > IBM PS/2 BIOS: Ctrl-Alt-Ins after Ctrl-Alt-Del
| >
| > If all else fails, shut down, power off, unplug the keyboard,
| > and power up again, as some older systems will default
| > to the CMOS Setup if a keyboard is not found.
| > .......End of Quote............................
| >
| >
| > --
| > Thanks or Good Luck,
| > There may be humor in this post, and,
| > Naturally, you will not sue,
| > should things get worse after this,
| > PCR
| >
| > "PattyL" > wrote in message
| > ...
| > | Just thought that I'd mention that I tested holding the F10 key
during
| > the
| > | boot on the three systems we have here and on the laptop and one
| > desktop,
| > | there was no effect. The systems booted normally.
| > |
| > | On the other desktop (an HP), it started the system recovery.
Oops!
| > When I
| > | cancelled the system recovery, I did get a message to press the F1
to
| > run
| > | setup or F10 to run recovery.
| > |
| > | So your theory that holding the F10 key should initiate the BIOS
setup
| > is
| > | not valid on all systems.
| > |
| > | PattyL
| > |
| > |
| > | "Hugh Candlin" > wrote in message
| > | ...
| > | >
| > | > "PattyL" > wrote in message
| > | > ...
| > | >> Something that I like even better than unplugging the keyboard
is
| > to lay
| > | >> your forearm across the keyboard pressing down several keys at
| > once.
| > | >> Generally (if the boot is getting that far), you will get a
| > Keyboard
| > | >> error
| > | >> message that tells you what key or key combination to press to
| > enter
| > | >> setup
| > | >> or F1 to continue. In this case, you actually can do it. <g>
| > | >>
| > | >
| > | > I would have suggested that, but, as I recommended,
| > | > he held down the F10 key while the PC booted.
| > | >
| > | > That should have at least initiated the BIOS Setup program,
| > | > and, failing that, should have given him a keyboard error.
| > | >
| > | > It did neither, suggesting that your "method" would not have
| > | > worked either, even though there is nothing wrong with it.
| > | >
| > | >> PattyL
| > | >>
| > | >>
| > | >> "Hugh Candlin" > wrote in message
| > | >> ...
| > | >> >
| > | >> > "ssb" > wrote in message
| > | >> > ...
| > | >> >> Held the F10 but didn't get anything different, not even the
2
| > beeps.
| > | >> >>
| > | >> > Power it off.
| > | >> >
| > | >> > Unplug the keyboard.
| > | >> >
| > | >> > Power on again.
| > | >> >
| > | >> > See if you get the infamous
| > | >> >
| > | >> > "Keyboard not found. Press F1 to continue" message.
| > | >> >
| > | >> > Think about installing a fresh CMOS backup battery.
| > | >> >
| > | >> >
| > | >>
| > | >>
| > | >
| > | >
| > |
| > |
| >
| >
| >

[ssb]

Trying to install windows.

First problem had been that floppy wouldn't recognize startup disk --
changed out floppy and cable, now get thru startup.

Problem now is that the CD is not operating, so I can't load Windows install
CD. The CD drive is running off a Sound Blaster 16 card. Since it won't run
from the generic drivers startup installs, am assuming I need to load
manufacturer drivers. Have downloaded an 'update' driver file. Need to know
how to get those files loaded w/ startup disk.


"PCR" wrote:

> I'm not sure what this thread is about. Do you want to install Sound
> Blaster or all of Windows?
>
> --
> Thanks or Good Luck,
> There may be humor in this post, and,
> Naturally, you will not sue,
> should things get worse after this,
> PCR
>
> "ssb" > wrote in message
> ...
> | OKAY................... Things are much better but still need some
> help.
> |
> | I exchanged floppy drive and cable and startup disk now works fine.
> Problem
> | is that CD runs off Sound Blaster 16 sound card and apparently won't
> operate
> | with generic drivers on startup disk. I've downloaded SB16 'update'
> drivers
> | (hope that doesn't turn out to be problem). How do I get these loaded
> w/
> | startup disk?
> |
> |
> |
> | "PCR" wrote:
> |
> | > Here is what I have for that...
> | >
> | > Enter BIOS Setup & jot down your settings.
> | >
> | > You must press a key at boot to enter BIOS Setup. If you don't know
> the
> | > key to press, try "Esc" at the manufacturer's logo. Then, the key to
> | > press to enter BIOS setup will show up. Quickly press it. For this
> | > Compaq, it is F10.
> | >
> | > In BIOS, use TAB & the arrow keys to navigate, & ENTER to select.
> (Well,
> | > there may be a legend showing your keys are different.)
> | >
> | > While in there, you'd better go through all the menus & jot down the
> | > settings. If they are not set to defaults, and somehow, someday,
> they
> | > are cleared, all these settings will have to be input again.
> | >
> | > ......Quote of Candlin about...............
> | > ......keystrokes to get to BIOS Setup....
> | > Usually DEL, but F1, F2, F10 are also common.
> | >
> | > Other keystrokes which might work are:
> | >
> | > AMI BIOS: Del key during the POST
> | > DTK BIOS: Esc key during the POST
> | > Award BIOS: Ctrl-Alt-Esc
> | > Misc BIOS: Ctrl-Esc
> | > Phoenix BIOS: Ctrl-Alt-Esc or Ctrl-Alt-S
> | > IBM PS/2 BIOS: Ctrl-Alt-Ins after Ctrl-Alt-Del
> | >
> | > If all else fails, shut down, power off, unplug the keyboard,
> | > and power up again, as some older systems will default
> | > to the CMOS Setup if a keyboard is not found.
> | > .......End of Quote............................
> | >
> | >
> | > --
> | > Thanks or Good Luck,
> | > There may be humor in this post, and,
> | > Naturally, you will not sue,
> | > should things get worse after this,
> | > PCR
> | >
> | > "PattyL" > wrote in message
> | > ...
> | > | Just thought that I'd mention that I tested holding the F10 key
> during
> | > the
> | > | boot on the three systems we have here and on the laptop and one
> | > desktop,
> | > | there was no effect. The systems booted normally.
> | > |
> | > | On the other desktop (an HP), it started the system recovery.
> Oops!
> | > When I
> | > | cancelled the system recovery, I did get a message to press the F1
> to
> | > run
> | > | setup or F10 to run recovery.
> | > |
> | > | So your theory that holding the F10 key should initiate the BIOS
> setup
> | > is
> | > | not valid on all systems.
> | > |
> | > | PattyL
> | > |
> | > |
> | > | "Hugh Candlin" > wrote in message
> | > | ...
> | > | >
> | > | > "PattyL" > wrote in message
> | > | > ...
> | > | >> Something that I like even better than unplugging the keyboard
> is
> | > to lay
> | > | >> your forearm across the keyboard pressing down several keys at
> | > once.
> | > | >> Generally (if the boot is getting that far), you will get a
> | > Keyboard
> | > | >> error
> | > | >> message that tells you what key or key combination to press to
> | > enter
> | > | >> setup
> | > | >> or F1 to continue. In this case, you actually can do it. <g>
> | > | >>
> | > | >
> | > | > I would have suggested that, but, as I recommended,
> | > | > he held down the F10 key while the PC booted.
> | > | >
> | > | > That should have at least initiated the BIOS Setup program,
> | > | > and, failing that, should have given him a keyboard error.
> | > | >
> | > | > It did neither, suggesting that your "method" would not have
> | > | > worked either, even though there is nothing wrong with it.
> | > | >
> | > | >> PattyL
> | > | >>
> | > | >>
> | > | >> "Hugh Candlin" > wrote in message
> | > | >> ...
> | > | >> >
> | > | >> > "ssb" > wrote in message
> | > | >> > ...
> | > | >> >> Held the F10 but didn't get anything different, not even the
> 2
> | > beeps.
> | > | >> >>
> | > | >> > Power it off.
> | > | >> >
> | > | >> > Unplug the keyboard.
> | > | >> >
> | > | >> > Power on again.
> | > | >> >
> | > | >> > See if you get the infamous
> | > | >> >
> | > | >> > "Keyboard not found. Press F1 to continue" message.
> | > | >> >
> | > | >> > Think about installing a fresh CMOS backup battery.
> | > | >> >
> | > | >> >
> | > | >>
> | > | >>
> | > | >
> | > | >
> | > |
> | > |
> | >
> | >
> | >
>
>
>

[Gary S. Terhune]

Suggest you start a new thread--"How do I add SB16 CDROM support to
Startup disk?"

I used to know, and I'm sure many others here still do.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User
http://www.grystmill.com/articles/cleanboot.htm
http://www.grystmill.com/articles/security.htm

"ssb" > wrote in message
...
> Trying to install windows.
>
> First problem had been that floppy wouldn't recognize startup disk --
> changed out floppy and cable, now get thru startup.
>
> Problem now is that the CD is not operating, so I can't load Windows
install
> CD. The CD drive is running off a Sound Blaster 16 card. Since it
won't run
> from the generic drivers startup installs, am assuming I need to load
> manufacturer drivers. Have downloaded an 'update' driver file. Need
to know
> how to get those files loaded w/ startup disk.
>
>
> "PCR" wrote:
>
> > I'm not sure what this thread is about. Do you want to install Sound
> > Blaster or all of Windows?
> >
> > --
> > Thanks or Good Luck,
> > There may be humor in this post, and,
> > Naturally, you will not sue,
> > should things get worse after this,
> > PCR
> >
> > "ssb" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > | OKAY................... Things are much better but still need some
> > help.
> > |
> > | I exchanged floppy drive and cable and startup disk now works
fine.
> > Problem
> > | is that CD runs off Sound Blaster 16 sound card and apparently
won't
> > operate
> > | with generic drivers on startup disk. I've downloaded SB16
'update'
> > drivers
> > | (hope that doesn't turn out to be problem). How do I get these
loaded
> > w/
> > | startup disk?
> > |
> > |
> > |
> > | "PCR" wrote:
> > |
> > | > Here is what I have for that...
> > | >
> > | > Enter BIOS Setup & jot down your settings.
> > | >
> > | > You must press a key at boot to enter BIOS Setup. If you don't
know
> > the
> > | > key to press, try "Esc" at the manufacturer's logo. Then, the
key to
> > | > press to enter BIOS setup will show up. Quickly press it. For
this
> > | > Compaq, it is F10.
> > | >
> > | > In BIOS, use TAB & the arrow keys to navigate, & ENTER to
select.
> > (Well,
> > | > there may be a legend showing your keys are different.)
> > | >
> > | > While in there, you'd better go through all the menus & jot down
the
> > | > settings. If they are not set to defaults, and somehow, someday,
> > they
> > | > are cleared, all these settings will have to be input again.
> > | >
> > | > ......Quote of Candlin about...............
> > | > ......keystrokes to get to BIOS Setup....
> > | > Usually DEL, but F1, F2, F10 are also common.
> > | >
> > | > Other keystrokes which might work are:
> > | >
> > | > AMI BIOS: Del key during the POST
> > | > DTK BIOS: Esc key during the POST
> > | > Award BIOS: Ctrl-Alt-Esc
> > | > Misc BIOS: Ctrl-Esc
> > | > Phoenix BIOS: Ctrl-Alt-Esc or Ctrl-Alt-S
> > | > IBM PS/2 BIOS: Ctrl-Alt-Ins after Ctrl-Alt-Del
> > | >
> > | > If all else fails, shut down, power off, unplug the keyboard,
> > | > and power up again, as some older systems will default
> > | > to the CMOS Setup if a keyboard is not found.
> > | > .......End of Quote............................
> > | >
> > | >
> > | > --
> > | > Thanks or Good Luck,
> > | > There may be humor in this post, and,
> > | > Naturally, you will not sue,
> > | > should things get worse after this,
> > | > PCR
> > | >
> > | > "PattyL" > wrote in message
> > | > ...
> > | > | Just thought that I'd mention that I tested holding the F10
key
> > during
> > | > the
> > | > | boot on the three systems we have here and on the laptop and
one
> > | > desktop,
> > | > | there was no effect. The systems booted normally.
> > | > |
> > | > | On the other desktop (an HP), it started the system recovery.
> > Oops!
> > | > When I
> > | > | cancelled the system recovery, I did get a message to press
the F1
> > to
> > | > run
> > | > | setup or F10 to run recovery.
> > | > |
> > | > | So your theory that holding the F10 key should initiate the
BIOS
> > setup
> > | > is
> > | > | not valid on all systems.
> > | > |
> > | > | PattyL
> > | > |
> > | > |
> > | > | "Hugh Candlin" > wrote in message
> > | > | ...
> > | > | >
> > | > | > "PattyL" > wrote in message
> > | > | > ...
> > | > | >> Something that I like even better than unplugging the
keyboard
> > is
> > | > to lay
> > | > | >> your forearm across the keyboard pressing down several keys
at
> > | > once.
> > | > | >> Generally (if the boot is getting that far), you will get a
> > | > Keyboard
> > | > | >> error
> > | > | >> message that tells you what key or key combination to press
to
> > | > enter
> > | > | >> setup
> > | > | >> or F1 to continue. In this case, you actually can do it.
<g>
> > | > | >>
> > | > | >
> > | > | > I would have suggested that, but, as I recommended,
> > | > | > he held down the F10 key while the PC booted.
> > | > | >
> > | > | > That should have at least initiated the BIOS Setup program,
> > | > | > and, failing that, should have given him a keyboard error.
> > | > | >
> > | > | > It did neither, suggesting that your "method" would not have
> > | > | > worked either, even though there is nothing wrong with it.
> > | > | >
> > | > | >> PattyL
> > | > | >>
> > | > | >>
> > | > | >> "Hugh Candlin" > wrote in message
> > | > | >> ...
> > | > | >> >
> > | > | >> > "ssb" > wrote in message
> > | > | >> >
...
> > | > | >> >> Held the F10 but didn't get anything different, not even
the
> > 2
> > | > beeps.
> > | > | >> >>
> > | > | >> > Power it off.
> > | > | >> >
> > | > | >> > Unplug the keyboard.
> > | > | >> >
> > | > | >> > Power on again.
> > | > | >> >
> > | > | >> > See if you get the infamous
> > | > | >> >
> > | > | >> > "Keyboard not found. Press F1 to continue" message.
> > | > | >> >
> > | > | >> > Think about installing a fresh CMOS backup battery.
> > | > | >> >
> > | > | >> >
> > | > | >>
> > | > | >>
> > | > | >
> > | > | >
> > | > |
> > | > |
> > | >
> > | >
> > | >
> >
> >
> >

[PCR]

I don't know how to do it, either. Start a new thread as Terhune said,
or go scour their site. Good luck. If you have a Config.sys &
Autoexec.bat that as they would look AFTER the install, post them to the
new thread. Someone can say where Sound Blaster's files should go by
looking at that. But I'm surprised the card doesn't provide access on
it's own, through some kind of BIOS extension.


--
Thanks or Good Luck,
There may be humor in this post, and,
Naturally, you will not sue,
should things get worse after this,
PCR

"ssb" > wrote in message
...
| Trying to install windows.
|
| First problem had been that floppy wouldn't recognize startup disk --
| changed out floppy and cable, now get thru startup.
|
| Problem now is that the CD is not operating, so I can't load Windows
install
| CD. The CD drive is running off a Sound Blaster 16 card. Since it
won't run
| from the generic drivers startup installs, am assuming I need to load
| manufacturer drivers. Have downloaded an 'update' driver file. Need
to know
| how to get those files loaded w/ startup disk.
|
|
| "PCR" wrote:
|
| > I'm not sure what this thread is about. Do you want to install Sound
| > Blaster or all of Windows?
| >
| > --
| > Thanks or Good Luck,
| > There may be humor in this post, and,
| > Naturally, you will not sue,
| > should things get worse after this,
| > PCR
| >
| > "ssb" > wrote in message
| > ...
| > | OKAY................... Things are much better but still need some
| > help.
| > |
| > | I exchanged floppy drive and cable and startup disk now works
fine.
| > Problem
| > | is that CD runs off Sound Blaster 16 sound card and apparently
won't
| > operate
| > | with generic drivers on startup disk. I've downloaded SB16
'update'
| > drivers
| > | (hope that doesn't turn out to be problem). How do I get these
loaded
| > w/
| > | startup disk?
| > |
| > |
| > |
| > | "PCR" wrote:
| > |
| > | > Here is what I have for that...
| > | >
| > | > Enter BIOS Setup & jot down your settings.
| > | >
| > | > You must press a key at boot to enter BIOS Setup. If you don't
know
| > the
| > | > key to press, try "Esc" at the manufacturer's logo. Then, the
key to
| > | > press to enter BIOS setup will show up. Quickly press it. For
this
| > | > Compaq, it is F10.
| > | >
| > | > In BIOS, use TAB & the arrow keys to navigate, & ENTER to
select.
| > (Well,
| > | > there may be a legend showing your keys are different.)
| > | >
| > | > While in there, you'd better go through all the menus & jot down
the
| > | > settings. If they are not set to defaults, and somehow, someday,
| > they
| > | > are cleared, all these settings will have to be input again.
| > | >
| > | > ......Quote of Candlin about...............
| > | > ......keystrokes to get to BIOS Setup....
| > | > Usually DEL, but F1, F2, F10 are also common.
| > | >
| > | > Other keystrokes which might work are:
| > | >
| > | > AMI BIOS: Del key during the POST
| > | > DTK BIOS: Esc key during the POST
| > | > Award BIOS: Ctrl-Alt-Esc
| > | > Misc BIOS: Ctrl-Esc
| > | > Phoenix BIOS: Ctrl-Alt-Esc or Ctrl-Alt-S
| > | > IBM PS/2 BIOS: Ctrl-Alt-Ins after Ctrl-Alt-Del
| > | >
| > | > If all else fails, shut down, power off, unplug the keyboard,
| > | > and power up again, as some older systems will default
| > | > to the CMOS Setup if a keyboard is not found.
| > | > .......End of Quote............................
| > | >
| > | >
| > | > --
| > | > Thanks or Good Luck,
| > | > There may be humor in this post, and,
| > | > Naturally, you will not sue,
| > | > should things get worse after this,
| > | > PCR
| > | >
| > | > "PattyL" > wrote in message
| > | > ...
| > | > | Just thought that I'd mention that I tested holding the F10
key
| > during
| > | > the
| > | > | boot on the three systems we have here and on the laptop and
one
| > | > desktop,
| > | > | there was no effect. The systems booted normally.
| > | > |
| > | > | On the other desktop (an HP), it started the system recovery.
| > Oops!
| > | > When I
| > | > | cancelled the system recovery, I did get a message to press
the F1
| > to
| > | > run
| > | > | setup or F10 to run recovery.
| > | > |
| > | > | So your theory that holding the F10 key should initiate the
BIOS
| > setup
| > | > is
| > | > | not valid on all systems.
| > | > |
| > | > | PattyL
| > | > |
| > | > |
| > | > | "Hugh Candlin" > wrote in message
| > | > | ...
| > | > | >
| > | > | > "PattyL" > wrote in message
| > | > | > ...
| > | > | >> Something that I like even better than unplugging the
keyboard
| > is
| > | > to lay
| > | > | >> your forearm across the keyboard pressing down several keys
at
| > | > once.
| > | > | >> Generally (if the boot is getting that far), you will get a
| > | > Keyboard
| > | > | >> error
| > | > | >> message that tells you what key or key combination to press
to
| > | > enter
| > | > | >> setup
| > | > | >> or F1 to continue. In this case, you actually can do it.
<g>
| > | > | >>
| > | > | >
| > | > | > I would have suggested that, but, as I recommended,
| > | > | > he held down the F10 key while the PC booted.
| > | > | >
| > | > | > That should have at least initiated the BIOS Setup program,
| > | > | > and, failing that, should have given him a keyboard error.
| > | > | >
| > | > | > It did neither, suggesting that your "method" would not have
| > | > | > worked either, even though there is nothing wrong with it.
| > | > | >
| > | > | >> PattyL
| > | > | >>
| > | > | >>
| > | > | >> "Hugh Candlin" > wrote in message
| > | > | >> ...
| > | > | >> >
| > | > | >> > "ssb" > wrote in message
| > | > | >> >
...
| > | > | >> >> Held the F10 but didn't get anything different, not even
the
| > 2
| > | > beeps.
| > | > | >> >>
| > | > | >> > Power it off.
| > | > | >> >
| > | > | >> > Unplug the keyboard.
| > | > | >> >
| > | > | >> > Power on again.
| > | > | >> >
| > | > | >> > See if you get the infamous
| > | > | >> >
| > | > | >> > "Keyboard not found. Press F1 to continue" message.
| > | > | >> >
| > | > | >> > Think about installing a fresh CMOS backup battery.
| > | > | >> >
| > | > | >> >
| > | > | >>
| > | > | >>
| > | > | >
| > | > | >
| > | > |
| > | > |
| > | >
| > | >
| > | >
| >
| >
| >

[PattyL]

Actually, the place that I jumped in was after you suggested the F10 key and
ssb replied that he tried it and didn't get anything different.


"Hugh Candlin" > wrote in message
...
>
> "PattyL" > wrote in message
> ...
>> Just thought that I'd mention that I tested holding the F10 key during
>> the
>> boot on the three systems we have here and on the laptop and one desktop,
>> there was no effect. The systems booted normally.
>>
>> On the other desktop (an HP), it started the system recovery. Oops!
>> When
> I
>> cancelled the system recovery, I did get a message to press the F1 to run
>> setup or F10 to run recovery.
>>
>> So your theory that holding the F10 key should initiate the BIOS setup is
>> not valid on all systems.
>
> The OP identified his computer as an Acer brand.
> My research and response was predicated on that fact.
>
> If you jumped into the middle of a thread and read a post
> which contained advice to FORMAT C:, would you do it?
>
>

[Hugh Candlin]

"PattyL" > wrote in message
...
> Actually, the place that I jumped in was after you suggested the F10 key
and
> ssb replied that he tried it and didn't get anything different.
>
I don't see how the above in any way relates to
the context of my post, which was that F10 normally initiates
the BIOS Setup program on an Acer computer.

I will reiterate that I did not claim what you implied
that I claimed, that my "theory" - holding the F10 key
should initiate the BIOS setup - is valid on all systems.

First, it isn't a theory, and second, I did not state
that it was valid in all systems.

I was supplying directed responses to a specific scenario,
related to an Acer computer.

I'm not sure what your argument is.

>
> "Hugh Candlin" > wrote in message
> ...
> >
> > "PattyL" > wrote in message
> > ...
> >> Just thought that I'd mention that I tested holding the F10 key during
> >> the
> >> boot on the three systems we have here and on the laptop and one
desktop,
> >> there was no effect. The systems booted normally.
> >>
> >> On the other desktop (an HP), it started the system recovery. Oops!
> >> When
> > I
> >> cancelled the system recovery, I did get a message to press the F1 to
run
> >> setup or F10 to run recovery.
> >>
> >> So your theory that holding the F10 key should initiate the BIOS setup
is
> >> not valid on all systems.
> >
> > The OP identified his computer as an Acer brand.
> > My research and response was predicated on that fact.
> >
> > If you jumped into the middle of a thread and read a post
> > which contained advice to FORMAT C:, would you do it?
> >
> >
>
>