Booting in BIOS Mode

[myjazz]

I have a problem. My PC is a Compaq Presario 5242. When I start the PC, it never boots in BIOS (with the memory testing and the option of hitting DEL key to enter BIOS). It just goes straight to the Windows Logo screen. Then it goes to Dos virus scan, then back to logo screen and then Windows starts up.

How do I get the PC to boot from the very beginning so I have the option of going to BIOS?

 

[stoleru]

Try keeping pressed F2 or F10 just after the power on.
Eduard Stoleru
e_stoleru@yahoo.com

 

[myjazz]

Stoleru,

Thanks I'll do that but is there a way in Windows to actually make it do that automatically?

 

[rtshort]

No, the bios doesn't even know about windows when it's booting up. Windows doesn't come into play until the bios detects the hard disk and has been told a boot sequence, like floppy first, and Primary HD second, etc. Most Compaqs I've worked on, when you start the computer you will see a "white square" flash in the upper right hand corner of the monitor. While this white square is flashing you can hit the "F10" key and it should let you in the bios setup. Every day above ground is a GOOD DAY!!!

 

[rfeenie]

on oyur model of compaq the BIOS probably resides on a small partition on the hard disk, if the drive has been fdisked or LLF'ed then your BIOS will not be there anymore. if htis is the case then you can re -install the softpaq by getting it from compaq.com

Rob If in doubt get the Ball Pein Hammer out

 

[Alt255]

Compaq can be weird, as Rob pointed out.

Contrary to popular belief, Win9x isn't an OS and doesn't try to load it's kernel until CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT (if they exist) have done their things LOL.

Prior to AUTOEXEC.BAT, Windows has no idea where it can find itself. If AUTOEXEC is interrupted with a CTRL+C, WIN.COM can't start. If you place any-old file called WIN.COM in the root of the boot drive, the OS will assume that Windows is located there and try to start the GUI using the instructions in the file. If it doesn't have a valid COM file format, the OS complains a bit and dumps to the COMMAND prompt. If it is a valid COM file, the OS will assume that it is the Windows startup file and execute it, regardless of what it is intended to perform.

Hmmm, I just disclosed an undocumented vulnerability.

As far as the Compaq goes... contact their tech help. Who knows what mindless, proprietary voodoo they have hit your system with. (I used to dream of owning a Compaq... then I had to service one....)

Alt255@Vorpalcom.Intranets.com​

 

[myjazz]

Hey Everyone....sorry for the late reply to your postings. I just got up (with a bad headache!)...went to bed at 7 this morning. That's what happens when U have a compaq! hehe

U're right Alt255...compaq's are weird and have a lot of problems. Since buying this pc some 2 years ago...it's been sent back to compaq like 7 times already. Sigh!

Anyways, rtshort...I have taken note and will do what U suggested if I need to go into BIOS. Thanks for the advice

rfeenie, can I download softpaq from compaq site or I have to order that from them?.

Alt255, I will write to the compaq ppl and see what they say. Probably nothing When U mentioned GUI, I just remembered that I have TweakUI installed and it has a command for GUI. Do U think windows is loading from tweakUI and maybe that's why I'm facing blue screens nowadays?

 

[rfeenie]

Jazzy M

You can download the sofpaq's for free.

Rob F If in doubt get the Ball Pein Hammer out

 

[myjazz]

Thanks Rob...appreciate your help I will download it and see if that works Thanks everyone for their help