Suddenly must press DEL to complete startup

[kar0306]

My mother's Dell Inspiron 4100 suddenly began pausing during startup and asking her to "Press <Del> to Resume". Her boot.ini file looks fine, and I've tried switching some options in the Startup menu, but it's still there.

[LadyGrey]

MBR corrupted???

[Sylvander]

Is this happening during the BIOS's POST?

See THIS (http://www.dellcommunity.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_other&message.id=215661).

[kar0306]

Yes, right after the IDE devices are polled

[Sylvander]

Seems the BIOS's POST is encountering some kind of hardware or BIOS configuration problem.
There are lots of causes and fixes listed out there on the web; find them and try.
e.g.
How about trying:
1. Make a written note of all the existing BIOS configuration settings.

2. Reset the BIOS's defaults.
That should [among other things] "Force Update the ESCD".

3. Fit a new/good CMOS battery to achieve 2 above.

4. Disable then re-enable the "Onboard FDD Controller".

4. Another suggestion I'd seen was that the IDE controller had gone bad and fitting a controller card fixed it.

[kar0306]

Thanks - all good suggestions.Will have to wait until my next visit to mom's to proceed.