Can't get to BIOS, etc, help please!

[sawhorse]

hello,

When I try to boot my computer, I get the memory check and system details, but it hangs after that. I have tried the Win boot disk, no luck (it says "non-system disk, replace and hit any key"). All I want to do is get to a point where I can wipe the whole system clean and start over, but I can't get to the setup or BIOS or anything. any ideas anyone? I would really appreciate some help.

Thanks,
Jared

[Paleo Pete]

Usually either the [Delete] key or [F1] will get into the BIOS while the memory counts up, during the first screen. Some computers use [Esc] or different key combinations. Compaq uses [F10] when you see a blinking cursor at top right of screen. Check in BIOS, if you can get into it, and make sure the boot sequence is set to A;C or A;C;SCSI. Then you should be able to boot to a Start Up disk. Make sure the disk is write protected, and you might have to make another one on a friend's machine that has the same version of Windows. Go to Start\Settings\Control Panel\Add/Remove Programs and click the Start Up Disk tab to make a new disk.

------------------
If you had everything...Where would you put it?

Computer Information Links (http://www.geocities.com/paleopete/)

[bassvax]

If you're serious about wiping the sytem clean and you have a boot disk there should be a jumper setting on your mobo that will clear your cmos settigs for you. Also, some pc's allow for this type of clearing by pressing a key or combination when powering up. With my Amptron mobo it is the "end" key. Make sure you record all of the settings in the cmos in case you need to reset them (if different from the default settings). But be sure this is what you want to do and not to just reformat the hard drive 'cause if that is all you want to do then follow Pete's advice.

[Jerkymom]

Welcome, sawhorse! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

As Pete suggested, hit the key or combination your system requires to get into the BIOS setup, but don't wait very long to do that. While the memory is counting is a good time. If you wait until the drives are being detected it's usually too late.

Once you get into the BIOS, be sure your boot sequence is set to A: first so the floppy drive is read before the C: drive. Then see if you can boot to the Windows startup disk. If not, can you tell if the A: drive is trying to read the floppy before you get the error? If it is, the floppy is probably bad, so then follow Pete's directions to create a new one from another computer.

If you can't even get this far, please post back and we'll do our best to help you. We could use a little more info on your system, such as what brand name of computer, if any, plus the CPU, motherboard, and the version of Windows you're running. Has anything on the system changed or been added recently? If we can figure out what caused the problem, maybe we can help you fix it without formatting and reinstalling everything, unless that's what you really want to do.

Kim