How to Access BIOS Setup on Most All Computers

This is most likely because the particular sequence to enter your systems BIOS is not by pressing the Del key. There are several key combinations that work and each system uses their own. When you first power up your computer, view the POST (Power On Self Test) messages. Typically the message prompting you to enter the BIOS setup will be displayed soon after the memory check is completed. Within this message the proper key sequence will be displayed. If you own an HP, Dell, Gateway or other manufacturer, a "splash" screen may be present that hides the POST messages. You can bypass this by pressing the Esc or Tab keys to view the POST messages.

Acer: - Ctrl+Alt+Esc

ALR PC: (F2) or (Ctrl)(Alt)Esc)

AMI BIOS: (Del), (F1) or (F2)

AST, Advantage, Award, Tandon: - Ctrl + Alt + Esc

Award BIOS: (Del) or (Ctrl)(Alt)(Esc)

Compaq: (F10) (do this when the cursor is in the upper right corner of the screen blinking)

Dell: - F1 or Del.

Dell: - Some require pressing reset twice

Dell: - Ctrl + Alt + Enter

DTK BIOS: (Esc)

Gateway 2000: - F1

Hewlett Packard: - F1

IBM: Older Models - In order to get into the configuration of the IBM setup screen
(CMOS) screen you need to hold down both mouse buttons during bootup.

Aptiva - Press F1

IBM PS/2: (Ctrl)(Alt)(Ins) after (Ctrl)(Alt)(Del)

IBM PS/2 with reference partition: - Press Ins during boot

Some PS/2s, such as 75 and 90: - Ctrl Alt ?

Some PS/2s when pointer at top right of screen: - Ctrl + Ins

Leading Edge:


Fortiva 5000 -

NEC: - F2

Packard Bell: - F1 or F2

Phoenix BIOS: (F1), (F2), or (Ctrl)(Alt)(Esc)

Phoenix BIOS: - Ctrl Alt S

Phoenix BIOS: - Ctrl S

Phoenix BIOS: - Ctrl Alt Ins

Sharp Laptop 9020: - F2

Sony: (F3) while you are starting the PC, then (F2) or (F1)

Tandon computers: - Hold down the key after turning on power

Tandon: - Ctrl + Shift + Esc

Toshiba Laptops: - Toshiba Utility

Toshiba: - Press Esc during boot

Toshiba, Phoenix, late model PS/1 Value Point and 330s: - Press F1 during boot

Olivetti PC Pro: - Shift Ctrl Alt + Num Pad Del

Miscellaneous PC's: - Ctrl + Esc or Ctrl and Alt and +

Zenith: - Ctrl Alt Ins

NOTE: Some new motherboard designs have a jumper on the motherboard that disables access to the BIOS. In order to access the BIOS setup, this jumper will have to be disabled. You cannot access the BIOS setup until this jumper has been disabled.