Different computer systems have unique methods of accessing BIOS Setup.The BIOS or Basic Input Output System is a hardware component on the motherboard of a computer system that holds vital information regarding the system startup. Settings and configuration of BIOS can be viewed and changed using the BIOS setup utility that can be accessed as soon as the system starts. A combination of keys has to be pressed to go to the BIOS setup menu. This key combination varies from one manufacturer to another to access the BIOS setup but it is limited generally to the function keys alone.

How to access your BIOS set up

Depending on your computer model, the way you access your BIOS set up menu will differ. Here is a list of the most common models used and the access key used for this process.

ACER

• You can use the DEL or F2 key after switching on your system.
• When using an Acer Altos 600 server, the BIOS set up can be accessed by pressing the CTRL+ALT+ESC keys.

COMPAQ

• Ensure that the cursor in the upper right corner of your screen is blinking before pressing the F10 key.
• Previous versions of Compaq will make use of the F1, F2, F10 or DEL keys to grant access to your BIOS set up menu.

DELL

• After switching on your computer, let the DELL logo appear before pressing the F2 key until Entering Setup is displayed on the screen.
• Previous versions of DELL might require you to press CTRL+ALT+ENTER to access the BIOS set up menu.
• The DELL laptops use the Fn+ESC or Fn+F1 keys to access the BIOS set up.

GATEWAY

• When switching on your computer, press the F1 key until the BIOS screen shows up.
• Previous versions of Gateway will make use of the F2 key to display the BIOS set up screen.

HEWLETT-PACKARD

• When switching on your computer system, press the F1 key to access the BIOS set up screen
• For those using an HP Tablet PC, you can press the F10 or F12 keys.
• You can also access the BIOS set up menu by pressing the F2 or ESC keys.

IBM

• When your system is restarting, press the F1 key to access the BIOS set up.
• Previous IBM models will require the use of the F2 key to access the BIOS set up utility.

NEC

• NEC will only use the F2 key to access the BIOS set up menu

PACKARD BELL

• Packard Bell users, you can access the BIOS set up by pressing the F1, F2 or DEL keys

SHARP

• For the Sharp model, when your computer is loading, press the F2 key
• For previous Sharp models, you will need to use a Setup Diagnostics Disk.

SONY

• Sony users will have to press the F1, F2 or F3 key after switching on their computer.

TOSHIBA

• The Toshiba model will require its users to press the F1 or ESC key after switching on their computer to be able to access BIOS set up menu.

See also

Knowledge communities.

• Forum
• BIOS forum
• Windows forum
• Windows XP

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