Can't get into Bios setup

[mranzau226]

I have a Compaq deskpro 4000 and when I first turn it on There is a black screen. In the upper left it says "32768 kb ok" and in the lower right corner it says "Compaq deskpro 4000". When I hold the f10 key "44 301 -keyboard error" comes up and then a little bit later a blue box flashes on, but it is not there long enough for me to do anything...it looks like it says "f1" and under that "Boot". I want to be able to get into BIOS setup because I am having boot problems and I have tried everything else. I also would like to find out what my mobo is, and I heard that I can find out that info there..is that true?

You're getting the keyboard error because you're holding down the 'F10' key. Just press it once when you see the "Deskpro 4000" screen.

[Brangwen]

Evil Rick:

I seem to be following you! Regarding the poster's (mranzau226's) question: is it true one can determine the mobo (other than CHS info) in BIOS?

mranzau226: I have a Compaq, but it's a laptop ... wouldn't it be more likely to determine what the mobo is in Start/Settings/Control Panel/System ?

Or better yet, go to the Compaq website and look up the model number of your unit. You may have to break down and actually open the box ... worried about voiding a warranty? Unless tech support can answer that question.

Good luck.

Brangwen

[DoctorReno]

It is unlikely that you will be able to determine your MoBo from anything in the BIOS setup.
Normally, when you start your machine and it is going thru POST there will be a rather long alphanumeric string displayed at the bottom of the screen. This number can be cross referenced at places like http://wimsbios.com/ and you can find the MoBo mfg and model # and find updated BIOS versions.

Just an FYI mranzau226, when you see the F1 displayed but it disapears before you can read it just be prepared and press the Pause key on your keyboard, this key is usually the 3rd key to the right of F12. To resume press the Esc key. You'll likely need to use the Pause to write down the long alphanumeric number.

Also, you might have luck finding the MoBo mfg with a free utility called Belarc Advisor, http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html or Fresh Diagnose, http://www.freshdevices.com/freshdiag.html

[RicheemxX]

The problem is as ER has said you don't need to hold down the f10 key and the error box is a stuck keyboard key error. you should just be able to hit f1 or del as Er has said.

Not really sure why you guys think he wants to know what the bios is??

as for the original issue its over here in this other thread http://www.techimo.com/forum/showthr...threadid=80415

and no you don't want to us cable select, if your using the drives setup on a sinlge cable then you need to make sure the jumpers are setup right primary master and primary slave. WD drives don't use CS

[DoctorReno]

RicheemxX, I have to ask you where you got the impression that anyone posting to this thread was trying to give him BIOS information.
True I referred him to Wims BIOS but that is because in the BIOS string it reveals the MoBO mfg.... which IS one of mranzau226's original questions.

[MitaDC]

Hey download SiSoft Sandra2003. Tells you your mobo and bios etc .I think atleast. On my french teachers comp. I will check when I get home

[RicheemxX]

Originally posted by DoctorReno
RicheemxX, I have to ask you where you got the impression that anyone posting to this thread was trying to give him BIOS information.
True I referred him to Wims BIOS but that is because in the BIOS string it reveals the MoBO mfg.... which IS one of mranzau226's original questions.

sorry i just wasn't seeing where he had asked any question reguarding his mobo or his bios other than the error he was getting and of course the issues in the previous thread. After re reading the bottom of his post I spotted it now. Sorry my bad on that one

A qucik trip the compaq website should give all relative info or pop open the case and it should ahve the serial numbers/manufactures numbers on the board. As he's already had the case open and been tinkering there should be no issues with that.

[DoctorReno]

RicheemxX,
Thanks and sorry for jumping you.... probably more than anyone here I misread things.