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Old 03-17-2004, 02:46 AM   #1
1014linux
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Unhappy Can't access bios!


I tried to install linux mandrake 9.2 on my laptop awhile back. I chose to use the partition option that did not format my windows infested hd, my 1st mistake I fear. During the linux setup I did not alocate enough hd space to the linux partition(being the linux noob that I am). So naturally, half way through the install it gave an error message indicating that the installation could not be completed because there was not enough space on the partition. So I decided to just re-format and try again, this time without a windows partition. However, since the aborted linux install, I have not been able to access the bios. I reboot, press f2, and nothing happens. I have tried every key and combonation of keys posible to get in to the bios, to no avail. I am using a Dell inspiron 1100. It has a cd-rw/dvd drive, but no flopy. And the curent boot sequence does not alow a boot from cd-rom. Please help.

Is it even possible that the partial linux install could be related to my bios problem?

Last edited by 1014linux; 03-17-2004 at 04:26 AM.
 
Old 03-17-2004, 06:04 AM   #2
UltimaGuy
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Sorry, I can't help you. But I can say surely that the partial linux install will never crack up your bios.
 
Old 03-17-2004, 06:44 AM   #3
whansard
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i've seen computers that had their setup stuff in a seperate small partition. maybe on that computer, f2 runs some hidden partition or some software on the hard drive, that it can't find now. that's really just a stab.

i would look on the dell forums. if that laptop doesn't work with the partitions deleted, there would be something about what to do there.
 
Old 03-17-2004, 01:35 PM   #4
sirpimpsalot
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try hitting F12 at boot time.... or search the dell forums for how to reset the nvram/etc on your laptop (they have hidden key combinations).

what did you use to format the drive?
 
Old 03-17-2004, 01:36 PM   #5
sirpimpsalot
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F12 invokes the boot menu (might be F10....) btw...
 
Old 03-17-2004, 01:45 PM   #6
Peacedog
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there is a guide to bios keystrokes here.

http://www.computernotions.com/html/bios_setup.html

hope that helps.
good luck.
 
Old 03-18-2004, 05:05 PM   #7
1014linux
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Well still no luck,

whansard, Im not sure i fully understand what your are talking about, but I can not delete the main partition because the windows setup uses it to boot. The only way I could delete the main partition is if I were to change the boot sequence so that setup could boot off the cd-rom, but I would need acces to the bios to do that.

sirpimpsalot, I am not familiar with "nvram"? Originally I allowed the linux mandrake 9.2 setup disks to do the re-partitioning. Since then I have used windows xp to fromat, but the only way I can do that is to put in the setup disk and let the autorun take over. Also I have tried all of the function keys and the delete key, as well as combining them with ctrl, alt, shift and many other combos. I will try searching the dell forums as well.

peacedog, still same problem, but thanks for the link.

Thanks for all the feed back guys, please let me know if you think of anything else.
 
Old 03-18-2004, 05:31 PM   #8
Peacedog
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this is just a huntch, so take it w/a grain of salt. i have seen machine w/bios that has a "quickboot" or "fastboot" option, and as long as that is enabled, it skips the "setup" option during rebbots. i saw it more often on compaq machines than anything else. the only way i ever found around it, was a cold boot. turn the machine off and unplug all power sources for about ten minutes. then plug everything back up and power on. during power on use the setup keystroke for your particular machine. if you get in, disable the quick or fast boot option, and you shouldn't have this problem again. as i stated earlier, i've only seen this a half a dozen times or so, it's quite a shot in the dark, but, i hope it helps.
good luck.
 
Old 03-22-2004, 02:07 PM   #9
1014linux
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PEACEDOG:

I tried that too, but stil...nada. But thank you for the tip, was worth a shot.
Any more ideas anyone?
 
Old 03-22-2004, 02:14 PM   #10
ner
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did you try Alt+Esc, or Esc during boot by itself? When everything else fails that's what I do.
Hope it works, and I agree with people here, your partial installation couldn't have mucked up you bios..

ner

Last edited by ner; 03-22-2004 at 02:15 PM.
 
Old 03-22-2004, 04:14 PM   #11
sirpimpsalot
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have you tried my suggestion about invoking the boot menu? or checked the dell support site?
 
Old 03-24-2004, 03:57 AM   #12
steely
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Do you have a restore CD that came with the system from Dell? In my experience they do have that diag partition on the hard disk. If you can do a factory restore, maybe you can start over that way. Just a suggestion.
 
  


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