i just got a gateway 700 and put windows 2000 on it. then i wanted to add debian sarge (my primary os), and i installed with the sarge installer cd using a 2.6 kernel (command at boot was linux26). when i rebooted as asked my computer hangs at the bios splash screen (the very first one with the gateway logo). i've tried to boot from a cd and floppy and nothing happens. it still hangs there. i did install grub on the mbr so i was thinking i could just reboot from the windows 2000 cd and fix the mbr, but it doesn't work. i can not get past the bios screen (and it doesn't let me get into bios options, it's just frozen there). any ideas? help? thanks.

can you enter the bios with some keys there? it's hardly possible to screw the system up that hard for a os.

if nothing helps reset the cmos (with a jumper on the mainboard ; kind of bios-reset-switch)

sl mritch.

i cant enter the bios with an keys. i know its strange, are you suggesting i open the machine and flip the switch you suggest? i can try that but i'm not sure exactly what you mean.

do you have a manual to your box? usually there is jumper called "cmos-reset" something. you likely have to open and shorten two other pins. to clear the cmos it's sometimes also necessary to press the powerswitch when shorted. however, be sure to take care when poking around in the case and have the power cord unplugged.

sl mritch.

forgot: be sure not to lose your warranty when opening the case :)

hey mirtch,
thanks for your quick replies and help. i called cust support and it may be a power supply issue. they may have sent me the wrong power cord. anyway, they say they're sending the new cord so i'll post if it works (or not).
thanks again,
n