I loaded Debian Gnu/Linux V. 3.01r "Woody" on a Compaq Deskpro 2000. Since then I can no longer access the BIOS setup at system BOOT (ctivating <ESC> key). Had no problem before this, but don't know enough about the POST or BOOT to figure it out. Have spent three days looking at HOWTO's, etc., but no luck so far. I hope someone can enlighten me. Also, another piece to the puzzel (in my mind anyway), there was a quetion during the software mount that asked if I wanted something loaded in the Master Boot Record (MBR), to which I answered 'YES' . Thank you for any help.

Every PC I ever booted used the <DEL> key to access the BIOS, not <ESC>. At that point in the boot process the machine does not even know there are any hard disks attached, so it should have nothing at all to do with whatever OS is installed.

Thank you maroonbaboon for the comeback. You are right, I should have said the <DEL> key, but it doesn't work............something has changed. Do you, or anybody else have any other ideas ?

OK - I thought you might just be using the wrong key . I can only think you have a hardware problem, or maybe a corrupt BIOS. It does seem like a strange coincidence. The MBR is just the section of data on the HD read first by the boot process and nothing to do with the BIOS firmware on the motherboard. As far as trying to fix things---

1. Should be some sort of jumper on the mainboard to reset the BIOS to its default values.

2. You could try reflashing the BIOS from a boot floppy, as per the manufacturer's instructions.

Both these are pretty much the equivalent of kicking the TV when the reception is bad, and could leave your system unusable, so should probably only be considered as a last resort.

I have always used F10 to access the BIOS, or even F2.

I have a compaq and F10 is what I use to get in my bios.