Entering to BIOS setup problem

Walman · 08-30-2005, 03:15 PM

Everyone

I have a (oldie ) compaq prosignia 300 which I want to use to install some linux distro for fun . I have no idea of how to enter the Bios so that I can
change the boot sequence and allow it to boot from cd .

No F2 , F3 etc buton does the trick . ANY IDEAS ??

danimalz · 08-30-2005, 03:16 PM

during powerup, try pressing [del] key. many bios's use that

Walman · 08-30-2005, 03:35 PM

No

I tried that and it did not work . Any other ideas ??

kencaz · 08-30-2005, 03:49 PM

Will that system even boot from the CD? I think it would be easier to just boot Dos or Windows and use Rawrite to make a boot floppy for your Linux CD... Once installed you wont need the floppy (if you install the boot mgr to the mbr) anymore...

KC

danimalz · 08-30-2005, 03:49 PM

try compaq website.

many times you can find user manuals, etc. from manuf. websites.

Walman · 08-30-2005, 04:05 PM

hi

Compaq site will not do it for me . I will try tomorrow some other solution and then let you all know how it went . Thanks for the hand

danimalz · 08-30-2005, 04:29 PM

I remember that compaq used the [del] key long ago;; but you tried that and it didn't work...

i would

1) try again! as soon as you turn the power on, gently tap-tap-tap-tap that del key repeatedly.

2) I think most computers will go to bios if there's no boot media. if your not afraid of opening up your box,
then do so - remove cables from everything (cd-rom, hdd's, floppy, everything) Leave only a video monitor,
the main memory and key board attached. Then power up.

Eerath · 09-02-2005, 08:13 AM

Really old computers (ie. my laptop) use the [Esc] key to enter the Bios, try that.

okmyx · 09-02-2005, 09:57 AM

I found a manual on the HP website

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport...&lang=en&cc=us

Document - Compaq ProSignia 300 Servers Maintenance and Service Guide (3rd one down) Chapter 4.

States that there was a dip switch on the motherboard that locks access to the BIOS config.

Plus other docs might help.

ruuster · 01-08-2006, 11:59 PM

There are 4 floppys used for System Configuration Utility. You need to download those. You can also boot into the SCU from CD. SCU can also be permanently installed on the bootable drive, but I am guessing you do not have it on your drive. I just use the floppys for my Prosignia 300.

seahawk · 01-15-2006, 11:32 AM

some of the older compaq boxes use the f10 key when booting you will see a flashing cursor top right of screen press f10