Unable to get to BIOS


  1. Aguden
    Posts : 24
    Windows 7 home premium x64
       New #1

    Unable to get to BIOS


    I have a new Alienware PC from Dell and I am trying to get to the BIOS to make a few changes. From the doc, I understand that I need to hit the F2 key when the prompt is displayed, but it never is. Nor is the prompt to boot in safe mode. If I start using the F2 key early, the system just presents a black screen and the PC seems to stop. If I am too late, it boots normally.

    I'm feeling that maybe behind that black screen is the BIOS but since I am using HDMI from my graphics board to the monitor, maybe there is a problem with the monitor displaying that primitive a signal. Any thoughts.
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  3. Ztruker
    Posts : 6,285
    Windows 10 Pro X64
       New #2

    Hook up a normal display until you get BIOS setup as you want it?
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  4. Debbie B
    Posts : 264
    Windows 7 Enterprise x64
       New #3

    Hi,

    Tap "F2" key a couple of times immediately after powering the system on.
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  6. ignatzatsonic
    Posts : 12,012
    Windows 7 Home Premium SP1, 64-bit
       New #4

    BIOS access can be very cranky. Tapping twice a second, tapping once a second, holding key down, tapping every 2 seconds, etc.
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  7. Aguden
    Posts : 24
    Windows 7 home premium x64
    Thread Starter
       New #5

    Finally got to the bottom of the problem. The PC has two graphic boards. One had 2 dvi and an hdmi exposed. The second board a cover over the connectors. The instruction suggested that I use the one that was exposed. Wrong! The Dell tech said she knew it was odd but that I should try the other board. And when I did, a new screen came up and it included the F2 bios choice and the F12 boot choice. So if anyone else doesn't see the F2/F12, try another connection!
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