Anyone know the bios key to get into a desktop e-machine? I have installed a new hard drive and another dvd drive but have to reset the bios to accept the new drive and I have forgotten the key to enter bios system any answers. Thanks

i dont think it matter if your system detects it as sata or ide, both interface will work in installing OS, the important thing is you changed your boot order. originally it was supposed to boot in 1st drive whichever it is hard drive or dvd drive. go to bios then follow the instruction in how to move the order of boot sequence, mine is SHIFT key then PLUS.

first you will need to replace the cmos on the system board(or have a qualified computer service tech. do it). then you will need to access the bios settings by Pressing F1 immediately after powering on the computer. once in the bios, you can set the correct date and time. Also, you will need to check the drive settings to verify that the hard drive and any CD/DVD drives are recognized. once done, then exit the BIOS being sure to chose "save and exit", then allow your PC to boot normally. this should fix your date and drive issues. if not then the motherboard may be defective.

Hello,

You can try to boot from CD/DVD drive with XP cd to see if the install program can find the hard drive. Try to use default setting in the BIOS.

Sounds to me like your hard drive crashed. I had one that did this and same thing. You can either replace the hard drive, use an external hard drive/flash drive (load the os and download laptop drivers) or use a cd based OS like Knoppix.

If you need help with the XP CD let me know.

I hope this helps!!!

You just need to replace your 80 pin data cable or power plug.


Good Luck

This should be a quick fix. How old is the machine you are trying to update? Do you know if the jumpers on the drive are in order? Is it a SATA or ATA drive? Did a CD or Disk come with your drive? Check jumpers on your old drive and make sure the jumpers on the new drive are similar ( master, slave, cs ). Usually leaving on Master is best. Is anything else on this line, like a CD or DVD? I think you'll get it from here.

Hi,
Try resetting the BIOS settings.

To do this restart the computer and as it starts press the Del key repeatedly, enter the BIOS and just reset it to defaults. Save the changes and exit the BIOS.
The computer will restart and hopefully pick up the new drive.

Please post back if this does not solve the problem.


Good luck.

Probably your disk is scratched or bad

your bios settings are not saved because of low voltage of CMOS cell.
Change your cmos cell from motherbord.
CMOs cell gives power to bios flash memory so settings saved.

Yes I read it and I've seen it. When you connect your hard drive back into the controller socket on the motherboard there is a pin 1, that must match up with pin 1 on the slot. The pin is normally a different color..if you don't put it back with matching pin 1's then it will not work, it'll act dead. So double check your plug in from the hard drive back to the motherboard. If you have any questions let me know..please rate this solution.

If there are no beeps at all on boot up it's a memory timing problem, Go into bios in standard bios settings menu and disable 'Halt On All Errors' if it isnt already, this may show up the problem in the initial power on self test.