| Grex > Hardware > #123: Help me find my CMOS! |
| Help me find my CMOS! | 
Feb 7 01:30 UTC 1997 |
I have an old Compaq 386 and I cant figure out how to get to the CMOS. I have tried all the key combanations that I can think of. I have also tried disconnecting the keyboard befor bootup. Its a Deskpro. If you have any suggestions that would be great.
| response 1 of 6: |
Feb 7 01:47 UTC 1997 |
The only two keys I've ever seen used to enter the BIOS are the "DEL" and "F1" key/s while booting up (of corse, there are probably others I dont know about). Usually you can do it while your computer is checking your memory.
| response 2 of 6: |
Feb 7 02:21 UTC 1997 |
I was working on a Packard Bell today that used F2. I have also seen ctrl-alt-esc ctrl-alt-s ctrl-alt-e Some systems require a program to get in. The possibilities are endless, but only in a 16 bit universe.
| response 3 of 6: |
Feb 7 10:55 UTC 1997 |
A setup program is a definite possibility, in general. I don't know with Compaq. Have you tried looking for a web site or a tech support email address?
| response 4 of 6: |
Feb 7 12:10 UTC 1997 |
Yep, older Compaqs require a disk with a setup program to edit the BIOS setup. If it is a newer machine, try F-10 when a solid little rectangle apears in the upper-right portion of the screen. I may even have a copy of a Compaq setup program I'd be happy to upload to my directory if you want. Just mail me.
| response 5 of 6: |
Feb 7 13:41 UTC 1997 |
Yup. I bet it's a setup program. Like I said, I had tried almost every key combination in the book. I never saw a solid rectangle, though I was looking for it. I did try to email Compaq but they never responded. They probably figured they had bigger fish to fry. Klaus, that would be great if you had a setup program. I'm very new to UNIX so I wouldn't know how to download it yet though. You all have helped me out. Thanks.
| response 6 of 6: |
Feb 7 20:15 UTC 1997 |
Ok, I will let you know when I've uploaded it.