dslreports logo
spacer Home Reviews Speed Test Tools News Forums Info About Join  

All FAQs → Hardware Forum FAQ → 2.2 BIOS

Expand Open navigator

2.2 BIOS

How do I enter my BIOS Setup?

Here are the most commonly used and even a alternative way to enter BIOS Setup in DOS mode.

To enter the BIOS during boot up hold down one of the following keys:
Hold down the Del key
Hold down the F1 key
Hold down the F10 key

To enter the BIOS from a DOS prompt...
(NOT from inside Windows)
Alt Ctrl Esc
Alt Ctrl Enter
Ctrl Alt A
Ctrl Alt S

Some manufacturers have their own way for entering BIOS. Here are some of the harder to find, Brand specific, ways of entering BIOS setup.
Find you computer Brand\Make below:

Acer - Ctrl+Alt+Esc
Compaq - F10
Compaq Presario - Press Alt Ctrl Esc at boot when you see the "Compaq" log in big letters
Dell - F1 or Del.
Gateway 2000 - F1
Hewlett Packard - F1
IBM
Older Models - In order to get into the configuration of the IBM setup screen (CMOS) screen you need to hold down both mouse buttons during boot-up.   Lenovo/IBM - try Fn + F2  Aptiva - Press F1
Leading Edge Fortiva 5000 - Ctrl Alt A or Ctrl Alt S
NEC - F2
Packard Bell - F1 or F2
Sharp Laptop 9020 - F2
Sony - F3, then F2, or F1
Tandon computers - Hold down the esc key after turning on power
Toshiba Laptops - Toshiba Utility

by DaveW$ See Profile edited by dbmaven See Profile
last modified: 2014-03-05 10:47:05


How do I update my BIOS?

In order to update BIOS you have to have a flash program.
Usually it is supplied by the motherboard manufacturer and
is available from their website. Along with the latest
version of the BIOS for the motherboard in a file, usually xxx.BIN although it may be called something else.

However in almost every case they will advise you to boot into DOS and run their loader program to flash/update the BIOS.

One way to do it:


  1. Copy their loader and BIOS update to a blank floppy.
  2. Make sure that your BIOS is set to boot from A: first.
  3. Put in a bootable DOS diskette in Drive A: and boot.
  4. Swap out the DOS diskette, put in the BIOS update disk
    and run the update program.

If you don't have a DOS disk this is how you can make one:

  • (More options are available at »www.bootdisk.com

    1. Download this compressed (zipped) file: MS-DOS 6.22 in executable zipped format
    2. Put a formatted floppy in the A: drive.
    3. Decompress/Unzip the contents of the file above file to your floppy
    4. You now have a bootable DOS diskette.

    It's also a good idea to read any instructions on the manufacturers website.

  • the days of the Floppy Drive have largely gone by the wayside. Refer to the manufacturers instructions for how to update your BIOS. Many companies provide a program that will do this 'somewhat automatically' - but be sure to have a full backup if the worst case situation occurs - so you can recover.

    • by Awgeewhiz See Profile edited by dbmaven See Profile
    last modified: 2015-08-24 09:51:26

    How do I update my BIOS using a CD-Rom?

    If your computer does not have a floppy 'A' disk drive and you want to update your BIOS, this site explains step-by-step how it can be done.

    Bart's way to create bootable CD-Roms (for Windows-Dos)

    This site also contains information about how to create several other types of bootable CD's, making it a great 'bookmark' addition for any serious 'hands on' computer user.

    by DSmithLady See Profile edited by dbmaven See Profile
    last modified: 2003-09-05 10:47:00

    How do I clear CMOS (or RTC)

    Shut down your computer. Unplug the power cord from the power supply.
    Press the power button on the front of the case to discharge any remaining charge in the Power Supply.
    The green led should be off, if your motherboard has one.

    Make sure you ground yourself to the case, or use an anti-static wrist strap, to reduce the static potential.

    Look for a jumper near the battery, it will be labelled clrrtc, CMOS, or something similar. Consult your motherboard manual for the specifics on your board.
    Some boards do not have a jumper, just two solder points that need to be bridged/shorted.
    Most jumpers have three pins, with 2 of them covered. Switch the 'cover' to short the other two pins. (In other words, if Pins 2 and 3 are covered, remove the jumper and cover Pins 1 and 2). Leave the jumper in the 'clear' position for a few seconds.
    Put the jumper back to its original position.
    Replace power cord and try booting now.
    You should (hopefully) see the bios screen, where you can choose the cpu speeds etc. f-10 to save. All BIOS settings have been reset to factory DEFAULTS by using this process!

    by Cho Baka See Profile edited by dbmaven See Profile
    last modified: 2003-09-05 10:46:31

    Removing Bios password.

    An alternate to leaving the battery out overnight.

    Providing you can get to a DOS prompt....try holding down the shift key + F5,different combinations for different computers.
    Then type the following.

    at the command prompt type DEBUG then hit enter
    You'll see a dash(-) at the debug prompt.
    Now type o 70 2e then hit enter
    Then type o 71 ff and hit enter
    Then type Q and hit enter.

    Reboot..... the bios password should now be gone.

    NOTE: This works only with MS-DOS 6.00, ^.22 and MS-DOS 7.xx (aka Windows 9x)

    by Cariad See Profile edited by dbmaven See Profile
    last modified: 2003-09-05 11:30:33