Can not enter BIOS in HP Compaq dc5000 mt

[ft420]

Using WINXP SP3. I have tried every combo of F10, F2, DEL, ESC+F10, ESC+DEL, etc, etc, etc. Default is F10 to enter bios. I have removed the battery and reset bios. I have changed the amount of RAM. I have removed the drive cable. I have forced keyboard error with both ps2 and usb keyboards. I have flash upgrade Bios. Still can not enter bios. The F10 option is always there but when I hit it, it just takes me to the Windows screen. Please help and thanks in advance.

 

[Akashdeep]

You have to press repeatedly either the F1 or the F10 key at the first screen to enter the bios.

 

[ft420]

Thanks for your reply. I have done that many times. Doesn't work. I have held down the keys, hit them in every combination. I'm fairly good with PC's and I've never been unable to get into BIOS. Honestly, I'm stumped. Hoping for some wisdom from the experts.
Thanks again.

 

[Akashdeep]

If none of the F keys let you to enter the bios, then you should check it with your vendor for physical issues.

 

[ft420]

Thanks for your reply.
If you mean HP, they are no help. The dc5000 is 9 years old and no longer has any support. The thing is... when I first got the PC a couple of days ago, I could get into BIOS. I went in and changed the boot sequence by eliminating the USB option only. Saved and exited no problem. Then after I reformatted the HD and installed XP SP3 I noticed an issue with the ethernet controller (there were sixty (60)) and I soon realized that the on board ethernet must be bad, and I needed to disable it in BIOS in order to install a network card. That's when I discovered I could no longer get into BIOS.

 

[Akashdeep]

Have you cleared CMOS?

 

[ft420]

Thanks for your reply.
I cleared it by taking out the battery, and by pressing the reset button marked CMOS on the MB. I don't see jumpers marked CMOS although there is one near the battery, covered. and one a little further away that is uncovered. Still the same thing. Asks me to press F1 to save settings, but will not go into BIOS. every time I hit F10, "SET UP" appears in the lower right hand part of the monitor, but it doesn't enter BIOS.

 

[Akashdeep]

Aaahhh... I need to have to see a pic of your bios. Take snape and paste the pic.

Seems an interesting bug. Would be happy to fix it.

 

[ft420]

Thanks for your reply.
Good idea. I will do it soon. I do not have a camera phone, etc. But I will borrow one asap. I really appreciate the help. It's a head scratcher for sure.

 

[Akashdeep]

Take the snap and buzz me here.

 

[ft420]

Akashdeep,
Here's the pic of my MOBO. It's the best I could do. I have posted just the link b/c I'm not sure it would fit in the post. Thanks in advance!

http://auf.me/images/36958876765196364278.jpg

~ft

 

[Akashdeep]

Try with the yellow button near the board battery. You the yellow button to clear CMOS. Use it and let me know.

 

[ft420]

Yep, Thanks for the reply and I have already tried that. No go, unfortunately.

Thanks for your reply.
I cleared it by taking out the battery, and by pressing the reset button marked CMOS on the MB. I don't see jumpers marked CMOS although there is one near the battery, covered. and one a little further away that is uncovered. Still the same thing. Asks me to press F1 to save settings, but will not go into BIOS. every time I hit F10, "SET UP" appears in the lower right hand part of the monitor, but it doesn't enter BIOS.

 

[Akashdeep]

Please provide what additional cards you are having. i.e. PCI and PCIe etc.