Can't access BIOS

[BMsij]

So I have recently purchased a refurbished computer with an Intel Corporation DQ35MP motherboard. I don't have any PS/2 slots nor does my USB keyboard work during the booting process. Is it possible to still access the BIOS and turn on the legacy support? And if I try resetting the BIOS, I doubt I would be able to navigate without a functioning keyboard.. I am trying to disable on-graphics so that my computer can install the new graphic card driver. Any solutions?

Thank You

 

[mcnumpty23]

if your keyboard is in a usb 3.0 port move it to a usb 2.0 port and use one from the motherboard not a front of the case one

most--though not all usb keyboards work to access the bios

 

[BMsij]

if your keyboard is in a usb 3.0 port move it to a usb 2.0 port and use one from the motherboard not a front of the case one

most--though not all usb keyboards work to access the bios

I think I have tried all 6 USB ports including the two on the front.

 

[RaDiKaL_]

You'll have to get yourself either a PS/2 mouse/kb or a USB to PS/2 adapter.

 

[BMsij]

You'll have to get yourself either a PS/2 mouse/kb or a USB to PS/2 adapter.

I have no PS/2 keyboard port.

 

[Stingerxxx]

The first thing I would try is simply updating the bios. When this board launched, USB keyboards were for gamers and professionals. They were not something that was commonplace. It may be that Intel updated the bios along the way to load USB keyboard drivers by default. The download link for all bios updates for your board can be located at https://downloadcenter.intel.com/SearchResult.aspx?lang=&ProductID=2784&ProdId=2784

If this does not work, resetting bios just may very well work. It could be some uninformed individual got into bios and behaved like a kid in a candy store after his dad gave him $20 and gave him free reign. On desktops it's a simple matter to use the CMOS jumper to restore BIOS to default values.

You might also consider downloading and burning a copy of Hirens Boot CD. Among hundreds of other tools, some of which can do some pretty amazing things that are superbly useful, is the ability to tell BIOS to let you access, well.. BIOS. It should let you boot from the CD then straight into bios. Not able to set the boot order so that it boots from CD first? No problem. Unplug the hard drives.

If THIS does not work, well... There are still alternatives, although not as easy. You could attempt to obtain an edited bios with onboard graphics disabled by default. Or attempt to do the editing yourself. I don't recommend either of these paths, merely stating that they stand as options. Google could tell you more if you're interested.

Honestly, however, I don't believe bios access is necessary to begin with. If you have a dedicated graphics card installed, BIOS and Windows both will default to whichever device has the monitor plugged into it as the primary graphics adapter. Windows will load a basic VGA driver for you which will probably set you @ 640x480 and give you little functionality, but it should be enough to enter windows and install the correct driver for that card.

Hope this helps

 

[BMsij]

The first thing I would try is simply updating the bios. When this board launched, USB keyboards were for gamers and professionals. They were not something that was commonplace. It may be that Intel updated the bios along the way to load USB keyboard drivers by default. The download link for all bios updates for your board can be located at https://downloadcenter.intel.com/SearchResult.aspx?lang=&ProductID=2784&ProdId=2784

If this does not work, resetting bios just may very well work. It could be some uninformed individual got into bios and behaved like a kid in a candy store after his dad gave him $20 and gave him free reign. On desktops it's a simple matter to use the CMOS jumper to restore BIOS to default values.

You might also consider downloading and burning a copy of Hirens Boot CD. Among hundreds of other tools, some of which can do some pretty amazing things that are superbly useful, is the ability to tell BIOS to let you access, well.. BIOS. It should let you boot from the CD then straight into bios. Not able to set the boot order so that it boots from CD first? No problem. Unplug the hard drives.

If THIS does not work, well... There are still alternatives, although not as easy. You could attempt to obtain an edited bios with onboard graphics disabled by default. Or attempt to do the editing yourself. I don't recommend either of these paths, merely stating that they stand as options. Google could tell you more if you're interested.

Honestly, however, I don't believe bios access is necessary to begin with. If you have a dedicated graphics card installed, BIOS and Windows both will default to whichever device has the monitor plugged into it as the primary graphics adapter. Windows will load a basic VGA driver for you which will probably set you @ 640x480 and give you little functionality, but it should be enough to enter windows and install the correct driver for that card.

Hope this helps

Regarding the BIOS update, I have already tried that and it doesn't seem to fix the problem. I am reluctant to reset my BIOS because I'm not sure whether the legacy support is disabled as default. Then I wouldn't even be able to access the computer.. And about the monitor being plugged into the the graphic cards VGA - nothing comes on screen when I do this. I think its because the system has set the on-board graphics to be its primary graphics driver (rejecting any other graphic output) thus whenever I disable or uninstall it, it automatically re-installs its drivers back. And for the graphics driver even to recognize the connection to the graphics card, I need to access the BIOS to set it to use the PCI slot otherwise the graphic drivers for the new card won't even detect the GPU inside.

Then again I might be incorrect, because I'm not really that much experienced with computers. So please correct me if I'm wrong.

I'll consider the other options though.

Thank you and everyone else providing me with solutions

 

[Stingerxxx]

It is indeed possible that it is set to onboard graphics only. I've only ever seen this as a default on old computers, as in 2003 or older, but it still definitely remains a plausible reason as to the card not being recognized. It might also be wise to attempt to verify that the PCI slot works by plugging in a sound card or a modem, if you happen to have one on hand. Unlike a GPU these would be recognized as PNP devices, and the "Install new hardware wizard" might initiate, informing you that the slot does indeed work, ruling that one out. Still doesn't solve the original issue of lack of BIOS access, but it may take a step forward in ruling out alternative variables that are stopping you from using the graphics card.

I'm hoping my memory serves correct about Hiren's Boot CD - as in the main menu gives you an option to enter BIOS.

Something else just popped in my mind as well. Not positive if this will work, but it is worth a try....

In some computers, the BIOS is set to turn certain SATA/IDE ports on or off. If you turn on, say, port 4 and there is no cable in port 4, you will get a post error when booting. This error will say Press F1 to continue or Press F2 to enter Setup... Or something along those lines. This might be worth pursuing. Either change the port your HDD is connected to on the motherboard, or disconnect it entirely. Heck, you could even disconnect EVERY device cable (as in CD and HDD, not as in the power cable xD) This may FORCE a post error, giving you an option to enter BIOS. Also, very simple question that I cannot believe I haven't asked yet - Do the Num Lock/Caps Lock/Scroll Lock lights blink when the computer first turns on? Or have you tried pressing them during/after the initial power on sequence?

 

[BMsij]

It is indeed possible that it is set to onboard graphics only. I've only ever seen this as a default on old computers, as in 2003 or older, but it still definitely remains a plausible reason as to the card not being recognized. It might also be wise to attempt to verify that the PCI slot works by plugging in a sound card or a modem, if you happen to have one on hand. Unlike a GPU these would be recognized as PNP devices, and the "Install new hardware wizard" might initiate, informing you that the slot does indeed work, ruling that one out. Still doesn't solve the original issue of lack of BIOS access, but it may take a step forward in ruling out alternative variables that are stopping you from using the graphics card.

I'm hoping my memory serves correct about Hiren's Boot CD - as in the main menu gives you an option to enter BIOS.

Something else just popped in my mind as well. Not positive if this will work, but it is worth a try....

In some computers, the BIOS is set to turn certain SATA/IDE ports on or off. If you turn on, say, port 4 and there is no cable in port 4, you will get a post error when booting. This error will say Press F1 to continue or Press F2 to enter Setup... Or something along those lines. This might be worth pursuing. Either change the port your HDD is connected to on the motherboard, or disconnect it entirely. Heck, you could even disconnect EVERY device cable (as in CD and HDD, not as in the power cable xD) This may FORCE a post error, giving you an option to enter BIOS. Also, very simple question that I cannot believe I haven't asked yet - Do the Num Lock/Caps Lock/Scroll Lock lights blink when the computer first turns on? Or have you tried pressing them during/after the initial power on sequence?

No, neither the Num Lock, Caps or Scroll Lock lights work during the booting phase. Its only after the OS has been loaded that the lights come on

 

[Stingerxxx]

Hm. So no way to enter BIOS without first loading the drivers, which are loaded only by booting a full fledged OS. This implies that even if you were to access BIOS in its' native environment you would not be able to do... anything. That rules out forcing POST, as well as any method that would give you access to the native BIOS screen. Which is about 95% of solutions. Hm. You are in quite a pickle here, I must say. This leads to only a few solutions, most of them pretty far fetched and neigh impossible.

1) As previously mentioned, edit BIOS and flash said BIOS to the motherboard. Risk corrupting BIOS and locking yourself completely out of.. everything in the process.

2) Edit BIOS AFTER loading a GUI based OS that enables the USB drivers - IE the keyboard. Only in certain circumstances is this even possible, and generally it is tied to specific parts of the BIOS, such as AMD Overdrive or RivaTuner. (Does RivaTuner even still exist? I haven't used that since the Radeon 8500 and the Ti4200 were the GPU Giants....) Only in one or two cases have I ever heard of the possibility of having near-full access to BIOS's settings from INSIDE the OS, and if memory serves they were either custom built motherboards specifically for the "master nerds" and top notch gamers, or a rare consumer motherboard. Even then I couldn't verify that it actually did exist, I don't remember if this was a story I heard from an unreliable source or an actual posting on a site such as this. It was some time ago.

3) Probably not going to work. Highly doubt that you could flash a UEFI bios onto that board, or that the board supports UEFI to begin with... But if it did you could install Windows 8. Inside Windows 8 is the option to boot FROM Windows INTO the BIOS. I don't know if the drivers activated carry over through the reboot, but worth a thought. I'm basically spitballing any hairbrained theory that creeps into my head in a hope that one of them work. That's generally how I solve my own problems, trying the most random, far-fetched things you can think of that still retain some logic until one works. Then I remember it 😀

4) Running out of steam here... Lemme think.... Well, there's the obvious. I'll go ahead and say it. Get another mobo xD.

I don't know if any of the above would be possible to pursue for you. Without access to the native GUI for the BIOS, editing any values in BIOS is basically impossible, unless the BIOS itself is designed otherwise. Hmm.... Final thought...

I don't know much about virtual machines, never set one up myself. But my understanding is that you can boot from the beginning inside a virtual machine, while retaining full function of the initial OS, IE all the drivers and such. Might be worth researching.

That's all I got.

 

[mcnumpty23]

never thought to ask the most obvious question

you are pressing the right key to enter the bios?

 

[BMsij]

never thought to ask the most obvious question

you are pressing the right key to enter the bios?

Haha, I was continuously slamming all F keys as well as the deletes keys at one point. Then I tried to confirm that the keyboard doesn't work by inserting a boot CD for Windows 7 and when it said to "press any key to boot from CD", I thought I would try pressing as many as I can with whole hands - still didn't initiate the boot though :/

 

[mcnumpty23]

never thought to ask the most obvious question

you are pressing the right key to enter the bios?

Haha, I was continuously slamming all F keys as well as the deletes keys at one point. Then I tried to confirm that the keyboard doesn't work by inserting a boot CD for Windows 7 and when it said to "press any key to boot from CD", I thought I would try pressing as many as I can with whole hands - still didn't initiate the boot though :/

lol,,,should be f2 key i think

not using a gaming keyboard or anything?

i had this issue with my corsair k90 till i updated its firmware

 

[BMsij]

Hm. So no way to enter BIOS without first loading the drivers, which are loaded only by booting a full fledged OS. This implies that even if you were to access BIOS in its' native environment you would not be able to do... anything. That rules out forcing POST, as well as any method that would give you access to the native BIOS screen. Which is about 95% of solutions. Hm. You are in quite a pickle here, I must say. This leads to only a few solutions, most of them pretty far fetched and neigh impossible.

1) As previously mentioned, edit BIOS and flash said BIOS to the motherboard. Risk corrupting BIOS and locking yourself completely out of.. everything in the process.

2) Edit BIOS AFTER loading a GUI based OS that enables the USB drivers - IE the keyboard. Only in certain circumstances is this even possible, and generally it is tied to specific parts of the BIOS, such as AMD Overdrive or RivaTuner. (Does RivaTuner even still exist? I haven't used that since the Radeon 8500 and the Ti4200 were the GPU Giants....) Only in one or two cases have I ever heard of the possibility of having near-full access to BIOS's settings from INSIDE the OS, and if memory serves they were either custom built motherboards specifically for the "master nerds" and top notch gamers, or a rare consumer motherboard. Even then I couldn't verify that it actually did exist, I don't remember if this was a story I heard from an unreliable source or an actual posting on a site such as this. It was some time ago.

3) Probably not going to work. Highly doubt that you could flash a UEFI bios onto that board, or that the board supports UEFI to begin with... But if it did you could install Windows 8. Inside Windows 8 is the option to boot FROM Windows INTO the BIOS. I don't know if the drivers activated carry over through the reboot, but worth a thought. I'm basically spitballing any hairbrained theory that creeps into my head in a hope that one of them work. That's generally how I solve my own problems, trying the most random, far-fetched things you can think of that still retain some logic until one works. Then I remember it 😀

4) Running out of steam here... Lemme think.... Well, there's the obvious. I'll go ahead and say it. Get another mobo xD.

I don't know if any of the above would be possible to pursue for you. Without access to the native GUI for the BIOS, editing any values in BIOS is basically impossible, unless the BIOS itself is designed otherwise. Hmm.... Final thought...

I don't know much about virtual machines, never set one up myself. But my understanding is that you can boot from the beginning inside a virtual machine, while retaining full function of the initial OS, IE all the drivers and such. Might be worth researching.

That's all I got.

I really appreciate your help and thank you but I think its best that I stay away from doing anything drastic or otherwise an unprofessional such as myself will truly leave the computer completely inaccessible. I might have to leave it at the nearest computer shop..

 

[BMsij]

never thought to ask the most obvious question

you are pressing the right key to enter the bios?

Haha, I was continuously slamming all F keys as well as the deletes keys at one point. Then I tried to confirm that the keyboard doesn't work by inserting a boot CD for Windows 7 and when it said to "press any key to boot from CD", I thought I would try pressing as many as I can with whole hands - still didn't initiate the boot though :/

lol,,,should be f2 key i think

not using a gaming keyboard or anything?

i had this issue with my corsair k90 till i updated its firmware

Nope, just your regular (microsoft?) USB keyboard. Its labelled "HID Keyboard Device" in the Device Manager.

 

[mcnumpty23]

slightly different approach--does the graphics card you want to install need power connectors?

ie 6 pin or 8 pin

if so you need to connect those

 

[BMsij]

slightly different approach--does the graphics card you want to install need power connectors?

ie 6 pin or 8 pin

if so you need to connect those

I'm not sure if I need any power connectors since its an old low profile GeForce 210 graphics card which I moved from my previous computer computer to the current one.

 

[mcnumpty23]

if its a geforce 210 then no it wont

other than trying a different keyboard if you can borrow one not much else to suggest

as assume the geforce 210 works

 

[Stingerxxx]

Don't blame you in the slightest for that. Most of what I theorized there in my last post was something that even myself would hesitate before doing, simply because none of it would be easy to do and would require either a lot of knowledge going into, or google handy 😛 I think the best bet may simply be to take it to a nearby computer shop. They might have a simple fix ready to go, or it could take some time. Either way, they'd probably be able to get it working. They'd definitely have the tools to do more then you can at home.