BIOS Entry Keys - PC Help Forum - Free Computer Help, Windows, Hardware, Software and more!

BIOS - Basic In/Out System. Many times you are given instructions that require you to change some setting in your BIOS. Many people find that they are unsure of the correct key command to enter BIOS on their computer. The following information will be helpful to you in locating your PCs specific key commands.

General BIOS key commands:
To enter the BIOS during boot up try holding down one of the following keys from the beginning of boot up:

<Del> key
<F1> key
<F10> key

If your computer continues to boot up normally, reboot, and try the next key command

To enter the BIOS from a DOS prompt...( ...NOT from inside windows)
<Alt><Cntrl><Esc>
<Alt><Cntrl><Enter>
<Cntrl> <Alt> <A>
<Cntrl> <Alt> <S>

Entering BIOS with Proprietary Key Commands.
The following is a list of proprietary key commands set up by individual manufacturers. Locate your manufacterer and hold down the appropriate key command during boot up.

Acer - Ctrl+Alt+Esc
Advent - Del (From MadGamer)
Aptiva - Press F1
Compaq - F10
Compaq Presario - Press <Alt> <Ctrl> <Esc> at boot when you see the "Compaq" logo in big letters
Dell - F1 or Del.
Fortiva 5000 - <Cntrl> <Alt> <A> or <Cntrl> <Alt> <S>
Gateway 2000 - F1, many also use F2
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.
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, on selected models you can hold the ESC key during boot which will then prompt you to press the F1 key to enter the BIOS.

Edit: Thank you MadMatt for that excellent information.
Note: Please make sure that you are completly sure which Motherboard you have before deciding to enter and change things in your BIOS. It is extremely important to the working of your computer that any changes be done correctly. If you are unsure, or require additional assistance, please post your own thread in the Motherboard Forum, and one of our Tech Staff will be happy to assist you.