To access the bios, I have to remove the battery for a few minutes, then put it back in and when I start it up the bios are up. That's the only way. He doesn't want to (and shouldn't have to) do this every time in order to get to them though..

Hi Rory

You should be able to get into the BIOS by hitting the 'Del' key after switching on the PC. Some PC's like Dell's use the F1 or F2 keys. It should have a note, on the boot screen saying something like 'Hit Del to enter setup'. You might even try
continually hitting the (Del, F1 or F2) key 2-3 times a second immediately after switching on the PC to make sure you can get in. - Don't do it too much though, otherwise you can get a keyboard error and beeping may occur!

If none of this works then let us know what PC/Motherboard you have and we'll try to get the info for you.

Gromit

Ah, I thought he was unable to get to the BIOS, while he was pressing the keys. Well roryt, follow on Gromit's instructions, eventually, you need to use F10.
Blue

There's nothing you can hit to get into the bios. The only option you have during the boot up process is to enter safe mode.

Hi roryt!
Have you tried the options?
You don't get to the XP screen directly after you pushed the Power button, do you?
Blue

Rory

Your screen may be taking too long to warm up... If the above doesn't work then turn on the PC and hold down the escape key. This should cause a keyboard error you may be able to then see the boot screen.

Gromit