Hi, having dramas, described under 'can't boot up' & need to boot from the install CD. Can someone tell me how to set the CMOS or whatever, so I can do it?? Can't get into Safe mode or Recovery Panel.

When the POST (Power On Self Test) screen shows look quickly to see a phrase that says "Press Del to Enter Setup".

Del is only an example as it may be F2, F11 or another key.

Once you are there look for Boot, it may also come under Advanced.

At the bottom of the screen it will say what keys to use to alter the settings like say the Up/Down keys or + and -.

Once you have set the first boot option to the cdrom drive pop the disk in and then press, usually F10, to Save the settings.

In this shot it comes under Advanced BIOS Features.

http://www.tacticalpanda.co.uk/images/biosscreen.jpg

Alas, still not happening! I don't know what the POST screen looks like, but the first screen with writing on it after it switches on ends with 'Press F8 for troubleshooting'(& I've tried Del & every other F key in case).

F8 takes me to a page with options... Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking, Safe Mode with command prompt, Enable Boot Logging, Enable VGA mode, Last known Good Configuration, Directory Services Restore Mode, Debugging Mode, Disable auto restart on system failure, Start normally, Reboot & Return to OS choices.

As you can see there's no 'boot from CD' or 'boot options' in the choices & I've tried every choice on the page except the disable auto restart.

Where to next??

In some cases the Power On Self Test is hidden from view because the manufacturer doesn't want you to enter it. Since that looks like your case here, check out this site - BIOS Access Keys - BIOS Setup Utility Access Keys for Popular Computer Systems - Gateway Lenovo Toshiba Dell eMachines HP and see if you can find the mfr of your computer and it will tell you the most likely keys for entering the bios. When you have the key, start pressing it/them repeatedly as soon as you turn on the power button and it should let you in.

OK, Got it! Had to press F2 as soon as it switched on.

...Unfortunately it didn't give me the option of repair install tho(only reformatting), so looks like I need to find another way to get my data from the hard drive. Going to post to the other thread for that, save confusion, so anyone with answers...?

Ok loosie,
For those wishing to follow the progress then here's the link
http://www.pchelpforum.com/windows-x...ease-help.html

*loosie, Do you consider this question answered?

Yes, thanks, answered well. Much appreciated! Pardon me for not saying so earlier.