I can't enter the BIOS as I'm using a USB keyboard (My PS2 ports don't work), so I cannot change the boot sequence to boot from CD-ROM as apparently the USB doesn't kick in until Windows starts up (so it's too late to enter the BIOS). I have an xp disk, but not a boot disk. I'm pretty useless when it comes to this kind of thing and all of this I have learnt today. I've backed everything up and I'm ready to go. Please help.
2007-05-28 06:09:53 · 7 answers · asked by 8uddha 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
Are you trying to reinstall Windows or just format a hard drive to make it empty? You can format hard drives in My Computer just by right clicking on them and clicking format, but that won't help you with a fresh install of Windows. Also, have you tried just booting with the disk in the drive? Many computers will boot by default to a CD if they detect that it is bootable. Sucks that your PS2 ports don't work though, that's a new conundrum I've never heard of before.
2007-05-28 06:14:47 · answer #1 · answered by SupportGuy 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Why do you want to enter the BIOS to re-format anyway?
Do you have a floppy disk drive?
If so, create a DOS boot disk & then re-boot with the floppy in it's drive.
Use the FDISK command & Format to wipe your drive. (If thats what you intend to do)
You will NOT be able to format the C:\ drive from Windows (If thats the drive it boots from), because that drive is already in use by Windows itself.
(Nice! I never even considered the USB Keyboard, enter the BIOS thing, I'll put that to the lads tomorrow!)
2007-05-28 06:22:34 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like your Bios setup is excluding PS2 keyboard support. If you use the clear password jumper on your system board and momentarily remove your memory battery from bios (Be sure to UN-PLUG POWER 1st) and let set about 1 minute then re-install battery and return the password clear jumper to normal position, everything in bios should revert to default which will give you PS2 Keyboard support. You will need to have a PS2 keyboard to enter setup mode and boot up to reset your system clock and other settings. Reset your Boot sequence to boot from CD first and use your system CD or drive utility CD to boot from and format your drive. Remember if you are trying to erase your drive to remove viruses in boot sector or remove questionable material or personal information you will need a hard drive eraser program as re-formatting will only open the hard drive to be written on again and will not erase data.
2007-05-28 06:30:22 · answer #3 · answered by john l 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Normally, F12 will get you in to change the boot order; it's no good pressing it the once, you have to repeatedly tap it during the reboot sequence.
However, your machine should boot off the xp disk anyway, as it's a bootable disk in its own right.
PS Works fine with a usb keyboard.
2007-05-28 06:27:04 · answer #4 · answered by champer 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dude, there has to be a way to get into your BIOS, but if you can't then try opening up you system and switching the IDE cable between your CD ROM drive and HD. That will trick your System. Works good with older system which I am assuming you are using since your motherboard seems to be having problems.
2007-05-28 06:23:10 · answer #5 · answered by Unblack 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You do not need to enter bios, most mfgrs have a "one time boot menu" usually f12. put the disk in, shut don, boot to one time boot, choose cd, hit enter, agree to license, choose partition, format and let 'er rip
2007-05-28 06:22:19 · answer #6 · answered by Harrison H 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
why dont you enable the ps2 ports
or have them fixed
and keep a old kboard
to one side for those BIOS emergencys
try pressing and holding delete during boot up
2007-05-28 07:32:55 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋