Dell Dimension E310 with USB keyboard - Cannot Access BIOS

Question

Having a problem accessing the BIOS. Another Dell techie suggested I clear the CMOS to reset the BIOS to default. I did so, but unfortunately this E310 has no PS2 port for the keyboard, and the USB keyboard fails to allow me to hit F2 to access the Setup to fix the time-of-day. Apparently the only thing the keyboard can do is ctl/alt/del which just brings me to the same problem - Strike the F1 key to continue, F2 to run the setup utility. Those keys do nothing at all.

Also unfortunately, I'd accidentally disabled the CD/DVD driver, so I can't boot from a CD. Actually enabling the driver was what the Dell guy was trying to accomplish when he had me clear the CMOS. It might've worked, but I'll never know unless I can get past this F1, F2 screen.

DELL-Madhur B · Answer

Hi,

We would need to reset the jumper for CMOS.

Before we reset the jumpers we need to remove the static power(if any), disconnect the power cable from the back of the computer, then press the power button for 10-15 seconds

To reset the jumper, we need to open the computer tower and then locate the jumper. Added the image of the motherboard to locate the jumper:

Here is the closer view:

Remove the CMOS jumper which is mentioned as RTCRST in the image .Above pin from 2 and 3.

Place the jumper pins on 1 and 2 and wait approximately for 10 seconds,

Replace the jumper pin on 2 and 3.

Close the system tower and restart the computer. Check if the keyboard is working.

As an alternative you can try to use a different USB keyboard or use USB to PS/2 adapter also use PS/2 keyboard.

Please do write back to us.

boweasel · Answer

The CMOS has been reset as per your instructions. When I reboot I get a screen headed by Phoenix ROM BIOS PLUS Version 1.10 A03, followed by Dell DV051 Series, BIOS version A03, followed by:

Invalid configuration information - please run SETUP program

Floppy diskette seek failure

Performing automatic IDE configuration...

Drive 0: Disk Drive

Drive 2: CD-ROM Device

Time-of-day not set - please run SETUP program

Strike the F1 key to continue, F2 to run the setup utility

This Dell Dimension HAS NO PS2 PORTS. So I'm pretty much stuck with a USB keyboard. And although I do have a PS2 keyboard, if I were to buy a PS2 to USB adapter and plug it into a USB port, won't that keyboard then be functioning as a USB device? And still not work?

This is a Logitech USB keyboard that does work perfectly from within Windows. But on this opening screen with the F1 & F2, those function keys seem not to be enabled yet, although the keyboard itself does register activity - if I press caps lock or scroll lock, those keyboard lights do turn on

Oh wait..... this Logitech keyboard has some useless (or so I thought) keys at the upper perimeter, Webcam, Email, Messenger SMS, and one called F-Lock. Pressing THAT key enabled me to hit F2 to get into the BIOS.

DELL-Madhur B · Answer

Hi,

I see that you were able to go into BIOS and I hope you were able to change the settings in system set-up for Floppy diskette seek failure and Time-of-day not set

If not then Please go to system set-up and change the settings for Floppy diskette in Drives to off, for changing the setting use the arrow keys to highlight the Drives-> Diskette, adding the image for reference:

Kindly get back if there are any further queries.

DELL-Roshan L · Answer

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Dell Dimension E310 with USB keyboard - Cannot Access BIOS

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