error message on startup

Question

Dell Dimension 8300 WIN XP Home Edition   On startup, I get the following message:   'strike the F1 key to continue, F2 to run the setup utility'.   After XP loads, the computer works okay for awhile, then occasioally 'hangs' requiring a reboot using the button on the face of the computer.   - all appears normal on the setup menu (to a novice, anyway) - System restore to earlier date no help. - chkdsk.exe finds no bad files, folders, etc.   Anyone know how to get rid of the 'F1/ F2' startup message?   Thanks

osprey4 · Answer

This is a BIOS message, not XP. You are getting this because something is changed, possibly a failing or poorly connected hard drive. You should go ahead and hit F2 to enter system setup and see what's going on.

When you post back, please mention if you have recently added any new hardware.

Message Edited by osprey4 on 03-04-2006 02:44 PM

billyboy1 · Answer

thanks for responding, osprey4

No new hardware installed except for an external HD from which I updated some data files.

I tried F2. All seemed normal.

What should I look for on the setup utility?

osprey4 · Answer

Make sure your BIOS is not set to boot from a USB device.

billyboy1 · Answer

Max: Updated BIOS...no help osprey4 : Make sure your BIOS is not set to boot from a USB device.   How do I do that?   Thanks Message Edited by billyboy1 on 03-04-200603:45 PM Message Edited by billyboy1 on 03-04-2006 03:46 PM

maxindia · Answer

Hi' Update your BIOS. That fixes most of these errors. You can find the latest updates on the drivers and downloads section of support.dell.com site. Regards, ===MAX===

maxindia · Answer

now u may need to reseat the ram, cd drive and the hdd. if even that does not work, change the CMOS battery. or run the diagnostics to check system integrity.

osprey4 · Answer

Your system setup program is described here. There is one page where boot devices are configured.

billyboy1 · Answer

Thanks for the link, Osprey . All system setup items appear normal.   Boot sequence is: floppy/ HD/ CD   BIOS is not set to boot from a USB device.   Do you think a repair install would fix it?    Thanks.

Windows General

error message on startup

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