When I fire up my T3400 Precision the screen shows:

"Choose an operating system to start or press TAB to select a tool.

- Earlier version of Windows

- Windows Setup

- Microsoft Windows XP Professional Setup

Tool: Windows Memory Diagnostic."

What I need is option 1 "Earlier version of Windows" which takes me to "Microsoft Windows XP Professional".  In practice however the system defaults to option 3 [which goes into an endless loop] - unless within 3 nanoseconds of startup I arrow up to option 1.  Frequently I miss this mini-window and have to repeat the process which is frustrating.

I can't figure out how to get it to default to "Earlier version of Windows" or, if that is asking too much, how to get me a bit longer to react.  I tried via the Windows answers forum but I think this is a Dell BIOS not a Windows problem.

I am not a guru and playing around with BIOS settings unless idiot-proof gives me the wobbles.