Can't enter Setup

I've searched for the answer to this one but can't find it.

When starting up, I hit f2 to enter setup, but xp continues to startup normally. I saw a thread about checking to see if I had my f-lock key on, but this is not the problem, (f8 puts the computer in safe mode). I've tried f12 to spcify the boot order, but f12 doesn't work either.

Any suggestions?

Thank you,

Dave

 

Different boards havbe different assignment for entering setup, try tapping the DELETE key instead, and also WHAT kind of PC /motherboard is it, that will help to get to the bottom of what needs to be done to enter CMOS.

Also, if its XP's setup you are trying to get to, you will need to do that in the control panel, or by using a bootable CD.
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The DELETE key didn't work either.

My laptop is a Toshiba Satallite 1955-S803.

How do I get to XP's setup through the control panel - I've looked and can't find it.

What I'm trying to do is change the boot order so I can boot from a CD. So I can't use a bootable CD until I fix this problem (then I won't need the bootable CD )

Thanks,

Dave

 

For a Toshiba laptop the correct keys are either the ESC key or the F1 key.
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Thanks phreakwars!

The ESC key gives me the following screen for about 3 seconds:
-------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright 1995, 2001 Phoenix Technologies Ltd.
All Rights Reserved

ATR60 BIOS Version v1.40

CPU - Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.50GHz
511M System RAM Passed
512K Cache SRAM Passed
System BIOS shadowed
Video BIOS shadowed
Fixed Disk 0: Samsung MP0603H
ATAPI CD-ROM: Toshiba DVD-ROM SD-R2212
Mouse initialized

---------------------------------------------------------

The F1 key does nothing

Can you tell me how to get into XP setup, as you mentioned above.

Thank you,

Dave

 

To get into the XP setup, go into the control panel under add/remove programs. If your trying to get to the MAIN setup to reinstall the OS say, then just put your XP CD into the CD-Rom drive and boot from the CD-Rom, you may need to change your BIOS settings to boot from the CD-Rom drive first.
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I was able to get into XP setup, but I was only given the option to add or remove windows components. I did not see any way to change the boot order.

When I bought my laptop, it came with XP pre-installed. I have a couple of system restore CDs that allow me to restore my computer to the way it was when I bought it, but I don't have any CDs that are specifically for XP.

The specific problem that I am trying to fix is the boot order. I can't get to my BIOS or SETUP to do this, so I can't perform the last step of your suggestion.

Any other suggestions? Do you think I need to get my computer serviced

Thanks,

Dave

 

Honestly, with the new information you provided, I think you need to stop, and back up for a second and explain to us WHY you want to do this. Changing your boot order in XP is not a simple process, unless the boot order you are trying to change is to make the machine boot from a CD rom and not another operating system, please explain a little more what you are trying to do, and I think you will get a better answer then what I have provided so far.
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I installed Norton Ghost. I have to be able to boot from a CD in order to restore my system to a disk image. Right now my machine won't boot from a CD, so I need to change to boot order so it does.

Thanks again,

Dave

 

OK, thats much more specific. You don't need the WINDOWS SETUP, you need the CMOS/BIOS setup. According to Toshiba's website Holding down the f1 key SHOULD take you into this setup environment. maybe you didn't hold it down long enough... I've had a couple of Toshiba laptops myself, sometimes getting it to go into the BIOS is a bit tricky, best advice is do it from a COLD BOOT and not a reeboot.

Also, reference THIS page for Toshiba models and there BIOS setups: http://www.quepublishing.com/articles/article.asp?p=102215&seqNum=4&rl=1
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Halaluyah! That did it! Thank you very much for your help phreakwarz!

-Dave