Can't access BIOS, system boots directly to OS

Question

Hi,

I recently updated my BIOS and now the system boots directly to the OS. The Dell Logo does not appear and pressing any of the standard BIOS access keys does not work. If I press one too many times, the system hangs with an all black screen and I have to press the startup button for the system to reboot. The OS system loads correctly, and there are no problems using it normally, but I wanted to change the startup sequence in order to install Windows 7 64 bits (from Windows XP Professional). I was able to ugrade to Windows 32 bits, but I would like to be able to access the BIOS.
FYI: I did not have any problems accessing the BIOS before this with my current USB wireless keyboard. I think the updated BIOS version is 1.0.18, but I can't confirm (since I can't access it). The update appeared to perform correctly, it completed correctly and restarted correctly. I do not have a password configured for the BIOS.
Though I'm not sure at which point it stopped allowing access to the BIOS, I only noticed when I wanted to go in to change the boot sequence...

Below is the system information:
Dell Inspiron 530S
Intel(R) Core 2 Duo E6750 @ 2.66 GHz
4.00 GB RAM
OS: Windows 7 Home Premium 32bits

I was wondering whether resetting the CMOS might help. This wouldn't affect the OS and installed programs would it?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Cecilia

Thereal-dbk4297 · Answer

Hello,

For now I can only suggest that you use a regular plug in keyboard so that you can access the BIOS setup.

Once you get in, you may find the setting to change to allow your wireless keyboard to work.

Mary G · Answer

You can check your bios version from within windows. Look up Bios in Help for directions.

You can view general information about your computer's BIOS in System Information.

From Help-- Open System Information. (Just type it in the start box)

Click System Summary in the left pane, and then look under BIOS Version/Date in the right pane to view the BIOS manufacturer, version number, and the date the BIOS was released. For specific information about the BIOS used by your computer, check the information that came with your computer or go to the computer manufacturer's website.

Your problem sounds like your wireless keyboard is not available during boot. Substitute a usb wired KB.

cetcheg · Answer

Thanks for your suggestion, but I connected a wired keyboard, and nothing, the system still goes directly into the OS. As I mentiones, the Dell Logo splashscreen does not appear, so I don't think it's even giving be a chance to hit a key. The screen is completely black, no flashing cursor for a split second, no beep, no Dell logo with F2 and F12 on the top right-hand corner.

Below is the information for my system (sorry it's in Spanish, but I've changed to English the most important or less obvious items):

OS Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium
Versión 6.1.7600 compilación 7600
System Name INSPIRON
System Manufacturer Dell Inc.
System model Inspiron 530s
System Type: System based on X86
Processor Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU E6750 @ 2.66GHz, 2664 Mhz, 2 main processors , 2 logical processors
BIOS version and date: Dell Inc. 1.0.18, 02/24/2009 (Feb 24 2009)
SMBIOS Version 2.5
Directorio de Windows C:\Windows
Directorio del sistema C:\Windows\system32
Dispositivo de arranque \Device\HarddiskVolume2
Configuración regional España
Hardware abstraction layer Version = "6.1.7600.16385"
Zona horaria Hora estándar romance
Physical Memory installed RAM) 4.00 GB
Total physical memory 3.25 GB
Available physical memory 2.28 GB
Total virtual memory 6.49 GB
Memoria virtual disponible 5,43 GB
Pagination file space 3,25 GB

Thanks again!

shesagordie · Answer

cetcheg

Yep, try resetting the CMOS, first remove the power cord, hold the power button in for about 10 seconds to discharge the residue power and remove the CR2032 battery, wait 10 minutes and reinstall the battery, reconnect the power cord and see if this makes a difference.

Bev.

cetcheg · Answer

Hi again.

Sorry it took so long to respond. I didn't want to try this until I was able to finish my work and back everything up. I opened up the computer, but was not able to remove the battery. I tried lowering the very tiny lever to pop it up, but I wasn't able to do it. The plastic casing has four small tabs that makes it impossible to take the battery out. I was able to reset the BIOS as per the User Manual (the jumper to slots 1 and 2, and putting them back to slots 2 and 3. But I still have the same problem.

Any more ideas?

Thanks so much!
Cecilia

cetcheg · Answer

Hi again...

No it seems to be an emergency. The computer won't boot. When I start it, it beeps once, and then nothing... The keyboard appears to work, because if I press ctrl alt del, it reboots, but to nothing. The power button is blue. Please help....

I have tried booting with a Windows CD, with no CD... Now after resetting the CMOS nothing happens...

cetcheg · Answer

Hi everyone

It seems that resetting the CMOS worked. I finally decided to give it another try, but left the jumpers in the 1 and 2 positions quite a bit longer than the suggested 5 seconds. That seemed to do the trick. I still can't get the battery out, but hopefuly I won't ever need to replace it.

Thanks again for your help.

Cecilia

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Can't access BIOS, system boots directly to OS

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