Dell XPS 2710 unable to get into BIOS using F2

Question

I posted this in the software section by mistake so reposting here.

Guys, kinda stuck with my new XPS 2710 and would appreciate any pointers.

I was going to change the hard drive to an SSD. No problem doing this but when I tried to reboot the screen is stuck on the round Dell logo. I checked the help forums and it seems changing to a SSD in windows 8 is problematic and it needs settings changed in the bios. Problem is I can't get into the bios. Using either the wifi keyboard or a wired keyboard I found that by pressing the ctrl key when booting it shows press F12 for boot options in the corner and a blue bar moves across the screen which is a timer but if I hit F2 or F12 the blue bar disappears and the screen just stays on the Dell logo. It's as if it's not reading the F keys or reads them as a normal key and stops the timer.

I've tried ctrl F12 or F2 or any number of combinations but everything just kills the timer and doesn't enter either the boot menu or the bios. I've put back the original drive. I've cleared the bios using the jumper. I've removed the bios battery. I've tried with and without RAM and hard drive but I just cannot get the F2 or F12 or F8 keys to work. Is there another combination key I need to use with the F2 or F12?

Just as a bit more background the sequence of event went like this. Use flash drive to load clone program, Cloned original Dell Drive. Removed 2TB drive and put in samsung EVO SSD. Booted computer to check it would run. Did but found no OS as expected. Rebooted using USB and cloned 2TB onto SSD. Went OK. Booted computer and it went through the Dell logo to a blank screen as if it was going to load Win 8.1. then a small white line appeared near center of screen and it froze. Rebooting just went to Dell Logo. No F2, F12 key would work to give me access to boot menu or BIOS. Trying different key combinations shows that I can get the blue timer and Press F12 screen every time I boot provided I press the Control Key. however no combination of keys with the F2 or on its own will access the BIOS. It just finishes the timer bar and goes to the Dell logo.

I've tried just about everything i know. With and without HD and SSD, Bios clear, CMOS battery out. Ram out. Totally stuck. I'm convinced that if I can reset the bios then I'm good to go again, but I just can't access the darn thing.

Any of you cognoscenti out there have the magic key combination?

Thanks

Mary G · Answer

Control key is not used in today's computers. Reboot and immediately keep tapping F2 until it says Entering Setup or hear an error beep--which means the computer registered your input. Do not wait for the Dell logo screen. The F12 to enter Setup line lights up when it receives the command. Start regularly tapping the F2 key as soon as the reboot starts. Then wait to see if Setup comes up after a couple of other pre boot screens. If you boot into Windows wait until it loads and shutdown and try again.

That said, your problem is the cloning of the windows drive. You cannot install a ssd that way. You need a dvd or thumb drive with windows and do a clean install. 2tb drive cannot be cloned onto a smaller ssd. It just doesn't work since the copy includes the empty space on a 2tb drive. Request an installation drive from Dell-- Here is the request form

petemillar · Answer

Mary, thanks for the reply. The software I used allows for cloning of different sized drives. I've done it before. I've even tested the SSD on a different computer. It boots into windows but wont run completely because windows is finding different computer hardware than it expects. So the SSD is actually OK but the 2710 wont play with it or the original HD for that matter.

As for the F2 key, believe me, I have done everything other than set a woodpecker attacking the key during boot. The only way i can even get the blue timer bar is by pressing esc or ctrl and then after pressing any other key it disappears and leaves the Dell Logo. I have lost count of the times I've unplugged everything, pressed the power button for 15 seconds, cleared the BIOS jumper, removed the CMOS battery, then reconnected and started it again even holding the F2 key down as I power on. Zippyidoodah that I do will bring up the BIOS.

I've also tried booting from a Recovery USB and DVD. Even tried the USB in the hidden USB2 port. Neither work and in fact i can't remove the DVD. The touchscreen button lights up but doesn't work. The sound and brightness buttons light up but the adjustments don't work.

Again thanks for taking the time to reply. Back to pounding the F2 key for me :-)

petemillar · Answer

Just as a bit of additional information. As soon as the Dell logo is displayed the keyboard freezes even CTRL ALT DELETE won't reset the computer.

petemillar · Answer

Well looks like a motherboard issue so a Dell Tech guy should be over on Monday to replace it. Seems I'm not alone with the 2710 for this.

I have to say that the support lady on chat and the guy on the phone have been superb. I know there are horror stories about Dell support but I've had nothing but exemplary service so far. Bummer that the system died after a couple of days but great that it is being taken care of efficiently.

JohnY · Answer

Mine has the same issue. F12 will freeze the computer. BISO issue?

asmith2021 · Answer

I have just experienced the same problem it does not get past post no f2 or f12 cd in slot will not eject? I think I may have changed the boot device or changed it to legacy? Any ideas?

orangebandit · Answer

Did you ever get your issue sorted out?  It just happened to my system.  Freaking awful.

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Dell XPS 2710 unable to get into BIOS using F2

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