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General discussion

how do i access bios with no OS

Dec 7, 2003 1:21AM PST

i'm trying to load a OS onto a gateway pc.

i have been unable to access bios or use safe mode. there is currently no OS on the pc and its been formatted using fdisk.

can i get to bios?

Discussion is locked

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Re:how do i access bios with no OS. BIOS needs no disk or "OS."
Dec 7, 2003 1:42AM PST

The key to get to the BIOS for the Gateway may be dependent to the make/model. I leave you to find this key at www.gateway.com since the model is unknown.

I see a TACTICAL BLUNDER in using FDISK since the OS in not revealed. Windows NT, 2000, XP and 2003 don't use FDISK. You boot the CD and use the native tools.

Bob

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Re:Re:how do i access bios with no OS. BIOS needs no disk or
Dec 7, 2003 2:26AM PST

i don't believe tactical blunder in using fdisk. the virus had completly corrupted all system files and a full format was needed.

also before i used fdisk the recovery disks and OS programs that came on gateway disks were originally used first but the pc refused to recognise them and would not load them

thanx for the tip to get key at gateway Happy

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Six58, Have You Tried ???
Dec 7, 2003 3:28AM PST

...Restarting the computer and immediately start pressing the F2 key once per second???. The BIOS "setup" screen should load.(Our Gateways at the office use the F1, or F2, key to access the BIOS. Try them both if necessary.)

Hope this helps.

Grif

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Call it a gaffe then.
Dec 7, 2003 6:49AM PST

By not using the tools that come with the OS, you lead off with the wrong foot and may stumble. I offer this wisdom so others don't have to learn this firsthand. Some may find it better to learn firsthand, some will have no issue with your method.

I've been down this road many times and am trying to save you some headaches.

Your choice and best of luck,

Bob

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Re:Call it a gaffe then.
Dec 7, 2003 8:25PM PST

lol no i know you mean well, and i had run the pc through with the original disks from gateway but they just would not restore at all.....you'd click on a button and it would all crash and then you'd have to cold reboot over and over and get nowhere (refused to soft reboot)

i did manage today to successfully load windows2000pro manually after fdisk and then used the gateway disks to follow up for drivers etc

all went well the pc is actually usable now but i managed to find out the windows installer file is corrupted.....now i need to know how to resolve that issue!!!!!

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"the windows installer file is corrupted"
Dec 7, 2003 8:34PM PST

Causes include:

1. Heat. Pull case cover and try again.
2. Bad memory. Remove recently added memory, run the memory test from http://www.memtest86.com overnight. Only zero errors is a pass.
3. A hard disk with an error. See if the drive maker has a drive fitness test. Does it pass?

Bob

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Re: that was quick :)
Dec 7, 2003 8:43PM PST

what i know of their system, there has been no additions to memory, though they did have a new hdrive put in after first one fried....so heat could well be a factor!

after scandisk last night there were several bad sectors.

i'll have to try the memory test next time i get over there, thank you