Sharon F
December 11th 03, 07:34 AM
On Mon, 3 Nov 2003 17:42:51 -0500, Gail Miller wrote:
> Hello -- again...
>
> I got one response to my query -- but it wants me to boot to the Recovery
> Console -- and the computer is not set up to boot from the CD rom -- so when
> you choose "command prompt" you get the A drive.
>
> I cannot figure out how to get into the bios to change it to boot from the
> CD-ROM.
>
> This is an EMachine running Windows XP -- and upon startup, it doesn't go
> through a "post" that has a lot of text on the screen -- just goes straight
> to the EMachine background and then to a screen offering these options:
>
> command prompt
> restore windows
>
> If you select restore windows it goes on to say it must reformat the hard
> drive -- and there are things I'd really rather not lose on the hard drive.
>
> So ... the real question -- how to get into the SETUP menu .
>
> Any help is greatly appreciated!
>
> Gail Miller
You may not have access to the Recovery Console with an eMachine. I believe
that tool is not included on the media they provide to restore XP.
It is on a retail CD. If you have one handy for another computer, you
*might* be able to complete the advice about using the Recovery Console.
The POST screen is being masked by the initial eMachine screen. If they
haven't blocked access, getting into BIOS setup would be a matter of
pressing the correct key while that screen is up. Unfortunately, the "correct
key" varies from one system board to another. And once you get there, it's
possible that you may find there is no option to change the boot order.
Just a caution: experimenting with repair methods not recommended by
eMachine could give them cause not to honor any existing warranty.
--
Sharon F
MS MVP - Windows Shell/User
> Hello -- again...
>
> I got one response to my query -- but it wants me to boot to the Recovery
> Console -- and the computer is not set up to boot from the CD rom -- so when
> you choose "command prompt" you get the A drive.
>
> I cannot figure out how to get into the bios to change it to boot from the
> CD-ROM.
>
> This is an EMachine running Windows XP -- and upon startup, it doesn't go
> through a "post" that has a lot of text on the screen -- just goes straight
> to the EMachine background and then to a screen offering these options:
>
> command prompt
> restore windows
>
> If you select restore windows it goes on to say it must reformat the hard
> drive -- and there are things I'd really rather not lose on the hard drive.
>
> So ... the real question -- how to get into the SETUP menu .
>
> Any help is greatly appreciated!
>
> Gail Miller
You may not have access to the Recovery Console with an eMachine. I believe
that tool is not included on the media they provide to restore XP.
It is on a retail CD. If you have one handy for another computer, you
*might* be able to complete the advice about using the Recovery Console.
The POST screen is being masked by the initial eMachine screen. If they
haven't blocked access, getting into BIOS setup would be a matter of
pressing the correct key while that screen is up. Unfortunately, the "correct
key" varies from one system board to another. And once you get there, it's
possible that you may find there is no option to change the boot order.
Just a caution: experimenting with repair methods not recommended by
eMachine could give them cause not to honor any existing warranty.
--
Sharon F
MS MVP - Windows Shell/User