Can't modify BIOS settings

[danr]

I have an older Dell notebook that won't boot, telling me the system file is corrupt. I would like to boot from the OS disk or the Service Center disk, but I can only look at the BIOS settings - I can't change them to make the CD the first boot device. Any suggestions?

[fwilson]

Danr,

Most systems have a boot device menu option where you can choose the device to boot from.  On most systems this is F12, I'm not sure what it is on yours but that's a good place to start.

During POST, when you would press the key to go into the BIOS settings, hit F12 the boot menu should come up allowing you arrow up and down and pick a temporary startup device.

If that does not work here is a link to the Dell support website with other possibilities;
http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/document?c=us&l=en&s=gen&docid=4F6B48DB99ACDA78E040AE0AB7E15F49&journalid=5D21AFB95AFC9F00E040AE0AB7E1709A&Query=&SystemID=&ServiceTag=&contenttype=&os=&component=&lang=&doclang=&toggle=&dl=

Good Luck.

-Fred