bios

All PCs are slightly different, because each BIOS writter is slightly different.

I would try pressing F1 as you power on.
If that doesn't work, try F2.

Have you tried the web site of the PC maker?

Some PC's use the DEL key too, others use the answers above F2 or F1. Just try those keys.

ah, you have a compaq, yes? visit there website to download tools to make a diskette to get at 'setup'. don't expect BIOS as you know it...
whatcha trying to get done?

There are basically 4 keys that I have ever seen used for BIOS access on startup. They are F1, F2, F12, and the Delete Key. I would basically just try hitting all those keys on startup and see if you get lucky.

also seen F10 on compact.

Watch the screen during boot-up. A small rectangle will appear in the upper right corner of the screen for about 4 seconds. While that block is displayed, press the F10 key.

Howdy,

If none of the above gets you in, remove the floppy data cable, the system will report an error and ask if you want to run setup . . .

Compaq DESKPRO, F8 or F10 depending on if you want the boot menu/bios option or the bios directly. Answer # 6 should get you to the bios.

Hi,
On a compaq press F 10 when you see the
Compaq logo.
Regards, Gil