Accessing the System BIOS on Various Computers

 
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The following is a list of basic instructions for entering the BIOS Setup on several popular computer models. While we have attempted to provide as detailed and complete information as possible, there are many different BIOS versions, sometimes even between two similar model computers, that may not be represented here. If you find that these steps do not access your system's BIOS, contact the manufacturer of your computer system or consult the computer manuals.

BIOS Basic Tip: Unless otherwise noted, the access keys listed to enter the BIOS setup are pressed in conjunction with a prompt on the screen (i.e. "Press F1 for setup.") during the first few moments of booting up.  Moving from menu to menu in the BIOS is almost always done with the keyboard arrow keys while using the ENTER key to select an option.

Menus and selections are listed in blue. Read each BIOS screen carefully to locate menu items and the proper keys to make or save changes.

Acer Aspire:

Enter the BIOS: Press the CTRL + ALT + ESC keys during the Acer Boot-up screen.

AST:

Enter the BIOS: Press CTRL + ALT + ESC for setup.

Compaq Presario:

Method 1
Enter the BIOS: Press F1 or F10 during the Compaq boot-up screen for setup.

Method 2
Enter the BIOS: Press F10 during the Compaq boot-up screen for setup.

Gateway 2000:

Enter the BIOS: Press F1 for setup.

HP Pavilion:

Method 1
Enter the BIOS: Press F1 during the blue HP screen for setup.

Method 2
Enter the BIOS: Press F1 during the HP boot-up screen for setup.

HP Vectra:

Enter the BIOS: Press the F2 during the HP boot-up screen for setup.

IBM Aptiva

Enter the BIOS: Press F1 during the IBM boot-up screen for setup.

IBM ThinkPad

?

NEC Ready:

Enter the BIOS: Press F2 during the NEC boot-up screen for setup.

Packard Bell:

Method 1
Enter the BIOS: Press F1 for setup.

Method 2
Enter the BIOS: Press DEL for setup.

Sony VAIO: 

Method 1
Enter the BIOS: ress F3 during VAIO screen for menu. Press F1 for setup

Method 2
Enter the BIOS: Press F2 for setup

Toshiba Infinia:

Enter the BIOS: Press F1 for setup.
 

 

This web site was created to provide assistance to computer forensics examiners engaging in cyber-crime investigations.  This field is rapidly evolving and changing as technology marches forward.  It is, therefore, intended to be a growing and evolving resource.  As you conduct your examinations and investigations, if you encounter information, links, or have suggestions that would help others, please let me know so I can add it to this site.  My email address is sbunting@udel.edu .  Thank you.

This site created and maintained by: 
Captain Stephen M. Bunting
University of Delaware Police
Phone 302-645-4334
Email: sbunting@udel.edu