Accessing old phoenix bios 1.10

[princesstippytails]

Hi,

i am trying rehabilitate an old pc
getting error messages at boot
invalid configuration info run setup program
fdisk sees no fixed disks

all cables are properly engaged
i am trying to enter the bios
del and f1 doesn't work

how can i enter the bios in that old version of phoenix??

please help if you know

thanks,
ptt

 

[edfair]

[ctrl][alt][exc] or [ctrl][alt][numpad+]. Or maybe [esc].
difficult to remember all the possibilities. And once you've got access what are you going to do about the battery that is causing the problem?

Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.

 

[pddxr]

Do you have a model number for the pc or mobo? This would help in finding the exact way to access the bios.

 

[diogenes10]

Possibilities:

http://www.cr-il.com/cmos.htm

 

[princesstippytails]

digital DECstation 320 sx

is the model
Thanks everyone...
i tried the f2 after memory test no go
i tried all the other combos ...no go

hmmmm....not sure
would like to look at the bios config
i suppose per...Ed the battery ran out and it lost it's hard drive configuration settings...

i suppose the battery is not easy to replace on these...

thanks for all the great helpers out there !!

ptt

 

[princesstippytails]

diogenes...

in that link you sent me it says that some of the systems have to have a floppy to enter the bios or "you're sunk"....

i think I am....

 

[edfair]

Diogenes pointer probably was refering to Compaq, which has minimal BIOS in ROM and additional stuff in a diagnostic partition. Didn't look at it, so maybe not.

How about trying all the function keys, one at a time. And if there is any variation of the display during POST it may indicate that the setup key must be pressed at certain times.

You might also hold a key down to force a keyboard error, or pull the floppy drive cable loose to force an error there.

You are probably dealing with a soldered battery, but with an external connector for use when the board mounted battery goes bad.

Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.

 

[princesstippytails]

Thanks Ed,

I was trying all the key combos and individual functions keys....

lots of fun...felt like i was playing the piano...but no go.

f1 key is used to "retry boot" so when I hold that i get a beep

other keys eccept esc caused (10) keyboard key struck error but that doesn't change the prompt requesting set up at all

i will try the floppy thing you mentioned next...

ptt