Resolved Cannot get to bios or safe mode.

I am unable to get into the bios or safe mode. I was wondering if it were my Keyboard, it is a Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000. It has features that let you program some upper keys and has another use for the "F" keys that where the "F" Keys can be locked out.

 

Can you boot into Windows normally?

Do you have another KB you can hook up?

My dad always taught me to stay away from too many bells & whistles; it serves me well every day.

 

Dakota,

Follwing what Jilly posted. If you have a PS/2 port try hooking up a PS/2 keyboard. That should enable access to the BIOS. Once there look for USB Legacy support or similar and enable it.

If you complete your system details it could save some time resolving this.

 

My take is someone used the bells & whistles in the programmable MS KB and now the function keys are confused and can not remember who they are.

 

Jilly,

BIOS and M'boards with PS/2 ports can default to PS/2 Keyboards and Mice (particulary with a failing battery). These setups don't usually notice USB input until the OS starts, likewise programmable keyboards won't be programmed until the OS starts.

Dakota's problem is at the POST/BIOS level, well before windows kicks in.

 

I knew none of that. i just learned. The only good teachers are those who are also, students ongoing.

If he doesn't have PS/2, he can get one of those little adapters. They must cost almost nothing.

But would that make a difference given the connectivity would still be USB???

 

I wouldn't advise any adaptor between keyboard and port, if no PS/2 exists then the BIOS would default to USB.

Anyway, let's keep this thread clear for Dakota's response ok?

You can always PM or email me for a blether

 

Jilly, you are correct, I can boot up normally and everything else works. I do not have another board, but the board I replaced with this was a USB board too. As far as too many whistles, didn't want them all, just wanted a good ergonomic board.

 

Dakota,

Your motherboard does have PS/2 ports so I suggest you try to borrow a PS/2 keyboard and try that.

A better idea is buying a cheap one from any PC store as you may need it again in the future.

When booted normally does your system keep the correct Date/Time?

--
Paddy

 

Yes, I do know that my board comes with a PS/2 port. Why can't I use the adapter USB to PS/2, one came with the board? Yes it does keep the Date/Time.

 

As I posted earlier I don't recommend any adapter between keyboard/mouse and interface, especially during boot up.

Since your Date/Time is good the battery is probably not the problem, once you have a proper PS/2 keyboard that will allow access to the BIOS and you can then change the setting.

BTW, Is this a new problem or could it have been occurring since day 1 and you haven't noticed until now?

 

This is the first time I have tried to get into the bios since I installed the new keyboard. Haven't needed to, and the only way I found out was I tried a safe boot because I have a file showing on my desktop that I cannot get rid of.

 

That adds weight to my possible solution, the battery isn't the problem it's the interface.

Dakota, I work with many family/friend's computers and up to now (around a dozen or so) all of the time when this issue occurs it's because they use USB keyboards when PS/2 ports are present.

I do suggest you buy one, you don't need to use it all of the time only when this issue occurs, which (once you change the setting in CMOS) should be rare.

Please post back and let us know how you get on.

 

Hey, Dakota,

While it will be important and nice to restore the core option of being able to boot in Safe Mode....not sure what kind of file is stuck on your desktop, but below is a marvelous app written by a guy name Cecil as I recall:
http://download.cnet.com/Unlocker/3000-2248_4-10493998.html

I suggest you get it & install it. I even let it start with windows. Meaning, it will always be present in your right click menu with its little wand with star at the top icon.

It will give you the option of deleting the file if, for any number of reasons, the file is locked. Sometimes takes a reboot, but you will learn its options very quickly.

Just make sure the file isn't something vital....like something Windows can't run without.

 

Haven't got around to the safe mode boot but did try unlocker and it worked. Thanks.

 

Fabulous. It's adorable isn't it? Unlocker? That is cause it is not an ADOBE PRODUCT.

 

well i don't see why you've got a problem with the USB to PS2 addaptor i never had one thing go wrong when i had mine on my old NF7S v2.0 mobo so go right ahead and use it Dakota if for some reason it still wont work try reseting the bios via the clear cmos jumper on the mobo

 

Thanks wildfire, I borrowed a board from a friend and changed the setting in bios and now it is a go. Again thanks.

 

Yayyy, Dakota! Yayyyy Wildfire!

All's well that ends well esp when it includes a cute new app!

 

Hi Dakota,
Happily, you seem to have solved your problem.
FYI, I have a MS USB Wireless keyboard that has the same dual-use F-Key that yours does. My first attempt at accessing BIOS Setup was as frustrating as yours! Turned out that the F-Key is actually a toggle switch which toggles between true F functions and the optional (upper case) functions. When toggled "ON ", F2 will get you to the BIOS Setup provided you start hitting it as soon as you get an image after startup (and keep hitting it until you get there!). Lucky for me the Wireless keyboard has an indicator light on the receiver which tells me when it's "ON" or not. On my system (XP Pro) the F-key defaults to "OFF" at startup. So to access Setup I have to first toggle the mode to "ON" and then start hitting F2. A tricky dance, but it works! I don't know if your keyboard gives you an indication, but...try it both ways and see if it works for you. Aloha!