How to change your computer boot sequence.

[gwendes]

This will give you the current configuration. This example is setup to boot up initially from the 3.5 floppy disc drive, then hard drive and CD. In this example you press the 'Enter' key on each device and select which device you want in it's place from a list. Again, it's common sense to look at the rest of the screen to determine how the sequence is changed.

Here is an example of a Phoenix Award BIOS:

This is a guide to assist you checking or editing the boot sequence in the BIOS. The BIOS is basically a set of instructions that tells your computer hardware how to behave and has a simple to use configuration utility to make changes. This guide is not going to cover all CMOS setup utilities as there are such a large numer of different menus and structures, please use this as a guide and apply with common sense.

Press 'Delete' as it is starting and you should have the CMOS setup utility come up on the screen. If this does not happen you may have a computer that uses another key, check the boot (POST) screen for an indication of wat will force your computer to enter the setup utility. Usually it will be one of these keys:

'Delete'
'F2'
'Esc'
'F4'

You should notice that you mouse does not work in the CMOS. Menu navigation and functions are mainly achieved using the arrow keys, 'Enter' key and 'Esc' key. You should use a wired PS/2 standard keyboard if possible as you may experience problems with a USB or cordless keyboard.

This is an example of an American Megatrends Inc (AMI) BIOS Utility main screen:

http://forum.novatech.co.uk/files/cmos1.JPG

Select 'Advanced BIOS Features'

http://forum.novatech.co.uk/files/cmos2.JPG

Then 'Boot Sequence'

http://forum.novatech.co.uk/files/cmos3.JPG

This will give you the current configuration. This example is setup to boot up initially from the 3.5 floppy disc drive, then hard drive and CD. In this example you press the 'Enter' key on each device and select which device you want in it's place from a list. Again, it's common sense to look at the rest of the screen to determine how the sequence is changed.

Here is an example of a Phoenix Award BIOS main screen:

http://forum.novatech.co.uk/files/cmos4.JPG

Here you use the left/right arrow keys to move through the sub-menus at the top of the screen and the 'Enter' key to select.

http://forum.novatech.co.uk/files/cmos5.JPG

Here you use the +/- keys to change the values to promote and demote devices in the sequence. If you find that you cannot promote or demote any device try changing the priority of the other devices to achieve the order you need.

Most, if not all, CMOS utilities use the 'F10' key to save and exit the settings. You will need to confirm using either 'Y' + 'Enter' or selecting 'Yes'.

[LightMan]

very handy for those whom don't know. Keep in mind, that it's best to set it to boot from removable media (detachable such as disc, usb, etc.) first in order to quickly use bootup disc, etc. If you never have the need, then primary HD is best.