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Old September 11th 10, 09:50 PM posted to microsoft.public.win98.gen_discussion
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Posts: 5
Default How to access the BIOS on an old Dell desktop?

Hello,

Someone gave me an old Dell.

When I tried to start it, the BIOS required a password, which I
didn't know. The usual backdoor passwords didn't get any resuults,
so
I removed and replaced the CMOS battery. That got me past the
password, but now the BIOS has forgotten everything else it's
supposed
to do, also.

How do I get into the setup, so as to start using the machine? It's
looking for something particular (details below); what do I tell it?

I've pressed Del, F2, Esc, and a lot of other keys, trying to
enter the setup. Nothing happens.

Following is the relevant information from the startup screen.

= = = = = =

PhoenixBIOS 4.0 Release 6.0
4S4EB2X0.10A.0032.P10

Dell Dimension XPS T800r
BIOS Version A09

SERIAL PRESENCE DETECT (SPD) device data missing or inconclusive.

Press Del to enter SETUP.

= = = = = =

(Please don't tell me just to get a new computer. That's not the
question.)

Thank you!

Ted Shoemaker