Well the Del key would appear to be the correct key to press, as you see
the
"Press Del to enter SETUP" on-screen report.
However, it may be that the keyboard is not responding due to the "SERIAL
PRESENCE DETECT (SPD) device data missing or inconclusive" report.

But, this is probably NOT a keyboard issue but rather a memory issue -
faulty, loose, dislodged or dirty contacts of the memory modules (SIMMS etc)

Might be worth re-seating or cleaning memory's contacts.

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serial_presence_detect
or http://www.simmtester.com/page/news/...ws.asp?num=101
and/or Google for "SERIAL PRESENCE DETECT"

Mart



wrote in message
...
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