Trouble accessing CMOS

[johnnyzero]

I am a 1st-time builder and cannot seem to access CMOS. Moreover, I don't know the key-combo to hit to enter CMOS and I don't see it on the initial startup screen. Therefore, I'm stuck on step 17/23 in the Build Your Own PC guide.

http://www.pcmech.com/byopc/step/17/

Anybody help this n00b out?

My MOBO is a DFI LanParty UT nF4 Ultra-D

[blue60007]

Are you getting any video at all on the screen?

Go ahead and list the rest of the parts by brand and model if you could.

[johnnyzero]

Yes, I do get video. Parts as follows:

HD: HITACHI Deskstar T7K250 0A31636 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s

CPU: AMD 64 3800+ Athlon X2 939P

MEM: OCZ 2GB (2 x 1GB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM Unbuffered DDR 400 (PC 3200) Dual Channel Platinum System Memory

DVD: LITE-ON Beige IDE DVD Burner Model SOHW-1693S Beige OEM

G/FX: eVGA Geforce 7800GT 256-P2-N517-AX Video Card

[blue60007]

If you aren't getting any video what so ever, try this.

[johnnyzero]

I do get video. My trouble is on this step:

"g. Know what key(s) to hit to enter CMOS setup. This will be shown on the bottom of the screen usually during the memory count. You will want to press the stated key combination to enter setup immediately because CMOS setup is the next step."

I do not see a key combination come up. Is it possible that's it's scrolled past too quickly?

The last msg I get is :

Verifying DMI Pool Data ...........
DISK BOOT FAILURE, INSERT SYSTEM DISK AND PRESS ENTER

[arix]

to enter to cmos press DEL, F8 continiously wen you start your computer.

[blade13432]

I got something like that when I tried building my system with SATA. XP installed and then it went to boot up then gave me that message. I didn't have a floppy drive on my other computer to get the SCSI drivers, so I took it back and got and IDE drive.

[blue60007]

Originally Posted by johnnyzero Verifying DMI Pool Data ........... DISK BOOT FAILURE, INSERT SYSTEM DISK AND PRESS ENTER

You'll need something to boot from, like the OS CD.

[johnnyzero]

Finally got into CMOS, but I do get the same message now. I tried inserting the XP disc into the drive and having it set to read that drive 1st for booting purposes but still no luck.

I AM making progress, it's just painfully slow.

[johnnyzero]

I can't seem to get the OS CD to be bootable... any ideas?

[FLG]

Is this a full version of the OS or just an upgrade?

[johnnyzero]

This is the full version of Windows XP Home edition.

I'm thinking maybe I misconfigured somthing in the CMOS set-up? I don't understand why the XP disc wouldn't just read autiomatically if I have that DVD/CD drive set up as the First Boot Device...

[FLG]

In the setup does it recognize that there is a CDROM connected? Setting the CDROM to first boot device should make it boot off the CD and to the Win XP setup screen.

[johnnyzero]

For whatever reason, when pulling the DVD drive out and double-checking the jumper, then reconnecting the power and IDE cables, its seems to be booting properly now.

We'll see how it turns out!!!

[Nevalite]

wouldnt that be called the bios? thats what i call it at least

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by Nevalite wouldnt that be called the bios? thats what i call it at least

CMOS and BIOS tend to be used interchangeably. The CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) is the actual chip where the BIOS (basic input/output system) is held. You do enter the CMOS to make changes to the BIOS.

Cricket