Won't boot :(

[enfuego1018]

I am trying to fix a computer and the thing won't boot up in safe mode, regular xp mode or "the last safe configuration." I am not familiar with the bios or mobo or even the computer itself, so I was wondering if there is a universal command to start the BIOS instead of the computer going to the "boot error" screen all day. Can anyone suggest anything?

Thanks,
enfuego1018

[hETUL]

EDIT
To get into BIOS you need to hit either one of the following keys. right after turining on computer.

F1
F2
F3
F10
F11
Delete

[enfuego1018]

thanks hetul, hopefully this will help me...

[enfuego1018]

oh well, hetul, this thing still refuses to boot up, in ANY mode- wont boot to debug mode, VGA mode or anything. The owner mentioned a hard drive problem, so I am going to check the jumpers and see if either of them (2 total) have problems and if the host of windows is actually working properly. One of the drives makes a weird noice when it starts up... Imagine a plastic sheet attached to a hinge and when it is let go it falls downward. As it falls downward and reaches the bottom is bounces back up several times, like a rubber ball, making a clicking noise each time it hits the bottom again. This is the best way I can think of to describe the noice the hard drive makes when it boots up. I have certainly never heard that on any of my hard drives, which makes me think it is a hardware problem. Any ideas?

Thanks,
enfuego1018

[hETUL]

Putt the harddrive jumper on Master connect the cables and go to BIOS and some place in BIOS, you can see what device is connected to that IDE controller.
In my computer(has Award's BIOS), its under Advanced->IDE Configuration.
SO if you have the cable connected right than you should see the Harddrive,and Cdrom if its connected.

Post back if you see the harddrive or not.