From time to time, we must make modifications to our computers that require going into the BIOS of the machine. The most common modification of the bios involves having to set the boot order of the pc, so that you can boot using a CD/Floppy/USB key for diagnostics or repair. Although each computer is different, most use standard ways of getting in, changing values, and saving the configuration.

Here are some sample instructions for your PC

****WARNING: Please read the following 1st****

Tip: It is a good idea to “back up” (record on paper) all of your BIOS settings before you make any changes to them.

Note: Every setup program is slightly different from every other one. Even if two BIOSes are made by the same company, they may have different settings. The commands as shown here might be different on your PC, or they might be in a different place. Use care when modifying these parameters, and refer to your motherboard manual if it is accurate. I can’t cover every possible variation of settings.

Warning: Changing advanced parameters can lead to system instability and data loss. The only change I will be referring to in this post involves the boot order.  It is recommended only users who really understand what they are doing change make any changes to any of the other options in the bios. IF you choose to make any other changes to the bios, Proceed at your own risk.

*****OK with that said**********************

Dell systems

• Depress the F12 key when boot menu text appears at startup
• Select BIOS setup and depress the Enter key

• Using the arrows on your keyboard, move to Boot Sequence and the select the device you want to boot to (CD/Floppy/USB) and move it to the top of your list. (The pc will attempt to boot in the order of your list)
• Click Apply
• Click Exit
• Fully shut down (power off), wait a few seconds, and restart your computer

HP systems

• Depress Esc key when prompted at startup
• Depress the F10 key to Configure BIOS

• Scroll to the area where it says First Boot Device, Second Boot Device, Third Boot Device,
• In that area press the +/- key on your keyboard to change each boot device, adding the device you are trying to boot to as the 1st device.
  • **Make sure you include Hard drive in either the 2nd or 3rd device
• Depress the F10 key to save and exit
• Select Yes and depress the Enter key
• Fully shut down (power off), wait a few seconds, and restart your computer

Lenovo ThinkPad systems

• Depress the blue ThinkVantage key when prompted at startup
• Depress the F1 key to enter the BIOS setup utility

• Using the arrow keys, scroll to the Boot area…
• The using the x\- keys set the order to boot selecting the device you want to boot to as 1st device.
• Depress F10 key to save and exit
• Select Yes and depress the Enter key
• Fully shut down (power off), wait a few seconds, and restart your computer

And that’s how you change your boot order……..for your pc.