How to Enter the BIOS on a Compaq Presario

By Ty Arthur

Updated February 10, 2017

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Before the operating system on your Compaq Presario computer is loaded it first runs a tool called the Basic Input Output System (BIOS). The BIOS is used to confirm that all of the hardware is working properly and determine certain settings such as system time and the order in which devices should boot up. You may need to occasionally change some of the BIOS settings manually, which can be done by accessing the BIOS menu as the Compaq Presario is restarting.

Shut down any files or programs that are open. Restart the Compaq Presario computer's operating system.

Wait for the red Compaq logo to appear on the computer's monitor. Press the key used to enter the BIOS menu. Depending on the specific model of your Compaq Presario the key will either be "F1" or "F10."

Navigate through the options in the Compaq's BIOS menu by using the arrow keys. Press Enter to access whichever option is currently highlighted.

Press the "F10" key when you are done changing the BIOS options; save your settings and reboot the Compaq Presario's operating system. Press "Escape" instead if you want to reboot the computer without saving your changes.

Tips

If you make a mistake and change the wrong setting you can return the currently selected BIOS menu option back to its original condition by press the "F5" key.

Warnings

Always save any important data to an external source before entering the BIOS in case you accidentally change the wrong setting and prevent the Presario from booting up properly.

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