Reference number: CH000301

Prompt to press F1/F2 each time computer boots.

Issue:

Prompt to press F1/F2 each time computer boots.

Cause:

The computer may display a prompt to press F1/F2 or any other key to enter setup each time the computer boots as a reminder on how to enter CMOS. However, if the computer asks to press F1/F2 (or another key) to enter setup and does not continue, this issue can be caused by any of the below possibilities.

1. New hardware has been recently installed.
2. Error or confliction with settings in CMOS.
3. CMOS battery is bad or failing.

Solution:

New hardware has been recently installed

If new hardware has been recently installed into the computer, it is likely that you are receiving the prompt "Press F1 or F2 to enter setup" because CMOS needs to verify that the new detected hardware is properly being setup in CMOS.

Error or confliction with settings in CMOS

If no new hardware has been added to the computer or the new hardware has been removed and you continue to receive the error, it is likely that there is an error or confliction with the CMOS. Press the key requested to enter setup and verify that all settings are correct. If everything appears to be correct try resetting the CMOS values to the defaults and/or Reset Configuration Data. Additional information about how to do this can be found on document CH000976.

If all settings appear to be correct, save changes and exit CMOS setup. If the error continues to appear, enter setup again and restore all CMOS values to default.

• See our CMOS page for additional help and information with the CMOS.
• Additional information about getting into the CMOS / BIOS setup can be found on document CH000192.

CMOS battery is bad or failing

If you continue to receive the prompt to enter setup each time the computer boots up and you have attempted to follow the above suggestions, it is also possible that the CMOS battery may be bad or failing. Generally, when this occurs, the computer is not holding the time or date correctly. If this is occurring it is recommended that the CMOS battery be replaced.

Additional Information:

• See document CH000239 for additional information about the issue "losing time or date" including information on how to replace the computer CMOS battery.