PC wont boot up straightforwardly

DonkeyKong77

Hello
First of all not sure if "straightforwardly" is a proper word but used it in the title anyway(!).

Ok, the problem is that the pc whenever it is switched on, doesn't boot up wihout having to press the "del" button - when prompted to, at a black screen with system information on it. It then goes to the normal xp screen, i.e. with login names.

Is there any way i can by-pass the press del to continue screen? Not sure why it comes up, not added new software/hardware. Been happening fr ages but just put up with it!

Any ideas most welcome.
Thanks

albertross_2

Does it need a new bios battery?

http://images.google.co.uk/images?q=bios+battery&hl=en

Does it lose the date and time?

DonkeyKong77

not sure what a bios battery is.

It doesn't lose the date/time, the pc works fine apart from at the boot up stage

albertross_2

how old is the pc, what exactly does it say on screen when you have to press del?

http://ice.he.net/~hedden/images/F2_for_Setup_Award.jpg

the bios battery holds basic system settings including the time. They usually last 3-5 years

DonkeyKong77

the original pc is about 7 years old now, no major changes apart from software, adding usb 2.0 port, changed to xp - i thought the answer could have beeen in "msconfig" but not sure, and i'd be guessing.

albertross_2

Does it look something like the link I posted?

DonkeyKong77

albertross wrote:

Does it look something like the link I posted?

yes, but it says "press <del> to resume" at the bottom of the screen

albertross_2

I could be wrong.. but my guess is that it needs a new bios battery, they are about £3 from comet/curry's.. You'll need to take the cover off the PC and look for a small battery, usually a button cell/watch battery type. turn the electricity off, prise it out, and take it to the shop with you..

http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=changing+bios+battery&meta=