Start UP

[BertP]

When trying to start my XP Dell Desktop, after replacing the fan that cools
the processor I have to wait at least 4 minutes before the prompt comes up
"hit F1 and F2". Then the computer boots up. When a prompt "F12" comes up
prior to the F1/F2 command I tried to catch it to no avail.
Any idea is appreciated.
Bert

 

[Guest]

You replaced the CPU Heat sink fan? not case fan right?
Did computer crash prior to fan replacement?
What does F1 and F2 do? Does computer boot up into Windows then?
What does F12 do?

 

[Bertpick]

Hi,
Thanks for the responce. It was the CPU fan.
The computer did crash.
I do not know what F1/F2 does but if I hit them when the prompt comes up the
computer does boot up to windows and everything is fine. As I mentioned it
takes 4+ minutes to get the prompt "go to F1/F2"..
The F12 prompt indicates that I would go to setup but I cannot get it to go
to setup when I tap any key..

 

[Guest]

What else happened when it crashed? Was anything else damaged or replaced?
Did you replace ram, HDD, motherbrd, etc.?
What model is your Dell and How old is it?

When the indication to hit "F1/2." appears the screen usually says F1/2 to
enter setup or whatever. It doesn't indicate what F1/2 does??
http://service.dell.com/dell/kb/tech_support/view_article/1,,6073+5817+5960+15684,00.html#dimension

F12 goes to BIOS setup, possibly?
I hit "DEL" for BIOS on mine to change and enter BIOS.
"Tab" key to display BIOS settings ie pri master, sec master etc.
I don't know if this is your Modelbut should be similar! I typed "F12" in
search field.
http://support.dell.com/support/top...ument?dn=1079014&l=en&langid=1&c=us&cs=&s=gen

Have you tried Dell Support? Not sure this is Window XP issue?
DO you have Dell Support 2 or 3 on your computer?
http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/en/dellsupport20?c=us&l=en&s=gen

Whhy it takes so long I don't know maybe the info you provide will help or
check with Dell tech or call 800#

 

[Bob I]

Sounds like the CPU is "throttled" as in you have "damaged" the
"CPU/heatsink" interface at a minimum. Suggest making sure proper
compound is between the CPU and the heatsink. Disassemble/reassemble
correctly.