How do I access the BIOS on a Pavilion p6710f when the usb keyboard is not recognized during bootup?

[MichaelWK]

There is no PS/2 connection to access the bios with a regular keyboard, and the USB driver does not load up in time to access the bios with any key combination on the keyboard. I need to check the BIOS version, and check hardware settings for my drives that are only accessible via the BIOS. If I can't enter the appropriate key, how do I get into the BIOS? Seems to be a common problem, since I see questions with few answers all over the internet. I even looked for a possible 'hidden' ps/2 connection in the case, but no joy.

[ScorpiusDominus]

If you can not connect a keybaord to the laptop the only way to get to it due to the USB not connecting fast enough is remove your hard drive. This will cause an error when booting and send you into the BIOS.

[CherylG]

Are you using the F10 key at top of the keyboard?

[MichaelWK]

I'm trying to, but since the USB driver for the keyboard AND my mouse don't load up before that screen, the keyboard is non-responsive. I've unplugged everything BUT the keyboard, no joy. I even unplugged the media card reader, still no joy. Without the USB driver loading up as the very first thing, or a PS/2 port to connect a standard wired keyboard, I can't access the bios. Seems to be a common problem based on what I have found on the web.

[MichaelWK]

Thanks, but it's not a laptop, and I really don't want to have to go into the case and disconnect the drive just to access the bios. There has to be a way to get there via keystrokes or software, otherwise manufacturers need to return to the ps/2 connection as an alternate option.

[ScorpiusDominus]

Ok try this, it may work it may not. Unplug the keyboard and mouse. It should error saying no imput device found. Once it errors try pugging the keyboard back in and see if the BIOS can be accessed. This works once in a while. No gaurentee but I have seen it work before though rare.

[MichaelWK]

Nope, still no access to the BIOS.

[ScorpiusDominus]

Ok then the only way to access it is to disconnect the HDD. Now you dont have to actually pull it out just disconnect the data wire from it. Once it errors and you can get into the BIOS you can just plug the data cable back in again.

[MichaelWK]

Nope. Error message that BOOT MGR partition is missing.

Thought of resetting the bios via the mother board jumper, but then it dawned on me that if I do that and the computer boots into the BIOS, I probably won't be able to make any selections on the menu since my mouse AND my keyboard are both USB.

Going to look into a PS/2 add on card....

I wish someone had thought of the BIOS issue before they left off the PS/2.

[CherylG · Accepted solution]

Have you tried another kbd? I recently saw a poster having this issue & another usb kbd did the trick for him. Fwiw,I have a usb kbd & mouse and mine works to get into BIOS.