getting into bios settings for HP Z640

[gilesb1]

How can I get into the BIOS settings form my HP Z640?

I have tried repeatedly pressing F10, ESC, F2 and F6 - nothing seems to work

I have also tried a PS2 keyboard.

[TheOldMan]

Try this way of getting into the BIOS while using the PS/2 keyboard.

 Start tapping the Esc key BEFORE starting the PC and then press the start button.
Keep tapping the Esc key until a popup menu shows. Then pick F9 from that popup menu.
Report back with the results.

[SDH]

In some of the HP workstations the use of the Esc key to get into BIOS is a BIOS option that can be turned on or off. I always keep that turned on if that option is available.

You might have a degree of CMOS corruption... if the below does not work I'd then do the long form of clearing CMOS so you get things back to factory defaults. That is quite a bit more than just pressing the CMOS motherboard button but you could try starting with that.

Use of the HP PS2 keyboard/mouse combo has gotten me in when all else failed. I use a PS2 mouse also just to be compulsive... and whenever I'm building up an OS I also only use a HP PS2 keyboard and PS2 mouse. You can easily find those brand new for very reasonable prices on eBay.

Tap at 1/second and maybe even a bit faster.

I like his idea to start tapping at that rate and don't slow down while and after you push the start button out front.

Try that both with Esc and F10... starting from full shutdown each time.

On some of our very fast builds I'll actually go into BIOS and select a 5 second boot delay so there is a short window where I or less experienced IT guys can more easily get into BIOS.