[dmmackay]

So, as a hobby I like to fix up computers and give them to people that don't have one.

I have an IBM NetVista with a P4- which I thought would be great to put Win7/ Xp on.

Thing is, I can't get it to boot up. Error Message on boot up with keyboard Error. Therefore I can't get into the BIOS to change the Boot ORDER. Doesn't matter what keyboard I use- Just won't respond to any command.

I put a HD in with XP on it- but I get a steady beeping sound- until the bars at the bottom of the screen go across in the boot up sequence- but the bars stop at the end - No Welcome- and nothing else. I Just can't get it to BOOT to OS -and can't get to BIOS. Can't use SAFE MODE because the keyboard won't let me select the option. I tried to remove the battery, but still I have this problem.

Since I haven't used the Tower and can't get it to Boot up, I can't say too much more about it.

Suggestions would be appreciated.

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Hello dmmackay

IBM computers are renowned for their security protection with some computers having up to 3 passwords put in to gain access 1: Keyboard password. 2: BIOS password and 3: a HDD password.

It would appear that a keyboard password is required so if you do not have or you can obtain the password from the previous owner of the computer you are locked out.

[phillpower2]

Hello dmmackay

IBM computers are renowned for their security protection with some computers having up to 3 passwords put in to gain access 1: Keyboard password. 2: BIOS password and 3: a HDD password.

It would appear that a keyboard password is required so if you do not have or you can obtain the password from the previous owner of the computer you are locked out.

[dmmackay]

I don't see how a person could enter a password- since the keyboard is no responsive- nor do I see a place or prompt to enter a keyword- but I will agree with you that IBM's are a hard ticket to fix.

Thanks for taking the time to read and respond to my post- Greatly Appreciated.

[phillpower2]

You are welcome dmmackay

An example of the specs that I found;

Boot without keyboard or mouse,
Mouse disable,
Keyboard password,
Parallel port I/O control,
Diskette I/O control,
Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately),
Hard drive I/O control,
Boot sequence control,
Power-on password,
Cover key lock,
Administrator password

Specs http://reviews.cnet...._7-7323192.html