If your computer does not automatically boot from Puppy Linux Live Disc then you must enter BIOS and change boot order so that the optical drive comes before hard drive in boot order.

To enter and make changes to BIOS you must press a special key when computer is first started. The name of this special key is displayed on screen at boot.

If BIOS messages are not visible during boot press Tab key one time only as soon as BIOS splash-screen is visible. If after you press Tab key you are still unable to view BIOS messages then immediately press Pause key, this will halt the boot and give you time to press special key and enter BIOS.

You may have to reboot computer several times to see name of special key and / or hit Tab key in sufficient time to see BIOS messages before they scroll off screen. Timing is important and you may want to slowly tap BIOS entry key repeatedly until configuration screen is visible.

You may enter and leave BIOS as many times as you like until such time as you are comfortable with the process. Just remember not to save any changes until you are certain you know how to change boot order and nothing else.

There is no mouse support in BIOS configuration screens. Typically you will use the Left arrow, Right Arrow, Up Arrow, Down Arrow, Page Up and Page Down keys to navigate and change settings in BIOS screens. Read key designations and instructions at bottom of every BIOS screen.

Be certain not to make any changes to your computer’s BIOS other than changing boot order. If you are in any doubt about what changes you have made then slowly tap Escape key repeatedly until you see a message asking you if you want to save your changes. Be certain to answer No to this question. At this point the computer will resume booting from the point where you first entered BIOS. You may even tap the BOIS entry key at that moment and reenter the configuration screen again.

Warning: Do not change anything in the BIOS except boot order. You can render your computer unbootable if you change the wrong thing in BIOS.

After you modify boot order do not forget to save your changes before exiting BIOS configuration.

The computer manual should contain a full explanation of all settings possible within BIOS as well as how to enter it. If you have a custom built computer then the mother board manual will contain information on how to setup BIOS.

BIOS Splash Screen Examples

Computer equipped with American Megatrends BIOS during boot. In boot screen example below DEL is an abbreviation for Delete key. When you see this screen begin slowly tapping Delete key.

Computer equipped with an Award Modular BIOS during boot. In the boot screen example below DEL is an abbreviation for the Delete key. When you see this screen begin slowly tapping Delete key.

An example of Dell boot screen is shown below. When you see this screen press F2 to enter BIOS.

An example of Gateway boot screen is shown below. When you see this screen press F1 to enter BIOS.

Warning: Be certain to print this article so it will be available when you set boot order in BIOS, do not trust your memory.