Strike the F1 key to continue, F2 to run the setup utility

Thanks for responding. I have hit F2. Where do I go next to reset the BIOS to default?

Thanks,
jimbo99999

BIOS already working (because you were in Windows already), just continue to find the Save and Exit option.

Ok.  Shut down and powered back on and same thing.

Depending on the BIOS, restore to default is usually on the last tab or page with save and exit, would probably say something like load optimized defaults.

Then indeed try to find Load Defaults (probably one of the last menus), and Save again.
If that doesn't work, remove CMOS battery, check with volt meter (shouldn't drop too far from 3V).
If that doesn't work, update BIOS (even overwrite it with the newest, even if current is the newest).
If that doesn't work, I'm out of ideas, mobo might be starting to break down.

This last Tab or page with save and exit...maybe I am in the wrong place since I do not see any Tabs or anything that says BIOS.  After hitting F2 I have a blue screen that says Dell System 745 at the top left in a grey title bar.  Then a tree on the left with System,Drives,Onboard Devices,Video,Performance,Security, Power Management,Maintenance and POST behavior.

Is this right?

Where do I go to restore the default since I try clicking everywhere and I do not see restore default?

Thanks for your patience this is the first time I am having to work with this.

jimbo99999

This might help.

http://phubner.eng.ua.edu/Files/Optiplex%20745/advfeat.htm

Your CMOS battery is dead - on most machines this is a warning message that the battery needs replacement but in practical terms you can run fine without it you'll just get the annoying prompt which F1 wil get you past.  I have a bunch of Dell Optiplexes that do this  which we're gradually swapping out for newer machines. If you keep it connected to a power source you won't get prompted again but if you turn off the external power to the PC because you've no reserve battery any settings will be lost and you'll get prompted again.

The only down side is the system clock will be wrong, your Windows clock however will be fine.  Very occasionally this discrepancy can cause problems with logging into sites like Windows Update when the system clock is seen as out of date rather than the Windows settings.

If the machine is only going to be in use for a short time while the other is repaired/replaced I'd just put up with it.  If not you can replace the batttery for a couple of $$.

I appreciate all the great information.  I have looked it all over including the links and am down to the CMOS battery. I will try that next.

Thanks...I will report back when one arrives,
jimbo99999

what pc is this?
do you know how to find the bios battery?

Good Day

This is a Dell Optiplex mini. The little label is missing so I don't know what number it is.  I tried a few CMOS batteries from other machines we had laying around but that did not get me a different behavior.  I forgot to get a new battery over the weekend for it.  Leaving myself a note to do that tonight.

It might be something to do with your mobo after all (with no solution other than replacing it, if you tried what I said about updating the BIOS already). Usually if you have a few CMOS batteries around, at least one of them still has enough juice to feed the flash memory for the BIOS.

I have decided to put the machine back into service instructing the User not to shut it down.  This way they will not be greeted with the messgae appearing on the screen to hit F1 on bootup.  

I have learned a great deal and will do my best to share the points.

Thanks,
jimbo99999

>>   back into service instructing the User not to shut it down  << that is no way to treat a customer
alone the energy bill - and the pc is not repaired as it should be

i never give a system to a customer that is not fully operational