Usually it's F2 (sometimes F1 or ESC) during boot up. Something should appear on the screen saying something like 'Press F2 to enter Bios menu now'
happygeek
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Try also pressing the Del key if you have problems accessing the bios. All my PC's have been that way.
It is probably not bios related, but once you are in, set the bios to the 'default' settings then hit the F10 key to save and exit.
Try installing the OS again.
Have you tried a system restore? If not, I would actually try that first.
crunchie
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OP has already stated that he can start the installation. His problem is that when it is loading the files, it shuts down.
crunchie
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That is definitely a possibility, but the problem seemed to start after the cousin borrowed the laptop.
More than likely a software problem.
crunchie
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You should be able to do that fine. Just select the relevant drive when requested during the install set-up.
crunchie
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Did you yet try a system restore as I suggested earlier?
If the HD still spins up, you will still be able to access any data you need to recover once/if you install to another drive.
crunchie
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Good question :D. I will just take my foot out of my mouth now :).
You can try a system repair using the CD too.
crunchie
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Yes, the OS CD. What other CD are you talking about?
crunchie
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