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4 Operator

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2.3K Posts

191

May 19th, 2025 16:57

Tower Plus EBT2250, how to get into BIOS?

It seems my 'configuration' doesn't cut it?

I bought along with the system the KM5221W Wireless Keyboard and Mouse.

F2 or F12 are not recognized it seems when first booting? I see the Dell Secure BIOS, and even before that comes up, I'm pressing F2 repeatedly and I just get to Windows Sign-in screen?

Do I need to use a USB Mouse? What a pain this is (yes, I have a few of them).

I've hit a few other SNAGS too, good thing I have a Smart Phone. 

The 'document'  that I assume is the Get Started one, BLACK paper with Gray (?) printing on it. Luckily, the QR code is white/black so with the smart phone I could get to the needed documents... but what if I didn't have one?

Don't get me started on the Display either (S2725QS), has a loop on the 'pipe' supporting the monitor that apparently one would run the power and monitor cable through, except the Power cable will not pass through it, loop too small, but no problem with the HDMI cable? If that loop isn't to thread cables in it, why is it there?

I probably should post the Display comments on that forum, but it wouldn't change anything so I'll pass.

Community Manager

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56.8K Posts

May 21st, 2025 12:29

To access the BIOS using the Dell Pro Wireless Keyboard, please press Fn + F2 during startup.
Pressing only F2 will not work, as the function keys operate based on their labeled functions by default.

------

It is working as designed. Read =

How To Use Multimedia and Function Keys on Dell External Keyboards

(edited)

4 Operator

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2.3K Posts

May 28th, 2025 13:09

@DELL-Chris M

@ispalten​ The PC is on, restart, as soon as the screen goes black start slowly tapping only F2. Does the BIOS appear?

OK, after some tests today, I get into the BIOS on the Dell Pro Wireless KB using Fn+F2. Just pressing the F2 will not do it, and when the Desktop is opened, the sound volume is reduced. So the KB is working on F2 (and others) exactly what the keys show they are for.

Community Manager

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3.2K Posts

June 12th, 2025 13:50

Hi everyone,

We’d like to provide an update regarding two issues that have been reported on DCF so far:

  1. BIOS Access Issue
    A BIOS-level issue was identified that prevented users from entering the BIOS setup using any type of keyboard. This has been resolved in BIOS version 1.4.4 and later. If you're experiencing this issue, please update your BIOS to the latest version.

  2. Wireless Keyboard Functionality
    If you're using a wireless keyboard, you may need to press Fn + F2 during boot to access the BIOS. In some cases, wireless keyboards may not be immediately responsive during startup. If issues persist, we recommend using a wired keyboard temporarily to ensure access. Refer the keyboard manual for more details.

(edited)

Community Manager

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56.8K Posts

May 19th, 2025 18:59

Have you tested the KM5221W USB-A receiver in all six of the Tower Plus EBT2250 rear USB-A ports?

4 Operator

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2.3K Posts

May 19th, 2025 20:39

No, I have it in the front of the case, last USB one, above the Type-C connector.

I am surprised because my XPS8940 and Wife's XPS8500 (which this is a replacement for) both have Logitech Wireless Keyboard and Mouse. Matter of fact, XPS8940 has the dongle in the exact same place and wife's is on the Monitor that has a USB port connected by cable to the back of the PC?

Is there as SPECIFIC port? 

4 Operator

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2.3K Posts

May 19th, 2025 20:41

I'll try the back ones and let you know though.

4 Operator

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2.3K Posts

May 19th, 2025 21:56

@DELL-Chris M​ 

No GO, I tried 10 right and 8 left one.

The Dongle is a 2.4Ghz, so those should be OK, do not need a 3.x port?

I checked the Manual for the Tower and mouse/keyboard and I didn't see any 'directions' what to do but plug the Dongle into a USB port?

Only thing close was this in the Tower manual:

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Connect the wired keyboard and mouse to the available ports. To connect a wireless keyboard and mouse, see the instructions on how to connect in the documentation that ships with the wireless keyboard and mouse.

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Not anything specific in either Manual:

https://www.dell.com/support/manuals/en-us/dell-ebt2250-desktop/dell-tower-plus-ebt2250-owners-manual/set-up-your-computer?guid=guid-5fa5702d-6ee0-484f-8684-10e501c0477b&lang=en-us

https://dl.dell.com/content/manual7862775-dell-pro-keyboard-and-mouse-km5221w-user-s-guide.pdf?language=en-us

I don't think I missed anything?

I assume the paired number ports in your post are just splits of the same internal connector, so I missed #7 I guess I'll try that later too.

4 Operator

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2.3K Posts

May 20th, 2025 00:05

@DELL-Chris M,

Moved it again, into the 7 position, did not work?

Also, the Tower manual calls out My Dell, which no longer exists.

I wonder if the Keyboard mapping matters?

See, my SOUND was turned off every time I boot? Well, guess what F2 is assigned to? See for yourself:

So look at the possible assignments:

Above is what it is now, and below, what I might have to change to make the keyboard work:

Of course maybe NONE?

Not going to make my wife happy though, she's a big user of using keys to change the volume. As it is she's used to F1 and  F2 opening browser and Thunderbird.

Since F2 opens Thunderbird on our PC's, why does the Logitech wireless keyboards F2 get us into the BIOS and the Dell one doesn't?

Community Manager

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56.8K Posts

May 20th, 2025 12:52

Test the blue ones.

There should not be a conflict. F2 has always been multi-functional.

- F2 on pre-Windows POST enter BIOS
- F2 in Windows, Multimedia

In the BIOS- Devices, is Audio Controller set to On/Enabled or did you change it?

(edited)

4 Operator

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2.3K Posts

May 20th, 2025 14:50

@DELL-Chris M​,

I appear to have a BIGGER problem!

A wired Keyboard, USB, from a Dell PC that was replaced with the Logitech Wireless ones, DOES NOT WORK EITHER!!!

All I see on BOOT is Dell Secure Boot, no other data, like on my 8940 telling me which F keys to use.

When I first installed this unit, it wanted to update Windows, which I allowed.

It also forced down some DELL Updates, ONE being the BIOS:

Dell, Inc. - Firmware - 1.4.4.0

Dell, Inc. - Firmware - 11.50.1.6

Dell Technologies Inc. - Extension - 1.0.0.0

Dell Inc. - Monitor - 1.0.0.0

Dell Technologies Inc. - SoftwareComponent - 1.0.0.7

Dell Inc. - HIDClass - 2.0.0.0

NOTE that the BIOS was replaced.

MSINFO32 says this IS the BIOS installed, BIOS Version/Date Dell Inc. 1.4.4, 4/1/2025

I ran Support assist the day I first turned on this PC. No UPDATES or problems found then, but today I see this:

The 2 Updates and none are NEW:

I'll Reboot, capture the Boot Dell Screen and then my 8940 for comparison.

Wondering if there was a problem of MS Update installing the BIOS?

(edited)

Community Manager

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56.8K Posts

May 20th, 2025 15:18

That wired keyboard was tested on all six rear USB-A ports?


4 Operator

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2.3K Posts

May 20th, 2025 15:20

@DELL-Chris M 

This is what I see on the Tower:

This is what I see in the upper right on my 8940:

I'd expected some info shown as to what key to use to get into the BIOS?

I guess I could go through Advanced Startup in the Settings to get into the BIOS or 'risk' another BIOS install?

I'm ready to open the box and put in another SATA drive, but I'll wait to hear from you. PM me if you wish. Since I've seen NO other problems like this on, I'll assume it is specific to the NEW Tower or faulty BIOS?

Community Manager

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56.8K Posts

May 20th, 2025 15:35

@MNJohn,

Check this thread. Do you have any issues pressing F2 to enter the BIOS? What do you see on boot screens?

Community Manager

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56.8K Posts

May 20th, 2025 15:49

When you see the 1st picture, that means it did not take the F2 key to enter the BIOS, you were not quick enough. Shut down. Power on, before anything appears on screen, start tapping the F2 key 6 or 7 times slowly.

4 Operator

 • 

2.3K Posts

May 20th, 2025 16:42

@DELL-Chris M

When you see the 1st picture, that means it did not take the F2 key to enter the BIOS, you were not quick enough. Shut down. Power on, before anything appears on screen, start tapping the F2 key 6 or 7 times slowly.

OK, this is totally INSANE!!!

ONLY with the WIRED KB can I get into BIOS, plugged into a front or back port.

I have to continually hit F2 on the WIRED KB from the second I power on, and then I'll see ENTERING BIOS and it opens.

Putting back the USB Dongle in the SAME FRONT and BACK USB port, IT DOES NOT WORK!!! I go directly to Windows sign-in screen.

OK, some BIOS Settings since I got in and looked at them all:

The AUDIO one you questioned, ON:

Not sure why, but might play into this, FULL SCREEN LOG is OFF? Could my NATIVE Resolution be part of the problem, 27" Dell Monitor, 3840x2160? If DID not look like that as you can see above the logo is 'large?

I think I have the same setting on all PC's, BIOS Post time set to extend 0 seconds. Does it need to be longer to see the prompt to press F2? Doubt it as I can get in with a wired KB, but only pressing multiple times from power on, not when I see the LOGO.

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