Laptop Bios

What keystrokes are needed to enter BIOS ?	This depends on the system. Generally, the keys used are the function keys (F1 - F12) or ESC or DELETE. Often POST will display the proper keystroke on the screen, but you might have to have a quick eye to catch it.
When you can't figure out the keystroke	You can also Google a term like "Gateway bios key" to find pages that might tell you. (It might help to include the computer's model number.) Pages from the manufacturer's web site are the most likely to be accurate.
No Luck?	Some computers will prompt you with the option of entering the BIOS on the first boot after a hardware change.Changing the amount of memory may do this. Disconnecting the hard drive cable from the motherboard is another very useful tactic.
BIOS password	Occasionally you will find a password protected BIOS. Sometimes this can be reset by taking out the battery, but more often there is a jumper on the mobo that needs to be changed. In the rare cases where there is a default password, these are often available via a Google search.
Rare problems	In some systems, if the keyboard and mouse are switched, they will still work in the GUI, but the keyboard will not work to enter BIOS. USB keyboards may not work to enter BIOS.
Laptop	Thinkpad_Passwords
Enterprise	Backdoor and Default Passwords