My Desktop Dell Optiplex GX200 computer says Alert! Cover was previously removed. Strike F1 to retry boot . F2 for setup utility. I never opened my computer and when I click F1 it doesn't do anything but give me the above message again. When I click F2 to setup utility I'm not sure what to look for to change the time and date are acturate

Sounds like the boot sec is missing run restore disks

It means that something is wrong with your setup - my first guess is that your computer backup battery has gone bad, but it may be something else.

Press F1 to retry - if the computer starts, check the system date/time (usually in the right-hand corner of the toolbar - the opposite end of where the Start icon is located).

If the computer does not start, press F2 - you will be entering the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) and you really should not change anythig unless you are familiar with what the terms mean. BUT - it will do no harm to change the date and/or time if they are incorrect.

Exit out and the computer should now boot automatically.

If it DOES boot, then the battery is weak or dead. You will have to shut down the computer, open the case and replace the quarter-sized battery - usually 3volts.

While you are in there, blow out any accumulated dust - and don't forget the power supply.

Close the case and reboot. You will still get the error, but this time, once you reset the date/time the computer will "remember" the settings and you will be good to go for a few more years.

Hit F2,look in setup to see if the hard drive is recognized and check that the date and time are correct.
Then hit esc key. it will ask if you want to save changes, click yes. It should boot and probably ask you to hit F1 or F2 again., unless there is a problem with the CMOS battery, which may need to be replaced.
If you hit F1 to continue, it will boot, but your time and date will be off.

I’m happy to assist further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/joe_8b8c2cd6ce148309

CMOS battery ...you need to change the battery of *********** board

you can try this steps to resolve your issue:
1. clean your disc drive with white cloth and alcohol
2. try to re-install the OS
3. if this won't work try to download another boot disk like EBCD
or ask a friend to create you a boot disc and try to boot your computer with it.

- This can rule out or confirm a Bad Windows OS disc, thus let's you install you Windows OS in the process.

4. try to re-install again the OS

Generally an indication that the Hard Drive isn't detected
Things to check, go to BIOS F2, reset defaults and reboot, see if the HDD is seen. If it is, the battery on the motherboard is likely dead and needs replacement (Watch battery at Walmart, 3 dollars)
If the HDD doesn't detect after resetting the BIOS, then most likely a Hard Drive failure

Normally that means you have one or more corrupt startup files you will need to try to boot from windows CD if you have one and try a repair install which will replace all windows files or if that dont work a complete format and reinstall the operating system.

Hi hunter555,

First off, you've done a lot of work for nothing. What you need to do is put back the new memory. When the Dell Bios boots, it confirming that it has detected the new memory. What you need to do is hit the F1 key to reboot and continue on to the XP installation. When you open the case, it will say the same thing. Don't worry about it, it's only confirming that the case was opened. Typically, I shut off the case intrusion detection, only because I'm always adding things to the machines and it's just a extra step I have to take to boot. However, it's good to know that your bios is confirming that you've opened the case, and that you've put in new memory. You want to make sure that the setup recongizes the entire memory in the banks. So, go to the system information page and make sure that it's reading the original and the additional memory 256k you added. Otherwise your done.

Good Luck

Mark

hi! i have a prob with my pc its an DELL GX OPTIPLEX 270. It doesn't work in the boot, it lunch me a message at the first screen (strike f1 to retry boot, f2 for utilities). I have try many solution but it doesn't work. So, plz if any one can help me to solve my pc.
i'm waiting for and thx.

When prompted again hit F2 as the bios clock may be incorrect, which means your cmos battery needs changing, reset the time and save, exit for a re boot. Take the side off the pc and look at the motherboard for a flat disc shaped watch type battery and replace if required.