hi rich912
thanks for replying
i tried tapping F2 and it does recognise the hard disk
at least that is what i think
it shows the following
Auto-detecting 3rd master.....IDE hard disk
3rd master:WDC WD2500JD-00HBB0 08.02D08
ultra DMA Mode-6 , S.M.A.R.T. capable and status ok
but on pressing F10 nothing happens