Computer tries to boot from wrong drive

[Taylortwocities]

I have a Dell Dimension E521. Attached by USB is an external disk drive used for back ups.

When I start up, the BIOS just hangs if the external drive is connected.
(The progress bar gets half way across). It looks like the BIOS is trying to boot from all connected drives.

How do I get it to only try drive C?

 

[dave.m]

How to change the BIOS startup routine:
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/fixtheproblem/ss/bootorderchange.htm

TTC,
It says in there to either use Del or F2 to access the Bios but iirc with a Dell it is F12 key.
Watch next time you boot up, it will say which key it is to get to the bios, then reboot again and as soon as it starts keep pressing the key.
dave

 

[MrHumbug]

either use Del or F2 to access the Bios but iirc with a Dell it is F12 key.

The Dell Inspiron 530 here uses F2 for BIOS setup.

F12 is usually boot menu or PXE boot.