Anybody out there help me with start up problem. After entering F1, a message states 'Unknown flash type' and the start up process halts there. Apparently I have to disable the flash protection or something? Help!!

Where are you entering F1 and why?

This is usually a BIOS error bypass or continue key.

What is the original source of the press F1 to continue error?

Is this a new problem? A new computer? What is the make and model?

It says press f1 to enter bios and when the bios screen appears it says unknown flash, system halted. i pressed f1 at the first screen, because if you leave it to start up it appears a black screen with a load of white writing that does not mean anything and at the bottom of this screen again it says unknow flash type. yes this is a new problem, never happened before and dont know whats caused it to happen this time. The computer is from 1999 and is running on windows xp not sure of any other details as my computer was originally custom built for fathers business.

It sounds like someone tried to flash the BIOS and failed.

I would suggest clearing the CMOS and see if that helps.

If not it may be beyond repair.

What is the make and model of the motherboard?

Usually you either need to remove the battery and or reset the CMOS or CCMOS jumper for a few seconds.

This clears all the BIOS data and resets defaults.

It says press f1 to enter bios and when the bios screen appears it says unknown flash, system halted. i pressed f1 at the first screen, because if you leave it to start up it appears a black screen with a load of white writing that does not mean anything and at the bottom of this screen again it says unknow flash type. yes this is a new problem, never happened before and dont know whats caused it to happen this time. The computer is from 1999 and is running on windows xp not sure of any other details as my computer was originally custom built for fathers business.

Is there some purpose for repeating EricB's last post?

If you are asking the same question then see my reply above.