From my search on the internet, I found that you need to press the F2 key repeatedly when you see the DELL logo. Also, I had a problem once where the keyboard plug wasn't connected properly, and it was showing on the display *loading* in the same place where it would usually show the *loading into BIOS* (the keyboard worked normally in DOS). It wasn't a DELL computer, though, so I don't know if that's the problem. Just a good thing to check.

I also searched and found that information. Above I said I have tried F2 on boot and that there is no Dell logo screen on boot.
After pressing the power button the diagnostic text of DOS starts. There is no delay between pressing the power button and the text apearing on the screen, it starts with that text.

As it is setup and running I dont really want to remove the battery to reset the BIOS if there is another way as Im not to sure with these old machines.

I know some systems have the option to disable the BIOS splash screen on boot to speed up boot time, does this system have such a thing and if so how do I disable it?

Most of Dells are with F2 - bios key as i remember and F10 or F12 for boot selection and there is option to select bios also, maybe not from all dell pcs, newer ones at least. Keyboard buttons works 100%? Try other keyboard if you havent. Try to locate user or service manual to be sure about the key combination for your old dell pc.

I was mashing about and it seems alternating between F2 and Del does it.

Thank you for the help though, much appreciated.