First, thanks for all the responses. They fell into two classes: those who advised repeating tapping/pressing on either the F!! key or the Delete key. I've done that dozens of times, and received no responses. And I can't change the screen which asks me which kernel I want to boot. I get the top entry, and that's that.
Others have suggested changing /etc/default/grub. I've tried that too, and have run 'update-grub' afterward. It doesn't seem to have done anything. Perhaps someone can post an example of an /etc/default/grub where the boot order is explicitly described? I have found the paper manual for this, aftee some searching<g>. It is labeled like the picture that appears on the boot., except that it has Z97 and H97 on the bottom, and is labeled User Guide It doesn't assume any kind of problem with accessing the boot menu. But it does give a URL for Tech Support: register.msi.com . There you have to sign up. I've tried to sign up, but without success. There you have it. I'm stymied on all fronts. Again I plea for help! TIA, Alan -- Alan McConnell : http://globaltap.com/~alan/ "Women run for office to do something, and men run for office to be somebody." (Debbie Walsh)