Each time you start your computer, it compares the installed hardware with
the system configuration information stored in NVRAM. If the computer
detects a discrepancy, it generates an error message for each incorrect
configuration setting.
You can use system settings as follows:
To set user-selectable options such as date and time or system
password
To set the current configuration information such as the amount of
memory or type of hard drive installed
You can view the current settings at any time. Dell recommends that you
record the information for future reference. If you have a line printer
connected to the parallel port on your computer, you can print the system
setup screens by pressing <Print Screen>.
Before you use system setup, you need to know the kind of diskette drive(s)
and hard drive(s) installed in your computer. If you are unsure of this
information, see the Manufacturing Test Report that came with your
computer and is located in the Dell Accessories folder.
When F2 = Setup appears in the upper-right corner of the screen,
press <F2>.
The System Setup menu appears.
If you wait too long and your operating system begins to load into memory,
let the computer complete the load operation; then restart the computer and
try again.
NOTE: To ensure an orderly system shutdown, consult the documentation that
accompanied your operating system.
Options — a scrollable box listing options that define the
configuration of your computer, including installed hardware, power
conservation, and security features.
Fields to the right of the option titles contain settings or values. Those that you can change appear bright on the screen. Those that you cannot change (because they are set by the computer) appear less bright. When <Enter> appears to the right of an option title, press <Enter> to access a pop-up menu of additional options.
Key functions — a line of boxes across the bottom of all screens that
lists keys and their functions within system setup.
Help — press <F1> for information in the currently highlighted
option.
Cycles through the options in a field. In many fields, you can also type the appropriate value. To access a field's pop-up options menu, press <Enter>.
Scrolls through help information.
Accesses the selected field's pop-up options menu.
spacebar or
In the selected field's pop-up options menu, cycles through the options in a field.
Exits system setup without rebooting the computer and returns the computer to the boot routine.
Exits system setup and reboots the computer, implementing any changes you have made.
Resets the selected option to its default setting.
NOTE: For most of the options, any changes you make are recorded but do not
take effect until the next time you turn on the computer. For a few options (as
noted in the help area), the changes take effect immediately.
The boot sequence allows you to specify the order of the devices from which
the system attempts to boot.
Press <Enter> to access the Boot Sequence option's pop-up menu.
NOTE: Write down your current boot sequence in case you want to
restore it.
Press the up- and down-arrow keys to move through the list of devices.
Press the spacebar to enable or disable a device (enabled devices
appear with a check mark).
Press plus (+) or minus (–) to move a selected device up or down the
list.
Option settings:
Diskette Drive A: — The system attempts to boot from the diskette
drive. If the system finds a diskette in the drive that is not bootable, an
error message appears. If no diskette is in the drive, the system
attempts to boot from the next device in the list.
Hard Drive — The system attempts to boot from the primary hard
drive. If the system does not find an operating system on the drive, it
attempts to boot from the next device in the list.
CD Drive — The system attempts to boot from the CD drive. If the
system does not find a CD in the drive or if there is not an operating
system on the CD, the system attempts to boot from the next device
in the list.
MBA — The system prompts you to press <Ctrl><Alt><b> at the
Dell logo screen during boot. A menu appears that allows you to select
a method for booting from a network server. If a boot routine is not
available from the network server, the system attempts to boot from
the next device in the list.
Remote Wake Up provides the ability either to remotely wake a computer
from a low-power sleep state or to remotely start up a computer that is
turned off but connected to a power source.
Option settings:
On — The computer will start up when the appropriate signal is
received by the network adapter (WOL) or modem (WOR).
On w/ Boot to NIC — When the network adapter or modem receives
the appropriate signal, the computer attempts to boot from a network
server. If a boot routine is not available from the network server, the
computer attempts to boot from the devices specified in the Boot
Sequence.
The system setup options for network operations work together for
particular functions. The following table describes the relationship of the
various option settings:
You computer has several integrated devices. For these devices to be
accessible to the OS, the corresponding options in system setup must be
configured properly.
To enable or disable an integrated device, enter system setup, select
Integrated Devices and change the setting for the appropriate device to On
or Off:
*Offers subject to change. Taxes, shipping, handling and other fees apply. U.S. Dell Small Business new purchases only. LIMIT 5 DISCOUNTED OR PROMOTIONAL ITEMS PER CUSTOMER. LIMIT 5 VOSTRO OR INSPIRON UNITS PER CUSTOMER. Dell reserves right to cancel orders arising from pricing or other errors.
