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Overview |
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Entering the System Setup Program |
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Using the System Setup Program |
Each time you turn on your computer, it compares the installed hardware with the system configuration information stored in nonvolatile random-access memory (NVRAM). If the system detects a discrepancy, it generates an error message for each incorrect configuration setting. You can use the System Setup program to adjust the configuration settings.
You can use the System Setup program as follows:
For some setup options, you must reboot the computer before any changes take effect. Changes for other options take effect immediately.
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NOTE: If you change an option that is activated by rebooting, the System Setup program displays the setting you selected rather than the setting currently in effect. You must reboot for the new setting to take effect. |
After you set up your computer, run the System Setup program to familiarize yourself with your system configuration information and optional settings. Dell recommends that you write down the information for future reference.
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NOTES: If the computer uses the
Microsoft® Windows® 95 operating system, you can also use the Dell Control Center to
view and change the system configuration. Access the Dell Control Center from the Dell
Accessories folder. If the computer uses the Microsoft Windows NT® 4.0 or Windows 98 operating system, you must use the System Setup program to view and change your system configuration. |
For more information, see "System Setup Options."
To enter the System Setup program, press <Fn><F1> at any time on the computer keyboard (or press <Scroll Lock><F1> on an external keyboard if the External Hot Key option is enabled). To open the System Setup program directly to the Battery Status screen, press <Fn><F3> on the computer keyboard (or press <Scroll Lock><F3> on an external keyboard if the External Hot Key option is enabled).
To exit the System Setup program, press <Esc>. If you change the setting of an option that requires rebooting to take effect, exit the operating system before rebooting. (The Help text in the upper-right corner of System Setup screens 1, 2, and 4 tells you if the computer must be rebooted.)
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NOTE: If the System Setup program is running when the computer enters suspend mode, the computer exits the System Setup program and then enters suspend mode. |
For more information, see "System Setup Options."
The System Setup screens display the current setup and configuration information and optional settings for your computer. Information on the screens is organized in five boxed areas:
The box at the top of all screens lists the page number, system name, and version number of the basic input/output system (BIOS).
The box on the left half of screens 1, 2, and 4 lists options that define the installed hardware in your computer and the power conservation and security features for your computer.
Fields next to the options contain settings or values. You can change those values that appear white on the screen. Options or values that you cannot change (because they are determined or calculated by the computer) appear dimmed or blue, depending on your display.
The box on the upper-right half of screens 1, 2, and 4 displays help information for the option with a currently highlighted field.
The box in the lower-right corner of screens 1, 2, and 4 displays information about your computer.
The line of boxes across the bottom of all screens lists keys and their functions within the System Setup program.
For more information, see "System Setup Options."