Dell 990 service manual Timing Key Sequences

benefit here is that you do not have to remember the <Ctrl><Alt><D> and <Ctrl><Alt><F10> keystrokes (although they still work).

NOTE: The BIOS features an option to disable either or both of the keystroke prompts under the System Security / Post Hotkeys submenu.

When you enter the <F12> or <Ctrl><Alt><F8> keystroke correctly, the computer beeps. The key sequence invokes the Boot Device Menu.

Since the one-time boot menu only affects the current boot, it has the added benefit of not requiring the technician to restore the customer's boot order after completing troubleshooting.

Timing Key Sequences

The keyboard is not the first device initialized by Setup. As a result, if you press a keystroke too early, you lock out the keyboard. When this happens, a keyboard error message appears on the monitor, and you cannot restart the system with the <Ctrl><Alt><Del> keys.

To avoid this scenario, wait until the keyboard is initialized before pressing the keystroke. There are two ways to know that this has happened:

•The keyboard lights flash.

•The "F2=Setup" prompt appears in the top right-hand corner of the screen during boot.

The second method is good if the monitor is already warmed up. If it is not, the system often passes the window of opportunity before the video signal is visible. If this is the case, rely on the first method—the keyboard lights—to know the keyboard is initialized.

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