Using the System Setup Program

After you set up your system, run the System Setup program to familiarize yourself with your system configuration and optional settings. Record the information for future reference.

You can use the System Setup program to:

•Change the system configuration stored in NVRAM after you add, change, or remove hardware

•Set or change user-selectable options—for example, the time or date
•Enable or disable integrated devices

•Correct discrepancies between the installed hardware and configuration settings

Entering the System Setup Program

1Turn on or restart your system.
2Press <F2> immediately after you see the following message:
<F2> = System Setup

If your operating system begins to load before you press <F2>, allow the system to finish booting, and then restart your system and try again.

NOTE: To ensure an orderly system shutdown, see the documentation that accompanied your operating system.

Responding to Error Messages

You can enter the System Setup program by responding to certain error messages. If an error message appears while the system is booting, make a note of the message. Before entering the System Setup program, see "System Messages" on page 18 for an explanation of the message and suggestions for correcting errors. Also, the system emits a series of beeps during POST if an error is encountered but cannot be reported. For more information, see "System Beep Codes" on page 26 for more information.

NOTE: After installing a memory upgrade, it is normal for your system to send a message the first time you start your system.

Using the System Setup Program

Table 2-1lists the keys that you use to view or change information on the System Setup program screens and to exit the program.

Using the System Setup Program

29