Using the System Setup Program 2-1

Chapter 2

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the System Setup Pro
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E
ach time you turn on your computer system or press
the reset button, the system compares the hardware
installed in the system to the hardware listed in the
system configuration information stored in nonvolatile
random-access memory (NVRAM) on the system board.
If the system detects a discrepancy, it generates error
messages that identify the incorrect configuration
settings. The system then prompts you to enter the
System Setup program to correct the setting.
You can use the System Setup program as follows:
•To change the system configuration information
after you add, change, or remove any hardware in
your system
•To set or change user-selectable options—for
example, the time or date on your system
You can view the current settings at any time. When you
change a setting, in many cases you must reboot the
system before the change takes effect.
After you set up your system, run the System Setup
program to familiarize yourself with your system
configuration information and optional settings. Dell
recommends that you print the System Setup screens (by
pressing the <Print Screen> key) or write down the infor-
mation for future reference.
Before you use the System Setup program, you need to
know the kind of diskette drive(s) and hard-disk drive(s)
installed in your computer. If you are unsure of any of
this information, see the Manufacturing Test Report that
was shipped with your system. You can access the
Manufacturing Test Report from the Dell Accessories
folder or program group.
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Enter the System Setup program as follows:
1. Turn on your system.
If your system is already on, shut it down and then
turn it on again.
2. Press <Ctrl><Alt><Enter> immediately after you
see the following message:
Press <Ctrl><Alt><Enter> for System
Setup
If you wait too long and your operating system begins to
load into memory, let the system complete the load
operation; then shut down the system and try again.
NOTE: To ensure an orderly system shutdown, consult
the documentation that accompanied your operating
system.
You can also enter the System Setup program by
responding to certain error messages. See “Responding to
Error Messages” at the end of this chapter.