Using Configuration Software 2-1

Chapter 2

Using Configuration Software
T
his chapter provides an overview of two important
programs that you may need to use with your computer
system—the system setup program and the ISA Configu-
ration Utility. Both of these programs are used to
configure your computer system, and the system setup
program is additionally used to enable and disable your
system’s password features. This chapter introduces these
programs and tells you how to start them. Besides the
online help provided in both of these programs, you can
find complete descriptions of their features and functions
in the online System User’s Guide.
S

ystem Setup Program

Each 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 configuration
information stored in nonvolatile random-access memory
(NVRAM) on the system board. If the system detects a
discrepancy between the two, it generates error messages
that identify the incorrect configuration settings. The sys-
tem 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
After you make changes to system setup program set-
tings, you have the option of rebooting the system to
implement the changes.
After you set up your system, run the system setup
program to familiarize yourself with your system
configuration information and optional settings. Dell rec-
ommends that you print the system setup program
screens (by pressing the <Print Scrn> key) or write down
the information for future reference.
Before you use the system setup program, you need to
know the kind of hard-disk drive(s) and diskette drive(s)
installed in your computer. If you are unsure of any of
this information, see the online Manufacturing Test
Report in the Dell Accessories folder.
E

ntering the System Setup

Program

Enter the system setup program as follows:
1. Turn on (or reboot) your system.
2. When prompted, press <Del> immediately to
enter the system setup program.
If you wait too long and the operating system begins
to load into memory, let the system complete the
load operation. Then shut down the system and
repeat steps 1 and 2.
NOTE: To ensure an orderly system shutdown, con-
sult the documentation that accompanied your
operating system.
You can also enter the system setup program by respond-
ing to certain error messages.