System BIOSCBI/CGI Technical Reference
Chassis Plans 3-5
RUNNING
AMIBIOS SETUP
AMIBIOS Setup keeps a record of system parameters, such as date and time, disk drives,
display type and other user-defined parameters. The Setup parameters reside in the Read
Only Memory Basic Input/Output System (ROM BIOS) so that they are available each
time the system is turned on. AMIBIOS Setup stores the information in the comple-
mentary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) memory. When the system is turned off, a
backup battery retains system parameters in the CMOS memory.
Each time the system is powered on, it is configured with these values, unless the CMOS
has been corrupted or is faulty. The AMIBIOS Setup Utility is resident in the ROM
BIOS so that it is available each time the computer is turned on. If, for some reason, the
CMOS becomes corrupted, the system is configured with the default values stored in this
ROM file.
As soon as the system is turned on, the power-on diagnostic routines check memory,
attempt to prepare peripheral devices for action, and offer you the option of pressing
<Del> to run AMIBIOS Setup.
If certain non-fatal errors occur during the Power-On Self Test (POST) routines which
are run when the system is turned on, you may be prompted to run AMIBIOS Setup by
pressing <F1>.