Microsoft PXP43 manual Using BIOS, About the Setup Utility, The Standard Configuration, Chapter

Chapter 3: Using BIOS 23

Chapter 3

Using BIOS

About the Setup Utility

The computer uses the latest “American Megatrends Inc. ” BIOS with support for Windows Plug and Play. The CMOS chip on the motherboard contains the ROM setup instructions for configuring the motherboard BIOS.

The BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) Setup Utility displays the system’s configuration status and provides you with options to set system parameters. The parameters are stored in battery-backed-up CMOS RAM that saves this information when the power is turned off. When the system is turned back on, the system is configured with the values you stored in CMOS.

The BIOS Setup Utility enables you to configure:

•Hard drives, diskette drives and peripherals

•Video display type and display options

•Password protection from unauthorized use

•Power Management features

The settings made in the Setup Utility affect how the computer performs. Before using the Setup Utility, ensure that you understand the Setup Utility options.

This chapter provides explanations for Setup Utility options.

The Standard Configuration

A standard configuration has already been set in the Setup Utility. However, we recommend that you read this chapter in case you need to make any changes in the future.

This Setup Utility should be used:

•when changing the system configuration

•when a configuration error is detected and you are prompted to make changes to the Setup Utility

•when trying to resolve IRQ conflicts

•when making changes to the Power Management configuration

•when changing the password or making other changes to the Security Setup

Entering the Setup Utility

When you power on the system, BIOS enters the Power-On Self Test (POST) routines. POST is a series of built-in diagnostics performed by the BIOS. After the POST routines are completed, the following message appears:

Using BIOS