Back to Contents PageSystem SetupDell™ Dimension™ 8400 Service ManualOverviewEntering System SetupSystem Setup ScreensSystem Setup OptionsBoot SequenceClearing Forgotten PasswordsClearing CMOS SettingsOverviewUse system setup as follows:l To change the system configuration information after you add, change, or remove any hardware in your computerl To set or change a user-selectable option such as the user passwordl To read the current amount of memory or set the type of hard drive installedBefore you use system setup, it is recommended that you write down the system setup screen information for future reference.Entering System Setup1. Turn on (or restart) your computer.2. When the blue DELL™ logo appears, press immediately.3. If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft® Windows® desktop. Turn off your computer.and try again.System Setup ScreensThe system setup screen displays current or changeable configuration information for your computer. Information on the screen is divided into three areas: theoptions list, active options field, and key functions.System Setup OptionsNOTICE: Unless you are an expert computer user, do not change the settings for this program. Certain changes can make your computer workincorrectly.Options List — This field appears on the left side of the system setup window. The field is ascrollable list containing features that define the configuration of your computer, includinginstalled hardware, power conservation, and security features.Scroll up and down the list with the up- and down-arrow keys. As an option is highlighted, theOption Field displays more information about that option and the option's current andavailable settings.Option Field — This field contains information about eachoption. In this field you can view your current settings andmake changes to your settings.Use the right and left arrow keys to highlight an option.Press to make that selection active.Key Functions — This field appears below the Option Fieldand lists keys and their functions within the active systemsetup field.NOTE: Depending on your computer and installed devices, the items listed in this section may not appear, or may not appear exactly as listed.SystemCPU Info Identifies whether the computer's processor supports Hyper-Threading and lists the processor bus speed, processor ID, clock speed, andL2 cache.Memory Info Indicates amount of installed memory, memory speed, channel mode (dual or single), and type of memory installed.Date/Time Displays current date and time settings.Boot SequenceThe computer attempts to boot from the sequence of devices specified in this list.
