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Using the System Setup Program 3-1Chapter 3Using the System Setup ProgramEach time you turn on your computer system or pressthe reset button, the system compares the hardwareinstalled in the system to the hardware listed in the sys-tem configuration information stored in nonvolatilerandom-access memory (NVRAM) on the system board.If the system detects a discrepancy, it generates errormessages that identify the incorrect configuration set-tings. The system then prompts you to enter the SystemSetup program to correct the setting.You can use the System Setup program as follows:• To change the system configuration informationafter you add, change, or remove any hardware inyour system• To set or change user-selectable options—for ex-ample, the time or date on your systemYou can view the current settings at any time. When youchange a setting, in many cases you must reboot the sys-tem before the change takes effect.After you set up your system, run the System Setupprogram to familiarize yourself with your systemconfiguration information and optional settings. Dell rec-ommends that you print out the System Setup screens (bypressing the key) or write down the infor-mation for future reference.Before you use the System Setup program, you need toknow the kind of diskette drive(s) and hard-disk drive(s)installed in your computer. If you are unsure of any ofthis information, see the manufacturing test report thatwas shipped with your system. You can access the manu-facturing test report from the Dell Accessories programfolder.Entering the System SetupProgramTo enter the System Setup program, press the SystemSetup key combination during the system’s power-on selftest (POST), as follows:1. Restart your system.2. During the boot routine, the message Press for System Setupappears on the screen. When the messageappears, immediately hold down the and keys and press the key.The message Entering System Setup..... Please wait appears and is soonreplaced by Page 1 of the System Setup screens.If you wait too long to press the keycombination, the Press for System Setup message disappears and youroperating system begins to load into memory. If this situ-ation occurs, let the system complete the load operation;then shut it down and try again.NOTE: To ensure an orderly system shutdown, consultthe documentation that accompanied your operatingsystem.You can also enter the System Setup program byresponding to certain error messages. See “Responding toError Messages” at the end of this chapter.
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