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Timing key sequences – Dell OptiPlex 390 (Mid 2011) User Manual

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When you enter the or keystroke correctly, the computer

beeps. The key sequence invokes the Boot Device Menu.

Since the one-time boot menu only affects the current boot, it has the added

benefit of not requiring the technician to restore the customer's boot order after

completing troubleshooting.

Timing Key Sequences

The keyboard is not the first device initialized by Setup. As a result, if you press

a keystroke too early, you lock out the keyboard. When this happens, a

keyboard error message appears on the monitor, and you cannot restart the

system with the keys.
To avoid this scenario, wait until the keyboard is initialized before pressing the

keystroke. There are two ways to know that this has happened:

• The keyboard lights flash.
• The "F2=Setup" prompt appears in the top right-hand corner of the screen

during boot.

The second method is good if the monitor is already warmed up. If it is not, the

system often passes the window of opportunity before the video signal is

visible. If this is the case, rely on the first method—the keyboard lights—to

know the keyboard is initialized.

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