Dell OptiPlex GX1p - Manual (Page 41)

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Using the System Setup Program : Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX1 and GX1p Midsize Managed
PC Systems
Overview
Each time you turn on your computer system or press the reset button, the system compares the hardware installed in the system to the hardware
listed in the system configuration information stored in nonvolatile random-access memory (NVRAM) on the system board. If the system detects a
discrepancy, it generates error messages that identify the incorrect configuration settings. The system then prompts you to enter the System Setup
program to correct the setting.
You can use the System Setup program as follows:
l To change the system configuration information after you add, change, or remove any hardware in your system
l To set or change user-selectable options — for example, the time or date on your system
You can view the current settings at any time. When you change a setting, in many cases you must reboot the system before the change takes
effect.
After you set up your system, run the System Setup program to familiarize yourself with your system configuration information and optional settings.
Dell recommends that you print the System Setup screens (by pressing the key) or write down the information for future reference.
Before you use the System Setup program, you need to know the kind of diskette drive(s) and hard-disk drive(s) installed in your computer. If you
are unsure of any of this information, see the Manufacturing Test Report that was shipped with your system and is located in the Dell Accessories
folder.
Entering the System Setup Program
Enter the System Setup program as follows:
1. Turn on your system.
If your system is already on, shut it down and then turn it on again.
2. Press immediately when the F2 = Setup prompt appears in the upper-right corner of the Dell logo screen.
If you wait too long and your operating system begins to load into memory, let the system complete the load operation; then shut down the system
and try again.
You can also enter the System Setup program by responding to certain error messages. See " Responding to Error Messages " at the end of this
chapter.
System Setup Screens
The two System Setup screens, Page 1 and Page 2, display the current setup and configuration information and optional settings for your system.
(Typical examples are illustrated in
Figure 1 .)
Overview Using the System Password Feature
Entering the System Setup Program Using the Setup Password Feature
System Setup Screens Disabling a Forgotten Password
Using the System Setup Program Responding to Error Messages
System Setup Options
NOTE: Dell recommends that you upgrade your basic input/output system (BIOS) to the latest version. Refer to the Dell support Web
site at http://support.dell.com for instructions.
NOTE: To ensure an orderly system shutdown, consult the documentation that accompanied your operating system.