Dell Inspiron 4100 - Manual (Page 42)

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System Setup Program
Dell™ Inspiron™ 4100
Overview
Viewing the System Setup Screens
System Setup Screens
Commonly Used Options
Overview
You can use the system setup program as follows:
l To set or change user-selectable features—for example, your password
l To verify information about your computer's current configuration, such as the amount of system memory
After you set up your computer, run the system setup program to familiarize yourself with your system configuration information and optional settings. Dell
recommends that you write down the information for future reference.
Viewing the System Setup Screens
1. Turn on (or restart) your computer.
2. When the Dell™ logo appears, press immediately.
If you wait too long and the Windows® logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer and try
again.
Depending on your computer, you may also be able to enter the system setup program by pressing the keyboard shortcut at any time while
the computer is running.
System Setup Screens
The system setup screens display the current setup information and settings for your computer. Each screen is laid out with the system setup options listed at
the left. To the right of each option is a field that displays the setting or value for that option. You can change settings that appear as white type on the
screen. Options or values that you cannot change (because they are determined by the computer) appear less bright.
A box in the upper-right corner of the screen displays help information for the currently highlighted option; a box in the lower-right corner displays information
about the computer. System setup key functions are listed across the bottom of the screen.
The screens display such information as:
l System configuration
l Boot configuration and dock configuration settings
l Basic device configuration settings
l Battery charge status
l Power management settings
l System security and hard drive password settings
Commonly Used Options
Changing the Boot Sequence
The boot sequence tells the computer where to look to find the software needed to start the operating system. To change the computer's boot sequence,
HINT: Your operating system may automatically configure most of the options available in the system setup program, thus overriding options that you
set through the system setup program. (An exception is the External Hot Key option, which you can disable or enable only through the system setup
program.) For more information on configuring features for your operating system, see your Microsoft® Windows Help or Windows Help and Support
Center.
NOTICE: Unless you are an expert computer user or are directed to do so by Dell technical support, do not change the settings for this program.
Certain changes might make your computer work incorrectly.
HINT: Certain options require that you reboot the computer for new settings to take effect.