Boot sequence – Dell Dimension 3100C User Manual
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Boot Sequence
This feature allows you to change the boot sequence for devices.
Option Settings
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Diskette Drive — The computer attempts to boot from the floppy drive. If the floppy disk in the drive is not bootable, if no floppy disk is in the drive, or if
there is no floppy drive installed in the computer, the computer generates an error message.
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Hard Drive — The computer attempts to boot from the primary hard drive. If no operating system is on the drive, the computer generates an error
message.
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CD/ DVD Drive — The computer attempts to boot from the CD/DVD drive. If no disc is in the drive, or if the disc has no operating system, the computer
generates an error message.
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USB Flash Device — Insert the memory device into a USB port and restart the computer. When F12 = Boot Menu appears in the upper-right corner of
the screen, press
Changing Boot Sequence for the Current Boot
You can use this feature, for example, to restart your computer to a USB device such as a floppy drive, memory key, or exterma; CD-RW drive.
1.
If you are booting to a USB device, connect the USB device to a USB connector.
2.
Turn on (or restart) your computer.
3.
When F2 = Setup, F12 = Boot Menu appears in the upper-right corner of the screen, press
If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft Windows desktop. Then shut down your
computer and try again.
The Boot Device Menu appears, listing all available boot devices. Each device has a number next to it.
4.
At the bottom of the menu, enter the number of the device that is to be used for the current boot only.
For example, if you are booting to a USB memory key, highlight USB Flash Device and press
Auto Power On
The default setting is Off.
This feature does not work if you turn off your computer using a power strip or surge protector.
Auto Power Time
Sets time to automatically turn on the computer.
Time is kept in the standard 12-hour format (hours:minutes). Change the startup time by pressing the right- or left-arrow key to
increase or decrease the numbers, or type numbers in both the date and time fields.
This feature does not work if you turn off your computer using a power strip or surge protector.
Suspend Mode
The options are S1, a suspend state where the computer is running in a low-power mode, and S3, a standby state where the power is
reduced or turned off for most components, however, system memory remains active.
Maintenance
SERR DMI Message
This field controls the SERR DMI message mechanism. Some graphics cards require that the SERR DMI message mechanism be disabled.
Asset Tag
The Asset Tag is used for customer information.
Owner Tag
The Owner Tag is used for Owner information.
Load Defaults
This option allows you to reset every option back to the way it was when the system left the factory.
Event Log
Displays the system event log.
POST Behavior
Fastboot
When set to On (default), your computer starts more quickly because it skips certain configurations and tests.
Numlock Key
This option involves the rightmost bank of keys on your keyboard. When set to On (default), this option activates the numeric and
mathematical features shown at the top of each key. When set to Off, this option activates the cursor-control functions labeled on the
bottom of each key.
POST Hotkeys
This option allows you to specify the function keys to display on the screen when the computer starts.
Keyboard Errors
This option disables or enables keyboard error reporting when the computer starts.
NOTE:
To boot to a USB device, the device must be bootable. To make sure that your device is bootable, check the device documentation.
NOTE:
").
NOTE:
To boot to a USB device, the device must be bootable. To make sure your device is bootable, check the device documentation.