Dell Precision 350 - Manual (Page 20)

Boot Sequence
This feature allows users to change the sequence of devices from which the computer boots.
Option Settings
l Normal — (Available only for the current boot process.) The computer attempts to boot from the sequence of devices specified in system setup.
l Diskette Drive — The computer attempts to boot from the floppy drive. If the floppy disk in the drive is not bootable, or if no floppy disk is in the drive,
the computer generates an error message.
l 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.
l CD Drive — The computer attempts to boot from the CD drive. If no CD is in the drive, or if the CD has no operating system, the computer generates an
error message.
l MBA — (Available only for the future boot process) As the computer boots, it prompts you to press . Pressing this key combination
causes a menu to display that allows you to select a method for booting from a network server. If a boot routine is not available from the network
server, the system attempts to boot from the next device in the boot sequence list.
Changing the Computer Boot Sequence for the Current Boot
You can use this feature, for example, to tell the computer to boot from the CD drive so you can run the Dell Diagnostics, but specify that the computer boots
from the hard drive when the diagnostic tests are complete.
1. Turn on or restart your computer.
2. When F2 = Setup appears in the upper-right corner of the screen, press .
If you wait too long and the Microsoft Windows logo appears, continue to wait until you see the 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. At the bottom of the menu, enter the number of
the device that is to be used for the current boot only.
Changing Boot Sequence for Future Boots
1. Enter system setup .
2. Use the arrow keys to highlight the Boot Sequence menu option and press to access the pop-up menu.
3. Press the up- and down-arrow keys to move through the list of devices.
4. Press the spacebar to enable or disable a device (enabled devices have a checkmark).
5. Press plus (+) or minus (–) to move a selected device up or down the list.
System Setup Options
field
Exits system setup without restarting
the computer and returns the
computer to the boot routine
Exits system setup and restarts the
computer, implementing any changes
you have made
Resets the selected option to the
default
NOTE: To ensure an orderly computer shutdown, consult the documentation that came with your operating system.
NOTE: Write down your current boot sequence in case you want to restore it.
AC Power Recovery — Determines what happens when AC power is restored to the computer
l Off — Computer remains off when AC power is restored.
l On — Computer starts when AC power is restored.
l Last — Computer returns to the AC power state existing at the time that AC power was lost.
Asset Tag — Displays the customer-programmable asset tag number for the computer if an asset tag number is assigned
Auto Power On — Sets time and days of week to turn on the computer automatically. Choices are every day or every Monday through
Friday.