Dell PowerEdge 500SC - Manual (Page 33)

Back to Contents Page
Using the System Setup Program
Dell™ PowerEdge™ 500SC Systems Service Manual
Overview
This section describes the System Setup program, which is used to change the system configuration information stored in NVRAM on the system board. If the
system detects a discrepancy, an error message may appear on the screen that identifies the incorrect configuration settings. Many of these settings are
established using the System Setup program. The system then prompts you to enter the System Setup program to correct the setting.
When to Use the System Setup Program
You can use the System Setup program as follows:
l To change the system configuration information default settings
l To set or change user-selectable options
l To restore system configuration settings following a service action
l To enable or disable integrated devices in your system
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 <Print Screen> key) or write down the information for future reference.
Before you use the System Setup program, you need to know the kind of diskette drives(s) and hard drive(s) that are installed in you system. If you are
unsure of any of this information, see the Manufacturing Test Report that was shipped with your system. You can access the Manufacturing Test Report in the
Dell Accessories folder.
Entering the System Setup Program
Enter the System Setup program by performing the following steps:
1. Turn on your system.
If your system is already on, shut it down and then turn it on again.
2. Press <F2> immediately after you see the following message:
Press <F2> for System Setup
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 ."
System Setup Main Screen
The main System Setup screen displays the current setup and configuration information and optional settings for your system. (Typical examples are
illustrated in
Figure 1 .) Information on the System Setup screen is organized in five boxed areas:
l Title box — The shaded box at the top of the screen lists the system name, and the revision number of the BIOS.
l Configuration options — The remainder of the screen lists the options that define the installed hardware in your computer.
Fields beside the options contain settings or values; those that appear bright on the screen can be changed. Settings or values that you cannot
change (because they are determined by the system) appear less bright.
Some options have multiple fields, which may show settings or values as bright or less bright depending upon what settings or values you
entered in other fields.
l Arrow key select functions: Prompts the user to select options using the up-arrow or down-arrow key.
Overview Using the System Password Feature
When to Use the System Setup Program Using the Setup Password Feature
Entering the System Setup Program Disabling a Forgotten Password
System Setup Main Screen Responding to Error Messages
System Setup Options
NOTE: To ensure an orderly system shutdown, consult the documentation that accompanied your operating system.