Dell PowerEdge 6400 - Manual (Page 70)

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Using the System Setup Program: Dell™ PowerEdge™ 6400 Systems User's Guide
Overview
Each time you turn on or reboot your computer system, 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
l To enable or disable all integrated devices in your system.
NOTICE: Whenever you make changes to the System Setup program or change settings for integrated devices, you must run the
Resource Configuration Utility (RCU), make any necessary changes, and save the system configuration information. Failure to do so
may cause resource conflicts between Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) devices (such as PCI expansion cards, the
integrated video controller, or the integrated small computer system interface [SCSI] host adapter). See "
Configuring PCI Expansion
Cards " for more information about how PCI devices are configured based on settings in the Resource Configuration Utility.
You can view the current settings any time you run the System Setup program. When you change a setting, the system reboots automatically so
that the change can take 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 <Print Screen> key) or record 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. You can access the Manufacturing Test
Report in the Dell Accessories folder.
Entering the System Setup Program
To enter the System Setup program, perform 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 F2 = Setup appear on 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 .
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 . Information on the two System Setup screens is organized in five boxed areas:
Overview Using the System Password Feature
Entering the System Setup Program Using the Setup Password Feature
System Setup Screens Disabling a Forgotten Password
System Setup Program Navigation Responding to Error Messages
System Setup Options
NOTE: To ensure an orderly system shutdown, consult the documentation that came with your operating system.