Dell Dimension 2300 - Manual (Page 38)

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System Setup Program
Dell™ Dimension™ 2300
Overview
Each time you turn on or restart your computer, the computer compares the hardware installed in the computer to the hardware listed in the configuration
information stored in NVRAM on the system board. If the computer detects a discrepancy between the two, it generates error messages that identify the
incorrect configuration settings. The computer then prompts you to enter the system setup program to correct the setting.
You can use the system setup program to perform the following tasks:
l To change the system configuration information after you add, change, or remove any hardware in your computer
l To set or change user-selectable options, such as the user password
Dell recommends that you write down the system setup program screen information for future reference.
The system setup screens are organized as follows:
l The top of the screen has a menu bar for accessing the main program screens.
l The box on the left side of each screen lists options that define the hardware installed in the computer. Fields beside the options contain settings or
values. You can change the settings or values that are enclosed in brackets. Values that are grayed out contain status information reported by the
computer.
l The box on the right side of each screen displays help information for the option with a currently highlighted field.
l The lower area of the screen lists keys and their functions for the currently displayed screen.
The menu bar provides access to the following screens:
l Main screen — Provides settings for the basic computer configuration
l Advanced screen — Provides detailed settings for some computer features
l Security screen — Provides indications and settings for system password and setup password
l Power screen — Provides settings for system power management features
l Boot screen — Provides information about which device boots the computer
l Exit screen — Provides selections for saving and loading the configurations and options
In addition to these screens, options identified by a right arrow provide access to submenus.
Entering the System Setup Program
1. Turn on (or restart) your computer.
2. When the blue DELL™ logo appears, press <F2>.
If you wait too long and the operating system begins to load into memory, let the computer complete the load operation. Then shut down the computer
and try again.
Main Screen
Overview Power Screen
Entering the System Setup Program Boot Screen
Main Screen Exit Screen
Advanced Screen Clearing Forgotten Passwords
Security Screen Clearing CMOS