Using The System Setup Program; Entering The System Setup Program - Dell Latitude CP Reference And Troubleshooting Manual

Using the System Setup Program

E
ach time you turn on your computer, it compares the
installed hardware with the system configuration infor-
mation stored in NVRAM. If the system detects a
discrepancy, it generates an error message for each incor-
rect configuration setting.
You can use the System Setup program as follows:
•
To set or change user-selectable features—for exam-
ple, your password or power management features
•
To verify information about your computer's current
configuration, such as the amount of system memory
For some setup options, you must reboot the computer
before any changes take effect. Changes for other options
take effect immediately.
NOTE: If you change an option that is activated by
rebooting, the System Setup program displays the setting
you selected rather than the setting currently in effect.
You must reboot for the new setting to take effect.
After you set up your computer, run the System Setup
program to familiarize yourself with your system
configuration information and optional settings. Dell rec-
ommends that you write down the information for future
reference.
If the computer is using the Microsoft Windows NT 4.0
operating system, you must use the System Setup pro-
gram to view and change your system configuration.
If the computer is using the Microsoft Win-
dows 95 operating system, you can also use
the Dell Control Center to view and change
the system configuration. Access the Dell
Control Center from the Dell Accessories
folder. See the topic titled "Dell Control Center" in the
online System User's Guide for more information. The
Dell Control Center also contains detailed help that gives
you all the information you need to set options.
Chapter 2
E
ntering the System Setup
Program
Enter and use the System Setup program as follows:
If you are using Windows 95, press <Fn><F1> at any
time on the built-in keyboard (or <Scroll Lock><F1> on
an external keyboard if the External Hot Key option is
enabled). If you press <Fn><F3> (or <Scroll Lock><F3>
on an external keyboard if the External Hot Key option is
enabled), the System Setup program opens directly to the
battery status screen.
If you are using Windows NT 4.0 or any other operating
system that is not Plug and Play aware, close all open
application programs and exit the operating system.
When prompted, reboot the computer and press
<Fn><F1> (or <Scroll Lock><F1> from an external key-
board if the External Hot Key option is enabled). 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.
In either operating system, press <Esc> to exit the Sys-
tem Setup program. If you change the setting of an option
that requires rebooting in order to take effect, exit the
operating system before rebooting. (The Help text in the
upper-right corner of System Setup screens 1, 2, and 4
tells you if the computer must be rebooted.)
NOTE: If the System Setup program is running when the
computer enters suspend mode, the computer exits the
System Setup program and then activates suspend mode.
U
sing the System Setup Program
The System Setup screens display the current setup and
configuration information and optional settings for your
Using the System Setup Program 2-1