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Chapter 2
The CMOS Setup Program
Introduction
The Setup program keeps a record of the host computer's
system parameters (such as memory amounts, disk drives, video
displays, and peripheral devices). Setup resides in the Read
Only Memory Basic Input/Output System (ROM BIOS) so that
it is available each time the host is turned on. Setup stores the
information in the complementary metal oxide semiconductor
(CMOS) memory. When the host is turned off, a back-up
battery retains system parameters in the CMOS memory.
As soon as the host is turned on, the power-on diagnostics
routines check memory, attempt to prepare peripheral devices
for action, and offer you the option of pressing <DEL> to
run Setup.
When to Run Setup
During normal daily operation, you do not have to run Setup
when you start your computer.
Under the abnormal conditions, an appropriate message
displays, advising you to run the Setup program. These
conditions indicate that an error has occurred during the
power-on self-tests (POST
).
S
The CMOS Setup Program
2-3
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