Timing Key Sequences - Dell Precision T1600 Service Manual

benefit here is that the user does not have to remember the <Ctrl><Alt><D> and
<Ctrl><Alt><F10> keystrokes (although they still work).
NOTE: The BIOS features an option to disable either or both of the keystroke
prompts under the System Security / Post Hotkeys submenu.
When you enter the <F12> or <Ctrl><Alt><F8> keystroke correctly, the system beeps. The
key sequence invokes the Boot Device Menu that is similar in appearance to the
Microsoft boot menu.
Since the one-time boot menu only affects the current boot, it has the added benefit of
not requiring the technician to restore the customer's boot order after completing
troubleshooting.

Timing Key Sequences

The keyboard is not the first device initialized by Setup. As a result, if you press a
keystroke too early, you lock out the keyboard. When this happens, a keyboard error
message appears on the monitor, and you cannot restart the system with the
<Ctrl><Alt><Del> keys.
To avoid this scenario, wait until the keyboard is initialized before pressing the keystroke.
There are two ways to know that this has happened:
• The keyboard lights flash.
• The "F2=Setup" prompt appears in the top right-hand corner of the screen during
boot.
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