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Using System Setup: Dell OptiPlex GX200 System User's Guide
Each time you turn on your computer system or press the
reset button, 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 System Setup to correct the
setting.
You can use System Setup as follows:
- To change the system configuration information after you
add, change, or remove any hardware in your system
- To set or change user-selectable options for example, the time or date on your system
 |
NOTE: You can change many of the same settings
through the Desktop Management Interface (DMI) client by using the optional Dell OpenManage IT Assistant. |
You can view the current settings at any time. When you
change a setting, in many cases you must reboot the system before the change takes effect.
After you set up your system, run System Setup to
familiarize yourself with your system configuration information and optional settings.
Dell recommends that you print the System Setup screens (by pressing <Print Screen>)
or record the information for future reference.
Before you use System Setup, you need to know the kind of
diskette drive(s) and hard-disk drive(s) installed in your computer. If you are unsure of
this information, see the Manufacturing Test Report that was shipped with your system and
is located in the Dell Accessories folder.
To enter System Setup, perform the following steps:
- Turn on your system.
If your system is already on, shut it down and then turn it on again.
- When the Press <F2> to Enter Setup
window appears in the upper-right corner of the screen, press <F2>.
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.
 |
NOTE: To ensure an orderly system shutdown,
consult the documentation that accompanied your operating system. |
The System Setup screen displays the
current setup and configuration information and optional settings for your system.
Information on the System Setup screen is organized in four areas:
- Title The box at the top of all screens lists the system name.
- System data The two boxes below the title box display your
system processor, level 2 (L2) cache, service tag, and the version number of the basic
input/output system (BIOS).
- Options The main area of the screen is a scrollable window
containing options that define the installed hardware in your computer and the power
conservation and security features for your computer.
Fields next to the options contain settings or values. You can
change those values that appear bright on the screen. Options or values that you cannot
change (because they are determined or calculated by the computer) appear less bright.
- Key functions The line of boxes across the bottom of all
screens lists keys and their functions within System Setup.
Table 1 lists the keys you use to view or change
information on the System Setup screen and to exit the program.
Table 1. System Setup Navigation Keys
1For most of the options, any changes you make are recorded but do not take
effect until the next time you boot the system. For a few options (as noted in the help
area), the changes take effect immediately. |
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