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Using the System Setup Program (For Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows NT Only):
Dell Latitude CPx H-Series/J-Series User's Guide
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Each time you turn on your computer, it compares the installed
hardware with the system configuration information stored in nonvolatile random-access
memory (NVRAM). If the system detects a discrepancy, it generates an error message for
each incorrect configuration setting.
The system configuration process differs depending on the type of
power management scheme used by the operating system. Microsoft� Windows� 95 and Windows
NT use Advanced Power Management (APM). Windows 2000 uses Advanced Configuration and
Power Management (ACPI). Windows 98 can be either APM- or ACPI-compliant, depending
on the version you are using. If you have Windows 98, you can determine which power scheme
you have by accessing the System devices list in the Device
Manager.
For Windows 98 with APM, click Start—>
Settings—> Control Panel—> System—> Device Manager—>
System devices.
For Windows 98 with ACPI, click Start—>
Settings—> Control Panel—> System—> Hardware—> Device
Manager—> System devices.
Either APM or ACPI options will appear at the top of the System
devices list.
- To adjust the configuration settings for APM operating systems, such
as Microsoft Windows 95, Windows 98 with APM, or Windows NT�, you can use the System
Setup program.
- ACPI operating systems, such as Windows 2000 and Windows 98 with
ACPI, automatically configure most of the setup options available in the System Setup
program. In such cases, the operating system overrides system setup options entered
through the System Setup program. One exception is the External Hot Key
option, which you can disable or enable only through the System Setup program. For more
information on configuring features for these operating systems, see your Microsoft
Windows Help.
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NOTE: For ACPI operating
systems, the System Setup program is accessible only during the system boot
routine. |
You can use the System Setup program as follows:
- To set or change user-selectable features — for example, 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.
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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 recommends that you write down the information for future reference.
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NOTE: If the computer uses the
Microsoft Windows 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. |
For more information, see "System Setup
Options."
Enter and use the System Setup program as follows:
For APM operating systems, such as Windows 95, Windows 98 with
APM, and Windows NT, press <Fn><F1> at any time on the 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.
For ACPI operating systems, such as Windows 2000 and Windows 98 with
ACPI, you must enter System Setup before the operating system loads. Enter System
Setup by pressing <F2> when the F2 message appears during the system boot routine.
Press <Esc> to exit the System Setup program. If you change
the setting of an option that requires rebooting 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.)
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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. |
For more information, see "System Setup
Options."
The System Setup screens display the current setup and configuration
information and optional settings for your computer. Information on the screens is
organized in five boxed areas:
- Title
The box at the top of all screens lists the page number,
system name, and version number of the basic input/output system (BIOS).
- Options
The box on the left half of screens 1, 2, and 4 lists
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.
- Help
The box on the upper-right half of screens 1, 2, and 4
displays help information for the option with a currently highlighted field.
- Computer data
The box in the lower-right corner of screens 1, 2, and 4
displays information about your computer.
- Key functions
The line of boxes across the bottom of all screens lists
keys and their functions within the System Setup program.
For more information, see "System Setup
Options."
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