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System Setup Program: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference
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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. You can use the System Setup program to adjust the
configuration settings.
You can use the System Setup program to:
- Change your system configuration information after you add, change,
or remove hardware connected to or installed inside your computer
- Verify information about your computer's current configuration, such
as the amount of system memory
- Set or change selectable settings—for example, the system
password
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 NT® 4.0 or Windows® 98 operating system, you must use the System
Setup program to view and change your system configuration. |
| NOTICE: To avoid data loss, save and close any
open files and exit any open application programs before you access the System Setup
program. |
Enter the System Setup program as follows:
- For computers running the Microsoft Windows 98
or Windows NT operating system: 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. While your computer is booting, you can also press <F2> when the Dell screen
appears.
- For computers running the Windows 2000 operating system: While
your computer is booting, press <F2> when the Dell screen appears.
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NOTE: Certain key combinations
may not function with the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) or
may require activation with the Power Management Properties window in the Control
Panel. See "Power
Conservation." |
To enter System Setup on a computer running
ACPI, you must enter System Setup before the operating system loads. Enter System Setup by
pressing <Fn><F1> or <F2> when the F2 message appears during system
start-up.
To exit the System Setup program, press <Esc>. If you change
the setting of an option that requires rebooting to take effect, exit the operating system
before rebooting. The text in the upper-right corner of the System Setup pages 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 standby mode, the computer exits the System Setup program
and then activates standby mode. |
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.
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