Acer 930 Bios Manual
Acer 930 Bios Manual

Acer 930 Bios Manual

Acer altos 930 server: user guide
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BIOS Utility

The BIOS Utility allows you to view your system's configuration settings.
Most systems are already configured by the manufacturer or the dealer.
There is no need to run Setup when starting the computer unless you get a
Run Setup message.
The Setup program loads configuration values into the battery-backed
nonvolatile memory called CMOS RAM. This memory area is not part of
the system RAM.
If you repeatedly receive Run Setup messages,
the battery may be bad. In this case, the system
cannot retain configuration values in CMOS.
Ask a qualified technician for assistance.
BIOS Utility
C h a p t e r
C h a p t e r
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Summary of Contents for Acer 930

  • Page 1: Bios Utility

    BIOS Utility The BIOS Utility allows you to view your system’s configuration settings. Most systems are already configured by the manufacturer or the dealer. There is no need to run Setup when starting the computer unless you get a Run Setup message. The Setup program loads configuration values into the battery-backed nonvolatile memory called CMOS RAM.
  • Page 2: Entering Setup

    Entering Setup To enter Setup, press the key combination You must press system is booting. This key combination does not work during any other time. The BIOS Utility main menu then appears: BIOS Utility System Information Product Information Disk Drives Power Management Startup Configuration Advanced Configuration...
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    System Information The following screen appears if you select System Information from the main menu. System Information Processor ...Pentium Processor Speed ...xxx MHz Bus Frequency ...xx MHz Internal Cache ...xx KB, Enabled External Cache ...xxx KB, Enabled Floppy Drive A ...x.xx MB, x.x-inch Floppy Drive B ...None IDE Primary Channel Master ...Hard Disk IDE Primary Channel Slave ...None...
  • Page 4: Processor

    The following screen shows page 2 of the System Information menu. System Information Serial Port 1 ... Disabled Serial Port 2 ... 2F8h, IRQ 3 Parallel Port ... 378h, IRQ 7 Pointing Device ... Installed Memory Parity Mode ... Disabled Onboard USB ...
  • Page 5: Internal Cache

    2.2.4 Internal Cache This parameter specifies the first-level or the internal memory size (i.e., the memory integrated into the CPU), and whether it is enabled or disabled. For information on how to configure the system memory, see section 2.7.3. 2.2.5 External Cache This parameter specifies the second-level cache memory size currently supported by the system, and whether it is enabled or disabled.
  • Page 6: Ide Secondary Channel Slave

    2.2.11 IDE Secondary Channel Slave This parameter specifies the current configuration of the IDE device connected to the slave port of the secondary IDE channel. For information on how to configure IDE devices, see section 2.4.2. 2.2.12 Total Memory This parameter specifies the total system memory. The memory size is automatically detected by BIOS during the POST.
  • Page 7 2.2.14 Serial Port 2 This parameter indicates the serial port 2 address and IRQ setting. 2.2.15 Parallel Port This parameter indicates the parallel port address and IRQ setting. 2.2.16 Pointing Device The BIOS utility automatically detects if there is a mouse connected to the system.
  • Page 8: Product Information

    Product Information The Product Information contains general data about the system. It includes the product name, serial number, BIOS version, etc. These information are necessary for troubleshooting and may be required when asking for technical support. The following screen shows the Product Information items. Product Information Product Name ...
  • Page 9 2.3.6 System BIOS ID This parameter specifies the identification number of the BIOS utility. 2.3.7 BIOS Release Date This parameter specifies the official date the BIOS version is released. BIOS Utility...
  • Page 10: Disk Drives

    Disk Drives The Disk Drives menu lets you configure the system hard disk and disk drive settings. If your hard disk supports the enhanced IDE features, you may set the functions using this menu. The following screen shows the Disk Drives parameters and their default settings: Disk Drives Floppy Drive A ...
  • Page 11 From the Disk Drives screen, select the IDE Primary Channel Master, IDE Primary Channel Slave, the IDE Secondary Channel Master, or IDE Secondary Channel Slave items to display their respective menus. Selecting the IDE Primary Channel Master item displays the following menu.
  • Page 12: Ide Primary Channel Master

    2.4.1 Floppy Drives To configure the first floppy drive (drive A), highlight the Floppy Drive A parameter. Press key to view the options, then select the appropriate value. Possible settings for the Floppy Drive parameters: None [360 KB, 5.25-inch] [1.2 MB, 5.25-inch] [720 KB, 3.5-inch]...
  • Page 13: Type

    You may do any of the following: Select the type that corresponds to your IDE hard disk drive. If you do not know the exact type of your IDE device, select the Auto option to let the BIOS utility automatically detect the installed IDE drive type.
  • Page 14: Advanced Pio Mode

    Advanced PIO Mode When set to Auto , the BIOS utility automatically detects if the installed hard disk supports the function. If supported, it allows for faster data recovery and read/write timing that reduces hard disk activity time. This results to better hard disk performance. To disregard the feature, change the setting to Disabled Hard Disk Size >...
  • Page 15: Hard Disk 32 Bit Access

    Hard Disk 32-bit Access Enabling this parameter improves system performance by allowing the use of the 32-bit hard disk access. This enhanced IDE feature works only under DOS, Windows 3.x, Windows 95, and Novell NetWare. If your software or hard disk does not support this function, set this parameter to Disabled CD-ROM Drive DMA Mode This parameter allows you to enable or disable the CD-ROM drive DMA...
  • Page 16: Power Management

    Power Management The Power Management menu lets you configure the system power management features. The following screen shows the Power Management parameters with their default settings: Power Management Power Management Mode ...[Disabled] IDE Hard Disk Standby Timer ...[---] System Sleep Timer ...[---] Stop CPU Clock in Sleep State ...[---] Wakeup Event Modem Ring ...[Disabled]...
  • Page 17: Wakeup Event

    System Sleep Timer This parameter sets the system to the lowest power-saving mode. It automatically enters into the sleep or the suspend mode after a specified period of inactivity. Any keyboard or mouse action, or any modem activity (if the Modem Ring option is enabled - see section 2.5.2) detected resume system operation.
  • Page 18: Startup Configuration

    Startup Configuration The Startup Configuration allows you to specify your preferred setting for bootup. The following screen appears if you select the Startup Configuration option from the main menu: Startup Configuration Fast POST Mode ...[Auto ] Silent Boot ...[Enabled ] Num Lock After Boot ...[Enabled ] Memory Test ...[Disabled] Initialize SCSI Before IDE ...[Disabled]...
  • Page 19: Silent Boot

    2.6.2 Silent Boot This parameter enables or disables the Silent Boot function. When set to Enabled , BIOS is in graphical mode and displays only an identification logo during POST and while booting. After which the screen displays the operating system prompt (such as DOS) or logo (such as Windows 95). If any error occurred while booting, the system automatically switches to the text mode.
  • Page 20: Boot From Onboard Scsi Device

    Drive C then A: The system checks drive C first. If there is a hard disk (drive C) installed, the system boots from drive C. Otherwise, it boots from drive A. The system always boots from drive C. The system always boots from drive A. 2.6.7 Boot From CD-ROM When set to...
  • Page 21: Advanced Configuration

    Advanced Configuration The Advanced Configuration option allows you to configure the advanced system memory functions. Do not change any settings in the Advanced Configuration if you are not a qualified technician to avoid damaging the system. The following screen shows the Advanced Configuration parameters. Advanced Configuration Onboard Devices Configuration PnP/PCI System Configuration...
  • Page 22: Onboard Devices Configuration

    2.7.1 Onboard Devices Configuration The Onboard Devices Configuration allows you to configure the onboard communication ports and the onboard devices. Selecting this option from the Advanced Configuration menu displays the following screen: Onboard Devices Configuration Serial Port 1 ... [Disabled] Base Address ...
  • Page 23 Onboard Devices Configuration Onboard Floppy Disk Controller ...[Disabled] Onboard IDE Primary Channel ...[Enabled ] Onboard IDE Secondary Channel ...[Enabled ] Onboard PS/2 Mouse (IRQ 12) ...[Enabled ] Onboard USB ...[Disabled] USB Legacy Mode ...[--------] Onboard SCSI ...[Disabled] = Move Highlight Bar, PgDn/PgUp = Move Screen Serial Port 1 This parameter allows you to enable or disable the serial port 1.
  • Page 24: Serial Port 1

    Serial Port 2 This parameter allows you to enable or disable the serial port 2. The Base Address and IRQ items are configurable only if this parameter is enabled. BASE ADDRESS This function lets you set a logical base address for serial port 2. The options are: 3F8h 2F8h...
  • Page 25: Parallel Port

    Parallel Port This parameter allows you to enable or disable the parallel port. BASE ADDRESS This function lets you set a logical base address for the parallel port. The options are: 3BCh 378h 278h This function lets you assign an interrupt for the parallel port. The options are IRQ The Base Address and IRQ parameters are configurable only if Parallel Port is enabled.
  • Page 26: Operation Mode

    OPERATION MODE This item allows you to set the operation mode of the parallel port. Table 2- 1 lists the different operation modes. Table 2-1 Parallel Port Operation Mode Settings Setting Standard Parallel Port (SPP) Standard and Bidirectional Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP) Extended Capabilities Port (ECP) ECP DMA CHANNEL...
  • Page 27: Onboard Ps/2 Mouse (Irq 12)

    Onboard PS/2 Mouse (IRQ 12) This parameter enables or disables the onboard PS/2 mouse. When enabled, it allows you to use the onboard PS/2 mouse assigned with IRQ12. When disabled, it deactivates the mouse and makes IRQ12 available for use of other devices.
  • Page 28 2.7.2 PnP/PCI System Configuration The PnP/PCI System Configuration allows you to specify the settings for your PCI devices. Selecting this option displays the following screen. PnP/PCI System Configuration PCI IRQ Setting ... [ PCI Slot 1 ... [--] PCI Slot 2 ... [--] PCI Slot 3 ...
  • Page 29 PnP/PCI System Configuration PCI IRQ Sharing ... [No ] VGA Palette Snoop ... [Disabled] Graphics Aperture Size ... [ 8 ] MB Plug and Play OS ... [Yes] Reset Resource Assignments ... [No ] = Move Highlight Bar, PCI IRQ Setting This parameter allows for Auto Manual...
  • Page 30 PCI SLOTS These parameters allow you to specify the appropriate interrupt for each of the PCI devices. You can assign IRQ3, IRQ4, IRQ5, IRQ7, IRQ9, IRQ10, IRQ11, IRQ12, IRQ14, or IRQ15 to the slots. Make sure that the interrupt you assign in any of the PCI slots are not used by other devices to avoid conflicts.
  • Page 31: Pci Irq Sharing

    PCI Device Latency Timer This parameter allows you to set the length of time for a PCI device to use the PCI bus. A PCI master can burst indefinitely as long as the target can source/sink the data, and no other agent requests for the bus. If another PCI device requests for the use of the PCI bus, a PCI bus arbitration takes place, and the tenure of the device currently using the PCI bus cannot go over the PCI latency time set in BIOS.
  • Page 32: Vga Palette Snoop

    VGA Palette Snoop This parameter permits you to use the palette snooping feature if you installed more than one VGA card in the system. The VGA palette snoop function allows the control palette register (CPR) to manage and update the VGA RAM DAC (Digital Analog Converter, a color data storage) of each VGA card installed in the system.
  • Page 33: Plug And Play Os

    Plug and Play OS When this parameter is set to , BIOS initializes only PnP boot devices such as SCSI cards. When set to boot devices such as sound cards. Set this parameter to system is Windows 95. Reset Resource Assignments Set this parameter to to avoid IRQ conflict when installing non-PnP or PnP ISA cards.
  • Page 34 2.7.3 Memory/Cache Configuration The Memory/Cache Configuration allows you to specify the appropriate settings for your system memory. Selecting the option displays the following screen: Memory/Cache Configuration Internal Cache (CPU Cache) ... [Enabled ] Cache Scheme ... [Write Back] System BIOS Cacheable ... [Enabled ] Video BIOS Cacheable ...
  • Page 35 this to Disabled to run the system BIOS from RAM. The default is Enabled. Video BIOS Cacheable Set this parameter to Enabled if you want the video BIOS to run directly from the cache memory, thus allowing your system to function faster. Set this to Disabled to run the video BIOS from RAM.
  • Page 36 Single Processor MP Table Enabling this parameter allows BIOS to create a multiprocessor (MP) table for Windows NT use. In a single-processor system running Windows NT, you may disable this parameter to enhance system performance. If you install another CPU for a dual (or multiprocessor) system, enable this parameter then re-install Windows NT.
  • Page 37: System Security Setup

    System Security Setup The Setup program has a number of security features to prevent unauthorized access to the system and its data. The following screen appears if select System Security from the main menu. System Security Disk Drive Control Floppy Drive ... [ Hard Disk Drive ...
  • Page 38: Setup Password

    Table 2-2 Drive Control Settings Setting Floppy Drive Normal Floppy drive functions normally Write Protect All Sectors Disables the write function on all sectors Write Protect Boot Sector Disables the write function only on the boot sector Disabled Disables all floppy drive functions Hard Disk Drive Normal Hard disk drive functions normally...
  • Page 39 Type a password. The password may consist of up to seven characters. Be very careful when typing your password because the characters do not appear on the screen. Press . A prompt asks you to retype the password to verify your first entry.
  • Page 40 Press and select None Press to exit the System Security screen and return to the main menu. Press to exit the BIOS utility. A dialog box appears asking if you want to save the CMOS data. Select to save the changes. 2-40 to remove the existing password.
  • Page 41 Bypassing the Setup Password If you forget your setup password, you can bypass the password security feature by hardware. Follow these steps to bypass the password: Turn off and unplug the system. Open the system housing and JP9 is set to function.
  • Page 42 2.8.3 Power-on Password The Power-on Password secures your system against unauthorized use. Once you set this password, you have to type it whenever you boot the system. To set this password, enter the BIOS utility, select System Security, then highlight the Power-on Password parameter. Follow the same procedure as in setting the Setup password.
  • Page 43: Date And Time

    Date and Time The real-time clock keeps the system date and time. After setting the date and time, you do not need to enter them every time you turn on the system. As long as the internal battery remains good (approximately seven years) and connected, the clock continues to keep the date and time accurately even when the power is off.
  • Page 44 2.9.1 Date Highlight the items on the Date parameter and press date following the weekday-month-day-year format. Valid values for weekday, month, day, and year are: Weekday Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat Month Year 2.9.2 Time Highlight the items on the Time parameter and press time following the hour-minute-second format.
  • Page 45: Load Setup Default Settings

    2.10 Load Setup Default Settings Use this option to load the default settings for the optimized system configuration. When you load the default settings, some of the parameters are grayed-out with their fixed settings. These grayed parameters are not user-configurable. The following dialog box appears when you select Load Setup Default Settings from the main menu.
  • Page 46: Leaving Setup

    2.12 Leaving Setup Examine the system configuration values. When you are satisfied that all the values are correct, write them down. Store the recorded values in a safe place. In the future, if the battery loses power or the CMOS chip is damaged, you will know what values to enter when you rerun Setup.

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