Dell Inspiron 3700 Reference Manual page 133

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System Setup Program: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference
Overview
Entering the System Setup Program
Using the System Setup Program
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Overview
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 as follows:
To set or change user-selectable features—for example, your password or power management features
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To verify information about your computer's current configuration, such as the amount of system memory
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For some setup options, you must reboot the computer before any changes take effect. Changes for other options take effect immediately.
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.
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.
Entering the System Setup Program
Enter and use the System Setup program as follows:
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.
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
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.)
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.
To enter System Setup on a system 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 the System Power On startup process.
Using the System Setup Program
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
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The box at the top of all screens lists the page number, system name, and version number of the basic input/output system (BIOS).
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Page 3 Options
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Power Conservation.