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Chapter 3 BIOS Setup
Chapter 3
Chapter 3 - BIOS Setup
Overview
The BIOS is a program that takes care of the basic level of communication between the CPU
and peripherals. It contains codes for various advanced features found in this system board.
The BIOS allows you to configure the system and save the configuration in a battery-backed
CMOS so that the data retains even when the power is off. In general, the information stored
in the CMOS RAM of the EEPROM will stay unchanged unless a configuration change has been
made such as a hard drive replaced or a device added.
It is possible that the CMOS battery will fail causing CMOS data loss. If this happens, you need
to install a new CMOS battery and reconfigure the BIOS settings.
Default Configuration
Most of the configuration settings are either predefined according to the Load Optimal Defaults
settings which are stored in the BIOS or are automatically detected and configured without
requiring any actions. There are a few settings that you may need to change depending on
your system configuration.
Entering the BIOS Setup Utility
The BIOS Setup Utility can only be operated from the keyboard and all commands are key-
board commands. The commands are available at the right side of each setup screen.
The BIOS Setup Utility does not require an operating system to run. After you power up the
system, the BIOS message appears on the screen and the memory count begins. After the
memory test, the message “Press DEL to run setup” will appear on the screen. If the message
disappears before you respond, restart the system or press the “Reset” button. You may also
restart the system by pressing the <Ctrl> <Alt> and <Del> keys simultaneously.
Note:
The BIOS is constantly updated to improve the performance of the system board;
therefore the BIOS screens in this chapter may not appear the same as the actual
one. These screens are for reference purpose only.
Legends
Scroll Bar
When a scroll bar appears to the right of the setup screen, it indicates that there are more
available fields not shown on the screen. Use the up and down arrow keys to scroll through all
the available fields.
Submenu
When “
“ appears on the left of a particular field, it indicates that a submenu which contains
additional options are available for that field. To display the submenu, move the highlight to
that field and press <Enter>.
Keys
Function
Right and Left arrows
Moves the highlight left or right to select a menu.
Up and Down arrows
Moves the hightlight up or down between submenu or fields.
<Esc>
Exit to the BIOS Setup Utility.
+ (plus key)
Scrolls forward through the values or options of the highlighted field.
- (minus key)
Scrolls backward through the values or options of the highlighted field.
Tab
Select a field.
<F1>
Displays general help
<F2>
Pervious values
<F3>
Optimized defaults
<F4>
Saves and resets the setup program.
<Enter>
Press <Enter> to enter the highlighted submenu.
