MS6261 User’s Manual
3 AWARD BIOS SETUP
The ROM chips of your mainboard are configured with a customized Basic
Input/Output System (BIOS) from Award Software Inc. The BIOS is a set of
permanently recorded program routines that give the system its fundamental
operational characteristics. It also tests the computer and determines how the
computer reacts to specific instructions that are part of programs.
The BIOS is made up of codes and programs that provide the device level control
for the major I/O devices in the system. It contains a set of routines (called POST,
for Power-On Self Test) that check out the system when you turn it on. The BIOS
also includes CMOS Setup programs, so no disk-based setup program is required.
CMOS RAM stores information for:
• the date and time
• the memory capacity of the mainboard
• the type of display adapter installed
• the number and type of disk drives installed.
The CMOS memory is maintained by a battery installed on the mainboard. By
using the battery, all memory in CMOS can be retained when the system power
switch is turned off.
Use the CMOS Setup program to modify the system parameters to reflect the
options installed in your system and to customize your system as desired. For
example, you should run the Setup program after you:
• replace the battery
• install another disk drive
• receive an error code at startup
• use your system after not having used it for a long time
MS6261 User’s Manual
• find the original setup missing.
Run the CMOS Setup program after you turn on the system. On-screen
instructions explain how to use the program.
3.1 Entering the CMOS Setup Program
1. Turn on or reboot the system. After a series of diagnostic checks,the following
message will appear:
PRESS <DEL> TO ENTER SETUP
2. Press the <DEL> key and the main program screen appears as in figure 3-1.
Figure 3-1. Main Program Screen
3.Use one of the arrows on the keyboard to select an option and press <Enter>.
Modify the system parameters to reflect the options installed in the system.
4.Return to the Main Menu anytime by press <ESC>.
5.In the Main Menu, “SAVE AND EXIT SETUP”saves the changes and reboots the
system, and “EXIT WITHOUT SAVING”ignores the changes and exits the
program.
