© National Instruments Corporation
3-1
VXIpc-486 Model 500 Series
Chapter 3
BIOS Setup
This chapter describes how to set up the basic input/output system (BIOS) for the VXIpc-486
Model 500 Series computer. The VXIpc-486 uses the Quadtel AT Compatible Enhanced BIOS.
The BIOS defines the way in which software interacts with the VXIpc-486 hardware. The BIOS
has a number of setup parameters that contain the VXIpc-486 system configuration information.
The BIOS setup parameters are stored in the CMOS RAM, which is backed up by battery. You
use the BIOS utility
Setup
(part of the Quadtel Extended BIOS Software System) to modify the
time-of-day, date, floppy and hard disk types, processor speed, and shadow RAM operation.
The BIOS parameters are factory-configured for proper operation.
Running Setup
Occasionally, you may encounter a BIOS-related error message that requires you to run
Setup
.
You may also need to change one or more of the BIOS parameters for compatibility with a
software application. If you need to run
Setup
, follow these steps:
1. Press <F2> after power-on to display the Extended BIOS Software main window. This
window also appears if you press <F2> after a power-on self-test error is displayed.
2. Select Setup, using the Up/Down Arrow and <Enter> keys, to display the Extended BIOS
Setup window.
3. Use the Up/Down Arrow or <Tab> keys to select the item you want to change. Press <F5>
to select the previous (smaller) value, <F6> to select the next (larger) value, or <F9> to
automatically configure the selected item.
4. Press <F10> to save the configuration parameters you edited.
5. Press <Esc> to exit
Setup
. If you have not saved your changes, you can do so at this time.
6. Press <Esc> to exit the Extended BIOS Software main window. The VXIpc-486 will restart.