3-4 Configuring the System
BIOS Setup Utility
The AMI BIOS Setup Utility program lets you configure the main
components of your system.
Your system ships from the factory with the correct system parameters for
your configuration. Unless you add optional hardware, you do not need to
run the BIOS Setup Utility to operate the system. However, you might
wish to run the Setup Utility to set features that customize the system,
such as security features.
System configuration information is stored in nonvolatile memory. A
nonvolatile memory device retains its data when system power is turned
off. Nonvolatile memory in your system is stored in a complementary
metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) memory chip backed up by a battery
on the system board. The battery supplies continuous power to CMOS
memory and maintains configuration information when system power is
off (see “How to Replace the CMOS Battery” in Chapter 5).
NECC recommends that you print out or write down your current BIOS
Setup parameters and store the information in a safe place. This lets you
restore your system to the current parameters if you ever need to replace
the battery.
How to Start BIOS Setup
To start the BIOS Setup Utility, follow these steps.
1.
Turn on or reboot the system.
2.
Press
F2
as soon as you see the following message at the bottom of
the NEC startup screen.
<F2 for BIOS Setup>
You have about five seconds to press
F2
before the system boot
continues.
Setup’s Main Menu appears.
