BVD2A
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This chapter explains how to use and modify the BIOS setup utility that is
stored on the motherboard. The setup utility stores information about the
motherboard components, and the configuration of other devices that are
connected to it. The system uses this information to test and initialize
components when it is started up, and makes sure everything runs properly
when the system is operating.
The setup utility is installed with a set of default values. The default values
are designed to ensure that the system will operate properly. You will probably
have to make changes to the setup utility whenever you add new components
to your system such as new disk drives. You may be able to generate increased
performance by changing some of the timing values in the setup, but this can
be limited by the kind of hardware you are using, for example the rating of
your memory chips. In certain circumstances, the system may generate an
error message, which prompts you to make changes to the setup utility. This
happens when the system finds an error during the POST (power on self test)
that it carries out at system startup.
Starting the Setup Utility
You can only start the setup utility shortly after the computer has been
turned on. A prompt appears on the computer display that says
" Press DEL to
run Setup”
.
When you see this prompt press the
Delete
key, and the system
will start the setup utility and display the main menu of the utility.
Using the Setup Utility
When you press the
Delete
key to start setup, the main menu of the utility
appears.
The main menu of the setup utility shows a list of the options that are
available in the utility. A highlight indicates which option is currently selected.
You can use the cursor arrow keys to move the highlight to other options.
Chapter 3
Award BIOS Setup
