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This feature allows you to change the boot sequence for devices.
Option Settings
l Diskette Drive — The computer attempts to boot from a floppy drive (if installed). If the floppy disk in the drive is not bootable, if no floppy disk is in the
drive, or if there is no floppy drive installed in the computer, the computer generates an error message.
l Hard Drive — The computer attempts to boot from the primary hard drive. If no operating system is on the drive, the computer generates an error
message.
l CD Drive — The computer attempts to boot from the CD drive. If no CD is in the drive, or if the CD has no operating system, the computer generates an
error message.
l USB Flash Device — Insert the memory device into a USB port and restart the computer. When F12 = Boot Menu appears in the upper-right corner of
the screen, press <F12>. The BIOS detects the device and adds the USB flash option to the boot menu.
Changing Boot Sequence for the Current Boot
You can use this feature, for example, to tell the computer to boot from the CD drive so that you can run the Dell Diagnostics on the Dell Drivers and Utilities
disc, but you want the computer to boot from the hard drive when the diagnostic tests are complete. You can also use this feature to restart your computer to
a USB device such as a floppy drive, memory key, or CD-RW drive.
1. If you are booting to a USB device, connect the USB device to a USB connector.
2. Turn on (or restart) your computer.
3. When F2 = Setup, F12 = Boot Menu appears in the upper-right corner of the screen, press <F12>.
If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft Windows desktop. Then shut down your
computer and try again.
The Boot Device Menu appears, listing all available boot devices. Each device has a number next to it.
4. At the bottom of the menu, enter the number of the device that is to be used for the current boot only.
For example, if you are booting to a USB memory key, highlight USB Flash Device and press <Enter>.
Changing Boot Sequence for Future Boots
1. Enter the system setup program (see Entering the System Setup Program).
2. Use the arrow keys to highlight the Boot Sequence menu option and press <Enter> to access the menu.
3. Press the up- and down-arrow keys to move through the list of devices.
4. Press the spacebar to enable or disable a device (enabled devices have a checkmark).
5. Press plus (+) or minus (–) to move a selected device up or down the list.
Clearing Forgotten Passwords
1. Follow the procedures in Before Working on Your Computer.
2. Remove the computer cover (see Removing the Computer Cover).
3. Locate the 3-pin password connector (PSWD) on the system board.
NOTE: To boot to a USB device, the device must be bootable. To make sure that your device is bootable, check the device documentation.
NOTE: To boot to a USB device, the device must be bootable. To make sure your device is bootable, check the device documentation.
NOTE: Write down your current boot sequence in case you want to restore it.
CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best
practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance