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Chapter 5
Running Setup
The Setup program defines your system’s configuration so
the computer uses all of its devices properly. Because your
computer was set up at the factory, the configuration information
is accurate when you first setup the computer. If you change the
computer’s configuration by adding optional devices, however,
you need to run the Setup program to update the system.
The Setup program is stored in the computer’s ROM BIOS
(read-only memory, basic input/output system), so you can run
the program any time you turn on or reset the computer. Setup lets
you verify or change the following settings:
Standard CMOS settings, such as the current date and time
and drive types
Advanced CMOS settings, such as typematic rates, startup
functions, and password checking
Advanced chipset settings, such as power management
functions.
The configuration you define through the Setup program is stored
in a special area of memory called CMOS RAM. This memory is
backed up by a battery, so it is not erased when you turn off or
reset the computer. Whenever you start the computer it checks the
settings, and if it discovers a difference between the information in
CMOS RAM and your system’s configuration, it prompts you to
run Setup. You see a message such as the following:
CMOS display type mismatch
RUN SETUP UTILITY
Press <F1> to RESUME
If this happens, press F1 to run Setup and correct the setting.
Running Setup 5-1