This chapter gives information about the system BIOS and tells how to configure the system by changing the settings of the BIOS parameters.
Most systems are already configured by the manufacturer or the dealer. There is no need to run Setup when starting the computer unless you get a Run Setup message.
The Setup program loads configuration values into the battery-backed nonvolatile memory called CMOS RAM. This memory area is not part of the system RAM.
 | Note: If you repeatedly receive Run Setup messages, the battery may be bad. In this case, the system cannot retain configuration values in CMOS. Ask a qualified technician for assistance. |
Before you run Setup, make sure that you have saved all open files. The system reboots immediately after you exit Setup.
To enter Setup, go to the BIOS screen and simultaneously press the key combination Ctrl+Alt+Esc.
| Note: You must press Ctrl+Alt+Esc while the system is booting. This key combination does not work during any other time. |
The system supports two Setup Utility levels: Basic and Advanced. Figure 4-1 shows the Basic Setup Utility screen, and Figure 4-2 shows the Advanced Setup Utility screen.
If you are an advanced user, you may want to check the detailed configuration of your system. Detailed system configurations are contained in the Advanced Level. To view the Advanced Level, press F8.
Use the Up and Down arrow keys to move around the Setup Utility screen.
Use the Page Up and Page Down keys to move to the next page or to return to the previous page if the setup screen has more than one page available.
Use the Left and Right arrow, +, or - keys to select the options if they are available.
Press Esc to return to the Main menu.
| Note: A parameter with an asterisk (*) mark indicates that the parameter appears only when you are in the Advanced Level. Also, grayed items on the screens have fixed settings and are not user-configurable. |
The screen in Figure 4-3 appears if you select System Information from the Main menu:
Table 4-1 describes the parameters of the System Information Screen.
Table 4-1. System Information Screen Parameters
Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
Processor | Type of processor currently installed in your system. |
Processor speed | Clock speed of the processor currently installed in your system. |
Level 1 cache | Total amount of first-level or the internal fast-accessed memory size (i.e., the memory integrated into the CPU). |
Level 2 cache | Total amount of second-level cache memory size that comes with the CPU. The available cache size is 256/512 KB. |
Floppy drive A | System's current diskette drive A settings. |
Floppy drive B | System's current diskette drive B settings. |
IDE primary channel master | Current configuration of the IDE device connected to the master port of the primary IDE channel. |
IDE primary channel slave | Current configuration of the IDE device connected to the slave port of the primary IDE channel. |
IDE secondary channel master | Current configuration of the IDE device connected to the master port of the secondary IDE channel. |
IDE secondary channel slave | Current configuration of the IDE device connected to the slave port of the secondary IDE channel. |
Total memory | Total amount of onboard memory. The memory size is automatically detected by BIOS during the POST. If you install additional memory, the system automatically adjusts this parameter to display the new memory size. |
1st/2nd/3rd/4th bank | Type and size of RDRAM installed in RIMM sockets 1, 2, 3, and 4 respectively. The None setting indicates that there is no RDRAM installed. |
Serial port 1 | Serial port 1 address and IRQ setting. |
Serial port 2 | Serial port 2 address and IRQ setting. |
Parallel port | Parallel port address and IRQ setting. |
PS/2 mouse | Pointing device installation settings. Displays None if no pointing device is installed. |
Figure 4-4 shows the Product Information screen, which contains the general data about the system, such as the product name, serial number, BIOS version, and so on. This information is necessary for troubleshooting and may be required when asking for technical support.
Table 4-2 describes the screen's parameters.
Table 4-2. Product Information Parameters
Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
Product name | Official name of the system |
System S/N | System's serial number |
Main board ID | Main board's identification number |
Main board S/N | Main board's serial number |
System BIOS version | Version of the BIOS utility |
SMBIOS version | Version of the SMBIOS |
Select Disk Drives to input configuration values for disk drives. Figure 4-5 shows the Disk Drives menu:
Table 4-3 describes the parameters in this screen.
Table 4-3. Disk Drive Parameters
Parameter | Description | Option |
|---|---|---|
Floppy drive A and B | Selects the floppy disk drive type. | 1.44 MB, 3.5-inch None 360 KB, 5.25-inch 1.2 MB, 5.25-inch 720 KB, 3.5-inch 2.88 MB, 3.5-inch |
IDE primary channel master and slave
IDE Secondary channel master and slave | This item lets you select the IDE hard disk parameters that your system supports. Auto enables BIOS to automatically detect the parameters of installed HDD during the POST (power-on self-test). If you prefer to enter HDD parameters manually, select User. Select None if no HDD is connected to the system. The IDE CD-ROM is always automatically detected | Auto User None |
The screen in Figure 4-6 appears if you select any of the IDE Drive parameters:
| Note: The parameters with an asterisk (*) before them only appear in the IDE Primary Channel Master screen. |
Table 4-4 describes the screen's parameters.
Table 4-4. IDE Drive Parameters
Parameter | Description | Option |
|---|---|---|
Device detection mode | Lets you specify the type of hard disk installed in your system. If you want BIOS to automatically configure your hard disk, select Auto. If you know your hard disk type, you can enter the setting manually. | Auto User None |
Type | Indicates a hard disk type device. |
|
Cylinder | Specifies the number of cylinders of your hard disk, and is automatically set depending on your Type parameter setting. | User input |
Head | Specifies the number of heads of your hard disk, and is automatically set depending on your Type parameter setting. | User input |
Sector | Specifies the number of sectors of your hard disk, and is automatically set depending on your Type parameter setting. | User input |
Size | Specifies the size of your hard disk, in MB. | User input |
Hard disk LBA mode | This enhanced IDE feature allows the system to use a hard disk with a capacity of more than 528 MB. This is made possible through Logical Block Address (LBA) mode translation. LBA is now considered a standard feature of current IDE hard disks on the market because of its capability to support capacities larger than 528MB. Note that if your HDD is formatted with LBA On, it will not be able to boot with LBA Off. | Auto Normal LBA Large
|
Hard disk block mode | Enhances disk performance depending on the hard disk in use. If you set this parameter to Auto, the BIOS utility automatically detects if the installed hard disk drive supports the Block Mode function. If supported, it allows data transfer in blocks (multiple sectors) at a rate of 256 bytes per cycle. | Auto Disabled |
Hard disk 32 bit access | Improves system performance by allowing use of the 32-bit hard disk access. This enhanced IDE feature works only under DOS, Windows 3.x, Windows 95, Windows NT, and Novell NetWare. If your software or hard disk does not support this function, set this parameter to Disabled. | Enabled Disabled |
Advanced PIO mode | When set to Auto, the BIOS utility automatically detects if the installed hard disk supports the function. If supported, it allows for faster data recovery and read/write timing that reduces hard disk activity time. This results in better hard disk performance. | Auto Disabled |
DMA transfer mode | The Ultra DMA and Multi-DMA modes enhance hard disk performance by increasing the transfer rate. However, besides enabling these features in the BIOS Setup, both the Ultra DMA and Multi-DMA modes require the DMA driver to be loaded. By setting this parameter to Auto, BIOS automatically sets the appropriate DMA mode for your hard disk. | Auto Disabled |
Figure 4-7 shows the Onboard Peripherals screen, which allows you to configure the onboard communication ports and the onboard devices.
Table 4-5 describes the parameters in this screen.
Table 4-5. Onboard Peripherals Parameters
Parameter | Description | Option |
|---|---|---|
Serial port 1 and 2 | Enables or disables the serial port. | Enabled Disabled |
Base address | Sets the I/O base address of the serial port. | 3F8h 2F8h 3E8h 2E8h |
IRQ | Sets the IRQ (interrupt request) channel of the serial port. | 4 11 |
Parallel port | Enables or disables the parallel port. | Enabled Disabled |
Base address | Sets the I/O base address of the parallel port. | 378h 278h 3BCh |
IRQ | Sets the interrupt request (IRQ) channel of the parallel port. Note: If you install an add-on card that has a parallel port whose address conflicts with the onboard parallel port, a warning appears on the screen. Check the parallel port address of the add-on card and change the address to one that does not conflict. | 7 5 |
Operation mode | Selects the operation mode of the parallel port. Standard Parallel Port (Standard) allows normal speed one-way operation. Standard and Bidirectional (Bidirectional) allows normal speed operation in a two-way mode. Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP) allows bidirectional parallel port operation at maximum speed. Extended Capabilities Port (ECP) allows parallel port to operate in bidirectional mode and at a speed higher than the maximum data transfer rate. | Bi-directional EPP ECP Standard |
ECP DMA channel | Sets the DMA channel of the parallel port when the parallel operation mode is set to ECP. | 1 3 |
Floppy disk controller | Sets the control level of the diskette drive. | Normal Disabled Write protect all sectors Write protect boot sector |
IDE controller | Sets the control level of the diskette drive. | Normal Disabled Write protect all sectors Write protect boot sector |
PS/2 mouse controller | Enables or disables the onboard PS/2 mouse controller. | Enabled Disabled |
USB host controller | Enables or disables the USB controller on board. | Enabled Disabled |
USB legacy mode | When enabled, allows you to use a USB keyboard in DOS. Set this to Disabled to deactivate the USB keyboard function in DOS. | Disabled Enabled |
Onboard SCSI | Enables or disables the onboard SCSI feature. | Enabled Disabled |
Onboard ethernet chip | Enables or disables the onboard network feature. | Enabled Disabled |
Onboard audio clip | Enables and disables the onboard audio. | Enabled Disabled |
The Power Management screen allows you to configure the system power-management feature. Figure 4-8 shows the Power Management parameters and their default settings:
Table 4-6 describes the parameters in this screen.
Table 4-6. Power Management Parameters
Parameter | Description | Option |
|---|---|---|
Power management mode | Allows you to reduce power consumption. When this parameter is set to Enabled, you can configure the IDE hard disk and system timers. Setting it to Disabled deactivates the power-management feature and its timers. | Enabled Disabled |
IDE hard disk standby timer | Allows the hard disk to enter standby mode after inactivity of 1 to 15 minutes, depending on your setting. When you access the hard disk again, allow 3 to 5 seconds (depending on the hard disk) for the disk to return to normal speed. Set this parameter to OFF if your hard disk does not support this function. | Off 1 minute 15 minutes |
System sleep timer | This parameter sets the system to the lowest power-saving mode after a specified period of inactivity. Any keyboard or mouse action or any activity detected from the IRQ channels resumes system operation. | Off On |
Sleep mode | Lets you specify the power-saving mode that the system will enter after a specified period of inactivity. This parameter becomes configurable only if the System Sleep Timer is on. Any keyboard or mouse action, or any enabled monitored activities occurring through the IRQ channels resume system operation. | Standby Suspend |
Power switch < 4 sec. | When set to Power Off, the system automatically turns off when the power switch is pressed for less than 4 seconds. When set to Suspend, the system enters the suspend mode when pressed for less than 4 seconds. | Suspend Power off |
System wake-up event | The system wake-up event allows the system to resume operation when the modem ring indicator is enabled. |
|
Modem ring indicator | When Enabled, any fax/modem activity wakes up the system from suspend mode. | Enabled Disabled |
PCI power management | Enables or disabled the PCI power management function. | Enabled Disabled |
RTC alarm | Allows you to set a certain time on a certain day to wake up your system from suspend mode. | Disabled Enabled |
Resume day | If RTC alarm is enabled, the system will resume operation on the day indicated here. | User input |
Resume time | If RTC alarm is enabled, the system will resume operation on the time indicated here. | User input |
The Boot Options Screen allows you to specify your preferred setting for bootup. The screen in Figure 4-9 appears if you select Boot Options from the Basic Configuration menu.
| Note: The parameter with an asterisk (*) only displays in the IDE Primary Channel Master screen. |
The following table describes the parameters in this screen.
Table 4-7. Boot Option Parameters
Parameter | Description | Option |
|---|---|---|
Boot Sequence | This parameter allows you to specify the boot search sequence during POST. 1st. The system checks this drive first. 2nd. The system then checks this drive if it can not boot from the 1st specified drive. 3rd. If the 1st and 2nd searches fail then it boots from this drive. BIOS will display an error message if the drive(s) specified is not bootable. |
|
Fast boot | Allows the system to boot faster by skipping some POST routines. | Disabled Enabled |
Silent boot | Enables or disables the Silent Boot function. When set to Enabled, BIOS is in graphical mode and displays only an identification logo during POST and while booting. After booting, the screen displays the operating system prompt (such as DOS) or logo (such as Windows 95). If any error occurs while booting, the system automatically switches to the text mode. Even if your setting is Enabled, you may also switch to the text mode while booting by pressing the Delete key when you see the “Press DELETE key to enter setup” message on the screen. When set to Disabled, BIOS is in the conventional text mode where you see the system initialization details on the screen. | Enabled Disabled |
Num lock after boot | Allows you to activate the Num Lock function upon booting. | Enabled Disabled |
Memory test | When set to Enabled, this parameter allows the system to perform a RAM test during the POST routine. When set to Disabled, the system detects only the memory size and bypasses the test routine. | Enabled Disabled |
Configuration table | Allows you to enable or disable the appearance of the configuration table after POST but before booting. The configuration table gives a summary of the hardware devices and settings that BIOS detected during POST. | Enabled Disabled |
Update BIOS with boot block | When enabled, it automatically flashes the BIOS file from the hard disk drive in case the system fails to boot up. | Disabled Enabled |
The real-time clock keeps the system date and time. After setting the date and time, you do not need to enter them every time you turn on the system. As long as the internal battery remains good (approximately seven years) and connected, the clock continues to keep the date and time accurately even when the power is off.
Table 4-8 describes the screen's parameters.
Table 4-8. Date and Time Parameters
Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
Date | Set the date following the weekday-month-day-year format. Valid values for weekday, month, day, and year are: Weekday: Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat Month: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Day: 1 to 31 Year: 1980 to 2079 |
Time | Set the time following the hour-minute-second format. Valid values for hour, minute, and second are: Hour: 00 to 23 Minute: 00 to 59 Second: 00 to 59 |
The Setup program has a number of security features to prevent unauthorized access to the system and its data. The screen in Figure 4-11 appears if you select System Security from the Main menu.
The Supervisor Password prevents unauthorized access to the BIOS utility.
Complete the following steps to set or change a Password:
Make sure that JP1 is set to 2-3 (bypass password).
Note: You cannot enter the BIOS utility if a Setup password does not exist and JP2 is set to 1-2 (Password check enabled). By default, JP1 is set to 2-3 (Bypass password). Enable the Supervisor Password parameter in the System Security menu by pressing the left or right arrow keys. The Supervisor Password screen in Figure 4-12 appears:
Type a password in the Enter Password field. The password may consist of up to seven characters.
Press the Enter key. Retype your password in the Enter Password again field to verify your first entry.
Highlight Set or Change Password and press the Enter key.
Press the Esc key to return to the System Security menu and then press the Esc key again to exit Setup. The E xit Setup screen appears in the following figure:
Choose Yes to save your settings and exit the Setup Utility. Your password will be saved to CMOS.
For the password to take effect, you must set jumper JP1 to 1-2 (Check password), as follows:
Turn off and unplug the computer.
Open the computer housing and set JP1 to 1-2 (Check password) to check the password function.
Close your computer's housing and reboot your system.
The next time you want to enter the BIOS utility, you must key in your Setup password.
To remove your Supervisor password, complete the following steps:
Disable the Supervisor Password parameter in the System Security menu by pressing the left or right arrow key to select None.
Press the Esc key to return to the System Security menu and then press the Esc key again to exit Setup. The Exit Setup screen appears:
Choose Yes to save your settings and exit Setup Utility. Your previous password will be removed from CMOS.
Note: Remember to set JP1 to 2-3 (Bypass password) because you won't be able to access Setup Utility if a password does not exist and JP1 is set to 1-2 (Check password).
If you forget your Supervisor password, follow these steps to bypass the password security feature by hardware:
Turn off and unplug the computer.
Open the computer housing and set JP1 to 2-3 (Bypass password) to bypass the password function.
Turn on the system and enter the BIOS utility. This time, the system does not require you to type in a password.
Note: You can either change the existing Setup password or remove it by selecting None.
The User Password secures your system against unauthorized use. Once you set this password, you have to type it whenever you boot the system. To set this password, enter the Setup Utility, select System Security, and then highlight the User Password parameter. Follow the procedure in the “Supervisor Password”. Figure 4-15 shows the User Password screen.
| Note: Be sure to set JP2 to 1-2 to enable the User password. |
The Advanced Options configuration screen allows you to configure the system memory, PCI device settings, and CPU frequency.
Press F8 to access this screen.
| Note: To avoid damaging the system, do not change any settings in the Advanced Options if you are not a qualified technician. |
Figure 4-16 shows the Advanced Options screen.
The Memory/Cache Options menu allows you to configure the advanced system memory functions.
Table 4-9 describes the memory/cache option parameters.
Table 4-9. Memory/Cache Option Parameters
Parameter | Description | Option |
|---|---|---|
Level 1 cache (CPU cache) | This parameter enables or disables the first-level or internal memory, that is, the memory integrated into the CPU | Enabled Disabled |
Level 2 cache | This parameter enables or disables the second-level cache memory. The second-level cache is incorporated in the CPU module | Enabled Disabled |
Memory at 15MB-16MB reserved for | To prevent memory address conflicts between the system and expansion boards, reserve this memory range for the use of either the system or an expansion board | System Expansion board |
Memory parity mode | Enables or disables the ECC (Error Checking and Correction) feature. The ECC feature enables BIOS to detect and correct data errors. Disable this parameter if you want to disregard the function. | ECC+ |
The PnP/PCI Options menu allows you to specify the settings for your PCI devices. Selecting this option displays the following screen:
Table 4-10 describes the PnP/PCI option parameters
Table 4-10. PnP/PCI Option Parameters
Parameter | Description | Option |
|---|---|---|
PCI IRQ sharing | Select Auto to let BIOS automatically configure the plug-and-play (PnP) devices installed on your system. Otherwise, select Manual. Note: See your manual for technical information about the PCI card. | Auto Manual |
Onboard SCSI | Allows you to manually assign the interrupt for the onboard SCSI when the PCI IRQ Setting parameter is set to Manual. This parameter is grayed and not user-configurable when the PCI IRQ Setting is set to Auto. | User input |
Onboard LAN | When you set the PCI IRQ Setting parameter to Auto, this parameter specifies the auto-assigned interrupt for the onboard LAN. If you set the PCI IRQ Setting parameter to Manual, you need to specify the interrupt that you want to assign for the onboard LAN installed in your system. | User input |
AGP | This item shows the assigned interrupt for the onboard accelerated graphics port (AGP) controller | User input |
PCI IRQ sharing | Setting this parameter to Yes allows you to assign the same IRQ to two different devices. To disable the feature, select No. Note: If there are no IRQs available to assign for the remaining device function, You should enable this parameter | Yes No |
VGA palette snoop | This parameter permits you to use the palette snooping feature if you installed more than one VGA card in the system. The VGA palette snoop function allows the control palette register (CPR) to manage and update the VGA RAMDAC (Digital Analog Converter, a color data storage) of each VGA card installed in the system. The snooping process lets the CPR send a signal to all the VGA cards so that they can update their individual RAMDACs. The signal goes through the cards continuously until all RAMDAC data has been updated. This allows the display of multiple images on the screen. Note: Some VGA cards have required settings for this feature. Check your VGA card manual before setting this parameter. | Disabled Enabled |
Graphics aperture size | This parameter determines the effective size of the graphics aperture. Graphics aperture is the address range that the AGP video and the CPU use to manage graphical objects. The lowest setting is 8 MB and the highest is 256 MB. | User input |
Plug and play OS | When this parameter is set to Yes, BIOS initializes only PnP boot devices such as SCSI cards. When set to No, BIOS initializes all PnP boot and non-boot devices such as sound cards. Note: Set this parameter to Yes only if your operating system is Windows 95/98 or 2000. | Yes No |
Reset resource assignments | Set this parameter to Yes to avoid IRQ conflict when installing non-PnP or PnP ISA cards. This clears all resource assignments and allows BIOS to reassign resources to all installed PnP devices the next time the system boots. After clearing the resource data, the parameter resets to No. | No Yes |
Use this option to load the default settings for the optimized system configuration. When you load the default settings, some of the parameters are grayed-out with their fixed settings. These grayed parameters are not user-configurable.
The following dialog box appears when you select Load Default Settings from the main menu.
Select Yes to load the default settings. Select No to ignore the message and return to the BIOS utility.
Use this option to disregard your changes to the BIOS and reload your previous settings. The following dialog box appears when you select Abort Settings Change from the main menu:
Select Yes to disregard your changes and reload your previous settings. After reload, the main menu appears on screen. Select No to ignore the message and return to the BIOS utility.
Examine the system configuration values. When you are satisfied that all the values are correct, write them down. Store the recorded values in a safe place. In the future, if the battery loses power or the CMOS chip is damaged, you will know what values to enter when you rerun Setup.
Press the Esc key to leave the Setup Utility. The following dialog box appears:
Use the arrow keys to select your response, and press the Enter key.
If you made any changes to the Setup Utility, the following dialog box appears:
Use the arrow keys to select your response. Select Yes to save the changes in CMOS. Select No to retain the old configuration values. Press the Enter key to exit.