Elitegroup M31EI User Manual v.2

chapter 2 bios setup and security feature
CHAPTER TWO
BIOS SETUP AND SECURITY FEATURE
In this chapter, you will learn how to enter the BIOS Setup Menu and manipulate various hardware control settings. You will also learn how to use the built-in security features.
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chapter 2 bios setup and security feature
The Setup Utility is a hardware configuration program built into
your computer’s BIOS (Basic Input/Output System). It runs and
maintains a variety of hardware functions. It is a menu-driven
software, which allows you to easily configure and change the
settings.
The BIOS contains manufacture’s default settings for the
computer’s standard operations. However, there are occasions
when you may be required to modify the default settings in the
BIOS. For example, you may need to configure the BIOS power
management (APM) settings if you are using DOS, or
non-Windows operating system.
The BIOS allows you to set up passwords to limit access to users.
This is an important feature because a great deal of vital
information is carried within the computer nowadays. Unauthorized
access can be prevented. Later in this chapter, you will learn how to
use this security feature.
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Entering the BIOS Setup Screen
First turn on the power. When the BIOS performs the POST (Power-On Self Test), press F2 key quickly to activate the AMI BIOS Setup Utility.
Note:
You may need to press F2 key fairly quickly. Once the system begins to load
Windows, you may have to retry by cycle-power on again
Leaving the BIOS Setup Screen
When you have finished modifying the BIOS settings, exit the BIOS. It takes a few seconds to record changes in the CMOS.
BIOS Action Keys
Function Key Command Description
Leaves a sub-menu to return to the
ESC Exit
previous menu OR exits the BIOS setup while saving changes.
Enter Go to Sub Screen Shows the Sub Menu
F1 General Help Shows the Help Screen
F10 Save and Exit
<Tab> Select a field Selects the next field.
Select an item Selects the next upper item. Select an item Selects the next lower item.
- Lower value Selects the next value within a field.
+ Higher value Selects the next value within a field.
Saves changes and reboots the computer.
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Modifying the BIOS Settings
The AMIBIOS setup main menu is subdivided into sub-menus. Each menu item is described in this section.
Main Setup
Under this menu, you may change time/date and view basic processor and system memory information.
Item Selections /
Sub-menu
Date N/A Type in the current date, in MM/DD/YY
Time N/A Type in the current date, in HH:MM:SS
Description
format.
format.
Advanced Setup
IDE Configuration
Item Selections /
Sub-menu
Primary IDE Master Secondary IDE Master
Hard Disk Primary Master is where BIOS tries to
ATAPI CDROM The secondary master controls the
Description
boot from first. The primary master controls the hard drive.
ATAPI CD-ROM drive.
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Note:
The sub-menu is not selectable. Press enter to view information of the
chapter 2 bios setup and security feature
storage device.
Item Selections /
Sub-menu
TouchPad Support
LCD Auto DIMM Function
Enabled Disabled
Enable Disable
Description
Enable or disable the built-in touchpad.
[Enable]: The system automatically reduces the LCD brightness when AC power is removed to save power. [Disable]: The LCD brightness remains the same whether or not AC power is present.
Security Setup
Boot Settings Configuration
Item Selections /
Sub-menu
Change Supervisor Password Change User Password
N/A Install or Change the Password
N/A Install or Change the Password
Description
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chapter 2 bios setup and security feature
Boot Setup
Boot Settings Configuration
Item Selections /
Sub-menu
Quiet Boot Disabled
Enabled
Boot Device Priority
Item Selections /
Sub-menu
1st Boot Device
Removable Dev. CD/DVD Hard Drive Network
Disabled
2nd Boot Device
3rd Boot Device
Description
When Enabled, the system will display OEM logo instead of the POST messages. When Disabled, the system will display POST messages (i.e. devices information.)
Description
Set the type of device for the 1st drive BIOS attempts to boot from. If Network is selected, system will attempt to load boot sector from the Ethernet port.
Set the type of device for the 2nd drive BIOS attempts to boot from.
Set the type of device for the 3rd drive BIOS attempts to boot from.
Note:
If you select Network, the system will attempt to boot from the network.
Note: When the BIOS performs POST, you may also press F12 Key to enable the
Boot Device selection menu. You may choose CD/DVD, Hard Drive, or Network as
the first storage device to boot from. If you have already connected a USB Floppy
Disk Drive before powering up, it will appear as a Removable Device in the Boot
Device selection menu
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Exit Setup
Item Selections /
Sub-menu
Saves
N/A After you have completed the BIOS Changes and Exit
Discard
N/A Discards changes done so far to any of Changes and Exit
Discard
N/A Discards changes done so far to any of Changes
Load Optimal
N/A Load Optimal Default value for all the Defaults
Description
settings, select this item to save all settings, exit BIOS Setup utility, and reboot. New system settings will take effect on next power-up. F10 key can be used for this operation.
the setup questions and exit.
the setup questions.
setup questions. F9 key can be used for this operation.
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