Timing and the right key get you into the BIOS setup screen.
Motherboard manufacturers agree on standards for a number of things. Form factors for the size and shape of the motherboards, memory sockets, expansion slots and input/output ports. One thing that has never been standardized is the method for accessing the BIOS setup screen. The only time the BIOS setup screen is available is during the computer's boot process. To access the BIOS, the correct key must be pressed at the correct time while the computer is powering on. This is the procedure for the Dell Optiplex.
Instructions
1. Turn the computer on.
2. Wait for the DELL logo to appear on the screen.
3. Press the F2 key repeatedly until the BIOS screen opens. The F2 key is located at the top of the keyboard.
Tips Warnings
Do not press and hold the F2 key. Pressing and holding the key too early will lock out keyboard input from the BIOS and the boot process will continue.
The logo screen displays only briefly. If you miss the small window of opportunity, wait for the computer to complete the boot process, shut the computer down and try it again.
Improper entries in the BIOS setup screen can cause the computer to behave erratically or become non-responsive. Exercise caution when changing BIOS settings.
Tags: access, bios, dell, optiplex, BIOS setup, BIOS setup screen, setup screen, boot process, Dell Optiplex
