Boot Options 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 USB Flash Device — Insert the memory device into a USB port and restart the computer. When F12 Boot Options appears in the lower-right corner of the screen, press . The BIOS detects the device and adds the USB flash option to the boot menu. l CD/DVD Drive — The computer attempts to boot from the CD/DVD drive. If no CD/DVD is in the drive, or if the CD/DVD has no operating system, the computer generates an error message. Changing Boot Sequence for the Current Boot You can use this feature to change the current boot sequence, for example, to boot from the CD/DVD drive to run the Dell Diagnostics on the Drivers and Utilities media. On completion of diagnostic tests, the previous boot sequence is restored. 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 Options appears in the lower-right corner of the screen, press . 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. 4. On the Boot Device Menu choose the device you want to boot from. For example, if you are booting to a USB memory key, highlight USB Flash Device and press . User Password Status of user password installed Boot Sequence 1st Boot Device Specifies the boot sequence from the available devices Hard Disk; USB; CD/DVD; Removable; Network; Disabled (Hard Disk by default) 2nd Boot Device Specifies the boot sequence from the available devices Hard Disk; USB; CD/DVD; Removable; Network; Disabled (USB by default) 3rd Boot Device Specifies the boot sequence from the available devices Hard Disk; USB; CD/DVD; Removable; Network; Disabled (CD/DVD by default) 4th Boot Device Specifies the boot sequence from the available devices Hard Disk; USB; CD/DVD; Removable; Network; Disabled (Removable by default) 5th Boot Device Specifies the boot sequence from the available devices Hard Disk; USB; CD/DVD; Removable; Network; Disabled (Network by default) Hard Disk Drives Specifies the boot device priority sequence from the available hard disk drives USB Drives Specifies the boot device priority sequence from the available USB drives CD/DVD Drives Specifies the boot device priority sequence from the available CD/DVD drives Removable Drives Specifies the boot device priority sequence from the available removable drives Network Drives Specifies the boot device priority sequence from the available network drives Exit Exit Options Provides options to Save Changes and Exit, Discard Changes and Exit, and Load Default Setting NOTE: To boot to a USB device, the device must be bootable. To ensure that your device is bootable, check the device documentation. NOTE: To boot to a USB device, the device must be bootable. To ensure your device is bootable, check the device documentation. Changing Boot Sequence for Future Boots 1. Enter system setup utility (see Entering System Setup Utility). 2. Use the arrow keys to highlight the Boot menu option and press to access the menu. 3. Press the up- and down-arrow keys to move through the list of devices. 4. Press plus (+) or minus (–) to change the boot priority of the device. Clearing Forgotten Passwords and CMOS Settings 1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin. 2. Remove the top cover (see Removing the Top Cover). 3. Remove the top bracket (see Removing the Top Bracket). 4. Remove the optical drive (see Removing the Optical Drive). 5. Remove the drive bay (see Removing the Drive Bay). 6. Locate the 3-pin CMOS connector on the system board (see System Board Components). 7. Remove the 2-pin jumper plug from pins 2 and 3 and fix it on pins 1 and 2. 8. Wait for approximately five seconds to clear the CMOS setting. 9. Remove the 2-pin jumper plug from pins 1 and 2 and replace it on pins 2 and 3. Inspiron 300 NOTE: Write down your current boot sequence in case you want to restore it. WARNING: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions that shipped with your computer. WARNING: The computer must be disconnected from the electrical outlet to clear the CMOS setting. CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell™ is not covered by your warranty. CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer). CAUTION: Clearing the CMOS settings will also clear the password. Inspiron 400 10. Replace the drive bay (see Replacing the Drive Bay). 11. Replace the optical drive (see Replacing the Optical Drive). 12. Replace th...
