6 Using Setup Utility (BIOS) andSystem Diagnostics in Windows 7Setup Utility, or Basic Input/Output System (BIOS), controls communication between all the input andoutput devices on the system (such as disk drives, display, keyboard, mouse, and printer). Setup Utility(BIOS) includes settings for the types of devices installed, the startup sequence of the computer, and theamount of system and extended memory.Starting Setup Utility (BIOS)To start Setup Utility (BIOS), follow these steps:1. Turn on or restart the computer, and then press esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu”message is displayed at the bottom of the screen.2. Press f10 to enter Setup Utility (BIOS).Information about how to navigate in Setup Utility (BIOS) is located at the bottom of the screen.NOTE: Use extreme care when making changes in Setup Utility (BIOS). Errors can prevent thecomputer from operating properly.Updating the BIOSUpdated versions of the BIOS may be available on the HP website.Most BIOS updates on the HP website are packaged in compressed files called SoftPaqs.Some download packages contain a file named Readme.txt, which contains information regardinginstalling and troubleshooting the file.Determining the BIOS versionTo determine whether available BIOS updates contain later BIOS versions than those currently installedon the computer, you need to know the version of the system BIOS currently installed.Starting Setup Utility (BIOS) 121
