Symptoms
All Dell system BIOS has a reset to DEFAULT option that resets all BIOS settings to the Dell Default Configuration for that system model.
Some Dell users have noticed that resetting the defaults in the BIOS MAY NOT reset the BIOS configuration to match the settings of the BIOS when the system shipped from Dell.
EXAMPLE: The Default setting for Fast Boot is "Thorough" but it is set to "Minimal" from the factory for faster boot times.
Resolution
On Dell Branded BIOS (OptiPlex, Latitude, Venue, so on) either the Load Defaults or the Restore Settings button restores the BIOS defaults.
On Phoenix Branded, or American Megatrends Branded BIOS systems pressing the F9 key in the BIOS loads defaults.
Factory BIOS Settings
Some options in a system BIOS may be changed from the default setting during the manufacturing process for various reasons.
Some of these changes are predicated on optional hardware that is installed in the system. Other setting changes might be a result of Dell customer feedback of settings preferred by system users.
Note: Settings can be adjusted with scripts using Dell Command | Configure (Formerly called Dell Client Configuration Toolkit - CCTK) when there is a requirement for a program to reset some settings to a wanted value after loading BIOS defaults has been completed.
See these Dell Knowledge Base articles for related information:
How to Perform a BIOS or CMOS Reset and Clear the NVRAM on Dell ComputersDell Support for Lost BIOS PasswordHow to Access UEFI (BIOS) System Setup from Microsoft Windows on your Dell ComputerHow to Reset the Real-Time Clock (RTC) to Recover Your Dell Desktop SystemHow to Restore the BIOS or UEFI (System Setup) to Factory Defaults on a Dell Computer
