1. A method for adjusting the operating state of an instrument of the type having display means for displaying menus and memory means for storing data including configuration parameters, the operating state of the instrument being determined according to values of configuration parameters stored in said memory means, the method comprising the steps of: storing in said memory means menu data describing a plurality of menus each having a selectable menu item, said menu data including first instructions for selecting subsets of said plurality of menus for display by said display means according to values of said configuration parameters, and second instructions for modifying values of said configuration parameters in response to operator selection of the selectable menu item from said plurality of menus; causing said display means to display a first subset of said plurality of menus; modifying values of said configuration parameters according to said second instructions in response to operator selection of the menu item of the displayed first subset of said plurality of menus; automatically selecting a second subset of said plurality of menus according to said first instructions and modified values of said configuration parameters; and causing said display means to display said second subset of said plurality of menus.