LegacySelect technology control offers legacy-full, legacy-reduced, or legacy-free solutions based on common platforms, hard drive images, and help desk procedures. Control is provided to the administrator through system setup, Dell OpenManage™ IT Assistant, or Dell custom-factory integration.
LegacySelect allows administrators to electronically activate or deactivate connectors and media devices that include serial and USB connectors, a parallel connector, a floppy drive, PCI slots, and a PS/2 mouse. Connectors and media devices that are deactivated make resources available. You must restart the computer to effect the changes.
Manageability
DASH
DASH (Desktop and mobile Architecture for System Hardware) is a Desktop Management Task Force (DMTF) management initiative that standardizes the manageability interfaces for mobile and desktop hardware. The focus of the DASH architecture is to enable the remote management of desktop and mobile computing resources in a standard manner that is independent of operating state. Your computer supports early versions of the DASH initiative including the following management profiles:
Base Desktop Mobile
Power State Management
Boot Control
CPU
System Memory
Fan
Power Supply
Sensor
Physical Asset
Software Inventory
NOTE: If you have chosen to use "None" (no manageability) or ASF, you will be unable to take advantage of DASH features and profiles.
Active Management Technology
Intel Active Management Technology (iAMT) provides secure systems management capabilities that reduce IT costs and allow better discovery, healing, and protection of networked computing assets. With iAMT, computers can be managed regardless of whether the computer is on, off, or the operating system is hung.
NOTE: iAMT can be configured using Dell Client Manager (DCM) 2.1.1 or later. For complete information on how to configure iAMT, see the Dell Client Manager 2.1.1 (or later) documentation on www.dell.com\openmanage. For more information about Dell's iAMT implementation, see the Client Systems Management Administrator's Guide available on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.
Key benefits of iAMT are:
Reduced desk-side visits
Automation of more management functionality through enablement of systems management console software
Improved security
iAMT Features
Basic Functionality
Ability to discover, track, and inventory assets in the presence or absence of the operating systems. The computer must have the power cable connected and must be connected to the network.
Ability to power on and power off the computer remotely, whatever the state of the operating system.
Advanced Functionality
NOTE: Additional management software and purchasing options are required for some of the following features.
Ability to do remote issues remediation (1-to-1) via text-based console redirection (Serial-over-LAN) and IDE redirection.
Hardened security via agent presence (enables detection of removed agents) and network access control (Circuit breaker) and software version control
Your computer aids in troubleshooting iAMT by providing the following iAMT related error messages:
Error Message
Description
SERVICE_MODE jumper: The service mode jumper is installed
Do not populate the SERVICE_MODE jumper. AMT will not function properly. Only manufacturing uses this jumper.
Unable to launch ME. AMT functionality is broken when DIMM1 is not populated.
Out of Band Management
The term "out of band" refers to the ability to manage the computer in the absence of an operating system or with the operating system in an unusable state, or with the computer powered off. The only requirement for managing such a computer is for AMT capability to be enabled and a network cable plugged into the integrated network adapter.
NOTE: Power is supplied to the DIMMs even when the computer is turned off.
Accessing iAMT setup
Intel's Management Engine BIOS Extension (MEBx) interface controls the iAMT features and setup options for your computer. MEBx is used to:
Turn on or off iAMT
Set iAMT modes
Set iAMT configuration modes
To view the MEBx setup screen, press <Ctrl><p> during the boot process of your computer when you turn it on. Your default MEBx password is admin.
NOTE: To make configuration setting changes, the default MEBx password must be changed.
Turning Off iAMT
iAMT is enabled in the Management Engine (ME) firmware by default. However, you may choose to turn off the iAMT feature.
To turn off iAMT:
Press <Ctrl-P> to enter the MEBx setup and enter your password.
Select Intel® ME Configuration® Intel ME Features Control® ManageabilityFeature Selection
Select None.
Select Return to Previous Menu twice.
Changes are applied and the computer reboots.
USB Provisioning
iAMT can be provisioned using a USB key and Dell Client Manager. The USB key must:
Be formatted using the FAT16 file system with no system files
Contain only the setup.bin file
NOTE: The key should not be bootable.
To provision AMT using a USB key, plug the USB key into a USB port prior to boot. During POST, the BIOS displays a message stating that the computer is being provisioned.
Alert Standard Format
ASF is a DMTF management standard that specifies "pre-operating system" or "operating system-absent" alerting techniques. The standard is designed to generate an alert on potential security and fault conditions when the operating system is in a sleep mode or the computer is turned off. ASF is designed to supersede previous operating-system-absent alerting technologies.
Your computer supports the following ASF version 1.03 and 2.0 alerts and remote capabilities:
The computer chassis with the chassis intrusion feature (optional on some computers) installed and enabled has been opened or the chassis intrusion alert has been cleared.
CPU: Emergency Shutdown Event
The processor temperature is too hot and the power supply has shut down.
Cooling Device: Generic Critical Fan Failure/Generic Critical Fan Failure Cleared
The fan speed (rpm) is out of limits or the fan speed (rpm) problem has been resolved.
Temperature: Generic Critical Temperature Problem/Generic Critical Temperature Problem Cleared
The computer temperature is out of limits or the computer temperature problem has been resolved.
Battery Low
The computer battery has reached a voltage of 2.2 V or lower.
ASF allows Remote Management and Control Protocol (RMCP) messages to be exchanged between a remote management console and a client computer that is in a "pre-operating system" or "operating system-absent" state. RMCP messages can be sent to instruct a client computer to start up, shut down, or restart.
For more information about Dell's ASF implementation, see the ASF User's Guide and the ASF Administrator's Guide, which are available on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.
Dell OpenManage™ Applications
NOTE: Either Dell OpenManage™ applications and Dell™ Client Manager (DCM) are available for your computer to help meet your system management needs. See Dell Client Manager (DCM) for information about DCM.
You can manage your computer via IT Assistant and Dell OpenManage Client Instrumentation (OMCI).
IT Assistant configures, manages, and monitors computers and other devices on a corporate network. IT Assistant manages assets, configurations, events (alerts), and security for computers equipped with industry-standard management software. It supports instrumentation that conforms to SNMP and CIM industry standards.
For information on IT Assistant, see the Dell OpenManage IT Assistant User's Guide available on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.
Dell OpenManage Client Instrumentation is software that enables remote management programs such as IT Assistant to do the following:
Access information about your computer, such as how many processors it has and what operating system it is running.
Monitor the status of your computer, such as listening for thermal alerts from temperature probes or hard drive failure alerts from storage devices.
A computer that has Dell OpenManage Client Instrumentation set up on a network that uses IT Assistant is a managed computer. For information about Dell OpenManage Client Instrumentation, see the Dell OpenManage Client Instrumentation User's Guide available on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.
Dell Client Manager (DCM)
NOTE: Either Dell™ Client Manager (DCM) or Dell OpenManage™ applications are available for your computer to help meet your system management needs. See Dell OpenManage™ Applications for information about Dell OpenManage products.
Dell Client Manager (DCM) Console
The Dell Client Manager (DCM) console allows you to configure, manage, and monitor Dell computers on a corporate network via a simple GUI interface. Through the DCM console you can manage assets, configurations, events (alerts), status, and security for computers equipped with industry-standard management software. For information about standards supported by DCM, see www.altiris.com.
For information about the DCM console, see www.altiris.com or the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.
The DCM console also allows you to:
Access information about your computer, such as how many processors it has and what operating system it is running.
Monitor the status of your computer, such as listening for thermal alerts from temperature probes or hard drive failure alerts from storage devices.
Change the state of your computer by updating its BIOS, configuring BIOS settings, or shutting it down remotely.
With Dell Client Manager installed on a console and its client software installed on client computers, you have a managed computer. For information about DCM, see the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.
Physical Security
Chassis Intrusion Detection
NOTE: When the administrator password is enabled, you must know the administrator password before you can reset the Chassis Intrusion setting.
This (optional on some computers) feature, if installed and enabled, detects that the chassis was opened and alerts the user. To change the Chassis Intrusion setting:
Press the down-arrow keys to move to the System Security option.
Press <Enter> to access the System Security option's pop-up menu.
Press the down-arrow key to move to the Chassis Intrusion setting.
Press <Enter> to select an option setting.
Press <Enter> again after you update the option setting.
Exit and save system setup.
Option Settings
On — If the computer cover is opened, the setting changes to Detected, and the following alert message displays during the boot routine at the next computer start-up:
Alert! Cover was previously removed.
To reset the Detected setting, enter system setup (see Entering System Setup). In the Chassis Intrusion option, press the left- or right-arrow key to select Reset, and then choose On, On-Silent, or Off.
On-Silent (default setting) — If the computer cover is opened, the setting changes to Detected. No alert message appears during the boot sequence at the next computer start-up.
Off — No intrusion monitoring occurs and no messages appear.
Padlock Ring and Security Cable Slot
Use one of the following methods to secure your computer:
Use a padlock alone or a padlock and looped security cable with the padlock ring.
A padlock alone prevents the computer from being opened.
A security cable looped around a stationary object is used in conjunction with a padlock to prevent unauthorized movement of the computer.
Attach a commercially available antitheft device to the security cable slot on the top of the computer.
NOTE: On the ultra small form factor computer, the security cable slot is located on the back of the computer (see Back View).
NOTE: Before you purchase an antitheft device, make sure that it works with the security cable slot on your computer.
Antitheft devices usually include a segment of metal-stranded cable with an attached locking device and key. The documentation that comes with the device contains instructions for installing it.
Trusted Platform Module (TPM)
NOTE: Computers shipping into China are not equipped with TPM.
NOTE: The TPM feature supports encryption only if the operating system supports TPM. For more information, see the TPM software documentation and the help files that came with the software.
TPM is a hardware-based security feature that can be used to create and manage computer-generated encryption keys. When combined with security software, the TPM enhances existing network and computer security by enabling features such as file protection capabilities and protected e-mail. The TPM feature is enabled through a system setup option.
NOTICE: To secure your TPM data and encryption keys, follow the backup procedures documented in the Archive and Restore section of the EMBASSY Security Center help file. In the event of these backups being incomplete, lost, or damaged, Dell will be unable to assist in the recovery of encrypted data.
Enabling the TPM Feature
Enable the TPM software:
Restart the computer and press <F2> during the Power On Self Test to enter the system setup
program.
Select Security®TPM Security and press <Enter>.
Under TPM Security, select On.
Press <Esc> to exit the setup program.
If prompted, click Save/Exit.
Activate the TPM setup program:
Restart the computer and press <F2> during the Power On Self Test to enter the system setup
program.
Select Security®TPM Activation and press <Enter>.
Under TPM Activation, select Activate and press <Enter>.
NOTE: You only need to activate TPM once.
Once the process is complete, the computer either restarts automatically or prompts you to restart
your computer.
Security Management Software
The security management software is designed to utilize four different features to help you secure your computer:
Log-in management
Pre-boot authentication (using a fingerprint reader, smart card, or password)
Encryption
Private information management
For information about how to use the software and the different security features, see the Getting Started Guide for the software:
Click Start® All Programs® Wave Systems Corp® Getting Started Guide.
Computer Tracking Software
Computer tracking software may enable you to locate your computer if it is lost or stolen. The software is optional and may be purchased when you order your Dell™ computer, or you can contact your Dell sales representative for information about this security feature.
NOTE: Computer tracking software may not be available in certain countries.
NOTE: If you have computer tracking software and your computer is lost or stolen, you must contact the company that provides the tracking service to report the missing computer.
About Smart Cards and Fingerprint Readers
NOTE: The smart card feature or fingerprint reader may not be available on your computer.
Smart cards are portable credit-card shaped devices with internal integrated circuits. The top surface of the smart card usually contains an embedded processor under the gold contact pad. The combination of the small size and integrated circuits make smart cards valuable tools for security, data storage, and special programs. Using smart cards can improve computer security by combining something a user has (the smart card) with something only the user should know (a PIN) to provide more secure user-authentication than passwords alone.
The fingerprint reader is a device that you can use to help keep your Dell™ computer secure. The reader is a strip sensor located on a peripheral device for your computer. When you slide your finger over the reader, it uses your unique fingerprint to authenticate your user identity.
Password Protection
NOTICE: Although passwords provide security for the data on your computer, they are not foolproof. If your data requires more security, it is your responsibility to obtain and use additional forms of protection, such as data encryption programs.
System Password
NOTICE: If you leave your computer running and unattended without having a system password assigned, or if you leave your computer unlocked so that someone can disable the password by changing a jumper setting, anyone can access the data stored on your hard drive.
Option Settings
You cannot change or enter a new system password if either of the following two options is displayed:
Set — A system password is assigned.
Disabled — The system password is disabled by a jumper setting on the system board.
You can only assign a system password when the following option is displayed:
Not Set — No system password is assigned and the password jumper on the system board is in the enabled position (the default setting).
Assigning a System Password
To escape from the field without assigning a system password, press <Tab> or the <Shift><Tab> key combination to move to another field, or press <Esc> at any time before you complete step 5.
Enter system setup (see Entering System Setup) and verify that Password Status is set to Unlocked.
Highlight SystemPassword, and then press the left- or right-arrow key.
The option heading changes to EnterPassword, followed by an empty 32-character field in square brackets.
Type your new system password.
You can use up to 32 characters. To erase a character when entering your password, press <Backspace> or the left-arrow key. The password is not case sensitive.
Certain key combinations are not valid. If you enter one of these combinations, the speaker emits a beep.
As you press each character key (or the spacebar for a blank space), a placeholder appears in the field.
Press <Enter>.
If the new system password is less than 32 characters, the whole field fills with placeholders. Then the option heading changes to Verify Password, followed by another empty 32-character field in square brackets.
To confirm your password, type it a second time and press <Enter>.
The password setting changes to Set.
Exit system setup.
Password protection takes effect when you restart the computer.
Typing Your System Password
When you start or restart your computer, the following prompt appears on the screen.
If PasswordStatus is set to Locked:
Type the password and press <Enter>.
If you have assigned an administrator password, the computer accepts your administrator password as an alternate system password.
If you type a wrong or incomplete system password, the following message appears on the screen:
** Incorrect password. **
If you again type an incorrect or incomplete system password, the same message appears on the screen. The third and subsequent times you type an incorrect or incomplete system password, the computer displays the following message:
** Incorrect password. ** Number of unsuccessful password attempts: 3 System halted! Must power down.
Even after your computer is turned off and on, the previous message is displayed each time you type an incorrect or incomplete system password.
NOTE: You can use Password Status in conjunction with System Password and Admin Password to further protect your computer from unauthorized changes.
Press <Enter> twice to clear the existing system password. The setting changes to Not Set.
If Not Set is displayed, the system password is deleted. If Not Set is not displayed, press <Alt><b> to restart the computer, and then repeat steps 3 and 4.
You cannot change or enter a new administrator password if either of the following two options is displayed:
Set — An administrator password is assigned.
Disabled — The administrator password is disabled by a jumper setting on the system board.
You can only assign an administrator password when the following option is displayed:
Not Set — No administrator password is assigned and the password jumper on the system board is in the enabled position (the default setting).
Assigning an Administrator Password
The administrator password can be the same as the system password.
NOTE: If the two passwords are different, the administrator password can be used as an alternate system password. However, the system password cannot be used in place of the administrator password.
Enter system setup (see Entering System Setup) and verify that Admin Password is set to Not Set.
Highlight Admin Password and press the left- or right-arrow key.
The computer prompts you to type and verify the password. If a character is not permitted, the computer emits a beep.
Type and then verify the password.
After you verify the password, the Admin Password setting changes to Set. The next time you enter system setup, the computer prompts you for the administrator password.
Exit system setup.
A change to Admin Password becomes effective immediately (no need to restart the computer).
Operating Your Computer With an Administrator Password Enabled
When you enter system setup, the Admin Password option is highlighted, prompting you to type the password.
If you do not type the correct password, the computer lets you view, but not modify, system setup options.
NOTE: You can use Password Status in conjunction with Admin Password to protect the system password from unauthorized changes.
Deleting or Changing an Existing Administrator Password
To change an existing administrator password, you must know the administrator password.
To change the system configuration information after you add, change, or remove any hardware in your computer
To set or change a user-selectable option such as the user password
To read the current amount of memory or set the type of hard drive installed
Before you use system setup, it is recommended that you write down the system setup screen information for future reference.
Entering System Setup
Turn on (or restart) your computer.
When the blue DELL™ logo appears, press <F2> immediately.
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 (see Turning Off Your Computer) and try again.
System Setup Screens
The system setup screen displays current or changeable configuration information for your computer. Information on the screen is divided into three areas: the options list, active options field, and key functions.
Options List — This field appears on the left side of the system setup window. The field is a scrollable list containing features that define the configuration of your computer, including installed hardware, power conservation, and security features.
Scroll up and down the list by using the up and down arrow keys. As an option is highlighted, the Option Field displays more information about that option and the option's current and available settings.
Option Field — This field contains information about each option. In this field you can view your current settings and make changes to your settings.
Use the right- and left-arrow keys to highlight an option. Press <Enter> to make that selection active.
Key Functions — This field appears below the Option Field and lists keys and their functions within the active system setup field.
System Setup Options
NOTE: Depending on your computer and installed devices, the items listed in this section may or may not appear.
System
System Info
Lists the computer name, BIOS Version, Service Tag, Express Service Code, (if applicable), and the Asset Tag. None of these fields can be modified.
Processor Info
Identifies the CPU type, bus speed, clock speed, and L2 cache size. States whether the processor is hyperthreading and multiple-core capable and whether it supports 64-bit technology. None of these fields can be modified.
Memory Info
Lists the type, size, speed, channel mode (dual or single), and memory slot information of installed memory. For each populated memory slot, system setup lists the DIMM size, rank, type, and organization. Empty memory slots are denoted as "Empty." None of these fields can be modified.
PCI Info
Identifies any installed PCI or PCI Express cards. None of these fields can be modified.
Date/Time
Displays current date and time settings.
Boot Sequence
The computer attempts to boot from the sequence of devices specified in this list. This option allows you to control/modify the boot sequence (see Boot Sequence).
Drives
Diskette Drive
(Internal default)
This option enables or disables the floppy drive. The options are Off, Internal, USB, and Read Only.
NOTE: If USB is selected, ensure that USB Controller setup option under Onboard Devices is set to On.
SATA 0 through SATA n
Identifies and enables and disables the drives attached to the SATA connectors on the system board and lists the capacities for the hard drives.
NOTE: These options appear as SATA0 through SATA 3 for the mini tower, SATA0 through SATA 2 for the desktop, SATA 0 and SATA1 forthe small form factor and ultra small form factor computers.
External SATA
Identifies and enables and disables the drives attached to the eSATA connector on the system board and lists the capacities for the hard drives.
NOTE: This option is not available on the ultra small form factor computer.
SATA Operation
(RAID Autodetect/AHCIdefault for mini-tower and desktop)
(AHCIdefault for small form factor and ultra small form factor)
Options for Mini Tower and Desktop:
RAID Autodetect/AHCI (RAID if signed drives, otherwise AHCI)
RAID Autodetect/ATA (RAID if signed drives, otherwise ATA)
RAID On (SATA is configured for RAID on every boot)
NOTE: When in Autodetect mode, the computer configures the drive as RAID if a RAID signature is detected on the drive. Otherwise the drive will be configured as AHCI or ATA.
Options for Small Form Factor and Ultra Small Form Factor:
AHCI
ATA
SMART Reporting
(Off default)
This setting determines whether integrated drive errors are reported or not during computer start-up.
Onboard Devices
Integrated NIC
(On default)
Enables or disables the integrated NIC controller. Settings are On, Off, or On w/ PXE. When the On w/ PXE setting is active, if a boot routine is not available from the network server, the computer attempts to boot from the next device in the boot sequence list.
Integrated Audio
(On default)
Enables or disables the onboard audio controller.
USB Controller
(On default)
Enables or disables the internal USB controller. No Boot enables the controller but disables the ability to boot from a USB device.
NOTE: Operating systems with USB support will recognize USB floppy drives regardless of the No Boot setting.
Rear Quad/Triad USB
(On default)
Enables or disables the upper USB ports on the back of the computer.
Rear Dual USB
(On default)
Enables or disables the lower USB ports on the back of the computer.
Front USB
(On default)
Enables or disables the front USB ports.
PCI Slots
(On default)
Enables or disables all PCI and PCI Express slots.
LPT Port Mode
(PS/2 default)
Determines the mode of operation of the internal parallel port. Off disables the port. AT configures the port for AT compatibility. PS/2 configures the port for PS/2 compatibility. EPP configures the port for the EPP bidirectional protocol. ECP configures the port for the ECP bidirectional protocol.
NOTE: If you set the LPT Port Mode to ECP, the LPT Port DMA appears in the option menu.
LPT Port Address
Determines the address that the built-in parallel port uses.
Serial Port #1
(Auto default)
Determines how the serial port operates.
Auto, the default setting, automatically configures a connector to a particular designation (COM1 or COM3).
Serial Port #2
(Auto default)
Determines how the serial port operates.
NOTE: Only available if a PS/2 serial port adapter is installed.
Auto, the default setting, automatically configures a connector to a particular designation (COM2 or COM4).
Video
Primary Video
(Auto default)
This setting specifies which video controller is primary, Auto or Onboard/Card. When Auto is selected, the add-in video controller will be used.
NOTE: A PCI Express graphics card will override the integrated video controller.
Performance
HyperThreading
(On default)
The hyperthreading option is displayed if the installed processor supports hyperthreading.
Determines whether the physical processor appears as one or two logical processors. The performance of some applications improves with additional logical processors. On enables hyperthreading.
Multiple CPU Core
(On default)
Determines whether the processor will have one or two cores enabled. On enables the second core.
Virtualization
(Off default)
Specifies whether a virtual machine monitor (VMM) can utilize the additional hardware capabilities provided by Intel Virtualization technology.
VT for Direct I/O
Specifies whether a Virtual Machine Monitor (VMM) can use the additional hardware capabilities provided by Intel Virtualization Technology for Direct IO. Default is Off.
Trusted Execution
Specifies whether a Measured Virtual Machine Monitor (MVMM) can use additional hardware capabilities provided by Intel Trusted Execution Technology. Default is Off.
Virtual Appliance
Specifies whether a Virtual Appliance can use the additional hardware capabilities provided by Intel Embedded Information Technology. Default is Off.
VA Config Lock
Specifies whether the Virtual Appliance ACPI Configuration Interface is locked or unlocked. This option has no effect when Virtual Appliance is disabled. Default is Unlocked.
SpeedStep
(Off default)
Enables Intel® SpeedStep® for all supported processors in the computer. This setting changes the processor power consumption and frequency.
NOTE: This option may not be available on your computer.
Limit CPUID Value
(Off default)
Limits the max value the processor standard CPUID function will support. Some operating systems won't complete installation when the max CPUID function supported is greater than 3.
HDD Acoustic Mode (Bypass default)
Quiet — The hard drive operates at its most quiet setting.
Performance —The hard drive operates at its maximum speed.
Bypass — Your computer does not test or change the current acoustics mode setting.
Suggested — The hard drive operates at the level suggested by the drive manufacturer.
NOTE: Switching to performance mode may cause the drive to be noisier, but its performance is not affected. Changing the acoustics setting does not alter your hard drive image.
Security
Unlock Setup
When an administrator password is being used, allows the user access to modify system setup settings. Enter the administrator password at the prompt to unlock system setup. If the correct password is not entered here, the user can view but not modify system setup fields.
Admin Password
(Not Set default)
Displays the current status of your system setup program's password security feature and allows you to verify and assign a new admin password.
System Password
(Not Set default)
Displays the current status of the computer's system password security feature and allows a new system password to be assigned and verified.
SATA 0-n Password
(Not Set default)
Displays the current status of the hard drive's password security feature and allows a new hard drive password to be assigned and verified.
Password Changes
(Unlocked default)
Determines the interaction between the System password and the Admin password. Locked prevents a user without a valid Admin password from being able to modify the System password. Unlocked allows a user with a valid System password to modify the system password.
Chassis Intrusion
(On-Silent default)
When enabled and the switch installed, this option alerts the user, during the next computer start-up, that the computer cover has been opened. The settings are On, On-Silent (default setting), and Off.
Intrusion Detected
Acknowledges and clears a chassis intrusion alert.
TPM Security
(Off default)
Enables or disables the Trusted Platform Module security device.
TPM Activation
(Deactivate default)
Activates or deactivates the Trusted Platform Module security device. The Clear option clears any data stored by a user that has previously activated and used TPM.
NOTE: In order to activate Trusted Platform Module, the TPM Security option must be set to On.
Execute Disable
(On default)
Enables or disables Execute Disable memory protection technology.
Computrace
(Deactivate default)
Enables or disables the BIOS interface of the optional Computrace service from Absolute Software. This optional monitoring service must be purchased separately.
Activatepermanently enables the BIOS-Computrace interface. Disablepermanently disables the BIOS-Computrace interface. Deactivatetemporarily deactivates the BIOS-Computrace interface.
NOTE: By activating service, you consent to transmission of data from your computer to the Computrace server.
Power Management
AC Recovery
(Off default)
Determines how the computer responds when AC power is re-applied after a power loss. Off commands the computer to stay off when the power is re-applied. You must press the front-panel power button before the computer turns on. On commands the computer to turn on when the power is re-applied. Last commands the computer to return to the last power state the computer was in just before it was turned off.
Auto Power On
(Off default)
Sets the computer to automatically turn on. Off disables this feature. Everyday turns the computer on every day at the time set in Auto Power Time. Weekdays turns the computer on every day from Monday through Friday at the time set in Auto Power Time.
NOTE: This feature does not work if you turn off your computer using the switch on a power strip or surge protector.
Auto Power Time
Sets time to automatically turn on the computer.
Time is kept in the standard 12-hour format (hours:minutes). Change the startup time by pressing the right- or left-arrow key to increase or decrease the numbers, or type numbers in both the date and time fields.
Low Power Mode
(Off default)
When Low Power Mode is selected, remote wakeup events will no longer power up the computer from Hibernate or Off via the onboard network controller.
Remote Wake-Up
(Off default)
This option allows the computer to power up when a network interface controller or remote wakeup-capable modem receives a wake up signal.
On is the default setting. On w/ Boot to NIC will allow the computer to attempt to boot from a network prior to using the boot sequence.
NOTE: Normally, the computer can be powered up remotely from suspend mode, hibernate mode, or when powered off. When Low Power Mode (in the Power Management menu) is enabled, the computer can only be powered up remotely from Suspend.
Suspend Mode
(S3 default)
Sets the computer's suspend mode. The options are S1, a suspend state in which the computer is running in a low-power mode, and S3, a suspend state in which the power is reduced or turned off for many components, however, system memory remains active.
Maintenance
Service Tag
Displays the service tag for your computer.
SERR Message
(On default)
Some graphics cards require that the SERR message be disabled.
Load Defaults
Restores system setup options to their factory defaults.
Event Log
Allows you to view the Event Log. Entries are marked R for Read and U for Unread. Mark All Entries Read puts an R to the left of all the entries. Clear Log clears the Event Log.
POST Behavior
Fastboot
(On default)
When enabled, this feature reduces computer startup time by bypassing some compatibility steps. Off does not skip any steps during computer startup. On starts the computer more quickly.
Numlock Key
(On default)
Determines the functionality of the numeric keys on the right side of your keyboard. Off commands the right keypad keys to function as arrows. On commands the right keypad keys to function as numbers.
POST Hotkeys
(Setup & Boot Menu default)
Determines whether the sign-on screen displays a message stating the keystroke sequence that is required to enter the Setup program or the Quickboot feature. Setup & Boot Menu displays both messages (F2=Setup and F12=Boot Menu). Setup displays the setup message only (F2=Setup). Boot Menu displays the Quickboot message only (F12=Boot Menu). None displays no message.
MEBx Hotkey
Specifies whether the sign on screen displays a message stating the keystroke sequence required to enter the MEBx setup program. Default is on.
Keyboard Errors
(Report default)
When set to Report (enabled) and an error is detected during POST, the BIOS will display the error message and prompt you to press <F1> to continue or press <F2> to enter system setup.
When set to Do Not Report (disabled) and an error is detected during POST, the BIOS will display the error message and continue booting the computer.
Boot Sequence
This feature allows you to change the boot sequence for devices.
Option Settings
USB Device — The computer attempts to boot from the USB device. If no operating system is present, the computer generates an error message.
Onboard or USB Floppy Drive — The computer attempts to boot from the floppy drive. If the floppy disk in the drive is not bootable, or if no floppy disk is in the drive, the computer generates an error message.
Onboard SATA Hard Drive — The computer attempts to boot from the primary serial ATA hard drive. If no operating system is on the drive, the computer generates an error message.
Onboard or USB CD-ROM Drive — The computer attempts to boot from the CD drive. If no CD is in the drive, or if the CD has no operating system, the computer generates an error message.
Onboard Network Controller — The computer attempts to boot from the network controller. If no operating system is present, the computer generates an error message.
Changing Boot Sequence for the Current Boot
You can use this feature, for example, to tell the computer to boot from the CD drive so that you can run the Dell Diagnostics on the Drivers and Utilities media, but you want the computer to boot from the hard drive when the diagnostic tests are complete. You can also use this feature to restart your computer to a USB device such as a floppy drive, memory key, or CD drive.
NOTE: If you are booting to a USB floppy drive, you must first set the floppy drive to USB in system setup (see System Setup).
If you are booting to a USB device, connect the USB device to a USB connector.
Turn on (or restart) your computer.
When F2 = Setup, F12 = Boot Menu appears in the upper-right corner of the screen, press
<F12>.
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 (see Turning Off Your Computer) and try again.
The Boot Device Menu appears, listing all available boot devices. Each device has a number next to it.
At the bottom of the menu, enter the number of the device that is to be used for the current boot only.
For example, if you are booting to a USB memory key, highlight USB Device and press <Enter>.
NOTE: To boot to a USB device, the device must be bootable. To make sure your device is bootable, check the device documentation.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.
Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
NOTE: This procedure enables the password feature. When you enter system setup (see Entering System Setup), both system and administrator password options appear as Not Set—meaning that the password feature is enabled but no password is assigned.
Assign a new system and/or administrator password.
Clearing CMOS Settings
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.
Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
Hyperthreading and Multi-Core Technology
Hyperthreading is an Intel technology that can enhance overall computer performance by allowing one physical processor to function as two logical processors that are capable of performing certain tasks simultaneously. Multi-core processors contain two or more physical computational units inside a single CPU package, thereby increasing computing efficiency and multi-tasking ability. Intel has implemented this technology in its Dual-Core and Quad-Core processors. These processors have two and four computational units respectively. It is recommended that you use the Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1) or higher or Windows Vista operating systems which are optimized to take advantage of these technologies.
While many programs can benefit from hyperthreading and multi-core technology, some programs may have not been optimized for them and may require an update from the software manufacturer. Contact the software manufacturer for updates and information about using hyperthreading or multi-core technology with your software. To determine if your computer is using hyperthreading technology, check the system setup option for hyperthreading under the Performance tab (see System Setup).
Power Management for Windows XP and Windows Vista
Options in Windows XP
The Microsoft Windows XP power management features can reduce the amount of electricity your computer uses when it is on and you are not using it. You can reduce power to just the monitor or the hard drive, or you can use standby mode or hibernate mode to reduce power to the entire computer. When the computer exits from a power conservation mode, it returns to the operating state it was in prior to entering the mode.
NOTE: Windows XP Professional includes security and networking features not available in Windows XP Home Edition. When a Windows XP Professional computer is connected to a network, different options related to security and networking appear in certain windows.
NOTE: The procedures to activate the standby and hibernate modes may vary according to your operating system.
Standby Mode
Standby mode conserves power by turning off the display and the hard drive after a designated period of time, known as a time-out. When the computer exits from standby mode, it returns to the operating state it was in prior to entering standby mode.
NOTICE: If your computer loses power while in standby mode, it may lose data.
To set standby mode to automatically activate after a defined period of inactivity:
Click Start®Control Panel®Pick a category®Performance and Maintenance.
Under or pick a Control Panel icon, click Power Options.
To immediately activate standby mode without a period of inactivity, click Start®Turn Off Computer®Stand by.
To exit from standby mode, press a key on the keyboard or move the mouse.
Hibernate Mode
Hibernate mode conserves power by copying system data to a reserved area on the hard drive, and then completely turning off the computer. When the computer exits from hibernate mode, the desktop is restored to the state it was inprior to entering hibernate mode.
To activate hibernate mode:
Click Start®Control Panel®Pick a category®Performance and Maintenance.
Under or pick a Control Panel icon, click Power Options.
To exit from hibernate mode, press the power button. The computer may take a short time to exit from hibernate mode. Because the keyboard and mouse do not function in hibernate mode, pressing a key on the keyboard or moving the mouse does not bring the computer out of hibernation.
Because hibernate mode requires a special file on your hard drive with enough disk space to store the contents of the computer memory, Dell creates an appropriately sized hibernate mode file before shipping the computer to you. If the computer's hard drive becomes corrupted, Windows XP recreates the hibernate file automatically.
Power Options Properties
Define your standby mode settings, hibernate mode settings, and other power settings in the Power Options Properties window.To access the Power Options Properties window:
Click Start®Control Panel®Pick a category®Performance and Maintenance.
Under or pick a Control Panel icon, click Power Options.
Define your power settings on the Power Schemes tab, Advanced tab, and Hibernate tab as described
in the following sections.
Power Schemes Tab
Each standard power setting is called a scheme. If you want to select one of the standard Windows schemes installed on your computer, choose a scheme from the Power schemes drop-down menu. The settings for each scheme appear in the fields below the scheme name. Each scheme has different settings for starting standby mode, hibernate mode, turning off the monitor, and turning off the hard drive.
NOTICE: If you set the hard drive to time-out before the monitor does, your computer may appear to be locked up. To recover, press any key on the keyboard or click the mouse. To avoid this problem, always set the monitor to time-out before the hard drive.
The Power schemes drop-down menu displays the following schemes:
Always On (default) — If you want to use your computer with no power conservation.
Home/Office Desk — If you want your home or office computer to run with little power conservation.
Portable/Laptop — If your computer is a portable computer that you use for traveling.
Presentation — If you want your computer to run without interruption (using no power conservation).
Minimal Power Management — If you want your computer to run with minimal power conservation.
Max Battery — If your computer is a portable computer and you run your computer from batteries for extended periods of time.
If you want to change the default settings for a scheme, click the drop-down menu in the Turn off monitor, Turn off hard disks, System stand by, or System hibernates field, and then select a time-out from the displayed list. Changing the time-out for a scheme field permanently changes the default settings for that scheme, unless you click Save As and enter a new name for the changed scheme.
Advanced Tab
The Advanced tab allows you to:
Place the power options icon in the Windows task bar for quick access.
Set the computer to prompt you for your Windows password before the computer exits from standby mode or hibernate mode.
Program the power button to activate standby mode, activate hibernate mode, or turn off the computer.
To program these functions, click an option from the corresponding drop-down menu and click OK.
Hibernate Tab
The Hibernate tab allows you to enable hibernate mode. If you want to use the hibernate settings as defined on the Power Schemes tab, click the Enable hibernate support check box on the Hibernate tab.
For more information on power management options:
Click Start®Help and Support®Performance and maintenance.
In the Performance and maintenance window, click Conserving power on your computer.
Options in Windows Vista
The Microsoft Vista power management features can reduce the amount of electricity your computer uses when it is on and you are not using it. You can reduce power to just the monitor or the hard drive, or you can use sleep mode or hibernate mode to reduce power to the entire computer. When the computer exits from a power conservation mode, it returns to the operating state it was in prior to entering the mode.
Sleep Mode
Sleep mode conserves power by turning off the display and the hard drive after a predetermined period of inactivity (a time-out). When the computer exits sleep mode, it returns to the same operating state it was in before entering sleep mode.
To enter sleep mode in Windows Vista, click Start, click the arrow in the lower-right corner of the Start menu, and then click Sleep.
To exit sleep mode, press a key on the keyboard or move the mouse.
Hibernate Mode
Hibernate mode conserves power by copying system data to a reserved area on the hard drive and then completely turning off the computer. When the computer exits hibernate mode, it returns to the same operating state it was in before entering hibernate mode.
To manually enter hibernate mode in Windows Vista, click Start, click the arrow in the lower-right corner of the Start menu, and then click Hibernate.
Configuring Power Management Settings
You can use the Windows Power Options Properties to configure the power management settings on your computer.
To access Power Options Properties, click Start® Control Panel® System and Maintenance® Power Options.
About RAID Configurations
This section provides an overview of the RAID configuration that you may have selected when you purchased your computer. A number of RAID configurations are available in the computer industry for different types of uses. Your Dell computer supports RAID level 0 and RAID level 1. A RAID level 0 configuration is recommended for high-performance programs, while RAID level 1 is recommended for users that desire a high level of data integrity.
NOTE: RAID levels do not represent a hierarchy. A RAID level 1 configuration is not inherently better or worse than a RAID level 0 configuration.
The Intel® RAID controller on your computer can only create a RAID level configuration using two physical drives. The drives should be the same size to ensure that the larger drive does not contain unallocated (and therefore unusable) space.
NOTE: If you purchased your Dell computer with RAID, your computer has been configured with two hard drives that are the same size.
Verifying That RAID Is Working
Your computer displays information pertaining to your RAID configuration at start-up, before loading the operating system. If RAID is not configured, the message none defined appears under RAID Volumes, followed by a list of the physical drives installed in your computer. If a RAID volume is identified, you can then check the Status field to determine the current state of your RAID configuration. The Status field contains information about the following conditions:
Normal — Your RAID configuration is functioning properly.
Degraded — One of your hard drives has failed. The computer is still bootable; however, RAID is not functioning and data is not being copied to the other drive.
Rebuild — Following a degraded condition, the computer has detected the replacement/connection of a secondary hard drive and will automatically restore the RAID configuration the next time the operating system loads.
RAID Level 0
NOTICE: Because a RAID level 0 configuration provides no data redundancy, a failure of one drive results in the loss of all data. To protect your data when using a RAID level 0 configuration, perform regular backups.
RAID level 0 uses a storage technique known as data striping to provide a high data-access rate. Data striping is a method of writing consecutive segments, or stripes, of data sequentially across the physical drive(s) to create a large virtual drive. Data striping allows one of the drives to read data while the other drive is searching for and reading the next block.
Another advantage of a RAID level 0 configuration is that it utilizes the full storage capacities of the drives. For example, two 120-GB hard drives combine to provide 240 GB of hard drive space on which to store data.
NOTE: In a RAID level 0 configuration, the size of the configuration is equal to the size of the smallest drive multiplied by the number of drives in the configuration.
RAID Level 1 Configuration
RAID level 1 uses a data-redundancy storage technique known as mirroring to enhance data integrity. When data is written to the primary drive, the data is also duplicated, or mirrored, on the second drive in the configuration.
If a drive failure occurs, subsequent read and write operations are directed to the surviving drive. A replacement drive can then be rebuilt using the data from the surviving drive.
NOTE: In a RAID level 1 configuration, the size of the configuration is equal to the size of the smallest drive in the configuration.
Configuring Your Computer for RAID
You can use one of two methods to configure RAID hard drive volumes. One method uses the Intel RAID Option ROM utility and can be performed without an operating system present on the hard drive. The second method uses the Intel Matrix Storage Manager, or Intel Matrix Storage Console, and is performed after the operating system and the Intel Matrix Storage Console have been installed. Both methods require that you set your computer to RAID-enabled mode before you begin.
Press the left- and right-arrow keys to highlight Save/Exit, and press <Enter> to exit system setup and
resume the boot process.
Configuring Your Computer for RAID Using the Intel RAID Option ROM Utility
NOTE: Although any size of drives may be used to create a RAID configuration when using the Intel RAID Option ROM utility, ideally the drives should be of equal size. In a RAID level 0 configuration, the size of the configuration will be the size of the smallest drive multiplied by the number of drives in the configuration (two). In a RAID level 1 configuration, the size of the configuration will be the smaller of the two drives used.
Creating a RAID Level 0 Configuration
NOTICE: You lose any data on your hard drives when you create a RAID configuration using the following procedure. Back up data that you want to keep before continuing.
NOTE: Use the following procedure only if you are reinstalling your operating system. Do not use the following procedure to migrate an existing storage configuration to RAID level 0 configuration.
Press <Ctrl><i> when you are prompted to enter the Intel RAID Option ROM utility.
Press the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight Create RAID Volume, and press <Enter>.
Enter a RAID volume name or accept the default, and press <Enter>.
Press the up- and down-arrow keys to select RAID0(Stripe), and press <Enter>.
NOTE: Select the stripe size closest to the size of the average file that you want to store on the RAID volume. If you do not know the average file size, choose 128 KB as your stripe size.
Press the up- and down-arrow keys to change the stripe size and press <Enter>.
Select the desired capacity for the volume and press <Enter>. The default value is the maximum
available size.
Press <Enter> to create the volume.
Press <y> to confirm that you want to create the RAID volume.
Confirm that the correct volume configuration is displayed on the main Intel RAID Option ROM
utility screen.
Press the up- and down-arrow keys to select Exit and press <Enter>.
Configuring Your Computer for RAID Using the Intel Matrix Storage Manager
If you already have one hard drive with the operating system installed on it, and you want to add a second hard drive and reconfigure both drives into a RAID volume without losing the existing operating system and any data, you need to use the migrating option for a RAID level 0 configuration (see Migrating to a RAID Level 0 Configuration) or a RAID level 1 configuration (see Migrating to a RAID Level 1 Configuration). Create a RAID level 0 volume or RAID level 1 volume only when:
You are adding a new drive to an existing single-drive computer (and the operating system is on the single drive), and you want to configure the drives into a RAID volume.
You already have a two-hard drive computer configured into a volume, but you still have some space left on the volume that you want to designate as a second RAID volume.
Creating a RAID Level 0 Configuration
NOTE: When you perform this operation, all data on the RAID drives will be lost.
On the Actions menu, select Create RAID Volume to launch the Create RAID Volume Wizard, and
then click Next.
On the Select Volume Location screen, click the first hard drive you want to include in your RAID
level 0 volume, and then click the right arrow.
Click a second hard drive. To add a third hard drive in your RAID level 0 volume, click the right arrow
and click the third drive until three drives appear in the Selected window, and then click Next.
In the Specify Volume Size window, click the Volume Size desired, and then click Next.
Click Finish to create the volume, or click Back to make changes.
Creating a RAID Level 1 Configuration
NOTE: When you perform this operation, all data on the RAID drives is lost.
Click the Start button and point to Programs® Intel(R) Matrix Storage Manager® Intel Matrix
Storage Console to launch the Intel® Storage Utility.
NOTE: If you do not see an Actions menu option, you have not yet set your computer to RAID-enabled mode.
On the Actions menu, select Create RAID Volume to launch the Create RAID Volume Wizard.
Click Next at the first screen.
Confirm the volume name, select RAID 1 as the RAID level, and then click Next to continue.
On the Select Volume Location screen, click the first hard drive you want to use to create your RAID
level 1 volume, and then click the right arrow. Click a second hard drive until two drives appear in the
Selected window, and then click Next.
In the Specify Volume Size window, select the Volume Size desired and click Next.
Click Finish to create the volume, or click Back to make changes.
Follow Microsoft Windows procedures for creating a partition on the new RAID volume.
Recovering From a Single Hard Drive Failure (RAID 1) Using the Intel Matrix Storage Manager
NOTE: Perform the following steps only after you have replaced the failed hard drive (see the appropriate "Drives" section for your computer).
Turn on or restart your computer.
Press <Ctrl><i> when you are prompted to enter the Intel RAID Option ROM utility.
Under DEGRADED VOLUME DETECTED, confirm that the new (non-RAID) drive is listed and
then press <Enter>.
Under Disk/Volume Information confirm that the volume status is Rebuild.
NOTE: Volumes with a status of Rebuild are rebuilt within the operating system.
Use the up- and down-arrow keys to select Exit, and then press <Enter>.
Your computer boots to the operating system and begins rebuilding the RAID volume automatically. A dialog box appears and displays the progress of the rebuild.
NOTE: You can use your computer while the computer is rebuilding the RAID level 1 volume.
Click the Start button and point to All Programs® Intel(R) Matrix Storage Manager® Intel Matrix
Storage Console to launch the Intel Storage Utility.
NOTE: If you do not see an Actions menu option, you have not yet set your computer to RAID-enabled mode.
On the Actions menu, select Create RAID Volume From Existing Hard Drive tolaunch the
Migration Wizard.
Click Next on the Migration Wizard screen.
Enter a RAID volume name or accept the default.
From the drop-down box, select RAID 0 as the RAID level.
NOTE: Select the stripe size closest to the size of the average file you want to store on the RAID volume. If you do not know the average file size, choose 128 KB as your stripe size.
Select the appropriate stripe size from the drop-down box, and then click Next.
NOTE: Select the hard drive that you want to use as your source hard drive (it should be the hard drive containing the data or operating system files that you want to keep on the RAID volume).
On the Select Source Hard Drive screen, double-click the hard drive from which you want to migrate,
and click Next.
On the Select Member Hard Drive screen, double-click the hard drive(s) to select the member
drive(s) to span the stripe array, and click Next.
On the Specify Volume Size screen, select the Volume Size you want, and click Next.
NOTE: In step 11, all data contained on the member drive removed.
Click Finish to start migrating, or click Back to make changes. You can use your computer normally
during the migration process.
Click the Start button and point to All Programs® Intel(R) Matrix Storage Manager® Intel Matrix
Storage Console to launch the Intel Storage Utility.
NOTE: If you do not see an Actions menu option, you have not yet set your computer to RAID-enabled mode.
On the Actions menu, click Create RAID Volume From Existing Hard Drive to launch the Migration
Wizard.
Click Next on the first Migration Wizard screen.
Enter a RAID volume name or accept the default.
From the drop-down box, select RAID 1 as the RAID level.
NOTE: Select the hard drive that you want to use as your source hard drive (it should be the hard drive containing the data or operating system files that you want to keep on the RAID volume).
On the Select Source Hard Drive screen, double-click the hard drive from which you want to migrate,
and click Next.
On the Select Member Hard Drive screen, double-click the hard drive to select the member drive that
you want to act as the mirror in the configuration, and click Next.
On the Specify Volume Size screen, select the volume size you want, and click Next.
NOTE: In step 10, all data contained on the member drive is removed.
Click Finish to start migrating, or click Back to make changes. You can use your computer normally
during migration process.
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