After you set up your system, run the System Setup program to familiarize yourself with your system configuration and optional settings. Record the information for future reference.
You can use the System Setup program to:
Change the system configuration stored in NVRAM after you add, change, or remove hardware
Set or change user-selectable options—for example, the time or date
Enable or disable integrated devices
Correct discrepancies between the installed hardware and configuration settings
Entering the System Setup Program
During System Setup
Turn on or restart your system.
Press <F2> immediately after you see the following message:
<F2> = System Setup
If your operating system begins to load before you press <F2>, allow the system to finish booting, and then restart your system and try again.
NOTE: To ensure an orderly system shutdown, see the documentation that accompanied your operating system.
Responding to Error Messages
You can enter the System Setup program by responding to certain error messages. If an error message appears while the system is booting, make a note of the message. Before entering the System Setup program, see "System Messages" on page 16 for an explanation of the message and suggestions for correcting errors.
NOTE: After installing a memory upgrade, it is normal for your system to send a message the first time you start your system.
Navigating the System Setup Program
Table 2-1 lists the keys that you use to view or change information on the System Setup screens, and to exit the program.
Table 2-1. System Setup Program Navigation Keys
Keys
Action
Up arrow and down arrow
Moves to the previous or next field
Left arrow and right arrow
Moves left or right in a field
<+> and <–> keys
Opens and closes submenus
<Enter>
Allows you to view the details for or modify an option, or allows you to confirm your setting change and moves the cursor back to the option menu
<Esc>
Either moves your cursor back to the option menu without modifying an option, or opens the System Setup Exit screen
NOTE: For most of the options, any changes that you make are recorded but do not take effect until you restart the system.
Exiting the System Setup Program
If you have made no changes in the BIOS, the Exit screen displays the following options after you press <Esc> to exit the System Setup program:
Remain in Setup
Exit
If you have made changes in the BIOS, the Exit screen displays the following options after you press <Esc> to exit the System Setup program:
Table 2-2 through Table 2-9 lists the options and descriptions for each group of information fields that appear on the main System Setup program screen.
NOTE: The System Setup program defaults are listed under their respective options, where applicable.
Table 2-2. System Options
Option
Description
System Info
Displays the System name, BIOS Version number, BIOS Date, Service Tag, Express Service Code, and Asset Tag.
Processor Info
Displays the following information for the processor installed in the system: Processor Type, Processor Clock Speed, Processor Bus Speed, Processor Cache Size, Processor ID number, whether the processor is Multiple Core Capable, or Hyperthreading Capable, and if the processor has 64-bit Technology.
Memory Info
Displays the amount of Installed Memory, Memory Speed, Memory Channel Mode, and a description of the Memory Technology. This option also displays a table that describes the memory size, whether the memory module is ECC capable, single or dual rank, type, and organization for each DIMM socket.
PCI Info
Displays the types of cards that are installed in the PCI slots, if applicable.
Date/Time
Resets the system's internal calendar and clock.
Boot Sequence
(Diskette drive default)
Determines the order in which the system searches for boot devices during system startup. Available options can include the diskette drive, CD drive, hard drives, and USB devices.
Table 2-3. Drive Options
Option
Description
Diskette Drive
(Internal default)
Enables and disables the diskette drives and sets read permission for the internal diskette drive. Off disables all diskette drives. USB disables the internal diskette drive and enables a USB drive if the USB controller is enabled and a USB drive is connected. Internal enables the internal diskette drive. Read Only enables the internal drive controller and allows the internal diskette drive read-only permission.
NOTE: Diskette drives are optional and may not be part of your system.
SATA0-3
Enables or disables a Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) device (such as hard drive, CD drive, or DVD drive). Off disables the interface so that the device cannot be used. On enables the interface so that the device can be used.
Displays the Controller type, Port number the drive is using, Drive ID number, Capacity, whether the drive is controlled by the BIOS, and Link Speed.
PATA0-1
Enables or disables a Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment device (such as hard drive or IDE drive). Off disables the interface so that the device cannot be used. On enables the interface so that the device can be used.
Displays the Controller type, Port number the drive is using, Drive ID number, Capacity, whether the drive is controlled by the BIOS, and Link Speed.
SMART Reporting
(Off default)
Determines whether hard-drive errors for internal drives are reported during system startup. Off does not report errors. On reports errors.
Table 2-4. Onboard Devices Options
Option
Description
Integrated NIC
(On default)
Enables or disables the integrated Network Interface Controller (NIC). Off disables the controller. On enables the controller. On w/PXE enables the controller with PXE. On w/RPL enables the controller with RPL.
NOTE: PXE or RPL is required only if you are booting to an operating system on another system, not if you are booting to an operating system on a hard drive in this system.
USB Controller
(On default)
Enables or disables the internal USB controller. Off disables the controller. On enables the 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 storage devices regardless of the No Boot setting.
Front USB Ports
(On default)
Enables or disables the front USB ports independently of the rear ports. Off disables the controller. On enables the 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 storage devices regardless of the No Boot setting.
Serial Port #1
(Auto default)
Serial Port 1 options are COM1, COM3, Auto, and Off.
When serial port 1 is set to Auto, the integrated port automatically maps to the next available port. Serial port 1 attempts to use COM1 first and then COM3. If both addresses are in use for a specific port, the port is disabled. When serial port is set to COM1, the integrated port is configured at 3F8h with IRQ4. When the serial port is set to COM3, the integrated port is configured at 3E8h with IRQ4.
If you set the serial port to Auto and add an expansion card with a port configured to the same designation, the system automatically remaps the integrated port to the next available port designation that shares the same IRQ setting.
Table 2-5. Performance Options
Option
Description
Hyper-Threading
(On default)
Determines whether the physical processor appears as one or two logical processors. The performance of some applications improve with additional logical processors installed. On enables hyperthreading. Off disables hyperthreading.
Multiple CPU Core
(On default)
If the processor has multiple cores, specifies whether the processor will have one or two cores enabled. The performance of some applications will improve with the additional core. Off disables Multiple CPU Core Technology. On enables Multiple CPU Core Technology.
Limit CPUID
Limits the maximum value the processor standard CPUID function will support. Some operating systems will not complete installation when the maximum CPUID is greater than 3.
Speed Step
(Off default)
If the processor supports Enhanced Speed Step Technology, specifies whether the option is Off or On.
NOTICE: Before enabling the Speed Step option, ensure that the operating system also supports Enhanced Speed Step Technology. Enabling the feature on operating systems that do not support it may cause unpredictable results. See the operating system's documentation for its supported features.
HDD Acoustic Mode
(Performance default)
Allows you to optimize IDE-drive performance and noise level based on personal preferences. Bypass is used for older drives. Quiet slows drive performance but reduces drive noise. Suggested adjusts performance to the manufacturers preferred mode. Performance increases drive performance but may increase drive noise.
Table 2-6. Security Options
Option
Description
Unlock Setup
If the admin password has not been set, this option is not visible. If the admin password has been set, this option displays the current status of your system password. Temporarily unlock setup by entering your admin password.
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.
Determines the interaction between the System password and the Admin password. Locked prevents a user with a valid System 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)
Enables or disables the chassis-intrusion detection feature. When set to On-Silent, chassis intrusion is detected but no warning message is reported during start-up. When set to On, this field displays DETECTED when the chassis cover has been opened. Pressing any edit key acknowledges the intrusion and arms the system to look for further security breaches. Off disables the chassis-intrusion detection feature.
Intrusion Alert
If an intrusion has been detected, press the <Enter> key to acknowledge the intrusion and arm the system to look for further security breaches.
Execute Disable
(On default)
Specifies whether or not Execute Disable Memory Protection Technology is On or Off.
Table 2-7. Power Management Options
Option
Description
AC Recovery
(Last default)
Determines how the system responds when AC power is re-applied after a power loss. Off commands the system to stay off when the power is re-applied. You must press the front-panel power button before the system turns on. On commands the system to turn on when the power is re-applied. Last commands the system to return to the last power state the system was in just before it was turned off.
Auto Power On
(Off default)
Determines when to use the Auto Power Time setting to turn on the system. Off commands the system to not use the Auto Power Time feature. Everyday turns on the system every day at the time set in Auto Power Time. Weekdays turns on the system every day from Monday through Friday at the time set in Auto Power Time.
Auto Power Time
Determines the time that you want the system to turn on.
Low Power Mode
(Off default)
On conserves more power by removing power from most hardware features. Off conserves less power and removes power from fewer hardware features.
NOTE: With this option set to On, the integrated NIC will be disabled when the system is in the Hibernate or Off states. Only add-in NICs will be able to wake the system remotely.
Remote Wake Up
(Off default)
Determines how the system is turned on remotely from the Suspend, Hibernate, or Off states. Off disables the NIC from waking up the system. On enables the NIC to wake up the system. On w/ Boot to NIC enables the NIC to wake up the system and boot from the network.
NOTE: If you want the system to perform a Remote Wake Up, you must first set Low Power Mode to Off.
Table 2-8. Maintenance Options
Option
Description
Service Tag
Displays the system service tag. If the service tag is corrupted, the system will prompt to enter the correct service tag upon entering the system setup program.
SERR Message
Controls the SERR message mechanism. By default, this feature is On.
NOTE: Some graphics cards require that the SERR message mechanism be disabled.
Load Defaults
Allows you to restore all 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.
Table 2-9. POST Behavior Options
Option
Description
Fast Boot
(On default)
When enabled, this feature reduces system startup time by bypassing some compatibility steps. Off does not skip any steps during system startup. On starts the system 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 and 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 F11=Boot Menu). Setup displays the setup message only (F2=Setup). Boot Menu displays the Quickboot message only (F11=Boot Menu). None displays no message.
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 system.
NOTE: When detected, some errors (such as CPU or PCI fan failure) will display an error message and prompt you to press <F1> to continue, or <F2> to enter the Setup Menu.
Password Features
NOTICE: The password features provide a basic level of security for the data on your system. If your data requires more security, use additional forms of protection, such as data encryption programs.
NOTICE: Anyone can access the data stored on your system if you leave the system running and unattended without having a system password assigned or if you leave your system unlocked so that someone can disable the password by changing a jumper setting.
Your system is shipped to you without the system password feature enabled. If system security is a concern, operate your system only with system password protection.
To change or delete an existing password, you must know the password (see "Deleting an Existing System Password" on page 36). If you forget your password, you cannot operate your system or change settings in the System Setup program until a trained service technician changes the password jumper setting to disable the passwords, and erases the existing passwords. This procedure is described in "Disabling a Forgotten Password" on page 104.
Using the System Password
After a system password is assigned, only those who know the password have full use of the system. When the System Password option is Set, the system prompts you for the system password after the system starts.
NOTE: If you have assigned an admin password (see "Using the Admin Password" on page 37), the system accepts your admin password as an alternate system password.
Assigning a System Password
Before you assign a system password, enter the System Setup program and check the System Password option.
When a system password is assigned, the setting shown for the System Password option is Set. If the setting shown for the Password Changes is Unlocked, you can change the system password. If the Password Changes option is Locked, you cannot change the system password. When the system password feature is disabled by a jumper setting, the system password is Disabled, and you cannot change or enter a new system password.
When a system password is not assigned and the password jumper on the system board is in the enabled (default) position, the setting shown for the System Password option is Not Set and the Password Changes field is Unlocked. To assign a system password:
Verify that the Password Changes option is set to Unlocked.
Highlight the System Password option and press <Enter>.
Type your new system password.
You can use up to 32 characters in your password.
As you press each character key (or the spacebar for a blank space), a placeholder appears in the field.
The password assignment is not case-sensitive. However, certain key combinations are not valid. If you enter one of these combinations, the system beeps. To erase a character when entering your password, press <Backspace> or the left-arrow key.
NOTE: To escape from the field without assigning a system password, press <Esc> at any time prior to completing step 5.
Press <Enter>.
To confirm your password, type it a second time and press <Enter>.
Press <Enter> again to continue.
The setting shown for the System Password changes to Set.
Save and exit the System Setup program and begin using your system.
Using Your System Password to Secure Your System
NOTE: If you have assigned an admin password (see "Using the Admin Password" on page 37), the system accepts your admin password as an alternate system password.
When the Password Status option is set to Unlocked, you have the option to leave the password security enabled or to disable the password security.
To leave the password security enabled:
Turn on or reboot your system by pressing <Ctrl><Alt><Del>.
Type your password and press <Enter>.
When the Password Status option is set to Locked when you turn on or reboot your system, type your password and press <Enter> at the prompt.
After you type the correct system password and press <Enter>, your system operates as usual.
If an incorrect system password is entered, the system displays a message and prompts you to re-enter your password. You have three attempts to enter the correct password. After the third unsuccessful attempt, the system displays an error message showing the number of unsuccessful attempts and that the system has halted. You are prompted to shut down your system. This message can alert you to an unauthorized person attempting to use your system.
Even after you shut down and restart the system, the error message continues to be displayed until the correct password is entered.
NOTE: You can use the Password Changes option in conjunction with the System Password and Admin Password options to further protect your system from unauthorized changes.
Deleting an Existing System Password
Enter the System Setup program.
Highlight the System Password option, and press <Enter> to access the system password window.
Enter the old password, and press <Enter>.
Press <Enter> twice to enter a new blank password and to confirm the new blank password.
Press <Enter> again to continue.
The setting changes to Not Set.
Changing an Existing System Password
Enter the System Setup program.
Highlight the System Password option, and press <Enter> to access the system password window.
Enter the old password, and press <Enter>.
Enter a new password, and press <Enter>.
Enter the new password again to confirm the change, and press <Enter>.
Press <Enter> to continue.
The setting remains Set.
Using the Admin Password
Assigning an Admin Password
You can assign (or change) an admin password only when the Admin Password option selected is Not Set. To assign an admin password:
Highlight the Admin Password option and press <Enter>.
Type your new admin password.
You can use up to 32 characters in your password.
As you press each character key (or the spacebar for a blank space), a placeholder appears in the field.
The password assignment is not case-sensitive. However, certain key combinations are not valid. If you enter one of these combinations, the system beeps. To erase a character when entering your password, press <Backspace> or the left-arrow key.
NOTE: To escape from the field without assigning a system password, press <Enter> to move to another field, or press <Esc> at any time prior to completing step 5.
Press <Enter>.
To confirm your password, type it a second time and press <Enter>.
The setting shown for the Admin Password changes to Set.
Save and exit the System Setup program and begin using your system.
The next time you enter the System Setup program, the system prompts you for the admin password.
A change to the Admin Password option becomes effective immediately (restarting the system is not required). By entering the System Password, you can scroll through and view all the screens, but you cannot make changes to the settings for which a lock graphic is displayed in the upper right corner of the option window.
Operating With an Admin Password Set
If Admin Password is Set, you must enter the correct admin password before you can modify most of the System Setup options. When you start the System Setup program, the program prompts you to enter a password.
If you do not enter the correct password in three attempts, the system lets you view, but not modify, the System Setup screens—with the following exception: if System Password is not Set and is not locked through thePassword Changes option, you can assign a system password (however, you cannot disable or change an existing system password).
NOTE: You can use the Password Changes option in conjunction with the Admin Password option to protect the system password from unauthorized changes.
Deleting an Existing Admin Password
Enter the System Setup program.
Highlight the Admin Password option, and press <Enter> to access the admin password window.
Enter the old password, and press <Enter>.
Press <Enter> twice to enter a new blank password and to confirm the new blank password.
Press <Enter> again to continue.
The setting changes to Not Set.
Changing an Existing Admin Password
Enter the System Setup program.
Highlight the Admin Password option, and press <Enter> to access the admin password window.
Enter the old password, and press <Enter>.
Enter a new password, and press <Enter>.
Enter the new password again to confirm the change, and press <Enter>.
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