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
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 system 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 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 system battery has reached a voltage of 2.2 V or lower.
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™ IT Assistant
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, DMI, and CIM industry standards.
Dell OpenManage Client instrumentation, which is based on DMI and CIM, is available for your computer. 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
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.
Change the state of your computer, such as updating its BIOS or shutting it down remotely.
A managed system is one that has Dell OpenManage Client Instrumentation set up on a network that uses IT Assistant. 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.
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 feature, if installed and enabled, detects that the chassis was opened and alerts the user. To change the Chassis Intrusion setting:
Enter system setup (see Entering System Setup).
Press the down-arrow key to move to the Security option.
Press <Enter> to access the 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 back of the computer.
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.
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
NOTE: 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 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.
Deleting or Changing an Existing System Password
Enter system setup (see Entering System Setup).
Highlight System Password and press <Enter>.
When prompted, type the system password.
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 <Esc>, press the left- and right-arrow keys to highlight Save/Exit, and then press <Enter> to restart the computer and implement your changes. 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
NOTE: To escape from the field without assigning an administrator password, press <Tab> or the <Shift><Tab> key combination to move to another field, or press <Esc> at any time before you complete step 3.
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 and verify that Admin Password is set to Not Set (seeEntering System Setup).
Highlight Admin Password and press the left- or right-arrow key.
The computer prompts you to type and verify the password. If you enter a character that 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 (see Entering System Setup).
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.
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, then select 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, then select TPM Activation and press <Enter>.
Under TPM Activation, select Activate and press <Enter>.
NOTICE: You only need to activate TPM once.
Once the process is complete, the computer either restarts automatically or prompts you to restart your computer.
System Setup
Overview
Use system setup as follows:
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 is displayed, you must watch for the F2 prompt to appear.
Once this F2 prompt appears, press <F2> immediately.
NOTE: The F2 prompt indicates that the keyboard has initialized. This prompt can appear very quickly, so you must watch for it to display, and then press <F2>. If you press <F2> before you are prompted, this keystroke will be lost.
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 Screen
The system setup screen displays current or changeable configuration information for your computer. Information on the screen is divided into four areas: the menu at the top, the main window, the Item Help field on the right, and key functions listed on the bottom.
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 not appear, or may not appear exactly as listed.
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, processor clock speed, bus speed, clock speed, and L2 cache size. States whether the processor is multiple-core capable and whether it supports 64-bit technology.
Memory Info
Lists the type, size, speed, and channel mode (dual or single) of installed memory.
PCI Info
Identifies any installed PCI or PCI Express cards.
Date/Time
Displays current date and time settings.
Boot Sequence
The computer attempts to boot from the sequence of devices specified in this list.
HDD Boot Sequence
Lists the order that the BIOS will search the available hard drives in the system.
Drives
Diskette Drive
(Internal default)
This option enables or disables the floppy drive. The options are Off, USB, Internal, 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, and SATA 0 and SATA1 forthe small form factor.
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.
SATA Operation
(RAID Autodetect/AHCIdefault for mini tower and desktop computers)
(AHCIdefault for small form factor computers)
Options for mini tower and desktop computers:
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 computers:
AHCI
ATA
SMART Reporting
(Offdefault)
This setting determines whether integrated drive errors are reported or not during system startup.
Onboard Devices
Integrated NIC
(On default)
Enables or disables the integrated NIC controller. Settings are Off, On, On w/ PXE, or On w/RPL. When the On w/ PXE or the On w/RPL 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.
USB 0 through 5
(On default)
Enables or disables the USB ports on the back of the computer.
Front USB Ports
(On default)
Enables or disables the front USB ports.
LPT Port Mode
(PS/2 default)
Determines the mode of operation of the internal parallel port. AT configures the port for AT compatibility. PS/2 configures the port for PS/2 compatibility. EPP configures the port for the Enhanced Parallel Port bidirectional protocol. ECP configures the port for the Extended Capability Port 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.
Auto, the default setting, automatically configures a connector to a particular designation (COM2 or COM4).
PS/2 Mouse Port
Enables or disables the integrated legacy PS/2 mouse controller.
Video
Primary Video
(Auto default)
This setting specifies which video controller is primary when there are two video controllers available (PCI, Onboard, Auto, and PEG). This selection only matters if there are two video controllers present. When Auto is selected, the add-in video controller will be used.
NOTE: A PCI Express graphics card will override the integrated video controller.
Video Memory Size
(64MB default)
This setting configures the amount of system memory that is reserved for the integrated video controller. The settings are Auto, 16MB, 32MB, 64MB, 128MB, or Off.
Performance
HDD Acoustic Mode (Bypass default)
Bypass — Your computer does not test or change the current acoustics mode setting.
Quiet — The hard drive operates at its most quiet setting.
Suggested — The hard drive operates at the level suggested by the drive manufacturer.
Performance —The hard drive operates at its maximum speed.
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
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 system's password security feature and allows a new system password to be assigned and verified.
Drive 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 Alert
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.
Non-Execute Disable
(On default)
Enables or disables Execute Disable memory protection technology.
Power Management
AC Recovery
(Off 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)
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
(On 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 system 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 system 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 system 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.
ASF Mode
(On default)
This setting controls the ASF functionality. On enables full ASF functionality, Alert Only sends ASF messages on the event or error, and Off disables all ASF functionality.
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 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
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.
Keyboard Errors
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: To boot to a USB device, the device must be bootable. To ensure that a device is bootable, check the device documentation.
Changing Boot Sequence for the Current Boot
You can use this feature, for example, to restart your computer to a USB device, such as a floppy drive, memory key, or CD-RW drive.
NOTE: If you are booting to a USB floppy drive, you must first set Diskette Drive to Off in system setup (see System Setup).
If you are booting to a USB device, connect the USB device to a USB connector (see Front View for
mini tower computers, or Front View for desktop computers).
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.
Use the arrow keys to select Continue.
The Boot Device Menu appears, listing all available boot devices.
Use the arrow keys to select the appropriate device (for the current boot only).
NOTE: To boot to a USB device, the device must be bootable. To ensure that a 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, both system and administrator password options appear as Not Set—meaning that the password feature is enabled but no password is assigned (see Entering System Setup).
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.
HyperTransport™ and Dual-Core Technology
HyperTransport technology can increase overall computer performance by removing I/O bottlenecks, increasing system bandwidth, and reducing system latency. A fully integrated DDR memory controller allows a direct connection between the processor and the main memory. Dual-Core is a technology in which two physical computational units exist inside a single processor package, thereby increasing computing efficiency and multi-tasking ability.
While many programs can benefit from HyperTransport and dual-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 HyperTransport or dual-core technology with your software. To determine if your computer is using HyperTransport technology, check the system setup option for HyperTransport under the Performance tab (see System Setup).
Power Management
Your computer can be set to use less power when you are not working. You control the power usage through the operating system installed on your computer and certain option settings in system setup. These periods of reduced power are called "sleep modes."
NOTE: All components installed in the computer must support the hibernate and/or standby mode feature(s) and have the appropriate drivers loaded to enter either of these sleep modes. For more information, see the manufacturer's documentation for each component.
Standby. In this sleep mode, power is reduced or turned off for most components, including the cooling fans. However, system memory remains active.
Hibernate. This sleep mode reduces power consumption to a minimum by writing all data in system memory to a hard drive and then removing system power. Waking up from this mode restarts the computer, and the memory contents are restored. Operation then resumes where the computer left off when it entered the hibernation mode.
Shutdown. This sleep mode removes all power from the computer except a small auxiliary amount. As long as the computer remains connected to an electrical outlet, it can be automatically or remotely started. For example, the Auto Power On option in system setup allows the computer to automatically start at a specified time. Also, your network administrator can remotely start your computer using a power management event such as Remote Wake Up.
The following table lists the sleep modes and the methods you can use to wake the computer from each mode.
Sleep Mode
Wake-Up Methods (Windows XP)
Standby
Press the power button
Auto power on
Move or click the mouse
Type on the keyboard
USB device activity
Power management event
Hibernate
Press the power button
Auto power on
Power management event
Shutdown
Press the power button
Auto power on
Power management event
NOTE: For more information on power management, see your operating system documentation.
About RAID Configurations
NOTICE: In order to use the migrating option to convert a RAID configuration without losing data, your hard drive must initially be set up as a single drive RAID 0 array before the operating system is loaded onto the drive (see Using the NVIDIA MediaShield ROM Utility for instructions).
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. The Dell mini tower and desktop models of your OptiPlex computer support RAID level 0 and RAID level 1. (RAID support is not available for the small form factor model.) 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 NVIDIA 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 Configuration
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. A RAID level 1 configuration sacrifices high data-access rates for its data redundancy advantages.
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 Hard Drives for RAID
Your computer can be configured for RAID, even if you did not select a RAID configuration when the computer was purchased. For an explanation of RAID levels and their requirements, see About RAID Configurations. For information on how to install a hard drive, see Installing a Hard Drive for your mini tower computer or Installing a Hard Drive for your desktop computer.
You can use one of two methods to configure RAID hard drive volumes. The first method uses the NVIDIA MediaShield ROM utility and is performed before you install the operating system onto the hard drive. The second method uses NVIDIA MediaShield and is performed after you have installed the operating system and NVIDIA RAID drivers.Both methods require that you set your computer to RAID-enabled mode before you begin.
Hard drives of any size may be used to create a RAID configuration. Ideally, however, the drives should be of equal size to avoid unallocated or unused space. For an explanation of RAID levels and their requirements, see About RAID Configurations. For information on how to install a hard drive, see Installing a Hard Drive for your mini tower computer or Installing a Hard Drive for your desktop computer.
Press <Ctrl><n> when prompted to enter the RAID BIOS.
NOTE: If the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft Windows desktop; then shut down your computer and try again.
The Define a New Array window appears.
Press <Tab> to navigate to the RAID Mode field.
To create a RAID 0 configuration, use the arrow keys to select Striping.
To create a RAID 1 configuration, use the arrow keys to select Mirroring.
Press <Tab> to navigate to the Free Disks field.
Use the up- and down-arrow keys to select a hard drive to include in the RAID array and then use the
right-arrow key to move the selected drive from the Free Disks field to the Array Disks field. Repeat for
each disk you want to include in the RAID array.
NOTE: Your computer supports a maximum of two drives per RAID array.
After assigning the hard drives to an array, press <F9>.
The Clear disk data prompt appears.
NOTICE: You will lose all data on the selected drives in the next step.
Press <y> to clear all data from the selected drives.
The Array List window appears.
To review the details of the array that you set up, use the arrow keys to highlight the array in the
Array Detail window and press <Enter>.
The Array Detail window appears.
NOTE: To delete an array, use the arrow keys to select the array and press <d>.
Press <Enter> to return to the previous screen.
Press <Ctrl><x> to exit the RAID BIOS.
Using NVIDIA MediaShield
NVIDIA MediaShield allows you to create, view, and manage RAID configurations.
NOTE: Use NVIDIA MediaShield to create a RAID configuration only when you are adding a new hard drive to an existing (non-RAID) single-hard-drive computer, and you want to configure the new drive into a RAID array.
Hard drives of any size may be used to create a RAID configuration using NVIDIA MediaShield. Ideally, however, the drives should be of equal size to avoid unallocated or unused space. For an explanation of RAID levels and their requirements, see About RAID Configurations.
Creating a RAID Array
NOTICE: The following procedure will result in the loss of all data on your hard drive(s). Back up any data you want to keep before continuing.
After rebooting your computer, launch NVIDIA MediaShield.
Click Create under System Tasks.
The NVIDIA Create Array Wizard appears and lists the disks that are available for configuration.
Click Next.
Click Custom, then click Next.
Use the drop-down box to select Striping (RAID 0) or Mirroring (RAID 1).
Click Next.
The Free Disk Selection window appears.
NOTE: Only RAID-enabled hard drives are listed as free disks.
Click to select the drives that will make up the RAID configuration, click Next, and then click Next again.
NOTE: Your computer supports a maximum of two drives per RAID array.
The Clearing System Data window appears.
NOTICE: The Clear System Data option deletes all data on the selected drive.
Click Next.
Click Finish to create the RAID configuration.
The MediaShield RAID management utility window appears and lists the array along with any other installed hard drives.
Deleting a RAID Array
NOTICE: While this procedure deletes the RAID 1 volume, it also splits the RAID 1 volume into two non-RAID hard drives with a partition, and leaves any existing data files intact. Deleting a RAID 0 volume, however, destroys all data on the volume.
NOTICE: If your computer currently boots to RAID and you delete the RAID volume, your computer will become unbootable.
Launch NVIDIA MediaShield.
Click to select the array you want to delete.
Click Delete Array in the System Tasks pane.
The NVIDIADelete Array Wizard appears.
Click Next.
A confirmation screen appears with the name and size of the array that you have marked for deletion.
Click Finish to delete the RAID configuration.
The MediaShield RAID management utility window appears and lists any remaining arrays along with any other installed hard drives.
Converting From One RAID Configuration to Another RAID Configuration
NOTICE: In order to use the migrating option to convert a RAID configuration without losing data, your hard drive must initially be set up as a single drive RAID 0 array before the operating system is loaded onto the drive (see Using the NVIDIA MediaShield ROM Utility for instructions).
NVIDIA MediaShield utilizes a one-step process known as migrating to change the current state of a disk or array without losing any data. If needed, additional hard drives can be added to an existing array, including a single-drive RAID 0 configuration for conversion to a two-drive RAID 0 configuration; however, the capacity of the resulting array must be equal to or greater than the size of the original configuration.
RAID 1 to RAID 1 conversions cannot be performed using the migrating process.
NOTICE: Additional hard drives to be used in the (migrated) array must be no smaller than any of the drives in the current configuration.
Under RAID Mode Selection, select Mirroring or Striping from the drop-down menu.
Click Next.
NOTICE: You will lose all data on the selected drives in the next step.
Under Free Disk Selection, select the hard drive(s) you want to include in the (migrated) array by
clicking the checkbox beside it.
Click Finish.
The MediaShield RAID management utility window appears and displays the status of the upgrade/migration process along with any other installed hard drives.
NOTE: The time it takes to convert an array depends on several factors, such as the speed of the processor, the type and size of the hard drive being used, the operating system, and so on.
Rebuilding a RAID Configuration
If one of the hard drives in a RAID array fails, you can rebuild the array by restoring the data to a replacement drive.
NOTE: Rebuilding an array can be performed only on RAID 1 configurations.
Launch NVIDIA MediaShield.
Click to select your RAID configuration (Mirroring) in the management utility window.
Select Rebuild Array in the System Tasks pane.
The NVIDIARebuild Array Wizard appears.
Click Next.
Select the hard drive you want to rebuild by clicking the checkbox beside it.
Click Next.
Click Finish.
The MediaShield RAID management utility window appears and displays the status of the rebuild process.
NOTE: You can use your computer while the computer is rebuilding the array.
NOTE: You can use any available (RAID-enabled) free disk to rebuild an array.
Enabling Cool 'n' Quiet™ Technology
The Cool 'n' Quiet technology controls your computer's processor performance automatically, dynamically adjusting the operating frequency and voltage, according to the task at hand. When an application does not require full performance, significant amounts of power can be saved. performance is designed to still be responsive, with maximum processor performance being delivered when required, and automatic power savings when possible.
Click on the Start®Settings®Control Panel®Power Options to access the Power Options Properties
window.
From the Power Schemes tab, click the Power Schemes drop-down menu and select Minimal Power
Management and then click OK.
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