After you set up your system, run the System Setup program to familiarize yourself with your system configuration and optional settings. Print the System Setup screens by pressing <Print Screen>, or 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
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 Beep Codes" and "System Messages" in your Installation and Troubleshooting Guide 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.
Using the System Setup Program
Table 3-1 lists the keys that you use to view or change information on the System Setup program screens and to exit the program.
Table 3-1. System Setup Navigation Keys
Keys
Action
Down arrow or <Tab>
Moves to the next field.
Up arrow or <Tab><Shift>
Moves to the previous field.
Space bar, <+>, or <–>
Cycles through the settings in a field. In some fields, you can also type the appropriate value.
<Esc>
Exits the System Setup program and reboots the system if any changes were made.
NOTE: For most of the options, any changes that you make are recorded, but do not
take effect until you restart the system.
System Setup Options
Main Screen
When you enter the System Setup program, the main System Setup program screen appears. See Figure 3-1.
Figure 3-1. Main System Setup Program Screen
Table 3-2 lists the options and descriptions for the 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 3-2. System Setup Program Options
Option
Description
System Time
Sets the time on the system's internal clock.
System Date
Sets the date on the system's internal calendar.
Diskette Drive A:
Indicates whether a 3.5-inch diskette drive is installed in the system. This option has no user-selectable settings.
System Memory
Displays the amount of system memory. This option has does not have user-selectable settings.
Video Memory
Displays the amount of video memory. This option does not have user-selectable settings.
OS Install Mode (Off default)
Determines the maximum amount of memory available to the operating system. On sets the maximum memory to 256 MB. Off makes all of the system memory available to the operating system. Some operating systems cannot install with more than 2 GB of system memory. Enable this option (On) during operating system installation and disable (Off) after installation.
CPU Information
(Logical Processor Enabled default)
Displays information related to microprocessors (speed, cache size, and so on).
If a processor that supports hyperthreading is installed, you can enable or disable this feature.
Boot Sequence (Diskette First 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 network.
Hard-Disk Drive Sequence
Determines the order in which the system searches the hard drives during system startup. The selections depend on the hard drives installed in your system.
Determines whether your system starts up with the
NumLock mode activated on 101- or 102-key keyboards (does not apply to 84-key keyboards).
Report Keyboard Errors (Report default)
Enables or disables reporting of keyboard errors during the POST. Enable this option for host systems that have keyboards attached. Select
Do Not Report to suppress all error messages relating to the keyboard or keyboard controller during POST. This setting does not affect the operation of the keyboard itself if a keyboard is attached to the system.
Asset Tag
Displays the customer-programmable asset tag number for the system if an asset tag number has been assigned. To enter an asset tag number of up to 10 characters into
NVRAM, see "Asset Tag Utility."
Integrated Devices Screen
Table 3-3 lists the options and descriptions for the information fields that appear on the Integrated Devices screen.
Table 3-3. Integrated Devices Screen Options
Option
Description
Diskette Controller (Auto default)
Enables or disables the system's diskette drive controller. When Auto is selected, the system turns off the controller when necessary to accommodate a controller card installed in an expansion slot. You can also configure the drive as read-only. When using the read-only setting, the drive cannot be used to write to a disk.
IDE Hard-Disk Controller
Enables the two hard drive channels of the integrated IDE controller.
IDE CD-ROM Controller
Enables the IDE controller's CD drive channel.
USB Controller (On with BIOS support default)
Enables or disables the system's USB ports. Options are On with BIOS support, On without BIOS support, or Off. Disabling the USB ports makes system resources available for other devices.
Serial Port (Auto default)
Serial port options are COM1, COM3, Auto, and Off.
When the serial port is set to Auto, the integrated port automatically attempts to use COM1 first, and then COM3. If both addresses are in use, the port is disabled.
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.
System Security Screen
Table 3-4 lists the options and descriptions for the information fields that appear on the System Security screen.
Table 3-4. System Security Screen Options
Option
Description
System Password
Displays the current status of your system's password security feature and allows you to assign and verify a new system password.
NOTE: See "Using the System Password" for instructions on
assigning a system password and using or changing an existing
system password.
Setup Password
Restricts access to the System Setup program in the same way that you restrict access to your system using the system password feature.
NOTE: See "Using the Setup Password" for instructions on
assigning a setup password and using or changing an existing setup
password.
Password Status
Setting the Setup Password optionto Enabled prevents the system password from being changed or disabled at system start-up.
To lock the system password, assign a setup password in the Setup Password option and then change the Password Status option to Locked. In this state, you cannot change the system password using the System Password option and the system password cannot be disabled at system start up by pressing <Ctrl><Enter>.
To unlock the system password, enter the setup password in the Setup Password field and then change the Password Status option to Unlocked. In this state, you can disable the system password at system start up by pressing <Ctrl><Enter> and then change the password using the System Password option.
Power Button
Turns system's power off and on.
If you turn off the system using the power button and the system is running an ACPI-compliant operating system, the system can perform an orderly shutdown before power is turned off.
If the system is not running an ACPI-compliant operating system, power is turned off immediately after the power button is pressed.
The button is enabled in the System Setup program. When disabled, the button can only turn on system power.
NOTE: You can still turn on the system using the power button
when the Power Button option is set to Disabled. If the option
setting is changed to Disabled, the change will not take effect until
the next system boot. The power button is enabled throughout
POST and is disabled prior to the operating system booting.
Chassis Intrusion
Enables or disables the chassis-intrusion detection feature.
NMI Button
Enables or disables the nonmaskable interrupt (NMI) switch on the system board.
If a trained service technician presses the NMI switch after a system lockup, the operating system copies the contents of system memory to the system hard drive for diagnostic purposes.
Console Redirection Screen
Table 3-5 lists the options and descriptions for the information fields that appear on the Console Redirection screen. For more information about using console redirection, see "Using Console Redirection."
Table 3-5. Console Redirection Screen Options
Option
Description
Console Redirection (Off default)
Enables or disables the console redirection feature. If enabled, options are Serial Port 1 (if a remote access card [RAC] is not installed), or RAC (if a RAC is installed).
Remote Terminal Type (VT 100/VT 220 default)
Select either VT 100/VT 220 or ANSI.
Redirection After Boot (Enabled default)
Enables or disables console redirection after your system restarts.
Exit Screen
After you press <Esc> to exit the System Setup program, the Exit screen displays the following options:
Save Changes and Exit
Discard Changes and Exit
Return to Setup
System and Setup 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.
The system is shipped to you without a system password assigned. If system security is a concern, you should create a system password and operate the system with system password protection.
To change or delete an existing password, you must know the password (see
"Deleting or Changing an Existing System Password"). 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 the Installation and Troubleshooting Guide.
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 to Enabled, the system prompts you for the system password after the system starts.
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 Enabled. If the setting shown for the Password Status is Unlocked, you can change the system password. If the Password Status 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 Enabledand the Password Status field is Unlocked. To assign a system password:
Verify that the Password Status 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 <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 System Password changes to Enabled. Exit the System Setup program and begin using your system.
Either reboot your system now for your password protection to take effect or continue
working.
NOTE: Password protection does not take effect until you reboot the system.
Using Your System Password to Secure Your System
NOTE: If you have assigned a setup password (see "Using the Setup Password"), the
system accepts your setup 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>.
Press <Enter>.
Type your password and press <Enter>.
To disable the password security:
Turn on or reboot your system by pressing <Ctrl><Alt><Del>.
Press <Ctrl><Enter>.
When the Password Status option is set to Locked wheneveryou turn on your system or reboot your system by pressing <Ctrl><Alt><Del>, 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 reenter 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 and will shut down. 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 Status option in conjunction with the System
Password and Setup Password options to further protect your system from
unauthorized changes.
Deleting or Changing an Existing System Password
When prompted, press <Ctrl><Enter> to disable the existing system password.
If you are asked to enter your setup password, contact your network administrator.
Enter the System Setup program by pressing <F2> during POST.
Select the System Security screen field to verify that the Password Status option is set
to Unlocked.
When prompted, type the system password.
Confirm that Not Enabled is displayed for the System Password option.
If Not Enabled is displayed for the System Password option, the system password has been deleted. If Enabled is displayed for the System Password option, press the <Alt><b> key combination to restart the system, and then repeat step 2 through step 5.
Using the Setup Password
Assigning a Setup Password
You can assign (or change) a setup password only when the Setup Password option is set to Not Enabled. To assign a setup password, highlight the Setup Password option and press the <+> or <–> key. The system prompts you to enter and verify the password. If a character is illegal for password use, the system beeps.
NOTE: The setup password can be the same as the system password. If the two
passwords are different, the setup password can be used as an alternate system
password. However, the system password cannot be used in place of the setup
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.
After you verify the password, the Setup Password setting changes to Enabled. The next time you enter the System Setup program, the system prompts you for the setup password.
A change to the Setup Password option becomes effective immediately (restarting the system is not required).
Operating With a Setup Password Enabled
If Setup Password is set to Enabled, you must enter the correct setup 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 to Enabled and is not locked through thePassword Status option, you can assign a system password (however, you cannot disable or change an existing system password).
NOTE: You can use the Password Status option in conjunction with the Setup
Password option to protect the system password from unauthorized changes.
Deleting or Changing an Existing Setup Password
Enter the System Setup program and select the System Security option.
Highlight the Setup Password option, press <Enter> to access the setup password
window, and press <Enter> twice to clear the existing setup password.
You can use the Asset Tag utility to assign a unique tracking number to your system. This number is displayed on the System Setup program main screen.
NOTE: The Asset Tag utility works only with operating systems that support
MS-DOS®-based applications.
Creating the Asset Tag Utility Diskette
Insert the Dell OpenManage Server Assistant CD into the CD drive of a system
running a Microsoft® Windows® operating system, and reboot the system.
Insert a blank diskette into the system's diskette drive.
Click System Tools on the Dell OpenManage Server Assistant main screen.
Select Create CD Boot Diskette.
Assigning or Deleting an Asset Tag Number
Insert the Asset Tag utility diskette that you created into the diskette drive, and reboot
the system.
You can either assign or delete an asset tag number.
To assign an asset tag number, type asset and a space followed by the new string.
An asset tag number can have up to 10 characters. Any combination of characters is valid. For example, at the a:\> prompt, type the following command and press <Enter>:
asset 12345abcde
To delete an asset tag number without assigning a new one, typeasset /d and press <Enter>.
When prompted to verify the change to the asset tag number, type y and press
<Enter>.
To view the Asset Tag utility help screen, typeasset /? and press <Enter>.
