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Using the System Setup Program

Dell™ PowerEdge™ 1500SC Systems Service Manual

	Overview		Using the System Password Feature
	When to Use the System Setup Program		Using the Setup Password Feature
	Entering the System Setup Program		Disabling a Forgotten Password
	System Setup Main Screen		Responding to Error Messages
	System Setup Options

Overview

This section describes the System Setup program, which is used to change the system configuration information stored in NVRAM on the system board. If the system detects a discrepancy, an error message may appear on the screen that identifies the incorrect configuration settings. Many of these settings are established using the System Setup program. The system then prompts you to enter the System Setup program to correct the setting.

When to Use the System Setup Program

You can use the System Setup program as follows:

• To change the system configuration information after you add, change, or remove any hardware in your system
  
  
• To set or change user-selectable options—for example, the time or date on your system
  
  
• To restore system configuration settings following a service action
  
  
• To enable or disable integrated devices in your system

After you set up your system, run the System Setup program to familiarize yourself with your system configuration information and optional settings. Print the System Setup screens (by pressing the <Print Screen> key) or write down the information for future reference.

Before you use the System Setup program, you need to know the kind of diskette drives(s) and hard-disk drive(s) that are installed in you system. If you are unsure of any of this information, see the Manufacturing Test Report that was shipped with your system. You can access the Manufacturing Test Report in the Dell Accessories folder.

Entering the System Setup Program

1. Turn on your system.
   
   If your system is already on, shut it down and then turn it on again.
   
   
2. Press <F2> immediately after you see the following message in the upper right corner of the screen:

   Press <F2> for System Setup

   You can also press <F10> to enter Utility Mode or <F12> for PXE Boot, which forces a system boot from the network.

   If you wait too long and your operating system begins to load into memory, let the system complete the load operation; then shut down the system and try again.

   NOTE: To ensure an orderly system shutdown, consult the documentation that accompanied your operating system.

   You can also enter the System Setup program by responding to certain error messages. See "Responding to Error Messages."

NOTE: For help using the System Setup program, press <F1> while in the program.

Using the System Setup Program

Table 1 lists the keys that you use to view or change information on the System Setup screens and to exit the program.

Table 1. System Setup Navigation Keys

System Setup Main Screen

The main System Setup screen displays the current setup and configuration information and optional settings for your system. (Typical examples are illustrated in Figure 1.) Information on the System Setup screen is organized in five boxed areas:

• Title box — The shaded box at the top of the screen lists the system name, page number, and the revision number of the BIOS.

• Configuration options — The remainder of the screen lists the options that define the installed hardware in your computer.

Fields beside the options contain settings or values; those that appear bright on the screen can be changed. Settings or values that you cannot change (because they are determined by the system) appear less bright.

Some options have multiple fields, which may show settings or values as bright or less bright depending upon what settings or values you entered in other fields.

Figure 1. System Setup Main Screen

System Setup Options

The following options or information fields appear on the main System Setup screen:

• System Time — Resets the time on the system's internal clock.
  
  
• System Date — Resets the date on the system's internal calendar.
  
  
• Diskette Drive A: — Identifies the type of diskette drive installed in your system.
  
  
• System Memory — Displays the amount of system memory. This option has no user-selectable settings.
  
  
• Video Memory — Displays the amount of video memory. This option has no user-selectable settings.
  
  
• CPU Information — Displays information related to the system bus and microprocessors. This screen has no user-selectable settings.
  
  
• Boot Sequence — Displays the Boot Sequence screen, discussed later in this section.
  
  
• Hard-Disk Drive Sequence — Displays the Hard Disk Drive Sequence screen, discussed later in this section.
  
  
• Integrated Devices — Displays the Integrated Devices screen, discussed later in this section.
  
  
• PCI IRQ Assignment — Displays a screen that allows you to change the IRQ allocated to each of the three integrated devices on the PCI bus, as well as any installed expansion cards that require an IRQ.
  
  
• Console Redirection — Displays a screen that allows you to configure console redirection. The sub-menu allows you to turn the feature on or off, select the remote terminal type, and enable or disable redirection after booting.
  
  
• System Security — Displays a screen which allows you to configure the system password and setup password features. See “Using the System Password Feature” and “Using the Setup Password Feature.” 
  
  
• Keyboard Numlock — Determines whether your system boots with the Num Lock mode activated on 101- or 102-key keyboards (it does not apply to 84-key keyboards).
  
  
• Report Keyboard Errors — Enables or disables reporting of keyboard errors during the POST. This option is useful when applied to self-starting servers or host systems that have no permanently attached keyboard. In these situations, selecting Do Not Report suppresses 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 ten characters into NVRAM, follow the procedure in "Asset Tag Utility" in the system User's Guide.
  
  

Boot Sequence Screen

The Boot Sequence screen options determine the order in which the system looks for the files that it needs to load during system startup. Available options include the diskette drive, CD-ROM drive, and hard-disk drive. You can enable or disable a device by selecting it and pressing <spacebar>. To change the order in which devices are searched, use the <+> and <-> keys.

Hard-Disk Drive Sequence Screen

The Hard-Disk Drive Sequence screen options determine the order in which the system searches hard drives for the files that it needs to load during system startup. The choices depend on the particular hard drives installed in your system. You can enable or disable a device by selecting it and pressing <spacebar>. To change the order in which devices are searched, use the <+> and <-> keys.

Integrated Devices Screen

The following devices on the system board are configured through this screen:

• SCSI Controller — Selecting On (the default setting) enables the integrated PCI SCSI controller and scans the associated ROM. For the system to start from a drive attached to the integrated SCSI controller, the drive must be enabled. Selecting Off causes the BIOS to mask the presence of a device.
  
  
• Network Interface Controller — Determines whether the system’s integrated NIC is enabled, and whether PXE is supported. The options are:
  
  
  • On without PXE (the default)
    
    
  • On with PXE
    
    
  • Off

  Changes take effect after reboot.
  
  

• NIC MAC Addresses — Displays the address of the media access control (MAC) address used by the integrated NIC. This field has no user-selectable settings.
  
  
• Mouse Controller — Enables or disables the system's mouse controller. Disabling the mouse controller allows an expansion card to use IRQ12.
  
  
• Serial Port 1 — Configure the system's integrated serial ports. These options can be set to Auto (the default) to automatically configure a port, to a particular designation, or to Off to disable the port.
  
  If you set a serial port to Auto and add an expansion card containing 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.
  
  
• Parallel Port — Configures the systems integrated parallel port. options can be set a particular designation or to Off to disable the port.
  
  
• Parallel Port Mode — Controls whether the systems integrated parallel port acts as an AT-compatible (unidirectional) or PS/2-compatible (bidirectional) port. To determine the correct mode to use, see the documentation that came with the peripheral device connected to the parallel port.
  
  
• USB Controller — Enables or disables the system's USB ports. Disabling the USB ports makes system resources available for other devices.
  
  
• BIOS USB Support — Enables or disables the system's BIOS USB support. If you have a PS/2 keyboard attached to the system, selecting OFF completely disables the system's USB BIOS support. If you do not have a PS/2 keyboard attached to your system and you select OFF, the USB mouse and keyboard are functional only during the boot process. When set to ON, the USB mouse and keyboard are controlled by the BIOS until a USB device driver is loaded by the operating system.
  
  
• IDE Interface — Enables or disables the system's IDE interface.
  
  
• Diskette Controller — Enables or disables the system's diskette drive controller. With Auto (default) selected, the system turns off the controller when necessary to accommodate a controller card installed in an expansion slot.
  
  
• Speaker — Determines whether the integrated speaker is On (the default) or Off. A change to this option takes effect immediately (rebooting the system is not required).

System Security Screen

You can set the following security features through the System Security screen:

• Password Status — When Setup Password is set to Locked, this feature allows you to prevent the system password from being changed or disabled at system start-up.
  
  

To lock the system password, you must first assign a setup password in the Setup Password option and then change the Password Status option to Locked. In this state, the system password cannot be changed through the System Password option and cannot be disabled at system start-up by pressing <Ctrl><Enter>.

To unlock the system password, you must enter the setup password in the Setup Password option and then change the Password Status option to Unlocked. In this state, the system password can be disabled at system start-up by pressing <Ctrl><Enter> and then changed through the System Password option.

• System Password — Displays the current status of your system's password security feature and allows you to assign and verify a new password.

NOTE: See the section "Using the System Password Feature" for instructions on assigning a system password and using or changing an existing system password. See "Disabling a Forgotten Password" for instructions on disabling a forgotten system password.

• Setup Password — Allows you to restrict access to your system's System Setup program in the same way that you restrict access to your system with the system password feature.

NOTE: See "Using the Setup Password Feature" for instructions on assigning a setup password and using or changing an existing setup password. See "Disabling a Forgotten Password" for instructions on disabling a forgotten setup password.

• Chassis Intrusion — Allows you to enable the system chassis intrusion switch to detect if the system cover is removed. If this option is set to Enabled, a warning message is displayed during system startup. If the option is set to Enabled – Silent, no startup message is displayed, but the Chassis Intrusion option will change to Detected.
  
  
• Power Button Override — When Power Button Override is set to Disabled, you can use the power button to turn the system off, or shut down the system if running Microsoft® Windows® 2000 or another operating system compliant with the APCI specification. When Power Button Override is set to Enabled, you cannot use the power button to turn off the system or perform other system events.

NOTE: You can still turn a system on using the power button, even if its Power Button Override option is disabled.

Exit Screen

After you press <Esc> to exit the System Setup program, the Exit screen displays the following choices:

• Save Changes and Exit
  
  
• Discard Changes and Exit
  
  
• Return to Setup
  
  

Using the System Password Feature

NOTICE: The password features provide a basic level of security for the data on your system. However, 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.

Your system is shipped to you without the system password feature enabled. If system security is a concern, you should operate your system only with system password protection.

You can assign a system password whenever you use the System Setup program. 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 computer system prompts you for the system password just after the system boots.

To change an existing system password, you must know the password (see "Deleting or Changing an Existing System Password"). If you assign and later forget a system password, you need to be able to remove the computer cover to change a jumper setting that disables the system password feature (see "Disabling a Forgotten Password"). Note that you erase the setup password at the same time.

NOTICE: If you leave your system 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-disk drive.

Assigning a System Password

Before you can assign a system password, you must 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 Password Status option 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 on the system board, the setting shown is Disabled, and you cannot change or enter a new system password.

When no system password is assigned and the password jumper on the system board is in the enabled position (its default setting), the setting shown for the System Password option is Not Enabled. Only when this option is set to Not Enabled can you assign a system password, using the following procedure:

1. Verify that the Password Status option is set to Unlocked.
   
   
2. Highlight the System Password option and then press <Enter>.
   
   
3. Type your new system password.
   
   You can use up to 8 characters in your password.
   
   As you press each character key (or <spacebar> for a blank space), a placeholder appears in the field.
   
   The password assignment operation recognizes keys by their location on the keyboard, without distinguishing between lowercase and uppercase characters. For example, if you have an M in your password, the system recognizes either M or m as correct. Certain key combinations are not valid. If you enter one of these combinations, the speaker emits a beep. To erase a character when entering your password, press the <Backspace> key 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 the <Esc> key at any time prior to completing step 5.

4. Press <Enter>.
   
   
5. To confirm your password, type it a second time and press <Enter>.
   
   The password setting changes to Enabled. Your system password is now set; you can exit the System Setup program and begin using your system. 

NOTE: Password protection does not take effect until you restart the system by turning the system off and then on again.

Using Your System Password to Secure Your System

Whenever you turn on or reboot the system by pressing the <Ctrl><Alt><Del> key combination, the following prompt appears on the screen when the Password Status option is set to Unlocked:

Type in the password and... -- press <ENTER> to leave password security enabled. -- press <CTRL><ENTER> to disable password security. Enter password:

If the Password Status option is set to Locked, the following prompt appears:

Type the password and press <Enter>.

After you type the correct system password and press <Enter>, your system completes the startup sequence and you can use the keyboard or mouse to operate your system as usual.

NOTE: If you have assigned a setup password (see "Using the Setup Password Feature"), the system accepts your setup password as an alternate system password.

If a wrong or incomplete system password is entered, the following message appears:

** Incorrect password. **

Enter password:

If an incorrect or incomplete system password is entered again, the same message appears.

The third and subsequent times an incorrect or incomplete system password is entered, the system displays the following message:

** Incorrect password. **
Number of unsuccessful password attempts: 3
System halted! Must power down.

The number of unsuccessful attempts made to enter the correct system password can alert you to an unauthorized person attempting to use your system.

Even after your system is turned off and on, the previous message is displayed each time an incorrect or incomplete system password is entered.

NOTE: You can use the Password Status option in conjunction with System Password and Setup Password to further protect your system from unauthorized changes.

Deleting or Changing an Existing System Password

1. When prompted, press <Ctrl><Enter> to disable the existing system password, instead of pressing <Enter> to continue with the normal operation of your system.
   
   

If you are asked to enter your setup password, you may need to contact your network administrator who has the setup password.

2. Enter the System Setup program by pressing <F2> during POST.
   
   
3. Select the System Security screen field to verify that the Password Status option is set to Unlocked.
   
   
4. When prompted, type the system password.
   
   
5. 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 you want to assign a new password, continue to step 6. If Not Enabled is not displayed for the System Password option, press the <Alt><b> key combination to restart the system, and then repeat steps 2 through 6.

6. To assign a new password, follow the procedure in "Assigning a System Password."
   
   

Using the Setup Password Feature

Your system is shipped to you without the setup password feature enabled. If system security is a concern, you should operate your system with the setup password feature enabled.

You can assign a setup password whenever you use the System Setup program. After a setup password is assigned, only those who know the password have full use of the System Setup program.

To change an existing setup password, you must know the setup password (see "Deleting or Changing an Existing Setup Password"). If you assign and later forget a setup password, you cannot operate your system or change settings in the System Setup program until a trained service technician opens the system chassis, changes the password jumper setting to disable the passwords, and erases the existing passwords. This procedure is described in the Installation and Troubleshooting Guide.

Assigning a Setup Password

A setup password can be assigned (or changed) only when the Setup Password option is set to Not Enabled. To assign a setup password, highlight the Setup Password option and press the left- or right-arrow key. The system prompts you to enter and verify the password. If a character is illegal for password use, the system emits a beep.

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.

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 the majority of the System Setup options. When you start the System Setup program, the program prompts you to type the password.

If you do not enter the correct password in three tries, 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 via the Password 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

1. Enter the System Setup program and select the System Security option.
   
   
2. Highlight the Setup Password option, and press <Enter> to access the setup password window, and press <Enter> two more times to clear the existing setup password.
   
   The setting changes to Not Enabled.
   
   
3. If you want to assign a new setup password, follow the procedure in "Assigning a Setup Password."

Disabling a Forgotten Password

If you forget your system or setup password, you cannot operate your system or change settings in the System Setup program until a trained service technician opens the system chassis, changes the password jumper setting to disable the passwords, and erases the existing passwords.

CAUTION: Read the safety instructions in your System Information document.

1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the power cords from their power sources.
   
   
2. Remove the bezel.
   
   
3. Remove the system's right-side cover.
   
   
4. Remove the microprocessor and memory shrouds.
   
   
5. Remove the PCI cooling shroud and fan assembly.
   
   
6. See "System Board Jumpers" for  the location of the password jumper (labeled "PASSWD") on the system board.
   
   
7. Remove the jumper plug from the PASSWD jumper.
   
   
8. Replace the microprocessor and memory cooling shrouds.
   
   
9. Replace the PCI cooling shroud and fan assembly.
   
   
10. Replace the system's right-side cover and then reconnect the computer to an electrical outlet and turn it on.
    
    The existing passwords are not disabled (erased) until the system boots with the PASSWD jumper plug removed. However, before you assign a new system and/or setup password, you must install the jumper plug.

NOTE: If you assign a new system and/or setup password with the jumper plug still removed, the system disables the new password(s) the next time it boots.

8. Repeat steps 1 through 6.
   
   
9. Install the jumper plug on the PASSWD jumper.
   
   
10. Replace the microprocessor and memory cooling shrouds.
    
    
11. Replace the PCI cooling shroud and fan assembly.
    
    
12. Replace the system's right-side cover.
    
    
13. Replace the bezel.
    
    
14. Reconnect the computer to an electrical outlet and turn it on.
    
    
15. Assign a new system and/or setup password.
    
    To assign a new system password using the System Setup program, see "Assigning a System Password." To assign a new setup password using the System Setup program, see "Assigning a Setup Password."

Responding to Error Messages

If an error message appears on your monitor screen while the system is starting up, make a note of the message. Then, before entering the System Setup program, refer to "System Beep Codes" and "System Messages" in "Codes and Error Messages" for an explanation of the message and suggestions for correcting any errors.

NOTE: It is normal to receive an error message the first time you boot your system after installing a memory upgrade. In that situation, do not refer to "System Beep Codes" and "System Messages." Instead, see "Adding Memory."

If you are given an option of pressing either <F1> to continue or <F2> to run the System Setup program, press <F2>.

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