Hyper-Threading is an Intel® technology that can enhance overall computer performance by allowing one physical processor to function as two logical processors, capable of performing certain tasks simultaneously. It is recommended that you use the Microsoft® Windows® XP Service Pack 1 (SP1) or higher operating system because Windows XP is optimized to take advantage of Hyper-Threading technology. While many programs can benefit from Hyper-Threading, some programs have not been optimized for Hyper-Threading and may require an update from the software manufacturer. Contact the software manufacturer for updates and information about using Hyper-Threading with your software.
To determine if your computer is using Hyper-Threading technology:
Click the Start button, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
Click Hardware and click Device Manager.
In the Device Manager window, click the plus (+) sign next to the processor type. If Hyper-
Threading is enabled, the processor is listed twice.
You can enable or disable Hyper-Threading through system setup.
Jumper Settings
NOTICE: Ensure that your computer is turned off and unplugged before you change the jumper settings.
Otherwise, damage to your computer or unpredictable results can occur.
NOTICE: Before touching anything inside your computer, ground yourself by touching an unpainted
metal surface, such as the metal at the back of the computer. While you work, periodically touch an
unpainted metal surface to dissipate any static electricity that could harm internal components.
To change a jumper setting, pull the plug off its pin(s) and carefully fit it down onto the pin(s) indicated.
Jumper
Setting
Description
PSWD
(default)
Password features are enabled.
Password features are disabled.
CLR CMOS
Real-time clock reset
jumpered
unjumpered
Clearing Forgotten Passwords
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: This process erases both the system and admin passwords.
Remove the 2-pin password jumper (PSWD) on the system board.
Replace the hard drive.
Replace the computer cover.
Connect your computer and monitor to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
After the Microsoft® Windows® desktop appears on your computer, shut down the computer.
Turn off the monitor and disconnect it from the electrical outlet.
Disconnect the computer power cable from the electrical outlet, and press the power button
to ground the system board.
Remove the computer cover.
Remove the hard drive.
Replace the PSWD jumper.
Replace the hard drive.
Replace the computer cover.
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
admin password options appear as Not Enabled—meaning that the password feature is enabled but no
password is assigned.
Assign a new system and/or admin password.
Clearing CMOS Settings
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
Locate the password (PSWD) and CLR CMOS jumpers on the system board.
Remove the password jumper from its pins.
Place the password jumper on the CLR CMOS pins and wait approximately 5 seconds.
Remove the jumper from the CLR CMOS pins and place it back on the password pins.
Replace the hard drive.
Replace the computer cover.
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.
LegacySelect Technology Control
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 or a parallel connector. 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 state or the system is powered down. ASF is designed to supersede previous operating system-absent alerting technologies.
Your computer supports the following ASF version 1.03 alerts and remote capabilities:
The computer chassis 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 2.2V 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.
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).
Assigning a System Password
To escape from the field without assigning a system password, press <Tab> or the <Shift><Tab> key combination to move to another field, or press <Esc> at any time before you complete step 5.
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, one of the following prompts appears on the screen.
If Password Status 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 PasswordStatus is set to Locked:
Type the password and press <Enter>.
If you have assigned an admin password, the computer accepts your
admin password as an alternate system password.
If you type a wrong or incomplete system password, the following message appears on the screen:
** Incorrect password. **
If you again type an incorrect or incomplete system password, the same message appears on the screen. The third and subsequent times you type an incorrect or incomplete system password, the computer displays the following message:
** Incorrect password. **
Number of unsuccessful password attempts: 3
System halted! Must power down.
Even after your computer is turned off and on, the previous message is displayed each time you type an incorrect or incomplete system password.
NOTE: You can use Password Status in conjunction with System Password and
Admin Password to
further protect your computer from unauthorized changes.
Press <Ctrl><Enter> to disable the existing system password.
Confirm that Not Set is displayed for the System Password option.
If Not Set is displayed, the system password is deleted. If Not
Set is not displayed, press <Alt><b> to restart the computer, and then repeat steps 3 through 5.
You cannot change or enter a new admin password if either of the following
two options is displayed:
Set — An admin password is assigned.
Disabled — The admin password is disabled
by a jumper setting on the system board.
You can only assign an admin password when the following option is displayed:
Not Set — No admin password is assigned
and the password jumper on the system board is in the enabled position
(default).
Assigning an Admin Password
The admin password can be the same as the system password.
NOTE: If the two passwords are different, the
admin password can be used as an alternate system
password. However, the system password cannot be used in place of the admin password.
Highlight Admin Password and press the left- or right-arrow key.
The computer prompts you to type and verify the password. If a character is not permitted, the computer emits a beep.
Type and then verify the password.
After you verify the password, the Admin
Password setting changes to Set. The next time you enter system setup, the computer prompts you for the
admin password.
Exit system setup.
A change to Admin Password becomes effective immediately (no need to restart the computer).
Operating Your Computer With an Admin Password Enabled
When you enter system setup, the Admin Password option is highlighted, prompting you to type the password.
If you do not type the correct password, the computer lets you view, but not modify, system setup options.
NOTE: You can use Password Status in conjunction with
Admin Password to protect the system
password from unauthorized changes.
Deleting or Changing an Existing Admin Password
To change an existing admin password, you must know the
admin password.
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 states":
Standby. In this sleep state, power is reduced or turned off for most components, including the cooling fans. However, system memory remains active.
This state is not supported by Windows NT 4.0.
NOTE: All components installed in the computer must support this feature and have the appropriate
drivers loaded to enter standby. For more information, see the manufacturer's documentation for each
component.
Hibernate. This sleep state 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 state restarts the computer, and the memory contents are restored. Operation then resumes where the computer left off when it entered the hibernation state.
This state is not supported by Windows NT 4.0.
NOTE: All components installed in the computer must support this feature and have the appropriate
drivers loaded to enter hibernation. For more information, see the manufacturer's documentation for
each component.
Shutdown. This sleep state 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 states and the methods you can use to wake the computer from each state.
Sleep State
Wake-Up Methods (Windows XP)
Standby
Press the power button
Auto power on
USB device activity (excluding USB mouse or keyboard 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.
Security
Chassis Intrusion Detection
NOTE: When the
admin password is enabled, you must know the admin password before you can reset
the Chassis Intrusion setting.
This feature detects that the chassis was opened and alerts the user. To change the Chassis Intrusion setting:
Press the down-arrow keys to move to the Security option.
Press <Enter> to expand the Security menu.
Press the down-arrow key to move to the Chassis Intrusion setting.
Press <Enter> to focus on the options frame.
Press the side-arrow keys to select an option setting.
Press <Enter> to return to the Security menu.
Press <Esc> to access the exit setup menu.
Press the side-arrow keys and select the Save/Exit option.
Press <Enter> to save your changes and exit 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. In the Chassis Intrusion option, press the left- or right-arrow key to select Reset, and then choose
On, On-Silent, or Disabled.
On-Silent (default) — 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.
Disabled — 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.
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 system password
To read the current amount of memory or the CPU speed
It is recommended that you write down the system setup screen information for future reference.
When the blue DELL™ logo appears, press <F2> immediately.
If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft® Windows® desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.
The system setup screen displays current or changeable configuration information for your computer. Information on the screen is divided into three areas: the options list, active options field, and key functions.
Options List — This field appears on the left side of the system setup window. The field is a scrollable list containing features that define the configuration of your computer, including installed hardware, power conservation, and security features.
Scroll up and down the list by using the up- and down-arrow keys. As an option is highlighted, the
Option Field displays more information about that option and the option's current and available settings.
Press <Enter> to expand or contract each of the main Option
Fields.
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.
Press <Esc> to undo any changes.
Key Functions — This field appears below the
Option Field and lists keys and their functions within the active system setup field.
System Setup Options
NOTE: Depending on your computer and installed devices, the items listed in this section may or may not
appear.
Info
System Info
Lists the computer name, BIOS version,
service tag, and asset tag.
CPU Info
Identifies the processor type and whether the computer's processor supports Hyper-threading
or 64-bit processing, and displays the CPU bus speed, clock speed, and L2 cache.
Memory Info
Indicates
the amount of installed memory, computer memory speed, channel mode (dual or
single), and memory technology.
Date/Time
Displays current date and time settings.
Boot Sequence
The computer attempts to boot from the sequence of devices specified in this list.
Drives
Diskette Drive
This option enables or disables the floppy drive.
NOTE: Ensure that USB is set to On. To use a USB floppy drive in the module
bay, also ensure that Module Bay is set to On or FDD Only.
Drive 0
Identifies the primary serial hard drive attached to the SATA1 connector on the system board.
Module
Bay
This option enables or disables the module bay. It also provides options to enable only floppy drives or only IDE drives in the module bay. The settings are Off, FDD only, IDE only, or On.
Drive
Controller
Configures
the serial ATA controller's operating mode. Normal enables the serial
ATA controller to operate in serial ATA native mode only. Compatible
enables the serial ATA controller to operate in serial/parallel ATA
combination mode.
Error
Reporting
This setting determines whether hard drive errors are reported
when the system starts up.
Onboard
Devices
Audio Controller
Enables or disables the onboard audio controller
NIC
Controller
You can set the NIC to On (default), Off, or On w/ PXE. When the On w/ PXE setting is active (available only for the future boot process), the computer prompts the user to press <Ctrl><Alt><b>. Pressing this key combination causes a menu to display that allows you to select a method for booting from a network server. If a boot routine is not available from the network server, the system attempts to boot from the next device in the boot sequence list.
LPT Port Mode
This option sets the operating mode for the built-in parallel port. The settings are Off, AT, PS/2 (default), EPP, and ECP.
AT - the port is configured for IBM AT compatibility
PS/2 - the port is configured for IBM PS/2 compatibility
EPP - enhanced parallel port protocol
ECP - extended capability port protocol
LPT Port Address
This option sets the address that the built-in parallel port uses. The settings are 378h (default), 278h, and 3BCh.
Serial Port #1
Auto, the default setting, automatically configures a connector to a particular designation (COM1 or COM3).
USB
Set to On (default) so thatUSB devices will be detected and supported in the operating system.
Front USB Ports
This option disables or enables the USB connectors on the front of the computer.
Performance
Hyper-threading
If your computer's processor supports hyper-threading, this option will appear in the Options List.
IDE Performance
Quiet (default) - the hard drive operates at its most quiet setting.
Performance - the hard drive operates at its maximum speed.
Bypass - your computer does not test or change the current acoustics mode setting.
Suggested - the hard drive operates at the level suggested by the drive manufacturer.
NOTE: Switching to performance mode may cause the drive to be noisier, but
its performance is not affected.
Changing the acoustics setting does not alter your hard drive image.
Security
This section displays available system security options. See "Security" for more information.
Admin
Password
This option provides restricted access to the computer's System Setup program in the same way that access to the system can be restricted with the System Password option. The settings are Enabled and Disabled.
If the option is set to Disabled, enter a password to enable this option.
If the option is set to Enabled, you will see a red "lock icon" at the top left corner of every setup screen in setup.
Enter a password to unlock the
admin password option, and the icon will
not appear.
To disable the admin password, enter the password at the prompt and hit <Ctrl> and <Enter>.
System Password
Displays the current status of the system's password security feature and allows a new system password to be assigned and verified. The settings are Enabled and Disabled.
If the option is set to Disabled, enter a password to enable this option.
If the option is set to Enabled, the computer will not boot until the correct password is entered.
To disable the system password, enter the password at the prompt and hit <Ctrl> and <Enter>.
Drive
0 Password
Set this password to prevent unauthorized users from accessing the hard drive.
ModBay
Password
Set this password to prevent unauthorized users from accessing the
device installed in the module bay.
Password Status
The settings are Locked and Unlocked. When the option is set to Locked, a valid
admin password is required in order for the system password to be disabled or changed.
When the option is set to Unlocked, the system password can be changed without entering an
admin password.
If Locked is selected, the user will not be allowed to change the system password unless he goes in and unlocks setup via the
admin password field.
Chassis Intrusion
When enabled, 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), and Off.
Intrusion Status
This option appears in system setup only if a chassis intrusion event occurred. The settings are Clear and Detected (default). Select Clear to clear the chassis intrusion status
Power Management
AC Recovery
Determines what happens when AC power is restored to the computer.
Auto Power On
Sets time and days of week to automatically turn on the computer. Choices are every day or every Monday through Friday.
Time is kept in a 24-hour format (hours:minutes). Change the start-up 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.
The default setting is Disabled.
This feature does not work if you turn off your computer using a power strip or surge protector.
Auto Power Time
Sets the specific time to automatically turn on the computer. Use this setting in conjunction with the Auto Power On setting.
Low Power Mode
When Low Power Mode is selected, remote wakeup events will no longer power up from Hibernate or Off.
Remote Wake-Up
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.
NOTES: This option is visible only if Low Power Mode is disabled (OFF).
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
The options are
S1, a suspend state where the computer is running in a low-power mode, and
S3, a standby state where the power is reduced or turned off for most components, however, system memory remains active.
Maintenance
CMOS
Defaults
This setting will restore the computer's factory-installed default settings.
Event Log
Displays
the system event log.
BIOS Update
Select the location of the BIOS update file. The options are Hard Drive or Diskette.
Video
Video Memory Size
This option configures the amount of memory reserved for the onboard video controller. The settings are 1MB and 8MB (default).
POST Behavior
Fastboot
When set to On (default), your computer will start more quickly since it will skip certain configurations and tests.
Numlock Key
This option involves the rightmost bank of keys on your keyboard. When set to On (default), this option activates the numeric and mathematical features shown at the top of each key. When set to Off, this option activates the cursor-control functions labeled on the bottom of each key.
OS Install
This setting turns the OS Install Mode either On or Off (default).
POST Hotkeys
This setting specifies whether keystroke sequences are displayed when the computer starts. The default setting is Setup & Boot Menu.
Keyboard Errors
This option disables or enables keyboard error reporting when the computer starts
Boot Sequence
This feature allows you to change the boot sequence for devices.
Option Settings
Onboard or USB Floppy Drive — The computer attempts to boot from the floppy drive. If the floppy disk in the drive is not bootable, or if no floppy disk is in the drive, the computer generates an error
message.
Onboard SATA Hard Drive — The computer attempts to boot from the primary hard drive. If no operating system is on the drive, the computer generates an error message.
Onboard IDE Hard Drive — The computer attempts to boot from
a hard drive installed in the module bay.
External Add-in Hard Disk — The computer attempts to boot from
an external hard drive.
Onboard or USB CD-ROM Device — The
computer attempts to boot from the CD/DVD drive. If no CD/DVD is installed or
if the drive has no operating system, the computer generates an error message.
USB Device — Insert the memory device into a USB port and restart the computer. When F12 = Boot Menu appears in the upper-right corner of the screen, press <F12>. The BIOS detects the device and adds the USB flash option to the boot menu.
NOTE: To boot to a USB device, the device must be bootable. To make sure your device is bootable,
check the device documentation.
Changing Boot Sequence for the Current Boot
You can use this feature, for example, to tell the computer to boot from the CD drive so that you can run the Dell Diagnostics on the Drivers and Utilities CD, but you want the computer to boot from the hard drive when the diagnostic tests are complete. You can also use this feature to restart your computer to a USB device such as a floppy drive, memory key, or CD-RW drive.
NOTE: If you are booting to a USB floppy drive and you have a floppy drive installed in the module bay,
you must first set the diskette drive to OFF in system setup.
If you are booting to a USB device, connect the USB device to a USB connector.
Turn on (or restart) your computer.
When F2 = Setup, F12 = Boot Menu appears in the upper-right corner of the screen,
press <F12>.
If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.
The Boot Device Menu appears, listing all available boot devices. Each device has a number next to it.
At the bottom of the menu, enter the number of the device that is to be used for the current
boot only.
For example, if you are booting to a USB memory key, highlight USB
Device and press <Enter>.
NOTE: To boot to a USB device, the device must be bootable. To make sure your device is bootable,
check the device documentation.
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