Dell OptiPlex E1 User Manual

Dell™ OptiPlex™ E1 Managed PC Reference and Installation Guide

Introduction Using the System Setup Program Using the ISA Configuration Utility Using Integrated Devices Working Inside Your Computer Installing System Board Options Installing Drives Technical Specifications ISA Configuration Utility Messages

Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Computer Corporation is strictly forbidden. Trademarks used in this text: Dell, OptiPlex , and the Dell logo are registered trademarks, OpenManage is a trademark, and

DellWare is a registered service mark of Dell Computer Corporation; Adobe is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated; Intel and LANDesk are registered trademarks and Celeron and MMX are trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, MS-DOS, Windows, and Windows NT are registered trademarks and Windows for Workgroups is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation; IBM and OS/2 are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation; 3Com, EtherLink and EtherDisk are registered trademarks and Fast EtherLink is a trademark of 3Com Corporation; VESA is a registered trademark of Video Electronics Standards Association; UNIX is a registered trademark of UNIX System Laboratories, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Novell, Inc. As an Energy Star Partner, Dell Computer Corporation has determined that this product meets the Energy Star guidelines for energy efficiency.

Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Computer Corporation disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.

Dell Initial Release: 26 Feb 1998 Last Revised: 1 Apr 1999

Introduction: Dell™ OptiPlex™ E1 Managed PC

Overview System Features Using the Power Switch

Using the Optional Stand for Vertical Orientation Energy Star Compliance Important Note for Windows 95 Users

Intel PIIX4e INF Update Installer for Windows 95 Accessing Online Documentation Getting Help

Overview

The Dell™ OptiPlex™ E1 Managed PC is a high-speed, expandable personal computer designed around the Intel® Celeron™ microprocessor. The computer system uses a high -performance Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) design that allows you to configure the computer system to your initial requirements and then add Dell -supported upgrades as necessary. These systems also support the Industry -Standard Architecture (ISA) bus for older expansion devices.

This chapter describes the major hardware and software features of your system, provides information about accessing the online documentation, and tells you where to find help if you need it.

System Features

Your system offers the following features:

An Intel Celeron microprocessor that runs at an internal speed of 300 mega - hertz (MHz) and an external bus speed of 66 MHz.

The Intel Celeron microprocessor includes MMX™ technology designed to handle complex multimedia and communications software. This microprocessor incorporates new instructions and data types as well as a technique called single instruction, multiple data (SIMD) that allows the microprocessor to process multiple data elements in parallel, thereby improving overall system performance.

The Celeron microprocessor has a 16 - kilobyte (KB) internal data cache and a 16- KB internal instruction cache, an internal math coprocessor, and other advanced internal logic.

A keyboard command (<Ctrl><Alt><\>) that lets you switch between the microprocessor's rated speed and a slower compatibility speed.

NOTE: This keyboard command is not available under the Microsoft® Windows NT® and IBM® OS/2® operating

systems.

System memory that can be increased up to 256 megabytes (MB) by installing 16-, 32 -, 64 -, or 128 - MB nonparity synchronous dynamic random-access memory (SDRAM) dual in- line memory modules (DIMMs) in the two DIMM sockets on the system board. See " Self- Monitoring and Analysis Reporting Technology II (SMART II) support, which warns you at system start -up if your hard disk drive has become unreliable. To take advantage of this technology, you must have a SMART II-compliant hard- disk drive in your computer. All hard- disk drives shipped with the OptiPlex E1 system are SMART II- compliant. A basic input/output system (BIOS), which resides in flash memory and can be upgraded by diskette, or remotely over a network, if required. Full compliance with PCI specification 2.1. Full Plug and Play version 1.0a capability, which greatly simplifies the installation of expansion cards. Plug and Play support included in the system BIOS allows you to install Plug and Play expansion cards without setting jumpers or switches or performing other configuration tasks. The ISA Configuration Utility (ICU) allows you to configure existing non - Plug and Play ISA expansion cards for conflict-free operation. Also, because the system BIOS is stored in flash memory, it can be updated to support future enhancements to the Plug and Play standard. Wakeup On LAN capability, which, when enabled in the System Setup program, allows the system to be powered up from a

Adding Memory" for details.

server management console. Wakeup On LAN capability also allows remote computer setup, software downloading and

installation, file updates, and asset tracking after hours and on weekends when network traffic is at a minimum. For more information, refer to " Universal Serial Bus (USB) capability, which can simplify connecting peripheral devices such as mice, printers, and computer

Using the System Setup Program."

speakers. The USB connectors on your computer's back panel, which are enabled by default, provide a single connection point for multiple USB-compliant devices. USB-compliant devices can also be connected and disconnected while the system is running. A modular computer chassis with a minimum number of screws for easy disassembly and improved serviceability.

Hardware Features

The system board includes the following built-in features:

Three expansion slots on a riser board: one 32 -bit PCI expansion slot, one shared PCI (32-bit)/ISA (16-bit) expansion slot, and one 16 -bit ISA expansion slot. A 64-bit baseline accelerated graphics port (AGP) video subsystem, which includes the ATI Rage II C super video graphics array (SVGA) video controller. This video subsystem contains 2 MB (upgradable to 4 MB) of synchronous graphics randomaccess memory (SGRAM) video memory. Maximum resolutions are 1600 x 1200 with 256 colors noninterlaced and 1280 x 1024 with 65,536 colors noninterlaced. In 1024 x 768, 800 x 600, and 640 x 480 resolutions, 16. 7 million colors are available for true-color graphics using a 32-bits per pixel (bpp) format. True - color provides higher performance, but it uses

more graphics memory. Table 1-1 displays the video memory requirements for the Microsoft Windows

4.0 operating systems.

NOTE: These resolutions and refresh rates may not be available on all monitors.

95 and Windows NT

Table 1-1. Video Memory Requirements

Video Resolution

Maximum Color Depth

640 x 480 True-color

(32 bpp)

800 x 600 True-color

(32 bpp)

1024 x 768 65,536

(16 bpp)

1280 x 1024 256

(8 bpp)

1024 x 768 True-color

(32 bpp)

1280 x 1024 65,536 colors

(16 bpp)

1600 x 1200 256 colors

(8 bpp)

Maximum Refresh Rate

Minimum SGRAM Option Required

85 Hz 2 MB

75 Hz 2 MB

85 Hz 4 MB

75 Hz 4 MB

NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see the Glossary in your online

System User's Guide.

AGP provides a dedicated bus from the video subsystem to the system chip set. AGP -based video subsystems have two

significant performance advantages over PCI- based video subsystems:

- The AGP bus reduces bandwidth requirements of the PCI bus, improving overall system performance.

- The AGP bus allows a video subsystem to execute directly from main memory. A diskette/tape drive interface, which supports a 3.5- inch diskette drive and, optionally, a second diskette drive or tape drive.

Enhanced integrated drive electronics (EIDE) support. The primary and secondary interface are both located on the PCI bus to provide faster data throughput. Each interface supports high - capacity EIDE drives, as well as devices such as advanced technology attachment (ATA) 33 hard -disk drives, EIDE CD - ROM drives, and EIDE tape drives. Two high-performance serial ports and one bidirectional parallel port for connecting external devices. The parallel port is fully Enhanced Capabilities Port (ECP) -compliant. A Personal System/2 (PS/2)- style keyboard port and a PS/2 -compatible mouse port.

An integrated, 10/100 - megabit per second (Mbps) 3Com® PCI 3C905b-TX Ethernet network interface controller (NIC). The NIC is configured using software described in " A optional 16-bit, integrated Plug and Play Crystal CS4236B audio controller that provides all the sound functions of the Sound Blaster Pro expansion card. For more information, see your online System User's Guide.

Software Features

The following software is included with your Dell computer system:

Utilities that safeguard your system and enhance the operation of its hardware features, such as maximizing your monitor's resolution capabilities. For information on these utilities, see your online System User's Guide . Video drivers for displaying many popular applications in high-resolution modes. For more information on these utilities, see your online System User's Guide . Audio drivers for enabling the sound functions on the integrated audio controller. For more information on these utilities, see your online System User's Guide . Bus- mastering EIDE drivers to improve performance by off -loading certain functions from the microprocessor during multithreaded operation (when several applications are running simultaneously). For more information on these utilities, see your online System User's Guide . The System Setup program for quickly viewing and changing the system configuration information for your system. For more information on this program, see " An Auto Power On utility that enables your system to perform routine tasks automatically in your absence. For more information on this utility, see your online System User's Guide. Enhanced security features (a setup password, a system password, a system -password lock option, a write-protect option for diskette drives, and automatic display of the system's service tag number) available through the System Setup program. In addition, a customer-definable asset tag number can be assigned via a software support utility and viewed on the System Setup screens. For more information, see your online System User's Guide and " document. Advanced power management options that can reduce the energy consumption of your system. For more information, see

Using the System Setup Program."

" The ICU, which tells you how to configure ISA expansion cards manually. After resources have been assigned to these cards, the system BIOS can assign resources to PCI and Plug and Play expansion cards for a conflict-free configuration. For more information, see " Dell Diagnostics for evaluating the computer's components and devices. For information on using the diagnostics, see the chapter titled "Running the Dell Diagnostics" in the Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Guide. Network device drivers for several network operating systems. These drivers are described in "Using Integrated Devices." Desktop Management Interface (DMI) support, which enables the management of your computer system's software and hardware. DMI defines the software, interfaces, and data files that enable your system to determine and report information about system components.

Using the System Setup Program"

Using the ISA Configuration Utility ".

Using Integrated Devices."

Using the System Setup Program" of this

If your system has a Dell-installed Windows 95 operating system, DMI is already installed on your system's hard-disk drive. To learn more about DMI, double- click the DMI icon in the Windows Control Panel.

If your system included Dell-installed software, Dell provides a menu that allows you to make program diskette sets of your Dell-installed software (programs, drivers, and utilities; a CD with your operating system accompanied your computer). A program diskette set is an uninstalled version of a software package that you can use to reinstall or reconfigure the software.

You can use this same menu to remove diskette image files (individual files that correspond to each diskette in a program

diskette set) to reclaim space on the computer's hard -disk drive. For more information on making program diskette sets, see the online help provided in the Dell Program Diskette Maker, which is located in the Dell Accessories folder.

The Dell OpenManage™ program, which is a DMI browser that allows you to view your computer's current hardware configuration and operating system version. The Dell OpenManage provides information you may need if you call Dell for technical assistance or if you install hardware or software in your system. The Dell OpenManage program is located in the Dell Accessories folder. For more information on the Dell OpenManage program, see the next subsection, "Manageability Features."

Manageability Features

Your Dell OptiPlex E1 Managed PC incorporates many hardware and software features to improve the manageability of the system. Installed features include:

Dell OpenManage program PXE Wakeup On LAN Auto Power On Security Features

Dell OpenManage Program

The Dell OpenManage program is the Dell software - management application interface for DMI. It allows you to manage systemlevel information, such as system configuration information and management information format (MIF) database values (see Figure 1-1).

Figure 1-1. Dell OpenManage Program

On systems running WIndows 95 or Windows NT 4.0, the Dell OpenManage program is available in client and administrator versions. The Dell OpenManage administrator version enables system administrators to view, manage, and inventory remote systems in a Dell DMI client network and incorporates the following manageability features, which are based on the DMI 2.0 specification.

Fault Management

Fault Management features of Dell OpenManage include:

Alerts to warn you about events generated by SMART drives on a local or remote system and about thermal errors An event log that stores events in a text file and reports information about the event under the following categories: System Name, Component Name, Date and Time, Event Type, Event Severity, Event Class, and Event System

Configuration Management

Configuration Management features of the Dell OpenManage include:

Wakeup On LAN support, which allows network administrators to remotely turn on Managed PC systems with Wakeup On LAN capability in a Dell DMI network. A System Properties window that enables network administrators to view, set, or disable certain hardware configuration settings for the local and remote systems in a Dell DMI network. Support for the Microsoft System Management Server (SMS), which allows the exporting of one or more groups to an SMS directory that the SMS administrator can access. A Monitor component for systems running Windows 95 and having a display data channel (DDC) - compliant video subsystem and monitor. Automated inventory control of one or more groups for the remote systems in a Dell DMI network. Network administrators can automate inventory to occur every day, week, or month at a certain hour, on the hour; or you can enable inventory as needed. The Dell OpenManage creates a text file for the group(s) and saves it to a user-defined directory. Support for the application used to create user -definable attributes (UDAs).

Asset Management

Asset Management features of the Dell OpenManage include:

Support that enables network administrators to remotely view, enter, and modify an asset tag number for a remote system in a Dell DMI network Automated and manual mapping of one or more groups to a user - defined directory

Security Management

Dell OpenManage includes password security that enables network administrators to maintain standard attribute values for the local and remote systems in a Dell DMI network.

For more information about Dell OpenManage, refer to the online Dell OpenManage Help that accompanied the software.

PXE

The preboot execution environment (PXE) allows a personal computer to be managed by one or more servers running the LANDesk

Configuration Manager (LCM) software, which provides management services for the many Managed PC systems on

the network. The LCM allows network administrators to perform the following tasks:

Provide preboot support for a new Managed PC that depends on the server for its initial operating system installation Service the network boot requests from the Managed PC systems Download diagnostics and BIOS update utilities Format the hard-disk drive, if required Download and install the operating system, based on previously established profiles Download and install applications Update the operating system and applications as required

For additional information about the Intel LCM, refer to the documentation that accompanied the software.

Wakeup On LAN

The Wakeup On LAN feature allows you to remotely turn on a Managed PC that is in a sleep state. The ability to turn on the Managed PC systems remotely allows you to perform remote computer setup, software downloading and installation, file updates,

and asset tracking after hours and on weekends when users are not using the systems and network traffic is at a minimum.

To use the Wakeup On LAN feature, each Managed PC must contain a NIC that supports Wakeup On LAN. You must also enable the Wakeup On LAN category in the System Setup program.

Auto Power On

Auto Power On enables you to turn on the computer system automatically on certain days of the week at a preset time. You can set Auto Power On to turn on the system either every day or every Monday through Friday.

NOTE: This feature does not work if the system is shut off using a power strip or surge protector.

Security Features

Your Dell OptiPlex E1 system has the following integrated security features.

Chassis Intrusion

A built- in chassis intrusion alarm displays the status of the system chassis intrusion monitor. If the chassis has been opened, the setting changes to Detected and the following message is displayed during the boot sequence at system start-up:

Alert! Cover was previously removed. The field can be cleared using the System Setup program to enable future intrusions to be detected. For more information, see

Using the System Setup Program."

Security Cable Slot and Padlock Ring

On the back of the computer are a security cable slot and padlock ring (see Figure 1 -2) for attaching commercially available antitheft devices. Security cables for personal computers usually include a segment of galvanized cable with an attached locking device and key. To prevent unauthorized removal of your computer, loop the cable around an immovable object, insert the locking device into the security cable slot on the back of your computer, and lock the device with the key provided. Complete instructions for installing this kind of antitheft device are usually included with the device.

NOTE: Antitheft devices are of differing designs. Before purchasing such a device, make sure it will work with the cable

slot on your computer.

The padlock ring allows you to secure the computer cover to the chassis to prevent unauthorized access to the inside of the computer. To use the padlock ring, insert a commercially available padlock through the ring and then lock the padlock.

Figure 1-2. Security Cable Slot and Padlock Ring

Passwords

The password feature enables you to set a user -defined password to restrict access to the system. Additional protection is

available through the System Setup program. When the Setup Password category is set to Enabled, Password Status allows you to prevent the system password from being changed or disabled at boot time. For more information, see "

Program".

Using the System Setup

Using the Power Switch

If the system does not turn off when the power switch is pressed, the system may be hung. Press and hold the power switch until the system turns off completely (this process may take several seconds). Alternatively, press the reset button to reset the system and reboot. If the system is hung and both buttons fail to function properly, unplug the AC power cable from the computer, wait for it to completely stop running, plug in the AC power cable, and if it the system does not restart, press the power switch to restart the system.

Using the Optional Stand for Vertical Orientation

Dell offers an optional stand that you can attach to the computer for a mini tower (vertical) orientation. Although you can attach (and remove) the stand at any time with a minimum of system disruption, it is easiest to attach before you set up your computer and connect the back - panel cables.

Attach the stand as follows:

1. Turn the computer onto its right side, so that the drive bays are at the bottom.

2. Fit the stand onto what was the left side of the computer. Position the stand as shown in Figure 1-3. Align the large round hole in the stand with the securing button on the side of

the cover, and align the captive thumbscrew in the stand with the screw hole in the cover.

Figure 1-3. Attaching the Optional Stand for Vertical Orientation

As you lower the stand into place, make sure that the locator pin (see Figure 1 -3) fits into the corner hole of the hole pattern as shown. When the stand is in place, tighten the thumbscrew.

3. Rotate the computer so that the stand is at the bottom and the drives are at the top.

To remove the stand, turn the computer over so the stand is at the top, loosen the screw and lift the stand away, and place the computer in a horizontal position.

Energy Star Compliance

Certain configurations of Dell computer systems comply with the requirements set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for energy -efficient computers. If the front panel of your computer bears the Energy Star Emblem (see Figure 1 -4), your original configuration complied with these requirements and all Energy Star power management features of the computer are enabled. To disable or change the operation of these features, you must change the setting for the Power Management category in the System Setup program. For instructions, see "

Using the System Setup Program."

NOTES: As an Energy Star Partner, Dell Computer Corporation has determined that this product meets the Energy Star

guidelines for energy efficiency. Any Dell computer bearing the Energy Star Emblem is certified to comply with EPA Energy Star requirements as

configured when shipped by Dell. Any changes you make to this configuration (such as installing additional expansion cards or drives) may increase the system's power consumption beyond the limits set by the EPA's Energy Star Computers program.

Figure 1-4. Energy Star Emblem

The EPA's Energy Star Computers program is a joint effort between the EPA and computer manufacturers to reduce air pollution by promoting energy-efficient computer products. The EPA estimates that use of Energy Star computer products can save computer users up to two billion dollars annually in electricity costs. In turn, this reduction in electricity usage can reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, the gas primarily responsible for the greenhouse effect, and sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which are the two primary causes of acid rain.

Computer users can also help to reduce electricity usage and its side effects by turning off their computer systems when they are not in use for extended periods of time—particularly at night and on weekends.

Important Note for Windows 95 Users

Your system was configured by Dell to optimize the features of the Windows 95 operating system. To ensure that all of these features are maintained on your system, you must use the version of Windows 95 that Dell installed on your hard -disk drive.

Should you need to reinstall Windows 95 on an OptiPlex E1 system for any reason, you must be sure to reinstall the correct version. Dell recommends performing a periodic tape backup of the system's entire hard- disk drive so that, if necessary, the operating system, drivers, and other software can be reinstalled as originally configured with a minimum of downtime.

If you are unable to reinstall your software from a tape backup of the hard-disk drive, you can reinstall Windows 95 from the system's Windows 95 CD that you received from Dell. However, if you reinstall Windows 95 in this manner, the bus - mastering functionality of the Windows 95 EIDE driver, which was operative in your original configuration, will be disabled . (Your system will operate without the bus-mastering functionality with only a small degradation in performance. For information on the advantages of using bus- mastering drivers, see "Bus- Mastering EIDE Drivers" in the "Using Drivers and Utilities" section of your online System User's Guide.) You may also need to reinstall your system's video and NIC drivers from the diskettes created from the Dell installed software on your system.

NOTE: If you are a system administrator of corporate networks and you must download Windows 95 from a server to

client systems, make sure that you have the Windows 95 backup media for the OptiPlex E1 system on your server before downloading.

Intel PIIX4e INF Update Installer for Windows 95

NOTE: The following procedure applies only to versions of Windows 95 installed by Dell.

If you must reinstall Windows 95 on your computer system, you also need to run the Intel PIIX4e INF Update Installer for Windows 95 immediately after installing the operating system. Doing so enables Windows 95 to detect and configure PCI devices controlled by the integrated 82371EB component.

Before you can perform the update, you must make a diskette copy of the update software from the disk image on the hard-disk

drive. To make the diskette copy, use the Program Diskette Maker, which is located in the Dell Accessories folder. Refer to the online System User's Guide for information about using the Program Diskette Maker.

The following procedure describes how to install the update:

1. Insert the Windows 95 Intel Support Driver Ver. A00 diskette into drive A.

2. Click the Start button and click Run.

3. Type a:\setup.exe and press OK.

4. Click Next on the Welcome Screen. The license agreement opens in the Notepad application.

5. View the text file and close the Notepad application when you are ready to proceed.

6. Click Yes to continue. The next dialog box lists the information (.inf) files on your system that will be revised by the update software.

7. Click Next to continue.

8. When the update is complete, remove the diskette from the diskette drive and click OK to restart your system. During system start - up, the operating system detects new hardware and the Update Device Driver Wizard screen appears.

9. Click Next to continue. The system finds the hardware device driver on the hard -disk drive and installs it.

10. Click Finish to continue. The system continues its start -up routine. When Windows 95 finishes loading, a dialog box appears and informs you that the

system configuration settings have changed and asks if you want to restart your system.

11. Click OK to restart the system.

Accessing Online Documentation

The online System User's Guide installed on your hard-disk drive contains information on the following topics:

Using the online System User's Guide System features Using drivers and utilities Using the audio controller Using the System Setup program Configuring expansion cards Securing your computer Connecting external devices Maintaining the system Contacting Dell Using the online Adobe™ Acrobat PDF documents

The guide also contains a glossary of commonly used terms and abbreviations. The online System User's Guide is located in the Dell Accessories folder. To print any of the topics from this guide, display the topic you want on your screen and select Print Topic from the File menu.

Getting Help

Dell provides a number of tools to help you if you don't understand a procedure described in this guide or if your system does not perform as expected. For information on these help tools, see the chapter titled "Getting Help" in your Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Guide or the "Contacting Dell" section in the online System User's Guide .

Using the System Setup Program: Dell™ OptiPlex™ E1 Managed PC

Overview Entering the System Setup Program System Setup Screen

Using the System Setup Program System Setup Categories Using the System Password Feature

Using the Setup Password Feature Disabling a Forgotten Password Responding to Error Messages

Overview

Each time you turn on your computer system or press the reset button, the system compares the hardware installed in the system to the hardware listed in the system configuration information stored in nonvolatile random- access memory (NVRAM) on the system board. If the system detects a discrepancy, it generates error messages that identify the incorrect configuration settings. The system then prompts you to enter the System Setup program to correct the setting.

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

You can view the current settings at any time. When you change a setting, in many cases you must reboot the system before the change takes effect.

After you set up your system, run the System Setup program to familiarize yourself with your system configuration information and optional settings. Dell recommends that you print the System Setup screen (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 drive(s) and hard- disk drive(s) installed in your computer. If you are unsure of any of this information, see the Manufacturing Test Report that was shipped with your system and is located in the Dell Accessories folder.

Entering the System Setup Program

Enter the System Setup program as follows:

1. Turn on your system. If your system is already on, shut it down and then turn it on again.

2. When the Press <F2> to Enter Setup window appears in the upper- right corner of the screen, press <F2>.

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" at

the end of this chapter.

System Setup Screen

The System Setup screen displays the current setup and configuration information and optional settings for your system. (Typical examples are illustrated in Figure 2 -1.) Information on the System Setup screen is organized in four areas:

Title box The box at the top of the screen lists the system name. System data The two boxes below the title box display information about your system, such as the basic input/output system (BIOS)

revision number. Configuration options The box under the system data boxes lists categories that define the installed hardware in your computer. Fields beside the categories contain options or values; you can change those that appear in white on the screen. You

cannot change options or values that appear in a color highlight because they are determined by the system. Some categories have multiple fields, which may show options or values as bright or less bright depending upon what

options or values you entered in other fields. Key functions The line of boxes across the bottom of the screen lists keys and their functions within the System Setup program.

Using the System Setup Program

Table 2 -1 lists the keys you use to view or change information on the System Setup screen and to exit the program.

Table 2-1. System -Setup Navigation Keys

Keys Action

Moves to the next field.

Moves to the previous field.

Cycles through the settings in a field. In many fields, you can also type the appropriate value.

Enters the selected field's pop -up settings menu.

Cycles through the settings in the selected field's pop- up settings menu.

Saves the selected settings in a field's pop -up settings menu and returns to the main System Setup screen.

For a few options (as noted in the help area) the changes take effect immediately.

Exits the System Setup program at the System Setup screen if no settings in any option were changed. Provides exit menu options if changes were made. Highlight a menu option to select it and press <Enter> to activate it.

Save Changes and Exit option exits the System Setup program and reboots the system, implementing any changes you have made. Discard Changes and Exit option exits the System Setup program without rebooting the system and returns the system to its previous state - the boot routine.

Return to Setup option returns to the System Setup screen.

Resets the selected options to their default settings.

Displays help information for the selected option.

Figure 2 -1. System - Setup Screen

System Setup Categories

The following subsections explain in detail each of the categories on the System Setup screen.

System Time

System Time resets the time on the computer's internal clock.

Time is kept in a 24-hour format ( hours:minutes:seconds). To change the time, press the left- or right-arrow keys to select a field, and then press <+> or < -> to increase or decrease the number. If you prefer, you can type numbers in each of the fields.

System Date

System Date resets the date on the computer's internal calendar.

Your system automatically displays the day of the week corresponding to the settings in the month, day-of-month, and year fields.

To change the date, press the left - or right -arrow keys to select a field, and then press <+> or < -> to increase or decrease the number. If you prefer, you can type numbers in the day-of-month and year fields.

Diskette Drive A and Diskette Drive B

Diskette Drive A and Diskette Drive B identify the type of diskette drives installed in your computer. With the standard cabling configuration, Diskette Drive A (the boot diskette drive) is the 3.5- inch diskette drive installed in the top externally accessible drive bay; Diskette Drive B is any drive installed in the bottom externally accessible drive bay that is connected to the system's diskette/tape drive interface.

The category options always match the physical locations of the drives in your computer—the first drive listed is the top drive in your computer.

The Diskette Drive A and Diskette Drive B categories have the following options:

5.25 Inch, 360 KB

5.25 Inch, 1.2 MB

3.5 Inch, 720 KB

3.5 Inch, 1.44 MB Not Installed

NOTE: Tape drives are not reflected in the Diskette Drive A and Diskette Drive B categories. For example, if you have a

single diskette drive and a tape drive attached to the diskette/tape drive interface cable, set Diskette Drive A to match the characteristics of the diskette drive and set Diskette Drive B to Not Installed.

Primary Drive n and Secondary Drive n

Primary Drive n identifies drives attached to the primary enhanced integrated drive electronics (EIDE) interface connector (labeled "IDE1") on the system board; Secondary Drive n identifies drives connected to the secondary EIDE interface connector (labeled "IDE2"). It is recommended that you use the secondary EIDE interface connector for EIDE CD- ROM and EIDE tape drives.

NOTES: For all devices obtained from Dell that use the built- in EIDE controller, set the appropriate Drive category to

Auto.

You must have an EIDE device connected to the primary EIDE interface if you have an EIDE device connected to the secondary EIDE interface.

These four categories identify the type of EIDE devices installed in the computer. For each drive, five parameters can be chosen as a group by drive-type number, entered individually from the keyboard, or set automatically. A drive -type number specifies the

parameters of a hard- disk drive, based on a table recorded in the system's BIOS.

To choose a setting for each category, press <Enter> to access the field's pop - up options menu. Then type characters from the keyboard or use the left - or right- arrow key to cycle through the following options:

Auto (use this setting for all EIDE devices from Dell) Off User 1 or User 2 A specific drive-type number

NOTE: Operating systems that bypass the system BIOS may not obtain optimum hard- disk drive performance.

EIDE Devices

For EIDE hard- disk drives, the system provides an automatic drive- type detect feature. To use this feature for Primary Drive 0, highlight the Primary Drive 0 category and type a (for automatic); to use it for Primary Drive 1, highlight the Primary Drive 1 category and type a. In each case, the category setting changes to Auto. After the system reboots, the System Setup program automatically sets the correct drive- type number and parameters for each drive.

Before installing a new EIDE hard- disk drive, also check the documentation that came with the drive to verify that all jumper settings on the drive are appropriate for your configuration.

If You Have a Problem

If the system generates a drive error message the first time you boot your system after installing an EIDE drive, it may mean that your particular drive does not work with the automatic drive -type detect feature. If you suspect that your problem is related to drive type, try entering your drive- type information in one of the following ways.

If You Know the Drive-Type Number

Use the drive-type number you found in the documentation that came with the drive, or if the drive was installed by Dell when you purchased your system, access the Manufacturing Test Report from the Dell Accessories folder.

To set the drive- type number in the System Setup program, highlight the appropriate drive category (Primary Drive 0 or Primary Drive 1) and type the correct drive-type number. If you prefer, you can press the right - or left -arrow key to increase or decrease, respectively, the drive -type number until the correct one is displayed.

If You Do Not Know the Drive -Type Number

The Drive 0 and Drive 1 categories display the following five parameters for each drive:

Drive Type is the drive-type number for the selected hard- disk drive. Capacity (automatically calculated by the system) indicates the number of millions of bytes of storage provided by the drive. Cylinders is the number of logical cylinders. Heads indicates the number of logical heads in the drive. Sectors is the number of logical sectors per track.

If none of the supported drive types match the parameters of your new drive, you can enter your own parameters. To do so, highlight the Drive 0 category and type u to display User 1. You can then use the right- or left- arrow key to switch between the User 1 and User 2 settings (only two user - defined drive types are allowed). Then press the <Tab> key to highlight each of the parameter fields in succession, and enter the appropriate number for each field.

NOTE: The User 1 and User 2 drive types can be used for both the Primary and Secondary Drive 0 and Drive 1

categories. However, if you select the User 1 or User 2 drive type, you may not obtain optimum hard- disk drive performance. Also, the User 1 and User 2 drive types cannot be used for hard- disk drives greater than 528 megabytes (MB) in capacity.

Hard-Disk Drive Sequence

The Hard-disk Drive Sequence lists installed adapter cards and devices in the order they will be initialized. The first hard- disk drive in the list becomes the bootable drive C.

Boot Sequence

Boot Sequence enables you to set the order of the devices from which the system attempts to boot.

The term boot refers to the system's start-up procedure. When turned on, the system "bootstraps" itself into an operational state by loading into memory a small program, which in turn loads the necessary operating system. Boot Sequence tells the system where to look for the files that it needs to load.

To set the boot device order, press <Enter> to access the field's pop-up options menu. Use the up - and down-arrow keys to move through the list of devices. Press <Enter> to enable or disable a device (enabled devices appear with a check mark). Press <+> or <- > to move a selected device up and down the list. The following sections detail typical devices.

Diskette Drive A:

Selecting Diskette Drive A: as the first device causes the system to try booting from drive A first. If the system finds a diskette that is not bootable in the drive or finds a problem with the drive itself, it displays an error message. If it does not find a diskette in the drive, the system tries to boot from the next device in the boot sequence list.

Hard- Disk Drive

Selecting Hard Disk Drive causes the system to attempt to boot first from the hard -disk drive and then from the next device in the boot sequence list.

IDE CD- ROM Reader

Selecting IDE CD -ROM Reader causes the system to try booting from the CD-ROM drive first. If the system finds a CD that is not bootable in the drive or finds a problem with the drive itself, it displays an error message. If it does not find a CD in the drive, the system tries to boot from the next device in the boot sequence list.

Onboard NIC

Selecting Onboard NIC causes the system to try booting from the integrated network interface controller (NIC) first.

PXE

Selecting PXE (Preboot eXecution Environment) causes the system to boot from the integrated network interface controller (NIC) first. If a boot routine is not available from the network server, the system tries to boot from the next device in the boot sequence list.

System Memory

System Memory indicates the entire amount of installed memory detected in your system, except for memory on Expanded Memory Specification (EMS) expansion cards. After adding memory, check this category to confirm that the new memory is installed correctly and is recognized by the system.

Video Memory

Video Memory displays the amount of video memory detected in your system.

Reserved Memory

Reserved Memory allows you to designate a region of system board memory that can be supplied by an expansion card. You should not enable the reserved memory feature unless you are using an expansion card that requires special addressing.

For example, you may have a memory expansion card that needs to be addressed starting at 15 MB. Selecting the 15M - 16M option in the Reserved Memory category specifies that the base memory from 15 to 16 MB come from the memory expansion card (the base memory below the 15-MB address comes from the dual in- line memory modules [DIMMs] on the system board).

The Reserved Memory category has the following options:

None Reserved (the default option) 512KB - 640KB 15MB - 16MB

CPU Speed

CPU Speed indicates the processor speed at which your system boots.

Press the left - or right -arrow key to toggle the CPU Speed category between the resident microprocessor's rated speed (the default setting) and a lower compatibility speed, which lets you accommodate speed -sensitive applications. A change to this category takes effect immediately (rebooting the system is not required).

To toggle between the rated processor speed and the compatibility speed while the system is running in real mode, press <Ctrl><Alt><\>. (For keyboards that do not use American English, press <Ctrl><Alt><#>.)

Integrated Devices

Integrated Devices configures the devices integrated into the system board. Press <Enter> to configure these options.

Sound

Sound determines whether the integrated audio controller is On or Off.

Network Interface Controller

Network Interface Controller determines whether the integrated NIC is On, Off, or On with PXE. The default is On with PXE, which means that the NIC is enabled but not set to boot the system remotely from a network server.

Mouse Port

Mouse Port enables or disables the system's built-in Personal System/2 (PS/2) - compatible mouse port. Disabling the mouse

allows an expansion card to use interrupt request (IRQ) 12.

For more information about built - in ports, port designations, IRQs, and the remapping of ports, see "Connecting External Devices" in your online System User's Guide .

Serial Port 1 and Serial Port 2

Serial Port 1 and Serial Port 2 configure the system's built-in serial ports. These categories can be set to Auto (the default option) to automatically configure a port, to a particular designation (COM1 or COM3 for Serial Port 1; COM2 or COM4 for Serial Port 2), 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 built-in port to the next available port designation that shares the same IRQ setting as follows:

COM1 (input/output [I/O] address 3F8h), which shares IRQ4 with COM3, is remapped to COM3 (I/O address 3E8h). Likewise, COM2 (I/O address 2F8h), which shares IRQ3 with COM4, is remapped to COM4 (I/O address 2E8h).

NOTES: When two COM ports share an IRQ setting, you can use either port as necessary, but you may not be able to

use them both at the same time. If the second port (COM3 or COM4) is also in use, the built- in port is turned off.

If you are using the Microsoft Windows 95 or IBM OS/2 operating system, you cannot use both serial ports at the same time.

For more information about built - in ports, port designations, IRQs, and the remapping of ports, see "Connecting External Devices" in your online System User's Guide .

Parallel Port

Parallel Port configures the system's built- in parallel port. This category can be set to 378h (the default setting), to alternate addresses 278h or 3BCh, or to Off to disable the port.

NOTE: Do not set Parallel Port to 278h if you have an Enhanced Capabilities Port (ECP) device connected to the port.

Parallel Port Mode

Parallel Port Mode controls whether the system's built- in parallel port acts as an AT -compatible (unidirectional) or PS/2-compatible (bidirectional) port.

Your system also supports ECP mode, which can be used by Windows 95. Windows 95 uses ECP protocol automatically if it detects an ECP - capable device, eliminating the need for an ECP option in this category.

Set this category according to the type of peripheral device connected to the parallel port. To determine the correct mode to use, see the documentation that came with the device.

IDE Drive Interface

IDE Drive Interface enables or disables the system's built - in EIDE hard- disk drive interface.

With Auto (the default option) selected, the system turns off the built-in EIDE interface when necessary to accommodate a

controller card installed in an expansion slot.

As part of the boot routine, the system first checks for a primary hard -disk drive controller card installed in an expansion slot. If no card is found, the system enables the built- in EIDE interface to use IRQ14 and IRQ15.

If a primary controller is detected on the expansion bus, the built- in EIDE interface is disabled.

Selecting Off disables the built- in EIDE interface.

Diskette Interface

Diskette Interface controls the operation of the system's built -in diskette drive controller.

With Auto (the default option) selected, the system turns off the built-in diskette drive controller when necessary to accommodate a controller card installed in an expansion slot.

With Write Protect selected, nothing can be written to diskette drives and tape drives using the system's built- in diskette drive controller. (The system can still read from the drives.) When this option is selected, the Auto option (whereby the system turns off the built-in diskette drive controller as necessary) is also in effect.

Selecting Off turns off the built- in diskette/tape drive controller; this option is used primarily for troubleshooting purposes.

PC Speaker

PC Speaker determines whether the on-board speaker is On (the default) or Off. A change to this category takes effect immediately (rebooting the system is not required).

Video DAC Snoop

Video DAC Snoop lets you correct video problems that may occur when certain video expansion cards are used. The default is Off. If you are using a video card and problems such as incorrect colors or blank windows occur, set Video DAC Snoop to On.

System Security

System Security configures the password and chassis intrusion options. Press <Enter> to configure these options.

System Password

System Password displays the current status of your system's password security feature and allows you to assign and verify a new password. No one can assign a new password unless the current status is Not Enabled, which is displayed in bright characters.

The System Password category has the following options:

Not Enabled (the default option) Enabled Disabled by Jumper

NOTE: Read " Using the System Password Feature" found later in this chapter for instructions on assigning a system

password and using or changing an existing system password. See " chapter for instructions on disabling a forgotten setup password.

Disabling a Forgotten Password" found later in this

Password Status

When Setup Password is set to Enabled, Password Status 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 category and then change the Password Status category to Locked. When Setup Password has a password assigned and Password Status is Locked, the system password cannot be changed through the System Password category 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 category and then change the Password Status category 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 category.

Setup Password

Setup Password lets you restrict access to your computer's System Setup program in the same way that you restrict access to your system with the system password feature. The options are:

Not Enabled (the default option) Enabled Disabled by Jumper

NOTE: Read " Using the Setup Password Feature" found later in this chapter for instructions on assigning a setup

password and using or changing an existing setup password. See " chapter for instructions on disabling a forgotten setup password.

Chassis Intrusion

Chassis Intrusion displays the status of the system chassis intrusion monitor. The default setting is Not Detected.

If the computer cover is removed, the setting changes from Not Detected to Detected and the following message is displayed during the boot sequence at system start- up:

Alert! Cover was previously removed.

To clear this field and allow future intrusions to be detected, enter the System Setup program, as described in "

System Setup Program" found earlier this chapter. At the Chassis Intrusion category, use the left - or right -arrow key to choose

Reset. Then press <Alt><B> to save the change and reboot the system.

NOTE: When enabled, the setup password is required in order to reset the Chassis Intrusion category from Detected to

Not Detected. You cannot reset the Chassis Intrusion category without a password.

Disabling a Forgotten Password" found later in this

Entering the

Keyboard NumLock

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).

When Num Lock mode is activated, the rightmost bank of keys on your keyboard provides the mathematical and numeric functions shown at the tops of the keys. When Num Lock mode is turned off, these keys provide cursor- control functions according to the label on the bottom of each key.

Report Keyboard Errors

two successive monitor shutdown stages, standby and off.

Report Keyboard Errors enables or disables reporting of keyboard errors during the POST, which is a series of tests that the system performs on the hardware each time you turn on the system or press the reset button.

This category 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 to the keyboard controller during POST. This option does not affect the operation of the keyboard itself if a keyboard is attached to the computer.

Auto Power On

Auto Power On allows you to set the time and days of the week to turn on the computer system automatically. You can set Auto Power On to turn on the system either every day or every Monday through Friday.

NOTE: This feature does not work if you turn off your system using a power strip or surge protector.

Time is kept in a 24-hour format (hours:minutes). To change the start - up time, press the right -arrow key to increase the number in the highlighted field or press the left -arrow key to decrease the number. If you prefer, you can type numbers in both fields.

The default for Auto Power On is Disabled.

Wakeup On LAN

Wakeup On LAN determines whether the Wakeup On LAN feature is set to On or Off. You must reboot your system before a change takes effect.

Power Management

For certain types of monitors and most EIDE hard- disk drives, you can reduce system power consumption by enabling the power management feature. With Power Management enabled, these monitors and drives automatically switch into low-power mode during periods of system inactivity.

Power Management can be implemented at three levels - Maximum, Regular, and Minimum. (The different levels apply to the monitor only; hard- disk drive operation is the same for all three.) The default setting for this category is Disabled.

Saving Monitor Power

If you have a Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA ®) Display Power Management Signaling (DPMS)- compliant monitor, enabling the Power Management category reduces monitor power consumption during periods of keyboard and mouse inactivity.

CAUTION: Check your monitor documentation to make sure you have a DPMS-compliant monitor before you

enable this feature. Otherwise, you risk damaging the monitor.

NOTE: The power management feature monitors activity of a mouse connected to the PS/2 -compatible mouse port.

By setting Power Management to Maximum, Regular, or Minimum, you can set predefined time -out periods (see Table 2-2) for the

NOTE: Each monitor manufacturer defines the details of the shutdown stages for its own monitors. But in all cases,

power consumption decreases with each stage from "on" (full power) to "standby" (reduced power; the display image usually disappears) to "off" (where power consumption is minimal). To define these stages for your monitor, see documentation that came with the monitor.

From either shutdown stage, you can return full power to the monitor in one of the following ways:

For most DPMS- compliant monitors, any subsequent activity—including moving the mouse—should return full power to the monitor. A few DPMS -compliant monitors require that you turn monitor power off and then on again to return to full power.

Check your monitor documentation for information on how your monitor is designed to operate.

Saving EIDE Hard -Disk Drive Power

For most systems, enabling Power Management at any level causes EIDE hard- disk drives to switch to low - power mode after about 20 minutes of system inactivity (see

NOTES: All EIDE drives shipped with your system support this feature. (For more information, see " Energy Star

Compliance")

Table 2 -2 ).

However, not all EIDE hard- disk drives support this feature. Enabling this feature for drives that do not support it may cause the EIDE drive to become inoperable until the computer is restarted and the Power Management category is disabled.

In low-power mode, the disks inside the drive stop spinning. They remain idle until the next drive access, which causes them to start spinning again. (Because the disks take a few seconds to regain full speed, you may notice a slight delay the next time you access the hard -disk drive.)

When Power Management is set to Disabled (the default), the disks spin constantly as long as the system is turned on.

Table 2-2. Power Time-Out Periods

Power Management Setting

Disabled Never Never Never Maximum 20 minutes 10 minutes 1 hour

EIDE Drive Spindown Time-Outs

Monitor Standby Time-Outs

Monitor Off Time-Outs

Regular 20 minutes 20 minutes 1 hour Minimum 20 minutes 1 hour Never

Asset Tag

Asset Tag displays the customer - programmable asset tag number for the system if an asset tag number has been assigned. You can use the Asset Tag utility, which is included with your software support utilities, to enter an asset tag number up to ten

characters long into NVRAM. For information on using the utility, see "Using Drivers and Utilities" in your online System User's

Guide.

System Data Categories

The following categories, which are not selectable, display information about the system:

The microprocessor type and BIOS level are listed in the system data boxes. Level 2 Cache displays the size of the integrated cache. Service Tag displays the system's five-character service tag number, which was programmed into NVRAM by Dell during the manufacturing process. Refer to this number during technical assistance or service calls. The service tag number is also accessed by certain Dell support software, including the diagnostics software.

Using the System Password Feature

CAUTION: 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 Dell 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, as described in the next subsection, "Assigning 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 category 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 " found later in this section). If you assign and later forget a system password, you must remove the computer cover to change a jumper setting that disables the system password feature (see " that you erase the setup password at the same time.

CAUTION: 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 category. When a system password is assigned, the System Password setting shown is Enabled. When the system password feature is

disabled by a jumper setting on the system board, the option shown is Disabled by Jumper. You cannot change or enter a new system password if the Disabled by Jumper option is displayed. When a system password is not assigned, the System Password setting shown is Not Enabled.

Disabling a Forgotten Password" found later in this chapter). Note

Deleting or Changing an Existing System Password"

To assign a system password, follow these steps:

1. Verify that the Password Status setting is set to Unlocked. For instructions on changing this setting, see "

2. Highlight the System Security setting and press <Enter>.

3. Highlight the System Password setting and press <Enter>.

Password Status" found earlier in this chapter.

4. Type the desired system password in the Enter Password field and press < Enter>.

You can use up to seven 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 <Backspace> or the left -arrow key.

NOTE: To escape from the field without assigning a system password, press <Esc>.

5. Type the desired system password in the Confirm Password field and press < Enter>. The system password is now assigned and is Enabled. You can exit the System Setup program and begin using your

system. Password protection takes effect after the system reboots.

Using Your System Password to Secure Your System

Whenever you turn on your system, press the reset button, or reboot the system by pressing the <Ctrl><Alt><Del> key combination, the following prompt appears on the screen when the Password Status category 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 category 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 boots and you can use the keyboard and/or mouse to

operate your system as usual.

NOTE: If you have assigned a setup password (see "Using the Setup Password Feature" found later in this chapter),

the system accepts your setup password as an alternate system password.

If a wrong or incomplete system password is entered, the following message appears on the screen: ** Incorrect password. ** Enter password: If an incorrect or incomplete system password is entered again, the same message appears on the screen. 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 category in conjunction with System Password and Setup Password to further

protect your system from unauthorized changes. For more information, see " Password Status" found earlier in this chapter.

Deleting or Changing an Existing System Password

To delete or change an existing system password, follow these steps:

1. Enter the System Setup program and verify that the Password Status setting is set to Unlocked. Enter the System Setup program by pressing <F2>. For instructions on changing the setting for Password Status, see

Password Status" found earlier in this chapter.

2. Highlight the System Security setting and press <Enter>.

3. Highlight the System Password setting and press <Enter>.

4. To delete an existing system password, press <Enter> in the Enter Password field and in the Confirm Password field. To change an existing system password, type the new password in the Enter Password field and press <Enter>, and then type the new system password in the Confirm Password field and press <Enter>.

If a character is illegal for password use, the system emits a beep. If the system password is deleted, the System Password setting changes to Not Enabled. If the system password is changed, the System Password option remains Enabled.

NOTE: An existing system password can also be disabled when the system is rebooted, as explained in "Using Your System Password to Secure Your System" found earlier in this section.

If you want to assign a new system password, follow the procedure in "Assigning a System Password " found earlier in this section.

Using the Setup Password Feature

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

You can assign a setup password, as described in the next subsection, "Assigning 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 "

Password" found later in this section). If you assign and later forget a setup password, you need to remove the computer cover to

change a jumper setting that disables the setup password feature (see " chapter). Note that you erase the system password at the same time.

Assigning a Setup Password

A setup password can be assigned (or changed) only when the Setup Password category is set to Not Enabled. To assign a setup password, follow these steps:

1. Enter the System Setup program.

2. Highlight the System Security category and press <Enter>.

3. Highlight the Setup Password category and press <Enter>.

4. Type the desired setup password in the Enter Password field and press < Enter>.

Disabling a Forgotten Password" found later in this

Deleting or Changing an Existing Setup

If a character is illegal for password use, the system emits a beep.

5. Type the desired setup password in the Confirm Password field and press < Enter>. The setup password is now assigned. The Setup Password category changes from Not Enabled to Enabled.

NOTES: 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 category becomes effective immediately (rebooting 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 categories.

When you start the System Setup program, the System Setup screen appears with the Setup Password category highlighted, prompting 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 screen - with the following exceptions:

You can still modify the System Date, System Time, CPU Speed, Keyboard Num Lock, and PC Speaker categories. If System Password is not enabled and is not locked via the Password Status category, you can assign a system password (however, you cannot disable or change an existing system password).

NOTE: You can use the Password Status category in conjunction with Setup Password to protect the system

password from unauthorized changes. For more information, see "

Password Status" found earlier in this chapter.

Deleting or Changing an Existing Setup Password

To delete or change an existing setup password, follow these steps:

1. Enter the System Setup program.

2. Highlight the System Security category and press <Enter>.

3. Highlight the Setup Password category and press <Enter>.

4. To delete an existing setup password, press <Enter> in the Enter Password field and the Confirm Password field. To change an existing setup password, type the new password in the Enter Password field and press < Enter>, and then type the new setup password in the Confirm Password field and press <Enter>.

If a character is illegal for password use, the system emits a beep. If the setup password is deleted, the Setup Password category changes to Not Enabled. If the setup password is changed, the Setup Password category remains Enabled.

5. If you want to assign a new setup password, follow the procedure in " in this section.

Assigning a Setup Password" found earlier

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 you remove the computer cover, change the password jumper setting to disable the passwords, and erase the existing passwords.

To disable a forgotten password, follow these steps:

1. Remove the computer cover according to the instructions in "

CAUTION: Turn off the computer and unplug it from the electrical outlet. See "Protecting Against

Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety instructions at the front of this guide.

2. Remove the jumper plug from the PSWD jumper to disable the password feature.

Removing the Computer Cover ".

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