Dell OPTIPLEX GX1 User Manual
Contents: Dell OptiPlex GX1 Small-Form-Factor System User's Guide
Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX1 Small-Form-Factor System User's Guide
Introduction
Setup and Operation
Using the System Setup Program
Installing Upgrades
Troubleshooting
Specifications
NOTE: You can obtain the latest version of this document from the Dell Web support site at http://
support.dell.com.
Model DCP
Notes, Notices, and Cautions
Throughout this guide, there may be blocks of text printed in bold type or in italic type. These blocks are notes, notices, and
cautions, and they are used as follows:
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your system.
NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how
to avoid the problem.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may
result in minor or moderate injury.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 1999–2000 Dell Computer Corporation. All rights reserved.
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Contents: Dell OptiPlex GX1 Small-Form-Factor System User's Guide
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Computer Corporation is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, OptiPlex, Dimension, Inspiron, Latitude, DellWare, Dell OpenManage, and the DELL logo
are trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation; Intel, Pentium, and LANDesk are registered trademarks and MMX is a trademark of Intel
Corporation; Microsoft, MS-DOS, Windows, Windows NT, and DirectX 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 is a registered trademark of 3Com Corporation; VESA is a registered trademark of Video Electronics Standards
Association. 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.
Initial release: 9 Jun 1999
Last revised: 17 Feb 2000
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Introduction: Dell OptiPlex GX1 Small-Form-Factor System User's Guide
Back to Contents Page
Introduction: Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX1 Small-Form-Factor System
User's Guide
Overview Manageability Features
System Features Security Features
Hardware Features ENERGY STAR® Compliance
Software Features
Overview
Dell OptiPlex GX1 small-form-factor systems are high-speed, expandable personal computers designed around the
Intel® Pentium® II or III microprocessor. Each 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.
System Features
Your system offers the following features:
● An Intel Pentium II or Pentium III microprocessor.
The Intel Pentium II and Pentium III microprocessors include 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.
● A keyboard command (<Ctrl><Alt><\>) that lets you switch between the microprocessor's rated speed and a
slower compatibility speed.
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NOTE: This keyboard command is not available under the Microsoft®
Windows NT® and IBM® OS/2® operating systems.
● A secondary cache of 512 KB of static random-access memory (SRAM) included within the single-edge
contact (SEC) cartridge, which also contains the microprocessor.
● System memory that can be increased up to 768 megabytes (MB) by installing 32-, 64-, 128-, or 256-MB
synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM) dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs) in the three DIMM sockets on
the system board. The system also supports both error checking and correction (ECC) and nonparity
DIMMs. See "System Memory" for details.
● 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 OptiPlex GX1
systems 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. 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
turned on from a 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.
● Universal Serial Bus (USB) capability, which can simplify connecting peripheral devices such as mice,
printers, and computer 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.
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Hardware Features
The system board includes the following integrated features:
● Two 32-bit PCI expansion slots on a riser board (half-length PCI expansion cards only).
● A 64-bit accelerated graphics port (AGP) video subsystem, which includes the ATI 3D Rage Pro super video
graphics array (SVGA) video controller. This video subsystem contains 4 MB (upgradable to 8 MB) of
synchronous graphics RAM (SGRAM) video memory. Maximum resolutions are 1600 x 1200 with 65,536
colors noninterlaced and 1280 x 1024 and 1024 x 768 with true-colors noninterlaced. In 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 uses more graphics memory. Table 1 lists the video
memory requirements for the Microsoft Windows® 95 and Windows NT 4.0 operating systems.
Table 1. Video Memory Requirements
Video
Resolution
Maximum
Color
Depth
Maximum
Refresh
Rate
Maximum
SGRAM
Required
640 x 480 True-Color
(32 bpp)
85 hertz (Hz) 4 MB
800 x 600 True-color
(32 bpp)
85 Hz 4 MB
1024 x 768 True-color
(32 bpp)
85 Hz 4 MB
1280 x 1024 True-color
(32 bpp)
75 Hz 8 MB
1600 x 1200 65,536 colors
(16 bpp)
75 Hz 8 MB
2X 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 3D video subsystem to execute directly from main memory.
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● A diskette interface, which supports a 3.5-inch diskette 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 ATA 33 hard-disk drives and EIDE CD-ROM 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 optional integrated, 10/100-megabit-per-second (Mbps) 3Com® PCI 3C905B-TX Ethernet network
interface controller (NIC). The NIC is configured using software on the Dell ResourceCD.
● A 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 the Dell ResourceCD.
Software Features
The following software is included with your Dell computer system:
● System utilities that safeguard your system and enhance the operation of its features. For more information,
see the Dell ResourceCD.
● Video drivers for displaying many popular applications in high-resolution modes. For more information, see
the Dell ResourceCD.
● Audio drivers for enabling the sound functions on the expansion sound card. For more information, see the
Dell ResourceCD.
● Bus-mastering EIDE drivers to improve performance by off-loading certain functions from the
microprocessor during multithreaded operation (when several application programs are running
simultaneously). For more information, see the Dell ResourceCD.
● The System Setup program for quickly viewing and changing the configuration information for your system.
For more information on this program, see "
System Setup Program."
● 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
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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 screen. For more information, see "System
Setup Program."
● Advanced power management options that can reduce the energy consumption of your system. For more
information, see "System Setup Program."
● Dell Diagnostics for evaluating the computer's components and devices.
● Network device drivers for several network operating systems. For more information, see the Dell
ResourceCD.
● 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.
Manageability Features
Your system incorporates many hardware and software features to improve the manageability of the system.
Installed features include:
● Dell OpenManage™ program
● Fault management
● Configuration management
● Asset management
● Security management
● Preboot eXecution Environment (PXE)
● Wakeup On LAN
● Auto Power On
● Temperature monitoring
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Dell OpenManage Program
The Dell OpenManage program is the Dell software-management application interface for DMI. It allows you to
manage system-level information, such as system configuration information and management information format
(MIF) database values (see Figure 1).
Figure 1. Dell OpenManage Program
On systems running Windows 95, Windows 98, and 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:
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● 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
options: System Name, Component Name, Date and Time, Event Type, Event
Severity, Event Class, Event System
Configuration Management
Configuration management features of 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 that have 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
they can enable inventory as needed. Dell OpenManage creates a text file for the group(s) and saves it to a
user-defined directory.
● Support for the application program used to create user-definable attributes (UDAs).
Asset Management
Asset management features of Dell OpenManage include:
● Support that enables network administrators to remotely view, enter, and modify an asset tag 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
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Security management features of Dell OpenManage include:
● 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
configuration management servers running the Intel LANDesk® Configuration Manager (LCM) software, which
provides management services for the many Managed PC systems on the network. The LCM allows network
administrators to do the following:
● Provide preboot support for a new Managed PC system 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 application software
● 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 system 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 system must contain a NIC that supports Wakeup On LAN.
You must also enable the
Wakeup On LAN option in the System Setup program.
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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.
Temperature Monitoring
Your system includes temperature probes to sense when the processor becomes overheated. In such a case, a
message appears on the screen when Dell OpenManage is running or at the next system start-up notifying you of
the problem.
Security Features
Your system has the following integrated security features.
● Chassis intrusion
● Security cable slot and padlock ring
● Passwords
Chassis Intrusion
An integrated 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 "
System Setup Program."
Security Cable Slot and Padlock Ring
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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.
On the back of the computer are a security cable slot and padlock ring (see
Figure 3 in "Setup and Operation") for
attaching commercially available antitheft devices. (The padlock ring is recessed inside the cover.) 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.
NOTES: Antitheft devices are of differing designs. Before purchasing such a device,
make sure it will work with the cable slot on your computer.
Installing a security cable with a locking device in the security cable slot also prevents
unauthorized access to the inside of the computer.
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 option 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 "
System Setup Program."
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 2), 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 option in the System Setup program.
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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 2. 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.
Back to Contents Page
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Setup and Operation: Dell OptiPlex GX1 Small-Form-Factor System User's Guide
Back to Contents Page
Setup and Operation: Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX1 Small-Form-Factor
System User's Guide
Getting Started Security Cable Slot and Padlock Ring
Connecting Peripheral Devices Using the System Password Feature
Controls and Indicators Using the Setup Password Feature
Chassis Intrusion Disabling a Forgotten Password
Getting Started
If you need to set up your computer system yourself (rather than having it set up by a network administrator), see "Getting
Started" in the System Information Guide that accompanied your system for instructions on connecting cables and
turning on your system for the first time.
After you correctly connect all the cables to your system and turn it on, see the setup guide for your operating system to
complete its installation. When the operating system is installed, you can connect peripheral devices such as a printer or
install application programs not already installed by Dell.
Connecting Peripheral Devices
Figure 1 shows the connectors on the back of your computer for attaching external devices.
Figure 1. I/O Ports, Connectors, and Indicators
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1
Parallel port
connector
2
Mouse connector
3
USB connectors
4
Link integrity
indicator (see
"
Integrated NIC
Connector")
5
Activity indicator
(see "
Integrated
NIC Connector")
6
Audio connectors
7
Integrated NIC
connector
8
Video connector
9
Serial port 2
connector
10
Keyboard
connector
11
Serial port 1
connector
When you connect external devices to your computer's back panel, follow these guidelines:
● Check the documentation that accompanied the device for specific installation and configuration instructions.
For example, you must connect most devices to a particular input/output (I/O) port or connector to operate
properly. Also, external devices like a mouse or printer usually require you to load device drivers into
system memory before they will work.
● Always attach external devices while your computer is turned off. Then turn on the computer before
turning on any external devices, unless the documentation for the device specifies otherwise. (If the computer
does not seem to recognize the device, try turning on the device before turning on the computer.)
NOTICE: When you disconnect external devices from the back of the computer,
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wait 5 seconds after turning off the computer before you disconnect any devices
to avoid possible damage to the system board.
Parallel Port Connector
The integrated parallel port uses a 25-pin D-subminiature connector on the computer's back panel.
This I/O port sends data in parallel format (where eight data bits, or one byte, are sent simultaneously over eight separate
lines in a single cable). The parallel port is used primarily for printers.
The default designation of your computer's integrated parallel port is LPT1. Port designations are used, for example, in
software installation procedures to identify the port to which your printer is attached, thus telling your software where to
send its output. (An incorrect designation prevents the printer from printing or causes scrambled print.)
NOTE: The integrated parallel port is automatically disabled if the system detects an
installed expansion card containing a parallel port configured to the same address as
specified in the
Parallel Port option in the System Setup program.
Mouse Connector
Your system uses a Personal System/2 (PS/2)-compatible mouse. The mouse cable attaches to a 6-pin miniature
Deutsche Inductive Norm (DIN) connector on the back panel of your computer. Turn off the computer and any attached
peripherals before connecting a mouse to the computer.
A PS/2-compatible mouse works as does an industry-standard serial mouse or bus mouse except that it has its own
dedicated connector, which frees up the serial ports and does not require an expansion card. Mouse driver software gives
the mouse priority with the microprocessor by issuing interrupt request (IRQ) 12 whenever a new mouse movement is
made. The drivers also pass along the mouse data to the application that is in control.
USB Connectors
Your system contains two Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectors for attaching USB-compliant devices. USB-compliant
devices are typically peripherals such as keyboards, mice, printers, and computer speakers.
If you reconfigure your hardware, you may need pin number and signal information for the USB connectors. Click one of
the pins in the illustration for information on a particular signal.
Integrated NIC Connector
Your system has an integrated 10/100-megabit-per-second (Mbps) 3Com® Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI)
3C905B-TX Ethernet network interface controller (NIC). The NIC provides all the functions of a separate network
expansion card and supports both the 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX Ethernet standards.
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The NIC includes a Wakeup On LAN feature that enables the computer to be started by a special local area network
(LAN) signal from a server management console. Wakeup On LAN provides remote computer setup, software
downloading and installation, file updates, and asset tracking after hours and on weekends when LAN traffic is typically at
a minimum.
The NIC connector on the computer's back panel has the following indicators:
● A yellow activity indicator flashes when the system is transmitting or receiving network data. (A high volume of
network traffic may make this indicator appear to be in a steady "on" state.)
● A dual-colored link integrity indicator, which lights up green when there is a good connection between a 10-
Mbps network and the NIC, or it lights up orange when there is a good connection between a 100-Mbps network
and the NIC. When the green indicator is off, the computer is not detecting a physical connection to the network.
Audio Connectors
You can use the microphone jack to attach a standard personal computer microphone. Connect the audio cable from the
microphone to the microphone jack. The microphone input is a monaural source with maximum signal levels of 89
millivolts root-mean-squared (mVrms).
You can use the line-out jack to attach most computer speakers. The line-out jack is amplified, so speakers with
integrated amplifiers are not required. Connect the audio cable from the speakers to this jack.
You can use the line-in jack to attach record/playback devices such as cassette players, CD players, and VCRs. Connect
the line-out cable from any of these devices to the line-in jack on the back of your computer.
Video Connector
The system uses a 15-pin high-density D-subminiature connector on the back panel for attaching a video graphics array
(VGA)-compatible monitor to your system.
Serial Port Connectors
The serial ports use 9-pin D-subminiature connectors on the back panel. These ports support devices such as external
modems or plotters that require serial transmission (sending one bit of data at a time over one line).
The default designations for these integrated serial ports are COM1 for serial port 1 and COM2 for serial port 2. Port
designations are used in software installation procedures to identify the port used by a device—for example, specifying
the port used by a modem when installing communications software.
The system contains a reconfiguration feature to reassign the serial port's designation if you add an expansion card
containing a serial port using this designation.
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If you set the system’s integrated serial ports to Auto in the System Setup program and add an expansion card
containing a serial port configured to a specific designation, the computer automatically maps (assigns) the integrated
ports to the appropriate COM setting as necessary.
Before you add a card with a serial port, check the documentation that accompanied your software to make sure that the
software can be mapped to the new COM port designation.
Keyboard Connector
Your system uses a PS/2-style keyboard. The keyboard cable attaches to a 6-pin miniature DIN connector on the back
panel of your computer.
Network Cable Requirements
Your computer's NIC connector (an RJ45 connector located on the back panel) is designed for attaching an unshielded
twisted pair (UTP) Ethernet cable. Press one end of the UTP cable into the NIC connector until the cable snaps securely
into place.
Connect the other end of the cable to an RJ45 jack wall plate or to an RJ45 port on a UTP concentrator or hub,
depending on your network configuration.
Controls and Indicators
Figure 2 shows the controls and indicators on the front panel of your computer.
Figure 2. Controls and Indicators
1
Hard-disk drive access indicator
2
Power indicator
3
Power button
4
Diskette-drive access indicator
Hard-Disk Drive Access Indicator
The hard-disk drive access indicator lights up when a hard-disk drive is reading data from or writing data to the drive.
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Power Indicator
The power indicator in the center of the power button lights up when the computer is receiving power. Use the power
indicator to help you identify a system problem if the system does not boot when you press the power button to turn on
the computer.
CAUTION: Before you remove DIMMs, see "Safety First—For You and Your
Computer."
● A solid green power indicator and a beep code during power-on self-test (POST) indicate that a dual in-line
memory module (DIMM) may be faulty or is not properly seated.
Remove all DIMMs, install only one DIMM, and
then reboot. Repeat this procedure until you identify the faulty or improperly seated DIMM.
● A solid green power indicator and no beep code and no video during POST indicate that the monitor or the
integrated video controller may be faulty. See "
Troubleshooting the Monitor." If the monitor is operating properly
and is correctly connected, see "
Getting Help" for instructions on getting technical assistance from Dell.
● A solid green power indicator and no beep code with video during POST indicate that an integrated system board
device may be faulty. See "
Getting Help" for instructions on getting technical assistance from Dell.
Power Button
The power button controls the system's AC input power.
The Microsoft® Windows® 98 and Windows 98 Second Edition (SE) operating systems let you configure the function of
the power button through the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) feature (see Table 1).
NOTICE: To turn off your computer system, perform an orderly system shutdown using the
operating system menu when possible.
Table 1. Power Button Behavior Under Microsoft Windows 98 and Windows 98 SE Operating
Systems With ACPI
Action Results
System Turned On
and ACPI Enabled
System in Standby
Mode
System Turned Off
Press power button System goes into standby
mode or turns off
(depending on the
operating system setup)
System turns on Boots and system turns on
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Hold power button
for 6 seconds*
System turns off
immediately
System turns off
immediately
Boots and system turns on
* Pressing or holding the power button to shut down the system may result in data loss. Use the
power button to shut down the system only if the operating system is not responding.
Microsoft Windows 95 does not support ACPI. Table 2 shows power button functions for Windows 95 operating systems
and for Windows 98 operating systems that have the ACPI feature disabled.
Table 2. Power Button Behavior Under Microsoft Windows 95 and Windows 98 (With Dell
AutoShutdown Loaded)
Action Results
System Turned On System in Suspend
Mode
System Turned Off
Press power button System turns off System turns off Boots and system turns on
Hold power button for 6
seconds*
System turns off
immediately
System turns off
immediately
Boots and system turns on
* Pressing or holding the power button to shut down the system may result in data loss. Use the
power button to shut down the system only if the operating system is not responding.
Table 3 shows power button functions for Microsoft Windows NT® operating systems.
Table 3. Power Button Behavior Under Microsoft Windows NT (With Dell AutoShutdown
Loaded)
Action Results
System Turned On System Turned Off
Press power button System shuts down Boots and system turns on
Hold power button for 6 seconds* System turns off immediately Boots and system turns on
* Pressing or holding the power button to shut down the system may result in data loss. Use the
power button to shut down the system only if the operating system is not responding.
If the system does not turn off when you press the power button, the system may be hung. Press and hold the power
button until the system turns off completely (this process may take several seconds). Alternatively, press the reset button
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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 button to restart the system.
Diskette-Drive Access Indicator
The diskette-drive access indicator lights up when the drive is reading data from or writing data to a diskette. Wait until
the access indicator turns off before removing a diskette from the drive.
Chassis Intrusion
An integrated 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.
Use the the
Chassis Intrusion options in the System Setup program to reset the alarm so that future intrusions are
detected.
Security Cable Slot and Padlock Ring
On the back of the computer are a security cable slot and padlock ring (see Figure 3) for attaching commercially available
antitheft devices. (The padlock ring is recessed inside the cover.) 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 works 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 3. Security Cable Slot and Padlock Ring
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1
Padlock ring
2
Security cable slot
Using the System Password Feature
NOTICE: The password features provide a basic level of security for the data on your
system. However, they are not foolproof. If your data requires more security, it is your
responsibility to obtain and use additional forms of protection, such as data encryption
programs.
Your Dell system is shipped to you without the system password feature enabled. If system security is a concern, operate
your system only with system password protection.
You can assign a system password, as described in "
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 option is set to Enabled, the computer system prompts you for the system password
just after the system boots. See "
Using Your System Password to Secure Your System" for more information.
To change an existing system password, you must know the password (see "
Deleting or Changing an Existing System
Password"). If you assign and later forget a system password, you must remove the computer cover to change a jumper
setting that disables the system password feature (see "
Disabling a Forgotten Password"). Note that you erase the
setup password at the same time.
NOTICE: If you leave your system running and unattended without having a system
password assigned, or if you leave your computer unlocked so that someone can disable
the password by changing a jumper setting, anyone can access the data stored on your
hard-disk drive.
Assigning a System Password
Before you can assign a system password, you must enter the
System Setup program and check the System
Password option.
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When a system password is assigned, the setting shown in System Password is Enabled. When the system
password feature is disabled by a jumper setting on the system board, the setting shown is Disabled by Jumper.
You cannot change or enter a new system password if either of these options is displayed.
When no system password is assigned and the password jumper on the system board is in the Enabled position (its
default), the option shown for the
System Password option is Not Enabled. Only when System
Password is set to Not Enabled can you assign a system password, using the following procedure:
1. Verify that
Password Status is set to Unlocked.
2. Highlight
System Password, and then press the left- or right-arrow key.
The option heading changes to Enter Password, followed by an empty 32-character field in square brackets.
3. Type your new system password.
You can use up to 32 characters in your password.
As you press each character key (or the spacebar for a blank space), a placeholder appears in the field.
The password assignment operation recognizes keys by their location on the keyboard, without
distinguishing between lowercase and uppercase characters. For example, if you have an M in your
password, the system recognizes either M or m as correct.
Certain key combinations are not valid. If you enter one of these combinations, the speaker emits a beep.
To erase a character when entering your password, press the <Backspace> key or the left-arrow key.
NOTE: To escape from the field without assigning a system password, press
the <Tab> key or the <Shift><Tab> key combination to move to another field,
or press the <Esc> key at any time prior to completing step 5.
4. 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.
5. To confirm your password, type it a second time and press <Enter>.
The password setting changes to Enabled. Your system password is now set; you can exit the System
Setup program and begin using your system. Note, however, that password protection does not take
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effect until you reboot the system by pressing the reset button or by turning the system off and then on
again.
Using Your System Password to Secure Your System
Whenever you either turn on your system or press the reset button, or when you reboot the system by pressing the
<Ctrl><Alt><Del> key combination, the following prompt appears on the screen when
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
Password Status 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"),
the system accepts your setup password as an alternate system password.
If you enter a wrong or incomplete system password, the following message appears on the screen:
** Incorrect password. **
Enter password:
If you again enter an incorrect or incomplete system password, the same message appears on the screen.
The third and subsequent times you enter an incorrect or incomplete system password, 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.
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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 Password Status in conjunction with System Password and Setup
Password to further protect your system from unauthorized changes.
Deleting or Changing an Existing System Password
To delete or change an existing system password, perform the following steps:
1. Enter the
System Setup program, and verify that Password Status is set to Unlocked.
2. Reboot your system to force it to prompt you for a system password.
3. When prompted, type the system password.
4. Press <Ctrl><Enter> to disable the existing system password, instead of pressing <Enter> to continue with the
normal operation of your system.
5. Confirm that Not Enabled is displayed for the
System Password option of the System Setup program.
If Not Enabled appears in the System Password option, the system password has been deleted.
If you want to assign a new password, continue to step 6. If Not Enabled is not displayed for the
System Password option, press <Alt><B> to reboot the system, and then repeat steps 3 through 5.
6. To assign a new password, follow the procedure in "
Assigning a System Password."
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 "
Assigning a Setup Password," whenever you use the System Setup
program. After you assign a setup password, only those who know the password have full use of the System Setup
program. See "
Operating Your System With A Setup Password Enabled" for more information.
To change an existing setup password, you must know the setup password (see "
Deleting or Changing an Existing Setup
Password"). If you assign and later forget a setup password, you need to remove the computer cover to change a jumper
setting that disables the setup password feature (see "
Disabling a Forgotten Password"). Note that you erase the system
password at the same time.
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Assigning a Setup Password
You can assign a setup password only if
Setup Password is set to Not Enabled. To assign a setup password,
highlight Setup Password and press the left- or right-arrow key. The system prompts you to enter and verify the
password. If a character is illegal for password use, the system emits a beep.
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 Setup Password becomes effective immediately (rebooting the system is not required).
Operating Your System With a Setup Password Enabled
If
Setup Password is set to Enabled, you must enter the correct setup password before you can modify the
majority of the System Setup options.
When you start the
System Setup program, the System Setup screen appears with Setup Password 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 Date, Time, CPU Speed, Num Lock, and Speaker options.
● If System Password is not enabled and is not locked via the Password Status option, you can assign a
system password (however, you cannot disable or change an existing system password).
NOTE: You can use Password Status in conjunction with Setup Password to protect the
system password from unauthorized changes.
Deleting or Changing an Existing Setup Password
To delete or change an existing setup password, perform the following steps:
1. Enter the
System Setup program.
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2. Highlight
Setup Password and press the left- or right-arrow key to delete the existing setup password.
The setting changes to Not Enabled.
3. If you want to assign a new setup password, perform the steps in "
Assigning a Setup Password."
Disabling a Forgotten Password
If you forget your system or setup password, you cannot operate your system or change settings in the System Setup
program until you remove the computer cover, change the password jumper setting to disable the passwords, and erase
the existing passwords.
To disable a forgotten password, perform the following steps.
CAUTION: Before you remove the computer cover, see "Safety First—For You and
Your Computer."
1. Remove the computer cover according to the instructions in "
Removing and Replacing the Computer Cover."
2. Remove the jumper plug from the PSWD jumper to disable the password feature.
Refer to "
System Board Jumpers" for jumper information and to Figure 4 in "Inside Your Computer" for the
location of the password jumper (labeled "PSWD") on the system board.
3. Replace the computer cover.
4. Reconnect your computer and peripherals to an electrical outlet, and then turn them on.
Booting your system with the PSWD jumper plug removed erases the existing password(s).
5. Enter the System Setup program, and verify that the password is disabled. Proceed to step 6 if you want to
assign a new password.
NOTE: Before you assign a new system and/or setup password, you must
replace the PSWD jumper plug.
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CAUTION: Before you remove the computer cover, see "Safety First—For You and
Your Computer."
6. Remove the computer cover according to the instructions in "
Removing and Replacing the Computer Cover."
7. Replace the PSWD jumper plug.
8. Replace the computer cover, and then reconnect the computer and peripherals to an electrical outlet and turn
them on.
Booting your system with the PSWD jumper installed reenables the password feature. When you enter
the
System Setup program, both password options appear as Not Enabled, meaning that the
password feature is enabled but that no password has been assigned.
9. Assign a new system and/or setup password.
To assign a new system password, see "
Assigning a System Password." To assign a new setup
password, see "
Assigning a Setup Password."
Back to Contents Page
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Back to Contents Page
Using the System Setup Program: Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX1 Small-FormFactor System User's Guide
Overview System Setup Navigation Keys
Entering the System Setup Program System Setup Options
System Setup Screens
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 screens (by pressing the <Print Screen> key) or write
down the information for future reference.
Before you use the System Setup program, you need to know the kind of diskette 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
To enter the System Setup program, perform the following steps:
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1. Turn on your system.
If your system is already on, shut it down and then turn it on again.
2. Press <F2> immediately when the F2 = Setup prompt appears in the upper-right corner of the Dell logo screen.
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."
System Setup Screens
The two System Setup screens, Page 1 and Page 2, display the current setup and configuration information and optional
settings for your system. (Typical examples are illustrated in Figure 1.)
Figure 1. Typical Examples of System Setup Screens (Page 1 and Page 2)
1
Configuration
options
2
Title box
3
Help
4
Key
functions
5
System data
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