Dell OptiPlex GX1p Midsize Managed PC System Installation Guide
Dell OptiPlex GX1 and GX1p Midsize Managed PC Systems
Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX1 and GX1p Midsize Managed PC Systems
Reference and Installation Guide
Introduction
Using the System Setup Program
Using the ISA Configuration Utility
Working Inside Your Computer
Installing System Board Options
Installing Drives
Technical Specifications
ISA Configuration Utility Messages
NOTE: You can obtain the latest version of this document from the Dell Web support site at
http://support.dell.com.
Model DCM
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 1998–2000 Dell Computer Corporation. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Computer Corporation is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, OptiPlex, DellWare, Dell OpenManage, and the DELL logo are trademarks of Dell Computer
Corporation; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks, and MMX is a trademark 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 and EtherLink 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 The Open Group in the United States and other countries. 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: 7 Dec 1998
Last revised: 31 Jan 2000
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Back to Contents Page
Introduction: Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX1 and GX1p Midsize Managed
PC Systems
Overview Using the Power Switch
System Features Using the Optional Stand for Vertical
Orientation
Hardware Features ENERGY STAR® Compliance
Software Features Accessing Online Documentation
Manageability Features Getting Help
Connecting Peripheral Devices
Overview
Dell OptiPlex GX1 and GX1p midsize Managed PC systems are high-speed, expandable personal
computers designed around the Intel® Pentium® II and Pentium III microprocessors. 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. These
systems also support the Industry-Standard Architecture (ISA) bus for older expansion devices.
This section 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 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.
NOTE: This keyboard command is not available under the Microsoft® Windows NT® and IBM®
OS/2® operating systems.
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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 256MB synchronous dynamic random-access memory (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 "
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 and GX1p 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 2.2.
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 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 "
Setup Program."
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. USBcompliant 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.
Adding Memory" for details.
Using the System
Hardware Features
The system board includes the following integrated features:
Two riser board options, each with five expansion slots. The active option includes three 32-bit PCI
expansion slots and two PCI (32-bit)/ISA (16-bit) expansion slots; the passive option includes two PCI
expansion slots, two ISA expansion slots, and one shared PCI/ISA expansion slot.
A 64-bit accelerated graphics port (AGP) video subsystem, which includes the ATI 3D Rage Pro super
video graphics array (SVGA) video controller. On the Dell OptiPlex GX1, this video subsystem contains
4 MB (upgradable to 8 MB) of synchronous graphics random-access memory (SGRAM) video memory;
the Dell OptiPlex GX1p comes with 8 MB of SGRAM video memory. Maximum resolutions are 1600 ×
1200 with 65,536 colors noninterlaced and 1280 × 1024 and 1024 × 768 with true-colors noninterlaced.
In 800 × 600 and 640 × 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.
and Windows NT 4.0 operating systems.
Table 1. Video Memory Requirements
Table 1 lists the video memory requirements for the Microsoft Windows® 95, Windows 98,
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Video Resolution Maximum Color
Maximum Refresh
Minimum SGRAM
Depth
640 × 480 True-color (32 bpp) 85 Hz 4 MB
Rate
Required
800 × 600 True-color (32 bpp) 85 Hz 4 MB
1024 × 768 True-color (32 bpp) 85 Hz 4 MB
1280 × 1024 True-color (32 bpp) 75 Hz 8 MB
1600 × 1200 65,536 colors (16
75 Hz 8 MB
bpp)
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.
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 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 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 information, see your online System User's
Guide.
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. More information
is available on the Dell ResourceCD.
Video drivers for displaying many popular application programs in high-resolution modes. More
information is available on the Dell ResourceCD.
Audio drivers for enabling the sound functions on the expansion sound card. More information is
available on the Dell ResourceCD.
Bus-mastering EIDE drivers to improve performance by off-loading certain functions from the
microprocessor during multithreaded operation (when several applications are running simultaneously).
More information is available on the Dell ResourceCD.
The System Setup program for quickly viewing and changing the system configuration information for
your system. For more information on this program, see "
Enhanced security features (a setup password, a system password, a system-password lock option, a
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Using the System Setup Program."
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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 "
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. More information is available on 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.
Using the System Setup Program."
Using the ISA Configuration Utility"
Manageability Features
Your Dell OptiPlex GX1 or GX1p Managed PC system incorporates many hardware and software features to
improve the manageability of the system. Installed features include:
Dell OpenManage program
Preboot eXecution Environment (PXE)
Wakeup On LAN
Auto Power On
Temperature monitoring
Security features
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
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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 the following:
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 the following:
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.
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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 the following:
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
Security management features of Dell OpenManage include the following:
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 the Dell OpenManage, refer to the online Dell OpenManage Help that
accompanied the software.
PXE
The PXE allows a personal computer to be managed by one or more configuration management 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 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 applications 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.
Auto Power On
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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 Dell OptiPlex GX1 or GX1p 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 computer
cover is removed, the setting changes to Detected and the following message appears during the boot
sequence at the next 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 "
Security Cable Slot and Padlock Ring
Using the System Setup Program."
On the back of the computer are a security cable slot and padlock ring (see Figure 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 2. Security Cable Slot and Padlock Ring
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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 "
Using the System Setup Program."
Connecting Peripheral Devices
Figure 3 shows the connectors on the back of your computer for attaching external devices.
Figure 3. I/O Ports, Connectors, and Indicators
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, wait 5
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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 8 data bits, or 1 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 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 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.
Integrated NIC Connector
Your system has an integrated 10/100-Mbps 3Com PCI 3C905B-TX Ethernet NIC. The NIC provides all the
functions of a separate network expansion card and supports both the 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX
Ethernet standards.
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:
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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 100Mbps 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 VGAcompatible 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.
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
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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.
Using the Power Switch
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 2).
NOTICE: When you turn off your computer system, perform an orderly system shutdown using the
operating system menu when possible.
Table 2. Power Button Behavior Under Microsoft Windows 98 and Windows 98 SE Operating Systems
With ACPI
Results
System Turned On
Action
and ACPI Enabled
Press power button System goes into
standby mode or turns
System in Standby
System Turned Off
Mode
System turns on Boots and system turns
on
off (depending on the
operating system setup)
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 3 shows power button functions for Windows 95 and
Windows 98 operating systems that have the ACPI feature disabled.
Table 3. Power Button Behavior Under Microsoft Windows 95 and Windows 98 (With Dell
AutoShutdown Loaded)
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Results
Action
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 4 shows power button functions for Microsoft Windows NT operating systems.
Table 4. 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 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.
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
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easiest to attach before you set up your computer and connect the back-panel cables.
power consumption beyond the limits set by the EPA's ENERGY STAR® Computers program.
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 4. 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 4. Attaching the Optional Stand for Vertical Orientation
As you lower the stand into place, make sure that the locator pin (see Figure 4) 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, 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
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. For instructions, see "
NOTES: As an ENERGY STAR® Partner, Dell Computer Corporation has determined that this
product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency.
Figure 5), your original configuration complied with these requirements and
Using the System Setup Program."
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
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Figure 5. 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.
Accessing Online Documentation
The online System User's Guide installed on your hard-disk drive contains information on the following
topics:
How to use the online System User's Guide
System features
Using drivers and utilities
Using the integrated audio controller
Using the System Setup program
Configuring expansion cards
Securing your computer
Connecting external devices
Maintaining the system
Contacting Dell
The guide also contains a glossary of commonly used terms and abbreviations.
The 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
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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.
Back to Contents Page
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Using the System Setup Program: Dell OptiPlex GX1 and GX1p Midsize Managed PC Systems
Back to Contents Page
Using the System Setup Program: Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX1 and GX1p
Midsize Managed PC Systems
Overview Using the System Password Feature
Entering the System Setup Program Using the Setup Password Feature
System Setup Screens Disabling a Forgotten Password
Using the System Setup Program Responding to Error Messages
System Setup Options
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.
NOTE: Dell recommends that you upgrade your basic input/output system (BIOS) to the latest
version. Refer to the Dell support Web site at http://support.dell.com for instructions.
Entering the System Setup Program
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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. 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" at the end of this chapter.
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. System Setup Screens
.)
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Information on the two System Setup screens is organized in five boxed areas:
Title box
The box at the top of both screens lists the system name, page number (Page 1 or Page 2), and the
revision number of the basic input/output system (BIOS).
Configuration options
The box on the left half of both screens lists the options that define the installed hardware in your
computer.
Fields beside the options contain options or values; those that appear bright on the screen can be
changed. Options or values that you cannot change because they are determined by the system
appear less bright.
Some options 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.
Help
The box on the upper-right half of both screens displays help information for the option with a currently
highlighted field.
System data
The box in the lower-right corner of both screens displays information about your system.
Key functions
The line of boxes across the bottom of both screens lists keys and their functions within the System
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Setup program.
Using the System Setup Program
Table 1 lists the keys you use to view or change information on the System Setup screens and to exit the
program.
Table 1. System-Setup Navigation Keys
Keys Action
Moves to the next field.
Moves to the previous field.
Cycles through the options in a field. In many fields, you can also type the appropriate
value.
Scrolls through help information.
Switches between Page 1 and Page 2.
Exits the System Setup program without rebooting the system and returns the system to
its previous state—the boot routine.
For most of the options, any changes you make are recorded but do not take effect until
the next time you boot the system. For a few options (as noted in the help area), the
changes take effect immediately.
Exits the System Setup program and reboots the system, implementing any changes you
have made.
Resets the selected option to its default setting.
Enters the Device List screen when the Boot Devices menu option is set to Device List.
See Table 2
for more information on the keys you use in the Device List screen.
System Setup Options
The following subsections explain in detail each of the options on the System Setup screens.
Time
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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 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 each of the appropriate fields.
Date
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 three fields that
follow (month, day-of-month, and year).
To change the date, 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 the month and day-of-month
fields.
Diskette Drive A, Diskette Drive B, and Use ZIP as A or 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 option settings always match the physical locations of the drives in your computer—the first drive listed
on Page 1 of the System Setup screens is the top drive in your computer.
The options are:
5.25 Inch, 360 KB
5.25 Inch, 1.2 MB
3.5 Inch, 720 KB
3.5 Inch, 1.44 MB
Not Installed
The diskette option labeled "Use ZIP as A or B" is used to control the operation of an internally installed
ATAPI Zip drive. The options are On and Off. When set On, the Zip drive operates as a diskette drive and
can be booted. When set to Off, the Zip drive operates as a normal ATAPI device.
You can have a total of two diskette devices, either diskette drives or Zip drives.
NOTE: Tape drives are not reflected in the Diskette Drive A and Diskette Drive B options. For
example, if you have a single diskette drive and a tape drive attached to the diskette/tape drive
interface cable, set the Diskette Drive A option to match the characteristics of the diskette drive and
set the Diskette Drive B option to Not Installed.
Drives: Primary and Secondary
Primary identifies drives attached to the primary enhanced integrated drive electronics (EIDE) interface
connector (labeled "IDE1") on the system board; Secondary identifies drives connected to the secondary
EIDE interface connector (labeled "IDE2"). It is recommended that you use the secondary EIDE interface
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connector for EIDE CD-ROM and EIDE tape drives.
NOTES: For all devices from Dell that use the built-in EIDE controller, set the appropriate Drive option
to Auto. For small computer system interface (SCSI) devices, set the appropriate Drive option to
None.
You must have an EIDE device connected to the primary EIDE interface if you have an EIDE device
connected to the secondary EIDE interface.
For older EIDE hard-disk drives not shipped with the system from Dell and less than 528 megabytes (MB) in
capacity, you can use one of the following options if the Autodetect feature does not work:
A specific drive-type number
Usr1 or Usr2
For each drive, seven parameters can be chosen as a group by drive-type number or entered individually
from the keyboard. A drive-type number specifies the parameters of a hard-disk drive, based on a table
recorded in the system's BIOS.
NOTE: Operating systems that bypass the system BIOS may not obtain optimum hard-disk drive
performance.
If you choose the Usr1 or Usr2 option, you must supply the following parameters for the drive:
Type is the drive-type number for the selected hard-disk drive (in this case, Usr1 or Usr2).
Cyls is the number of logical cylinders.
Hds indicates the number of logical heads in the drive.
Pre (precompensation cylinder) is the cylinder number at which the electrical current for the drive head
changes to compensate for differences in data density across the disk surface (this parameter has no
effect for EIDE drives).
Lz is the cylinder number that is used as the drive's landing zone for the heads when the drive is not in
use.
Sec is the number of logical sectors per track.
Size (automatically calculated by the system) indicates the number of millions of bytes of storage
provided by the drive.
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 option 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 option has the following options:
None (the default option)
512K - 640K
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15M - 16M
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 option between the resident microprocessor's
rated speed (the default) and a lower compatibility speed, which lets you accommodate speed-sensitive
application programs. A change to this option takes effect immediately (rebooting the system is not required).
You can also toggle between the rated processor speed and the compatibility speed while the system is
running in real mode by pressing <Ctrl><Alt><\>. (For keyboards that do not use American English, press
<Ctrl><Alt><#>.)
Num Lock
Num Lock 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.
Chassis Intrusion
Chassis Intrusion displays the status of the system chassis intrusion monitor. The settings for this option are
Enabled, Enabled-Silent, or Disabled. The default is Enabled.
If the computer cover is removed while the intrusion monitor is set to Enabled, the setting changes to
Detected, and the following message appears during the boot sequence at the next system start-up:
Alert! Cover was previously removed.
If the computer cover is removed while the intrusion monitor is set to Enabled-Silent, the setting changes to
Detected, but the alert message is not displayed during the boot sequence at the next system start-up.
If the intrusion monitor is set to Disabled, no intrusion monitoring occurs and no messages are displayed.
To reset the Detected setting, enter the System Setup program during the system's power-on self-test
(POST). Highlight the Chassis Intrusion option and press the left- or right-arrow key to choose Enabled,
Enabled-Silent, or Disabled.
NOTE: When the setup password is enabled, you must enter the setup password before you can
reset the Chassis Intrusion option.
DAC Snoop
DAC Snoop lets you correct video problems that may occur when certain video add-in cards are used. The
default is Off. If you are using a video add-in card and problems such as incorrect colors or blank windows
occur, set DAC Snoop to On.
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ACPI
system start-up by pressing <Ctrl><Enter> and then changed through the System Password option.
This option controls the operation of the system's Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI)
feature.
When ACPI is set to On, momentarily pressing the power button places the system in a power-saving mode.
To turn the system off completely, press the power button for more than 4 seconds. When ACPI is set to On,
interrupt request (IRQ) line 9 is not available for use by an expansion card.
When ACPI is set to Off, momentarily pressing the power button turns off the system completely. With this
setting, IRQ9 is available for use by an expansion card.
Keyboard Errors
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 option is useful when applied to self-starting servers or host systems that have no permanently attached
keyboard. In these situations, selecting Do Not Report suppresses all error messages relating to the
keyboard or 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.
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 settings for the System Password option are:
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 "Disabling a
Forgotten Password" found later in this chapter for instructions on disabling a forgotten system
password.
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 option and then
change the Password Status option to Locked. In this state, the system password cannot be changed
through the System Password option and cannot be disabled at system start-up by pressing <Ctrl><Enter>.
To unlock the system password, you must enter the setup password in the Setup Password option and then
change the Password Status option to Unlocked. In this state, the system password can be disabled at
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Boot Sequence
Boot Sequence can be set to Diskette First (the default option), Hard Disk Only, CD-ROM First, or Device
List.
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.
Diskette First
Selecting Diskette First 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 hard-disk drive (drive 0), then from the CD-ROM
drive, and finally from the Plug and Play network adapters in the order found.
Hard Disk Only
Selecting Hard Disk Only causes the system to attempt to boot first from the hard-disk drive and then from
the Plug and Play network adapters in the order found.
CD- ROM First
Selecting CD-ROM First 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 drive A, then from drive C, and finally from the
Plug and Play network adapters in the order found.
Device List
Device List provides access to the Device List screen where you can choose from a list of available boot
devices to boot from and specify the order in which your computer attempts to boot from these devices. To
view the Device List screen, press <Ctrl> and the right-arrow key. Table 2 lists other navigation keys used on
the Device List screen.
Table 2. Device-List Screen Navigation Keys
Keys Action
Returns the boot device lists to the default settings
Moves the selected item up or down in the boot sequence
Exits to Page 2 of the System Setup screens
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Moves the selected item from one Boot Device Priority list to the other
NOTICE: Only a technically knowledgeable person should change the settings in the Device List
screen.
The Device List screen (see Figure 2) provides three options for listing and prioritizing the available boot
devices in your system.
Figure 2. Sample Device List Screen
Boot Device Priority
The Boot Device Priority option lists all bootable devices (hard-disk drives, CD-ROM drives, and so on)
that are controlled by the system BIOS and any Plug and Play network adapters installed in the
computer.
Exclude From Boot Device Priority
The Exclude From Boot Device Priority option allows you to remove from the Boot Device Priority option
any boot devices that you want the system to ignore during system start-up.
Device Controller Priority
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The Device Controller Priority option lists the system BIOS controller; any non-Plug and Play devices,
such as network adapter cards; and any secondary controller cards, such as a small computer system
interface (SCSI) adapter, installed in the computer.
NOTE: Non-Plug and Play devices appear in this list as Adapters without ID support.
When determining the order of devices to boot from, the system first considers the order of the devices listed
under the Device Controller Priority option, then the order of devices under Boot Device Priority.
To specify your priority preferences, order the devices under these options so that the highest-priority
controller is at the top of the Device Controller Priority option and the highest-priority device is at the top of
the Boot Device Priority option. Order the remainder of the devices in the Boot Device Priority option
according to your preferences. Move any devices that you want the system to ignore during system start-up
into the Exclude From Boot Device Priority option.
NOTE: The system defines drive C in the Boot Device Priority option as the first hard-disk drive
attached to the highest-priority device controller. Therefore, if you have a SCSI adapter installed in
your computer and you want the SCSI drive 0 to be drive C, you must move the SCSI adapter item to
the top of the Device Controller Priority option.
To change the order of the devices, press <Ctrl> and the up- or down-arrow key. If you want to revert to the
original Boot Device Priority option settings, press <Ctrl><Del>.
NOTE: If you exit the Device List option by pressing <Esc> or <Alt><b> without making any changes,
the Boot Sequence option is set to the Device List option.
Setup Password
Setup Password indicates whether a password is required before you can change option settings on the
System Setup screen. The settings for this option are normally Enabled or Not Enabled. A third setting,
Disabled By Jumper, displays if the Setup Password option is deactivated. (You can set a jumper on the
system board to deactivate the Setup option.)
If Setup Password is set to Enabled, you must enter the correct setup password before you can change the
settings for the majority of the System Setup options. If you do not enter the correct password in three tries,
the system lets you view, but not change, the settings on the System Setup screen, with one exception: if
Password Status is Unlocked, you may change the system password.
NOTE: Read "Using the Setup Password Feature" for instructions on assigning a setup password and
using or changing an existing setup password. See "Disabling a Forgotten Password
" for instructions
on disabling a forgotten setup password.
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.
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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.
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 option 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 option reduces monitor power consumption
during periods of keyboard and mouse inactivity
NOTICE: 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 Personal
System/2 (PS/2)-compatible mouse port.
By setting Power Management to Maximum, Regular, or Minimum, you can set predefined time-out periods
(see Table 3
) for the two successive monitor shutdown stages, standby and off.
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 the 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
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For most systems, enabling Power Management at any level causes EIDE hard-disk drives to switch to lowpower mode after about 20 minutes of system inactivity (see Table 3
).
NOTES: All EIDE drives shipped with your system support this feature. (For more information on
Energy Star systems, see "ENERGY STAR® Compliance
".)
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 option 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 when you next 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 3. Power Time-Out Periods
Power
Management
Setting
EIDE Drive
Spindown
Time-Outs
Monitor
Standby
Time-Outs
Monitor Off
Time-Outs
Disabled Never Never Never
Maximum 20 minutes 10 minutes 1 hour
Regular 20 minutes 20 minutes 1 hour
Minimum 20 minutes 1 hour Never
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.
Sound
Sound determines whether the integrated audio controller is On or Off. You must reboot your system before
a change takes effect.
NIC
NIC determines whether an integrated network interface controller (NIC) is On or Off. You must reboot your
system before a change takes effect.
Mouse
Mouse enables or disables the system's built-in PS/2-compatible mouse port. Disabling the mouse allows an
expansion card to use interrupt request (IRQ) 12.
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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 options can be set to Auto
(the default) 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 option can be set to 378h (the default), 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 Mode
Parallel 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 and Windows 98. Windows 95 and
Windows 98 use ECP protocol automatically if the operating system detects an ECP-capable device,
eliminating the need for an ECP setting in this option.
Set this option 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 Hard Disk
file:///C|/infodev/2013/eDoc/OpGX1/SIG/system.htm[2/21/2013 12:07:20 PM]
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