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Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, and PowerEdge are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks
of Microsoft Corporation; Red Hat is a registered trademark of Red Hat, Inc.
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October 2004P/N J4706Rev. A05
Contents
Installing Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003 . . . . . . . . . 5
Installing Red Hat Enterprise Linux ES (version 3)
•Systems with four hard drives or a tape backup unit
•Installing SCSI hard drives
•Missing Memory in Systems With PCI Express ("Memory Hole")
®
Windows® Small Business Server 2003
®
Enterprise Linux ES (version 3)
Installing Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003
If you install Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003 on a Dell™ PowerEdge™ SC1420, the
installation process may appear to cease with about thirteen minutes remaining during the time
when Windows reports that it is registering components. During this portion of the installation,
Windows installs additional security updates and patches, which may take significantly longer to
install than the reported expected time remaining. While these updates are installing, you should
take no action and allow the installation the necessary time to complete. Dell testing has shown the
delay to range from 5 to over 45 minutes, depending upon your hardware configuration. Microsoft
has documented this behavior in Knowledge Base article #839492.
Installing Red Hat Enterprise Linux ES (version 3)
Before installing Linux on your system, change the
in the System Setup program to
RAID Off
.
SATA Operation
option under the
Drives
Memory Cooling Fan and Shroud
NOTICE: If you install more than 4 GB of memory, you must install the memory cooling fan and shroud
to prevent the memory from overheating. If you do not install the memory cooling fan and shroud, you will
receive an error message stating that you must install a fan or remove some memory.
Information Update5
menu
Installing the Memory Cooling Fan and Shroud
CAUTION: See your System Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions,
working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.
Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical
1
outlet.
2
Open the system.
3
Align the memory cooling fan and shroud tabs with the holes on the back panel.
See Figure 1-1.
Figure 1-1. Installing the Memory Cooling Fan and Shroud
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4
Insert the tabs and lower the memory cooling fan and shroud until it snaps into place.
5
Connect the memory cooling fan and shroud power cable to the system board. See Figure 1-1.
6
Close the system.
7
Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system.
shroud tabs (4)
cooling fan
and shroud
power cable
6Information Update
System Error Messages
Table 1-1 lists the system error messages that have been added to POST.
Table 1-1. System Messages
MessageCausesCorrective Actions
Alert! Memory fan has
failed or is not present.
A memory fan is required
for the current memory
configuration. Please see
the documentation that
came with your computer
for more information.
Alert! Operating in debug
mode. Please populate
memory in pairs for normal
operation.
Alert! Unable to
initialize fan controller.
Error! Memory configured
incorrectly. Please enter
Setup for Memory Info
details.
Greater than 4 GB memory installed
without installing required memory
fan.
Only one memory module with a
capacity greater than 256 MB is
installed in DIMM_1.
Faulty system board.See "Getting Help" in your Installation
The memory modules are installed
incorrectly.
Install or replace the memory cooling fan
and shroud.
You will see this error message when
troubleshooting memory modules. After
you have completed the troubleshooting
procedures, populate the memory in
identical pairs. See "Troubleshooting
System Memory" and "Memory
Installation Guidelines" in your
Installation and Troubleshooting Guide.
and Troubleshooting Guide.
See "Memory Installation Guidelines"
in your Installation and Troubleshooting Guide.
Information Update7
System Setup Options
Main Screen
Figure 1-2 shows an example of the main screen.
Figure 1-2. Main System Setup Program Screen
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8Information Update
Table 1-2 through Table 1-9 list the options and descriptions for each group of information fields
that appear on the main System Setup program screen.
NOTE: The System Setup program defaults are listed under their respective options, where applicable.
Table 1-2. System Options
OptionDescription
System Info
CPU Info
Memory Info
Date/Time
Boot Sequence
(Diskette drive default)
Table 1-3. Drive Options
Displays the
Express Service Code
Displays the following information for the processor installed in the system:
Processor Type, Processor Clock Speed, Processor Bus Speed, Processor Cache
,
Size
and if the processor has
Displays the amount of
Mode
a table that describes the memory size, whether the memory module is ECC
capable, single or dual rank, type, and organization.
Resets the system’s internal calendar and clock.
Determines the order in which the system searches for boot devices during
system startup. Available options can include the diskette drive, CD drive,
hard drives, and network.
System
name,
BIOS Version
, and
Asset Tag
Processor ID
, and a description of the
number, whether the processor is
64-bit Technology
Installed Memory, Memory Speed, Memory Channel
number,
.
.
Memory Technology
BIOS Date, Service Tag,
Hyper-Threading Capable
. This option also displays
,
OptionDescription
Diskette Drive
(Internal default)
Enables and disables the diskette drives and sets read permission for the internal
diskette drive.
drive and enables a USB drive if the USB controller is enabled and a USB drive is
connected.
internal drive controller and allows the internal diskette drive read-only
permission.
NOTE: Diskette drives are optional and may not be part of your system.
Drive (0-5)
(On default)
Enables or disables a PATA or SATA device (such as hard-drive, CD drive,
or DVD drive).
On
enables the interface so that the device can be used.
Displays the Controller type (PATA or SATA), Por t number the drive is using,
Drive ID number, Capacity, and whether the drive is controlled by the BIOS.
NOTE: Drive 0 and drive 1 are reserved for SATA drives and drives 2–5 are
reserved for PATA or IDE drives.
Off
disables all diskette drives.
Internal
enables the internal diskette drive.
Off
disables the interface so that the device cannot be used.
USB
disables the internal diskette
Read Only
enables the
Information Update9
Table 1-3. Drive Options (continued)
OptionDescription
SATA Operation
(RAID On default)
SMART Reporting
(Off default)
Table 1-4. Onboard Devices Options
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OptionDescription
Integrated NIC
(On default)
USB
(On default)
LPT Port Mode
(PS/2 default)
LPT Port Address
(378 default)
Serial Port (#1 or #2)
(Auto default)
PS/2 Mouse Port
(On default)
Determines the integrated SATA controller’s operating mode.
RAID support.
RAID Off
disables RAID support.
RAID On
enables
NOTICE: When using a SCSI RAID add-in controller card, set the integrated
SATA controller’s operating mode to RAID Off.
Determines whether hard-drive errors for internal drives are reported during
Off
system startup.
Enables or disables the integrated NIC controller.
On
enables the controller.
NOTE:
PXE or RPL is required only if you are booting to an operating system on
another system; not if you are booting to an operating system on a hard drive in
this system.
Enables or disables the internal USB controller. Off disables the controller. On
enables the controller. No Boot enables the controller but disables the ability
to boot from a USB device.
Determines the mode of operation of the internal parallel port.
port.
AT
configures the port for IBM AT compatibility.
for IBM PS/2 compatibility.
protocol.
If you set the LPT Port Mode to ECP, the LPT Port DMA option appears
in the option menu.
Determines the address that the built-in parallel port uses.
Serial Port 1 options are COM1, COM3, Auto, and Off.
Serial Port 2 options are COM2, COM4, Auto, and Off.
When serial port 1 or 2 is set to Auto, the integrated port automatically maps
to the next available port. Serial port 1 attempts to use COM1 first and then
COM3. Serial port 2 attempts to use COM2 first and then COM4. If both
addresses are in use for a specific port, the port is disabled.
If you set the serial port to Auto and add an expansion card with a port
configured to the same designation, the system automatically remaps the
integrated port to the next available port designation that shares the same
IRQ setting.
Enables or disables the integrated PS/2-compatible mouse controller.
Off disables the controller. On enables the controller.
ECP
does not report errors. On reports errors.
Off
disables the controller.
Off
disables the
PS/2
configures the port
EPP
configures the port for the EPP bidirectional
configures the port for the ECP bidirectional protocol.
10Information Update
Table 1-5. Performance Options
OptionDescription
Hyper-Threading
(On default)
HDD Acoustic Mode
(Performance default)
Table 1-6. Security Options
OptionDescription
Admin Password
(Not Set default)
Determines whether the physical processor appears as one or two logical
processors. The performance of some applications improve with additional
logical processors installed. On enables hyper-threading. Off disables hyperthreading.
Allows you to optimize SATA or PATA drive performance and noise level based
on personal preferences. Bypass is used for older drives. Quiet slows drive
performance but reduces drive noise. Suggested adjusts performance to the
manufacturers preferred mode. Performance increases drive performance but
may increase drive noise.
Displays the current status of your System Setup program’s password security
feature and allows you to verify and assign a new admin password.
NOTE: See "Using the Admin Password" in your User’s Guide for instructions
on assigning an admin password and using or changing an existing admin
password.
System Password
(Not Set default)
Displays the current status of your system's password security feature and
allows you to verify and assign a new system password.
NOTE: See "Using the System Password" in your User’s Guide for instructions
on assigning a system password and using or changing an existing system
password.
Password Changes
(Unlocked default)
Chassis Intrusion
(On-Silent default)
Intrusion AlertPressing the <Enter> key acknowledges the intrusion and arms the system
Determines the interaction between the System password and the Setup
password. Locked prevents a user with a valid Setup password from being able
to modify the System password. Unlocked allows a user with a valid Setup
password to modify the system password.
Enables or disables the chassis-intrusion detection feature. When set to On-Silent, chassis intrusion is detected but no warning message is reported during
start-up. When set to On, this field displays DETECTED when the chassis
cover has been opened. Pressing any edit key acknowledges the intrusion and
arms the system to look for further security breaches. Off disables the chassisintrusion detection feature.
to look for further security breaches.
Information Update11
Table 1-6. Security Options (continued)
OptionDescription
Execute Disable
(On default)
Execute Disable (XD) is a new security feature that helps prevent code
execution in certain memory areas when combined with a supported operating
system or application. Execute Disable can help to prevent a class of viruses
that use buffer overflow attacks.
Execute Disable has two settings, On and Off. On indicates that Execute
Disable Memory Protection Technology is on. Off indicates that Execute
Disable Memory Protection Technology is off.
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Table 1-7. Power Management Options
OptionDescription
AC Recovery
(Last default)
Auto Power On
(Off default)
Auto Power TimeDetermines the time that you want the system to turn on.
Low Power Mode
(Off default)
Remote Wake Up
(Off default)
Determines how the system responds when AC power is reapplied after a
power loss. Off commands the system to stay off when the power is reapplied.
You must press the front-panel power button before the system turns on.
On commands the system to turn on when the power is reapplied. Last
commands the system to return to the last power state the system was in just
before it was turned off.
Determines when to use the Auto Power Time setting to turn on the system. Off commands the system to not use the Auto Power Time feature. Everyday
turns on the system every day at the time set in Auto Power Time. Wee kd ay s
turns on the system every day from Monday through Friday at the time set in
Auto Power Time.
On conserves more power by removing power from most hardware features.
Off conserves less power and removes power from fewer hardware features.
Determines how the system is turned on remotely from the Suspend,
Hibernate, or Off states. Off disables the NIC from waking up the system.
On enables the NIC to wake up the system. On w/ Boot to NIC enables
the NIC to wake up the system and boot from the network.
If you want the system to perform a Remote Wake Up, you must first set Low Power Mode to Off.
12Information Update
Table 1-8. Maintenance Options
OptionDescription
Load DefaultsAllows you to restore all System Setup options to their factory defaults.
Event LogAllows you to view the Event Log. Entries are marked R for Read and U
for Unread. Mark All Entries Read puts an R to the left of all the entries.
Clear Log clears the Event Log.
Table 1-9. POST Behavior Options
OptionDescription
Fast Boot
(On default)
Numlock Key
(On default)
POST Hotkeys
(Setup and Boot Menu
default)
Keyboard Errors
(Report default)
When enabled, this feature reduces system startup time by bypassing some
compatibility steps. Off does not skip any steps during system startup.
On starts the system more quickly.
Determines the functionality of the numeric keys on the right side of your
keyboard. Off commands the right keypad keys to function as arrows.
On commands the right keypad keys to function as numbers.
Determines whether the sign-on screen displays a message stating the
keystroke sequence that is required to enter the Setup program or the
Quickboot feature. Setup & Boot Menu displays both messages
(F2=Setup and F12=Boot Menu). Setup displays the setup message only
(F2=Setup). Boot Menu displays the Quickboot message only
(F12=Boot Menu). None displays no message.
When set to Report (enabled) and an error is detected during POST, the BIOS
will display the error message and prompt you to press <F1> to continue or
press <F2> to enter System Setup.
When set to Do Not Report (disabled) and an error is detected during POST,
the BIOS will display the error message and continue booting the system.
Information Update13
Assigning a System Password
Before you assign a system password, enter the System Setup program and check the
Password
option.
When a system password is assigned, the setting shown for the
If the setting shown for the
If the
Password Changes
system password feature is disabled by a jumper setting, the system password is
and you cannot change or enter a new system password.
When a system password is not assigned and the password jumper on the system board is in
the enabled (default) position, the setting shown for the
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and the
Password Changes
1
Verify that the
2
Highlight the
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 is not case-sensitive. However, certain key combinations are not
valid. If you enter one of these combinations, the system beeps. To erase a character when
entering your password, press <Backspace> or the left-arrow key.
NOTE: To escape from the field without assigning a system password, press <Enter> to move
to another field, or press <Esc> at any time before completing step 5.
4
Press <Enter>.
5
To confirm your password, type it a second time and press <Enter>.
The setting shown for the
Password Changes is Unlocked
option is
field is
Locked
Unlocked
Password Changes
System Password
System Password
System Password
option is
, you can change the system password.
, you cannot change the system password. When the
Disabled
System Password
option is
. To assign a system password:
option is set to
Unlocked
.
option and press <Enter>.
changes to
Set
.
System
Set
,
Not Set
.
6
Save and exit the System Setup program and begin using your system.
14Information Update
Using Your System Password to Secure Your System
NOTE: If you have assigned an admin password (see "Using the Admin Password" in your User’s Guide),
the system accepts your admin password as an alternate system password.
When the
security enabled or to disable the password security.
To leave the password security enabled:
1
2
When the
your system by pressing <Ctrl><Alt><Del>, type your password and press <Enter> at the
prompt.
After you type the correct system password and press <Enter>, your system operates as usual.
If an incorrect system password is entered, the system displays a message and prompts you to reenter your password. You have three attempts to enter the correct password. After the third
unsuccessful attempt, the system displays an error message showing the number of unsuccessful
attempts and that the system has halted and will shut down. This message can alert you to an
unauthorized person attempting to use your system.
Even after you shut down and restart the system, the error message continues to be displayed until
the correct password is entered.
Password Changes
option is set to
Unlocked
, you have the option to leave the password
Turn on or reboot your system by pressing <Ctrl><Alt><Del>.
Type your password and press <Enter>.
Password Changes
NOTE: You can use the Password Changes option in conjunction with the System Password and Admin
Password options to further protect your system from unauthorized changes.
option is set to
Locked
whenever you turn on your system or reboot
Operating With an Admin Password Set
If
Admin Password
of the System Setup options. When you start the System Setup program, you must enter the
password from the
If you do not enter the correct password in three attempts, the system lets you view, but not modify,
the System Setup screens—with the following exception: If
not locked through the
cannot disable or change an existing system password).
NOTE: You can use the Password Changes option in conjunction with the Admin Password option
to protect the system password from unauthorized changes.
is
Set
, you must enter the correct admin password before you can modify most
Unlock Setup
Password Changes
option.
System Password
is not set to
option, you can assign a system password (however, you
Information Update15
Set
and is
Systems With Four Hard Drives or a Tape Backup Unit
NOTE: Call Dell for the processor fan and shroud specifications.
If your system contains a single processor and you upgrade to a configuration with four hard drives
or a tape backup unit, you must install the second processor fan and cooling shroud. See your
Installation and Troubleshooting Guide
cooling shroud.
Installing SCSI Hard Drives
When installing SCSI hard drives, you must connect the drives to a SCSI controller card.
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See Figure 1-3. The installation illustration in your
shows the drives being connected to the system board.
Figure 1-3. Installing SCSI Hard Drives
for instructions about installing the processor fan and
Installation and Troubleshooting Guide
interface cable
power cable
16Information Update
SCSI hard drive
SCSI controller card
Missing Memory in Systems With PCI Express
("Memory Hole")
A condition has been noted on system configurations containing PCI Express slots and RAM of
3.5 GB or greater. The operating system will show an amount of available RAM that is less than the
amount actually installed on the system. The difference of memory, commonly called a "memory
hole," is due to the requirements of the PCI Express subsystem and how memory is allocated by the
system. PCI Express requires RAM in amounts of 256 MB full blocks at a time. Therefore, a
minimum of 256 MB of memory is allotted by the system for PCI Express use, and the allocation
can go higher (in additional blocks of 256 MB) if the system contains additional adapters, either
peripheral or integrated, or if your system supports hot-plug PCI Express.
The memory hole is visible only at the operating system level. The System Setup program reports
the installed RAM correctly.
At this writing, one workaround is available, as reported in the Microsoft Knowledge Base article
#283037 available on Microsoft’s support website. The workaround applies only if your system has
4 GB or more of RAM and your operating system supports Physical Address Extensions (PAE).
NOTICE: You should exercise caution before enabling PAE in your operating system as a number of
problems can occur in certain system configurations. You should search both the Dell and Microsoft
Knowledge Bases for articles detailing these issues and take the appropriate measures to avoid them.
To enable PAE in Microsoft Windows 2000 and 2003, add a
line that corresponds to the Windows operating system. For other operating systems, refer to your
documentation or operating system support website for information on PAE support.
Alert! Memory fan has
failed or is not present.
A memory fan is required
for the current memory
configuration. Please see
the documentation that
came with your computer
for more information.
Alert! Operating in debug
mode. Please populate
memory in pairs for normal
operation.
Alert! Unable to
initialize fan controller.
Error! Memory configured
incorrectly. Please enter
Setup for Memory Info
details.