Dell Latitude E6540, Power Manager Version 1.0 User Manual

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Dell Power Manager Version 1.0 User Guide

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Notes, Cautions, and Warnings

NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.

CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.

WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.

Trademarks used in this text: Dell™, the Dell logo, Dell Boomi™, Dell Precision™ , OptiPlex™, Latitude™, PowerEdge™, PowerVault™, PowerConnect™, OpenManage™, EqualLogic™, Compellent™, KACE™, FlexAddress™, Force10™ and Vostro™ are trademarks of Dell Inc. Intel®, Pentium®, Xeon®, Core® and Celeron® are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. AMD

is a registered trademark and AMD Opteron™, AMD Phenom™ and AMD Sempron™ are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Microsoft®, Windows®, Windows Server®, Internet Explorer®, MS-DOS®, Windows Vista® and Active Directory® are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Red Hat® and Red Hat

Enterprise Linux® are registered trademarks of Red Hat, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Novell® and SUSE® are registered trademarks of Novell Inc. in the United States and other countries. Oracle® is a registered trademark of Oracle Corporation and/or its affiliates. Citrix®, Xen®, XenServer® and XenMotion® are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Citrix Systems, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. VMware

Virtual SMP

vMotion

vCenter

and

vSphere

are registered trademarks or

trademarks of VMware, Inc. in the United States or other countries.

IBM

is a registered trademark of International Business Machines

Corporation.

2013 - 04

Rev. A00

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Contents

Notes, Cautions, and Warnings................................................................................................... 2

1 Introduction..................................................................................................................................5

Key Features............................................................................................................................................................. 5

Accessing the Software........................................................................................................................................... 5

2 Battery Information.....................................................................................................................7

Battery Health...........................................................................................................................................................7

Battery Setting..........................................................................................................................................................8

Selecting a Battery Setting................................................................................................................................ 8

Creating a Custom Battery Setting.....................................................................................................................8

3 Advanced Charge........................................................................................................................9

Enabling Advanced Charge...................................................................................................................................... 9

4 Peak Shift....................................................................................................................................11

Enabling Peak Shift.................................................................................................................................................11

5 Dell Enhanced Power Plans.................................................................................................... 13

Dell Enhanced Settings...........................................................................................................................................13

Selecting a Dell Enhanced Power Plan.................................................................................................................. 14

Changing Dell Enhanced Settings in a Dell Enhanced Power Plan........................................................................14

Uninstalling Dell Enhanced Power Plans............................................................................................................... 14

6 Administration............................................................................................................................15

Installing the Software............................................................................................................................................15

Installing, Uninstalling, and Upgrading from the CLI........................................................................................15

Group Policy Templates..........................................................................................................................................16

Installing the Group Policy Management Console...........................................................................................16

Enabling Group Policy Templates.................................................................................................................... 17

Customizing a Group Policy Template..............................................................................................................17

Applying a Group Policy Template................................................................................................................... 17

Group Policy Templates Reference........................................................................................................................18

Advanced Charge Group Policy Templates..................................................................................................... 18

Battery Group Policy Templates...................................................................................................................... 19

Dell Enhanced Power Plan Group Policy Templates....................................................................................... 20

Peak Shift Group Policy Templates..................................................................................................................22

System Event Notification Group Policy Templates.........................................................................................24

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7 Troubleshooting.........................................................................................................................27

Viewing the Event Log............................................................................................................................................ 27

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Introduction

Dell Power Manager software provides simplified and efficient power management capabilities for Dell notebooks and tablets running Windows 7 and Windows 8 operating systems.

Key Features

• Battery Information – Display health information for up to six installed batteries, depending on system capabilities.

• Advanced Charge Mode – Control battery charging to prolong battery life.

• Dell Enhanced Power Plans – Manage heat, performance, and acoustic levels.

• Group Policies – Easily apply default settings and/or prevent users from changing power alerts system events, power management, and battery settings.

• System Event Notifications – Display power-related system notifications when unsupported power adapters are detected to help prevent battery damage.

Accessing the Software

To open the Dell Power Manager user interface, click the Windows Start button, and then do one of the following:

• Click Control Panel → Dell Power Manager.

• Click Control Panel → Power Options, and then click Dell Power Manager in the left pane.

• Enter

Dell Power Manager

in the Search programs and files field.

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Battery Information

Dell Power Manager provides detailed information about a system’s batteries, including:

• Whether the system is plugged in or using battery power

• Percentage of the system’s total as well as each battery’s own, power remaining

• Battery health

• Battery setting

• Battery type (Standard, Extended Warranty, or Enhanced)

• Connection (Primary, Battery Slice, or Modular Bay)

• Manufacturer

• Dell battery (Yes or No)

• Serial number

• PPID (Piece Part ID)

The software supports a maximum of six batteries, depending on the total number of batteries installed in the system. If a system has multiple batteries, then you must click (or touch) the battery number (for example, Battery #1, Battery #2, and so on) to see its details.

Dell Power Manager only displays the details of one battery at a time. You must select each battery to display its details. If a system has more than four batteries, then you must scroll down to see Battery #5 and Battery #6.

Battery Health

Battery health indicates the amount of charge that is available to a system. In general, a battery’s health decreases over time, at a rate that depends on how often the battery is used and the conditions under which it is used.

Dell Power Manager uses these icons to indicate battery health:

• Bright green (Excellent) – Battery is operating at maximum capacity.

• Dull green (Good) – Battery can charge normally; however, you may notice reduced operating time, because long-term battery life is decreasing.

• Yellow (Fair) – Battery can charge normally; however, it is near the end of its usable life. It is recommended to purchase a new battery soon.

• Red (Poor or Error) – Battery no longer provides sufficient power or no longer operates. It is recommended to replace this battery.

• Gray (Unknown) – Battery health cannot be determined.

To purchase a new battery, click Order Battery in the upper-right corner of the Battery Information screen, or go to www.dell.com/support.

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Battery Setting

Dell Power Manager enables users to select a battery setting that is optimized for specific system usage patterns. For example, some settings focus on extending battery life, while others provide fast charge times.

Available settings may be limited, depending on the battery. Possible battery settings include:

• Adaptive – Automatically optimizes battery settings based on the user’s typical patterns. Recommended for users who want to “set it and forget it.”

• Standard – Fully charges the battery at a moderate rate. This setting provides a balanced approach to extending battery life while still providing a reasonably fast charging time. Recommended for users who frequently switch between battery power and external power sources.

• ExpressCharge – Quickly charges the battery using Dell fast-charge technology. Recommended for users who need the battery to charge within a short period of time. If the system is powered off, then the battery typically charges to 80% within one hour and 100% in two hours. Charge time may be longer if the system is powered on.

NOTE: The ExpressCharge setting may cause battery health to diminish more quickly than other settings.

• Primarily AC – Extends battery life by lowering the charge threshold, so that the battery never charges to 100% capacity. Recommended for users who primarily operate the system while plugged into an external power source.

• Custom – User selects when the battery starts and stops charging. Recommended for advanced users.

Selecting a Battery Setting

1. On the Battery Information screen, click (or touch) the battery that you want to change (Battery #1, Battery #2, and so on).

2. Under Battery Setting, click Change Setting.

3. Select a pre-configured battery setting, or select Custom to define your own settings.

NOTE: Available settings may be limited, depending on the battery.

4. Click (or touch) Save.

Creating a Custom Battery Setting

The Custom battery setting enables users to define when a battery will start and stop charging. This setting is recommended for advanced users who are familiar with battery charging cycles.

1. Go to the Change Battery Setting screen, and select Custom.

2. Under Start Charging, move the slider to the percentage threshold at which the battery will begin charging, or enter a number in the text box—for example, entering 60 will cause the battery to start charging when it depletes to 60% of the total available charge.

3. Under Stop Charging, move the slider to the percentage threshold at which the battery will stop charging, or enter a number in the text box—for example, entering 90 will cause the battery to stop charging when it reaches 90% of the total available charge. At minimum difference is required between the Start Charging and Stop Charging levels. This amount is specified in the system BIOS.

4. Click (or touch) Save.

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Advanced Charge

Advanced Charge is an optional feature that prolongs the usable life of a system’s batteries by charging them to full capacity only once per day (prior to the Start of Day set when enabling Advanced Charge). For the remainder of the day, Advanced Charge keeps batteries in a lower charge state that is better for storage, even when the system is plugged into a direct power source.

NOTE: If the hours assigned to Peak Shift and Advanced Charge overlap, then Peak Shift takes priority. Batteries will not charge during Peak Shift hours.

Enabling Advanced Charge

Advanced Charge is not enabled by default. When Advanced Charge is enabled, the feature applies to all batteries in the system and individual batteries’ configuration is disabled.

1. Click (or touch) the Advanced Charge tab.

2. If a message describing Advanced Charge displays, optionally select Do not show this again, and then click OK.

3. Click (or touch) the switch at the top of the screen to enable Advanced Charge. If the light on the switch is green,

then the feature is enabled.

4. For each day of the week, select if Advanced Charge should be On or Off.

Keep in mind that if you enable the Advanced Charge feature, you must configure it for at least one day.

5. Click (or touch) Time Settings to set the times of day when Advanced Charge is active and inactive.

6. In the left pane of the Time Settings screen, click (or touch) a day of the week. You can use either the circular slider

or the drop-down menus to set Advanced Charge options.

The circular slider represents a 24-hour period of time. To use the circular slider:

a) Slide the first control to the time to start of a typical work day. b) Slide the second control to the time to end of a typical work day.

NOTE: The segment of time displayed in blue represents the work period, or when the system is active.

c) Optionally, select Copy the same settings to multiple days. In the left pane, select the days to which these

settings will apply.

Alternatively, you can use the drop-down menus to set the times:

a) Select a time for Start of Day.

NOTE: You can select times in 15-minute increments—for example, you can enter 11:15 AM or 9:30 PM.

b) Select a time for End of Day.

NOTE: You can select times in 15-minute increments—for example, you can enter 11:15 AM or 9:30 PM.

c) Optionally, select Copy the same settings to multiple days. In the left pane, select the days to which these

settings will apply.

7. Click (or touch) Save.

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Peak Shift

Peak Shift is an optional feature that reduces power consumption by automatically switching the system to battery power during certain times of the day, even if the system is plugged into a direct power source. After Peak Shift begins, the system will run on battery power until the combined charge level of all batteries reaches a minimum threshold (set on the Peak Shift tab). At that time, if the system is plugged in, it will be powered by the direct power source; however, the battery will not charge until Peak Shift ends.

Users can program the start and end times at which the Peak Shift feature is active and inactive each day. Prior to the start of each Peak Shift time period, the system will charge all batteries to maximum capacity.

NOTE: If the hours assigned to Peak Shift and Advanced Charge overlap, then Peak Shift takes priority. Batteries will not charge during Peak Shift hours.

Enabling Peak Shift

1. Click (or touch) the Peak Shift tab.

2. If a message describing Peak Shift displays, optionally select Do not show this again, and then click OK.

3. Click (or touch) the switch at the top of the screen to enable Peak Shift. If the light on the switch is green, then the

feature is enabled.

4. Move the slider to select the percentage at which the system will Restore AC power if available system charge falls

below

—for example, selecting 15% will cause the system to switch from battery to AC power during Peak Shift if the power remaining falls below 15%. While the system will run as normal on AC power, the battery will not charge until Peak Shift ends.

5. For each day of the week, select if Peak Shift should be On or Off.

6. Click (or touch) Time Settings to set the times of day when Peak Shift is active and inactive.

7. In the left pane, click a day of the week. You can use either the circular slider or the drop-down menus to set Peak Shift options.

NOTE: All time settings below are in 15-minute increments.

The circular slider represents a 24-hour period of time. To use the circular slider:

a) Slide the first control to the time to start Peak Shift. b) Optionally, on the right side of the screen, select On to set a time at which the system will begin to Operate on

AC power without charging battery

c) If you enabled Operate on AC power without charging battery, slide the second control to the time to start

operating on AC (direct) power without charging the battery.

NOTE: If you enabled Operate on AC power without charging battery, then the time between starting Peak Shift and operating on AC power is indicated in blue, and the time between starting to operate on AC power and ending Peak Shift is indicated in yellow.

d) Finally, slide the last control to the time to end Peak Shift.

To use the drop-down menus:

a) Select a time to Operate on battery power only. This is the time when Peak Shift will begin. b) Optionally, select On to set a time at which the system will begin to Operate on AC power without charging

battery.

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c) If you enabled Operate on AC power without charging battery, slide the second control to the time to start

operating on AC (direct) power without charging the battery.

d) Select a time to Resume normal power/charge operation. This is the time when Peak Shift will end.

8. Optionally, select Copy the same settings to multiple days. Then, in the left pane, select the days to which these settings will apply and select

Save.

NOTE: The Copy the same settings to multiple days checkbox is automatically cleared once you leave the screen.

9. Click Save.

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Dell Enhanced Power Plans

Dell Power Manager installs the following custom power plans on Dell Latitude and Precision notebooks to offer enhanced control over power settings.

• Extended Battery Life – Reduces power consumption, and extends a battery’s run time by powering down nonessential ports and components and adjusting display settings.

• Pro Audio/Video – Optimized for creating and editing audio. Use this setting for the best results when working with Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) applications. (Available on Precision notebooks only.)

• Cool – Reduces temperature levels by adjusting CPU and fan speed to help maintain a lower system surface temperature.

• Quiet – Limits the CPU and fan speed to reduce noise.

• Ultra Performance – Limits CPU throttling, and allows fan to run at higher RPM and noise levels.

Dell Enhanced Settings

When Dell Power Manager installs Dell Enhanced Power Plans, it also installs the following Dell Enhanced Settings:

• Gadgets—Windows 7

• Aero glass—Windows 7

• Media cards and 1394 devices—Windows 7 and Windows 8

• Optical drive—Windows 7 and Windows 8

• Screen refresh rate—Windows 7 and Windows 8

• Thermal Mode—Windows 7 and Windows 8

The following two default OS settings, while not part of the Dell Enhanced Settings, are also managed by Dell Power Manager:

• Wireless—Windows 7 and Windows 8

• Media Share—Windows 7 and Windows 8

Each Dell Enhanced Power Plan optimizes the Dell Enhanced Settings based on the plan’s purpose. For example, by default the

Cool

power plan sets the Gadgets state to be OS Controlled (controlled by the operating system) regardless

of whether the system is plugged in or operating from battery power.

When using Enhanced Battery Life power plan, the users can change the state of each Dell Enhanced Setting; however, when using other power plans installed by Dell Power Manager, the settings are locked and cannot be edited by the user.

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Selecting a Dell Enhanced Power Plan

By default, systems use a Windows power plan (generally,

Balanced, Power saver

, or

High performance

). After Dell Power Manager is installed, users can select a Dell Enhanced Power Plan that offers additional control over power settings.

1. Navigate to the Windows’ Power Options.

The steps to open the Windows’ Power Options screen differ based on your system, but typically it’s located under:

– Control Panel → Power Options or

– Control Panel → System and Security → Power Options

– Right-click the Battery icon in the Windows Taskbar and select Power Options

2. Select the desired Dell Enhanced Power Plan.

3. Close the Power Options window.

Changing Dell Enhanced Settings in a Dell Enhanced Power Plan

1. Navigate to the Windows’ Power Options.

The steps to open the Windows’ Power Options screen differ based on your system, but typically it’s located under:

– Control Panel → Power Options or

– Control Panel → System and Security → Power Options

2. In the main pane, under Select a power plan, click one of the Change plan settings links. The Change settings for

the plan screen displays.

3. Click Change advanced power settings at the bottom of the screen.

4. Expand Dell Enhanced Settings, and change the state of one or more options.

5. Click OK.

Uninstalling Dell Enhanced Power Plans

Uninstalling Dell Power Manager automatically uninstalls all Dell Enhanced Power Plans and Dell Enhanced Settings. If a Dell Enhanced Power Plan is active when Dell Power Manager is uninstalled, then the active power plan is set to

Balanced

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Administration

This chapter provides details about Dell Power Manager administrative features, including installing the software and enabling and customizing Group Policies.

CAUTION: The tasks in this chapter should be performed only by a System Administrator.

Installing the Software

Dell Power Manager is available as a factory-installed option on supported systems and released as a Dell Update Package (DUP, available at dell.com/support). The installer is OS-specific and a different DUP is required for 32–bit and 64–bit systems. System administrators can install, uninstall, and update the software using the DUP installation wizard or the command line interface.

CAUTION: Dell Power Manager and Dell Feature Enhancement Pack (DFEP) cannot exist on the same system. To prevent conflicts, before installing DFEP, you must first uninstall

Dell Power Manager.

Also, keep in mind that If you are using Windows Imaging Format (WIM) to image multiple systems with Dell Power Manager already installed on them, you will need to use the following command on each system post-imaging to properly configure the power plans for that machine:

<Install_Path>\DpmPowerPlanSetup.exe -installpowerplans

where <Install_Path> is the installation directory of Dell Power Manager. For additional information about Windows Imaging Format, see http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc749478%28v=WS.10%29.aspx

Installing, Uninstalling, and Upgrading from the CLI

Dell Power Manager is a factory-installed option for certain systems; however, System Administrators can also install, upgrade, and uninstall the software from the command line interface (CLI), as described below. In order to use the CLI install option, you must first download and run the Dell Update Package (DUP) available at dell.com/support, then select the Extract option to extract the installer.

NOTE: Variables are italicized and enclosed in angle brackets. For example, for <os_arch>, enter 32 or 64 to indicate whether installing on a 32-bit or 64-bit operating system.

• Standard install with verbose logging

DPM_Setup<os_arch>_1_0_0.exe /v"/l*vx <log_file_path>"

For example:

DPM_Setup64_1_0_0.exe /v"/l*vx C:\Users\Administrator\Desktop \installlog.txt"

• Silent install

DPM_Setup<os_arch>_1_0_0.exe /s /v”/qn”

For example:

DPM_Setup64_1_0_0.exe /s /v”/qn"

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• Silent install with verbose logging

DPM_Setup<os_arch>_1_0_0.exe /s /v"/l*vx <log_file_path>”

For example:

DPM_Setup64_1_0_0.exe /s /v"/l*vx C:\Users\Administrator\Desktop \installlog.txt /qn”

• Uninstall

DPM_Setup<os_arch>_1_0_0.exe /x

For example:

DPM_Setup64_1_0_0.exe /x

NOTE: Keep in mind however, that Dell recommends uninstalling the application using the Windows “Program and Features” available from the Control Panel.

Group Policy Templates

Administrators can quickly and easily apply the same Dell Power Manager settings across multiple systems using the Group Policy feature in Windows Server. For more information on Windows Group Policies, see the TechNet article at

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsserver/bb310732.aspx.

After applying a Group Policy Template to a system, end users cannot change the settings associated with that template. A lock icon and message display next to or in a tool tip for each setting in the Dell Power Manager user interface that is locked by a Group Policy.

To use Group Policy Templates:

1. Install the Group Policy Management Console.

2. Enable Group Policy Templates.

3. Optionally, customize one or more templates.

4. Apply templates to specific systems, groups, or users.

NOTE:

If all of the available settings are restricted by the administrator, the user will not be able to change any configuration. However, if the administrator selects only a few of settings to be restricted, then the remaining settings will be available for the user to configure.

Restricting settings via group policy does not change the current battery settings in the Dell Power Manager UI or system BIOS. If the group policy settings don’t match the current settings, the UI and system BIOS will continue to show the currently selected settings and the Change Setting button will be available. However, if the group policy settings match the current settings, then the Change Setting button will not be displayed.

Installing the Group Policy Management Console

Dell Power Manager uses the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) in Windows Server to administer Group Policies. The GPMC feature is included in Windows Server 2008 and 2012; however, it does not automatically install with the operating system. An administrator must install the GPMC on the domain server using Server Manager or Windows PowerShell.

For detailed instructions on installing the GPMC, see the TechNet article at http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/

cc725932.aspx.

In addition to installing the GPMC, an administrator must set Active Directory as a server role. In Server Manager, rightclick Roles, and then click Add Roles. On the Server Roles screen, select Active Directory Domain Services, and complete the wizard.

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Enabling Group Policy Templates

Before creating, applying, or changing Group Policy Templates, an administrator must first make the templates available in the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC).

1. Obtain and extract the Dell Power ManagerDell Update Package (DUP).

You can download the Dell Power Manager DUP for your system from dell.com/support.

Once you have downloaded the package, run it and choose the Extract option to extract the files.

2. On the domain server, go to the directory where you have extracted Dell Power Manager in previous step.

3. Open the PolicyDefinitions folder.

4. Copy the files in the PolicyDefinitions folder to the default Windows PolicyDefinitions folder—typically, the default path is

C:\Windows\PolicyDefinitions. If the files are not visible from the server, it may be necessary to copy

them to a local source first.

The Group Policies should now be available in the GPMC under Administrative Templates.

Customizing a Group Policy Template

Dell Power Manager includes a number of Group Policy settings, which administrators can customize based on their domain and environment requirements. To configure Dell Power Manager Group Policy settings:

1. Open the Group Policy Management Editor.

You can open Group Policy Management Editor by choosing Server Manager → Features → Group Policy Management → Forest:<DomainName> → Domains → <DomainName> → Default Domain Policy.

Then right click the Default Domain Policy and select Edit.

2. In the left pane, expand Computer Configuration → Policies → Administrative Templates → System → Dell → Power Manager .

3. In the left pane, select one of the categories to configure the desired settings to be applied to the domain.

For example, under Battery, there’s an option to change the default Order Battery link that is displayed in each client’s battery manager. You can use this setting to specify a custom URL, for instance if your company has their own procurement department and webpage to support it. You can also disable the link completely by clearing the URL.

For a complete list of available group policy settings and their values, see the Group Policy Templates Reference or the Group Policy Management Editor on your domain server.

4. Select a policy, and update it as needed—for example, under Battery, you can change the Order Battery Link field to a custom URL.

Applying a Group Policy Template

Administrators can apply a Group Policy Template to specific systems, groups, or users by associating the Group Policy Object (GPO) with an Active Directory Organizational Unit (OU) in the Group Policy Management Editor.

1. Create a new Group Policy Object (GPO).

a) In Group Policy Management for your domain, expand the tree to Group Policy Objects. b) Right-click the Group Policy Objects group and create a new GPO. c) Enter a Name for the GPO, and then click OK.

2. Add a policy to the new GPO.

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a) In Group Policy Management for your domain, right-click on the new GPO you created in previous step and

select Edit.

b) In the left-hand pane, select Computer Configuration → Policies → Administrative Templates → System Dell

Power Manager.

c) Set the desired policy.

3. Create an Active Directory OU, if one does not already exist.

a) In Active Directory, right-click the domain, and then select New → Organizational Unit. b) Enter a Name for the organizational unit, and then click OK. c) In the right pane, right-click the new OU, select New, and then select the system, group, or users to which this

policy will apply.

4. Link the GPO to the OU.

a) Close Active Directory and the Group Policy Management Editor, if they are open.

NOTE: You must restart the Group Policy Management Editor to see new OUs.

b) Reopen the Group Policy Management Editor. c) Right-click the OU, and select Link an existing GPO. d) Select the GPO created in a previous step, and then click OK.

Immediately Applying Changes to Client Systems

Changes to Group Policy Templates don’t immediately apply to systems, because they must first replicate to the domain controller. Also, client systems can take up to 90 minutes to refresh Group Policy Objects. For detailed information, see the TechNet article at http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc782584(v=ws.10).aspx.

Administrators can take manual steps to force updates to immediately take effect:

1. Open the command window.

2. Enter the following command.

GPUpdate /force

3. Press the <ENTER> key.

In Windows Server 2012, administrators can also force client updates from the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC). For detailed information, see the TechNet article at http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj134201.aspx.

Group Policy Templates Reference

This section provides a reference of all available group policies as well as their descriptions, available settings, and values.

Advanced Charge Group Policy Templates

The following group policy settings are available for Advanced Charge:

Policy Setting Name

Disable Feature

Description Selecting this option will cause all other policy settings for Advanced Charge to be ignored.

Configuration Options

Not Configured, Enabled, Disabled

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Setting Options

Setting UI Type Acceptable values

This option will turn off Advanced Charge and remove it from the user interface

Check Box True (checked)

False(unchecked)

Policy Setting Name

NOTE: This policy is the same for all days of the week and available policies are named Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Description To disable this day, set all the hour and minute fields to 0 (zero).

To configure Start Time for the day.

• Set Hours: 0-23

• Set Minutes: 0,15,30,45

To configure End Time for the day.

• Set Hours: 0-23

• Set Minutes: 0,15,30,45

Configuration Options Not Configured, Enabled, Disabled

Setting Options

Setting UI Type Acceptable values

Set start of day time

• Hours

• Minutes

• Decimal Text Box

• Drop Down List

• 0-23

• 0,15,30,45

Set end of day time

• Hours

• Minutes

• Decimal Text Box

• Drop Down List

• 0-23

• 0,15,30,45

Battery Group Policy Templates

The following group policy settings are available for Battery Information:

Policy Setting Name Restrict Battery Information Settings

Description This policy restricts the battery settings options for the batteries.

Configuration Options Not Configured, Enabled, Disabled

Setting Options

Setting UI Type Acceptable values

Standard Check box True (checked)

False (unchecked)

ExpressCharge Check box True (checked)

False (unchecked)

Adapative Check box True (checked)

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False (unchecked)

Custom Check box True (checked)

False (unchecked)

Primarily AC Use Check box True (checked)

False (unchecked)

Policy Setting Name Configure Battery Settings

Description This policy disables editing the Battery Information settings.

Configuration Options Not Configured, Enabled, Disabled

Setting Options

Setting UI Type Acceptable values

Read-Only battery settings Check box True (checked)

False (unchecked)

Policy Setting Name Order Battery Link

Description This policy customizes the order battery link. The default is a URL link to http:\\www.dell.com

\batteryhealthmeter.

You can enter a URL or a mailto: address (for example, mailto:[email protected]). A mailto: address will require an Email client to be installed on the client system.

Configuration Options Not Configured, Enabled, Disabled

Setting Options

Setting UI Type Acceptable values

Customize the order battery link Text box URL or mailto:

address

Dell Enhanced Power Plan Group Policy Templates

The following group policy settings are available for Dell Enhanced Power Plans:

Policy Setting Name Gadgets

Description Setting options:

• Enable—Turns Gadgets on

• Disabled—Turns Gadgets off

• OS controlled—Set automatically by the operating system

NOTE: Note: Selecting "Not Configured" or "Disabled" will have the same effect (i.e. Users can see and change this setting in the operating system).

Configuration Options

Not Configured, Enabled, Disabled

Setting Options

Setting UI Type Acceptable values

Power Plan Settings Drop-down list

• Disabled

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• Enable

• OS controlled

Policy Setting Name Aero Glass

Description Setting options:

• Enable—Turns Aero on

• Disabled—Turns Aero off

• OS controlled—Set automatically by the operating system

NOTE: Note: Selecting "Not Configured" or "Disabled" will have the same effect (i.e. Users can see and change this setting in the operating system).

Configuration Options

Not Configured, Enabled, Disabled

Setting Options

Setting UI Type Acceptable values

Power Plan Settings Drop-down list

• Disabled

• Enable

• OS controlled

Policy Setting Name Media cards and 1394 devices

Description Setting options:

• Enable—Turns 1394 devices and media cards on

• Disabled—Turns 1394 devices and media cards off

• OS controlled—Set automatically by the operating system

NOTE: Note: Selecting "Not Configured" or "Disabled" will have the same effect (i.e. Users can see and change this setting in the operating system).

Configuration Options

Not Configured, Enabled, Disabled

Setting Options

Setting UI Type Acceptable values

Power Plan Settings Drop-down list

• Disabled

• Enable

• OS controlled

Policy Setting Name Optical Drive

Description Setting options:

• Enable—Turns optical drive on

• Disabled—Turns optical drive off

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• OS controlled—Set automatically by the operating system

NOTE: Note: Selecting "Not Configured" or "Disabled" will have the same effect (i.e. Users can see and change this setting in the operating system).

Configuration Options

Not Configured, Enabled, Disabled

Setting Options

Setting UI Type Acceptable values

Power Plan Settings Drop-down list

• Disabled

• Enable

• OS controlled

Policy Setting Name Screen Refresh Rate

Description Setting options:

• Minimum—Lowers the refresh rate of the internal panel to its minimum value

• OS controlled—Set automatically by the operating system

NOTE: Note: Selecting "Not Configured" or "Disabled" will have the same effect (i.e. Users can see and change this setting in the operating system).

Configuration Options

Not Configured, Enabled, Disabled

Setting Options

Setting UI Type Acceptable values

Power Plan setting Drop-down List

• Minimum

• OS controlled

Peak Shift Group Policy Templates

The following group policy settings are available for Peak Shift:

Policy Setting Name

Disable Feature

Description Selecting this option will cause all other policy settings for Advanced Charge to be ignored.

Configuration Options

Not Configured, Enabled, Disabled

Setting Options

Setting UI Type Acceptable values

This option will turn off Advanced Charge and remove it from the user interface

Check Box True (checked)

False(unchecked)

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Policy Setting Name Restore AC Power Threshold

Description Typical use for these settings are:

• Set the minimum and maximum threshold limits and leave the "Threshold value" field blank. This sets a limit for the range, but allows the threshold value to be modified in the user interface.

• Set "Threshold value" and leave the "Minimum threshold limit" and "Maximum threshold limit" blank. This value will be locked and cannot be modified in the user interface.

To set a range for the threshold limits, enter the Minimum (1 - 100) and Maximum (Minimum -

100) values. If a minimum or maximum limit is not within the client system's minimum or maximum capabilities, the client system's minimum or maximum limit will be used.

NOTE: The system will use default values if invalid values are set.

Configuration Options Not Configured, Enabled, Disabled

Setting Options

Setting UI Type Acceptable values

Minimum threshold limit (Enter value 1 through maximum threshold limit)

Decimal Text Box 1-100

Maximum threshold limit (Enter value greater than minimum threshold)

Decimal Text Box 1-100

Threshold value (Enter the enforced threshold value)

Decimal Text Box 1-100

Policy Setting Name

Monday

NOTE: This Policy is same for all days of the week and available policies are named Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Description To disable this day, set all the hour and minute fields to 0 (zero).

To configure the time to operate on battery power only:

• Set Hours: 0-23

• Set Minutes: 0,15,30,45

To configure the time to operate on AC power without charging battery:

• Set Hours: 0-23

• Set Minutes: 0,15,30,45

NOTE: To disable this setting, set the hour and minutes to be the same as "Set the time to resume normal power/charge operation" hour and minutes.

This setting will also be disabled if the time is not set within the "operate on battery power only" and "resume normal power/charge operation".

To configure the time to resume normal power/charge operation

• Set Hours: 0-23

• Set Minutes: 0-59

Configuration Options Not Configured, Enabled, Disabled

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Setting Options

Setting UI Type Acceptable values

Set start of day time

• Hours

• Minutes

• Decimal Text Box

• Drop Down List

• 0-23

• 0,15,30,45

Set end of day time

• Hours

• Minutes

• Decimal Text Box

• Drop Down List

• 0-23

• 0,15,30,45

System Event Notification Group Policy Templates

The following group policy settings are available for Power Alerts system notifications:

NOTE: Notifications display in a standard Windows message box, with an exclamation icon.

Policy Setting Name Battery Alerts

Description This policy disables/enables the selected battery notifications.

Configuration Options

Not Configured, Enabled, Disabled

Setting Options (Enabled by default)

Select the alert(s) to be disabled:

Setting UI Type Acceptable values

Your notebook does not recognize the attached battery

Check box True (checked)

False (unchecked)

The system cannot communicate with your battery

Check box True (checked)

False (unchecked)

Your battery can no longer provide sufficient power to your system and needs to be replaced

Check box True (checked)

False (unchecked)

Your battery no longer operates and needs to be replaced

Check box True (checked)

False (unchecked)

The system is now switching to a reserve battery with limited performance. Save your work, and connect to a direct power source as soon as possible

Check box True (checked)

False (unchecked)

Your notebook does not support the attached battery slice

Check box True (checked)

False (unchecked)

Setting Options (Disabled by

default)

Select the alert(s) to be enabled:

Setting UI Type Acceptable values

Your battery is able to charge normally. However, you may begin to notice a reduced operating time because your long-term battery life is decreasing

Check box True (checked)

False (unchecked)

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Your battery is able charge normally. However, it is reaching the end of its usable life. You can experience a longer operating time with a new battery. You may want to consider purchasing a replacement battery now.

Check box True (checked)

False (unchecked)

Policy Setting Name Adapter Alerts

Description This policy disables alerts for adapter notifications.

The adapter alerts apply to single or dual adapter messages. Single adapter is an adapter plugged into either the notebook or docking station. Dual adapter is an adapter plugged directly into the notebook and another adapter plugged into

the docking station while the notebook is docked.

Configuration Options

Not Configured, Enabled, Disabled

Setting Options Select the alert(s) to be disabled:

Setting UI Type Acceptable values

The power adapter attached to your notebook/ docking station is not recognized

Check box True (checked)

False (unchecked)

The power adapter wattage for your notebook/ docking station does not meet minimum system requirements for normal operation

Check box True (checked)

False (unchecked)

The power adapter wattage for your notebook/ docking station is too low to support ExpressCharge™ technology for your battery

Check box True (checked)

False (unchecked)

Policy Setting Name Adapter Alerts

Description This policy disables alerts for adapter notifications.

the docking station while the notebook is docked.

Configuration Options

Not Configured, Enabled, Disabled

Setting Options Select the alert(s) to be disabled:

Setting UI Type Acceptable values

The power adapter attached to your notebook/ docking station is not recognized

Check box True (checked)

False (unchecked)

The power adapter wattage for your notebook/ docking station does not meet minimum system requirements for normal operation

Check box True (checked)

False (unchecked)

The power adapter wattage for your notebook/ docking station is too low to support

Check box True (checked)

False (unchecked)

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ExpressCharge™ technology for your battery

Policy Setting Name Docking Station Alerts

Description This policy disables alerts of docking station notifications.

Configuration Options

Not Configured, Enabled, Disabled

Setting Options Select the alert(s) to be disabled:

Setting UI Type Acceptable values

The battery currently attached to your system cannot supply enough power to your docking station for it to operate normally

Check box True (checked)

False (unchecked)

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Troubleshooting

Viewing the Event Log

Dell Power Manager logs errors and events in the Windows Event log.

1. Click the Windows start button.

2. Click Control Panel → Administrative Tools.

3. Double-click the Event Viewer to open the application in a new window.

4. In the left pane, expand Windows Logs, and then click Application.

5. In the right pane, click Filter Current Log....

The Filter Current Log window displays.

6. In the Event sources drop-down menu, select Dell Power Manager.

7. Optionally, select one or more Event level options.

8. Click OK to display Dell Power Manager errors and events of the specified levels.