Desktop Management Guide
Notice
Compaq Computer Corporation shall not be liable for technical or editorial
errors or omissions contained herein. The information in this guide is subject
to change without notice.
© 2000 Compaq Computer Corporation. Except for use in connection with the accompanying
Compaq product, no part of this guide may be photocopied or reproduced in any form without
prior written consent from Compaq Computer Corporation.
COMPAQ, the Compaq logo, Armada and Deskpro Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark
Office.
Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT, and other names of Microsoft products referenced herein
are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation. Celeron and MMX are
trademarks of Intel Corporation.
All other product names mentioned herein may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective companies. Printed in U.S.A.
The following words and symbols mark special messages throughout this guide:
WARNING: Text set off in this manner indicates that failure
to follow directions could result in bodily harm or loss of life.
CAUTION: Text set off in this manner indicates that failure
to follow directions could result in damage to equipment or
loss of information.
Desktop Management Guide
First Edition (June 2000)
Part Number 177919-001
Compaq Computer Corporation
Desktop Management Guide
Initial Configuration and Deployment........................................................................................ 2
Remote System Installation................................................................................................... 2
Altiris eXpress.................................................................................................................3
PC Transplant Pro and PC Transplant for Compaq......................................................... 3
Asset Tracking and Security....................................................................................................... 3
Password Security................................................................................................................. 6
Establishing a Setup Password Using Computer Setup................................................... 6
Establishing a Power-On Password Using Computer Setup............................................ 7
Entering a Power-On Password....................................................................................... 7
Entering a Setup Password.............................................................................................. 8
Changing a Power-On or Setup Password....................................................................... 9
Deleting a Power-On or Setup Password........................................................................10
National Keyboard Delimiter Characters .......................................................................10
Clearing Passwords ........................................................................................................11
Smart Cover Sensor..............................................................................................................11
Setting the Smart Cover Sensor Protection Level...........................................................11
Smart Cover Lock................................................................................................................12
Locking the Smart Cover Lock.......................................................................................12
Unlocking the Smart Cover Lock...................................................................................12
Using the Smart Cover FailSafe Key..............................................................................13
Master Boot Record Security...............................................................................................14
Before You Partition or Format the Current Bootable Disk...........................................16
The Kensington Cable Lock Provision.................................................................................17
Fingerprint Identification Technology..................................................................................17
Fault Notification and Recovery................................................................................................18
Celeron, Pentium II, and Pentium III Fault Prediction and Prefailure Warranty..................18
SMART Hard Drive Fault Prediction...................................................................................18
Drive Protection System.......................................................................................................19
Ultra ATA Integrity Monitoring...........................................................................................19
ECC Fault Prediction and Prefailure Warranty....................................................................19
Surge-Tolerant Power Supply..............................................................................................20
Thermal Sensor....................................................................................................................20
Software Updating and Management.........................................................................................21
Remote ROM Flash..............................................................................................................22
Using Remote ROM Flash .............................................................................................22
FailSafe Boot Block ROM .............................................................................................23
Remote Security Management .............................................................................................24
Remote Wakeup and Remote Shutdown..............................................................................25
CONTENTS
Desktop Management Guide iii
NIC Alert .............................................................................................................................25
Replicating Your Setup........................................................................................................26
Dual-State Power Button......................................................................................................26
Power Management..............................................................................................................27
World Wide Web Site..........................................................................................................28
Building Blocks and Partners.....................................................................................................29
Desktop Management Interface (DMI)................................................................................29
Wired for Management........................................................................................................29
iv Contents
DESKTOP MANAGEMENT GUIDE
Compaq pioneered desktop manageability in 1995 with the introduction
of the industry's first fully manageable desktop personal computers.
Since then, Compaq has led an industry-wide effort to develop the
standards and infrastructure required to effectively deploy, configure,
and manage desktop PCs. Compaq Intelligent Manageability provides
standards-based solutions for managing and controlling desktops in a
networked environment. Compaq works closely with leading
management software solution providers in the industry to ensure
compatibility between Intelligent Manageability and these products.
Intelligent Manageability is an important aspect of our broad
commitment to providing you with Lifecycle Solutions that assist you
during the four phases of the desktop PC lifecycle—planning,
deployment, management, and transitions.
This guide summarizes the capabilities and features of the four key
components of desktop management:
Initial Configuration and Deployment
Asset tracking and security
Fault notification and recovery
Software updating and management
The guide also contains an overview of the tools, utilities, and
information Compaq provides to help you successfully deploy
manageable desktop PCs.
Support for specific features described in this guide may vary
by model or software version.
Desktop Management Guide 1
Initial Configuration and Deployment
Compaq computers come with a preinstalled system software image.
After a very brief software “unbundling” process, the computer is ready
to be used.
You may prefer to replace the preinstalled software image with a
customized set of system and application software. There are several
methods for deploying a customized software image. They include:
Installing additional software applications after unbundling the
preinstalled software image
Using software deployment tools, such as Microsoft MS Batch or
NT Distribution Share (NTDS), or Altiris eXpress to replace the
preinstalled software with a customized software image
Using a disk cloning process to copy the contents from one hard
drive to another
The best deployment method depends on your information technology
environment and processes. The PC Deployment section of the
Solutions and Services Web site (www.compaq.com/im/change)
provides information to help you select the best deployment method.
You’ll also find guides and utilities to integrate with Microsoft or PXEbased deployment tools.
The Compaq Restore CD, ROM-based setup, and ACPI-ready hardware
provide further assistance with recovery of system software,
configuration management and troubleshooting, and power
management.
Remote System Installation
2 Desktop Management Guide
Remote System Installation allows you to start and set up your system
using the software and configuration information located on a network
server. The Remote System Installation feature is usually used as a
system setup and configuration tool, and can be used for the following
tasks:
Deploying a software image on one or more new PCs.
Formatting a hard drive.
Installing application software or drivers.
Updating the operating system, application software, or drivers.
To initiate Remote System Installation, press F12 when the
F12=Network Service Boot message appears in the lower-right corner
of the Compaq logo screen. Follow the instructions on the screen to
continue the process.
Compaq and Altiris, Inc. have partnered to provide tools designed to
make the task of corporate PC deployment and management easier and
less time-consuming, ultimately lowering the total cost of ownership
and making Compaq PCs the most manageable client PCs in the
enterprise environment.
Altiris eXpress
Altiris eXpress allows the system administrator to create and quickly
deploy a customized, corporate-standard software image across one or
more networked client PCs with an interface as simple to use as
Windows Explorer. Altiris eXpress supports Intel’s Wired for
Management and Preboot Execution Environment (PXE). Using Altiris
eXpress and the Remote System Installation features of the Compaq
computer, there is no need for the system administrator to visit each
new PC individually to deploy the software image.
For more information, refer to the Compaq Web site at
www.compaq.com/easydeploy
PC Transplant Pro and PC Transplant for Compaq
PC Transplant, designed to assist you in personalizing the new Compaq
computer, can be downloaded free from the Compaq Web site. It lets
you preserve the “personality”—the customized settings such as Start
menu entries, drive and printer mappings, software application options,
and so on—of an existing PC, then transfer those unique settings to a
Compaq PC so that you don’t have to invest valuable time manually
recreating them.
For more information, refer to the Compaq Web site at
www.compaq.com/easydeploy
Asset Tracking and Security
Compaq AssetControl features incorporated into the computer provide
key asset tracking data that can be managed using Compaq Insight
Manager products and Management Solutions Partners products.
Seamless, automatic integration between AssetControl features and
these products enables you to choose the management tool that is best
suited to your environment and to leverage your investment in existing
tools.
Compaq Deskpro PCs, Armada portable PCs, and Professional
Workstations are manufactured with the hardware and firmware
required to fully support the DMI 2.0 standard.
Desktop Management Guide 3
Compaq also offers several solutions for controlling access to valuable
components and information. Security features such as the Smart Cover
Sensor and the Smart Cover Lock, available on select models, help to
prevent unauthorized access to the internal components of the PC. By
disabling parallel, serial, or USB ports, or by disabling removable
media boot capability, you can protect valuable data assets. Memory
Change and Smart Cover Sensor alerts can be automatically forwarded
to Compaq Insight Manager products to deliver proactive notification of
tampering with a computer's internal components.
There are three ways to manage security settings on your Compaq
computers:
Locally, using the Compaq Computer Setup Utilities. See the
Hardware Reference Guide included with the computer for
additional information and instructions on using the Computer
Setup Utilities.
Remotely, using the Compaq Remote Security Management
software. This software enables the secure, consistent deployment
and control of security settings from a central point on the network
using a third-party PC LAN management application such as
Microsoft SMS.
Remotely, using Compaq Insight Manager LC, a tool for managing
PC workgroups.
4 Desktop Management Guide
The following table and sections refer to managing security features of
your Computer locally through the Compaq Computer Setup Utilities.
Refer to the Remote Management Setup Utilities for more information
on using the Remote Security Management software. These utilities are
available on the Compaq Web site at
www.compaq.com/support/files/index.html. For more information on
Insight Manager LC, refer to www.compaq.com/im/lc.
Security Features Overview
Feature Purpose How It Is Established
Removable
Media Boot
Control
Serial, Parallel,
USB, or Infrared
Interface Control
Power-On
Password
Prevents booting from the removable media drives. From the Compaq Computer Setup
Utilities menu.
Prevents transfer of data through the integrated
serial, parallel, USB (universal serial bus), or infrared
interface.
Prevents use of the computer until the password is
entered. This can apply to both initial computer
startup and restarts.
From the Compaq Computer Setup
Utilities menu.
From the Compaq Computer Setup
Utilities menu.
Setup Password Prevents reconfiguration of the computer (use of the
Computer Setup utility) until the password is entered.
Smart Cover
Sensor
Master Boot
Record Security
Memory Change
Alerts
Ownership Tag Displays ownership information, as defined by the
Kensington
Cable Lock
Provision
For more information about Computer Setup, see the Hardware Reference Guide.
Indicates that computer cover or side panel has been
removed. Can be set to require the setup password
to restart the computer, after the cover or side panel
has been removed.
May prevent unintentional or malicious changes to
the Master Boot Record of the current bootable disk,
and provides a means of recovering the “last known
good” MBR.
Detects when memory modules have been added,
moved, or removed; notifies end-user and system
administrator.
system administrator, during system startup
(protected by setup password).
Inhibits access to the interior of the computer to
prevent unwanted configuration changes or
component removal. Can also be used to secure the
computer to a fixed object to prevent theft.
From the Compaq Computer Setup
Utilities menu.
From the Compaq Computer Setup
Utilities menu.
From the Compaq Computer Setup
Utilities menu.
For information on enabling Memory
Change Alerts, refer to the online
Intelligent Manageability Guide.
From the Compaq Computer Setup
Utilities menu.
Install a Kensington cable lock to
secure the computer to a fixed
object.
Desktop Management Guide 5
Password Security
Establishing a Setup Password Using Computer Setup
The power-on password prevents unauthorized use of the computer by
requiring entry of a password to access applications or data each time
the computer is turned on or restarted. The setup password specifically
prevents unauthorized access to Computer Setup, and can also be used
as an override to the power-on password. That is, when prompted for
the power-on password, entering the setup password instead will allow
access to the computer.
A network-wide setup password can be established to enable the system
administrator to log in to all network systems to perform maintenance
without having to know the power-on password, even if one has been
established.
Establishing a setup password through Computer Setup prevents
reconfiguration of the computer (use of the Computer Setup utility)
until the password is entered.
1. Turn on or restart the computer. If you are in Windows, click Start
à Shut Down à Restart the Computer.
2. When the F10 Setup message appears in the lower-right corner of
the screen, press the F10 key. Press Enter to bypass the title screen,
if necessary.
6 Desktop Management Guide
If you do not press the F10 key while the message is
displayed, you must restart the computer again to access
the utility.
3. Select Security, then select Setup Password and follow the
instructions on the screen.
4. Before exiting, click File
à Save Changes and Exit.
Establishing a Power-On Password Using Computer Setup
Establishing a power-on password through Computer Setup prevents
access to the computer when power is turned on, unless the password is
entered. The password must be entered each time the computer is turned
on, when the key icon appears on the monitor.
1. Turn on or restart the computer. If you are in Windows, click Start
à Shut Down à Restart the Computer.
2. When the F10 Setup message appears in the lower-right corner of
the screen, press the F10 key. Press Enter to bypass the title screen,
if necessary.
If you do not press the F10 key while the message is
displayed, you must restart the computer again to access
the utility.
3. Select Security, then Power-On Password and follow the
instructions on the screen.
4. Before exiting, click File
Entering a Power-On Password
To enter a power-on password, complete the following steps:
1. Turn on or restart the computer. If you are in Windows, click Start
à Shut Down à Restart the Computer.
2. When the key icon appears on the monitor, type your current
password, then press the Enter key.
Type carefully; for security reasons, the characters you
type do not appear on the screen.
If you enter the password incorrectly, a broken key icon appears. Try
again. After three unsuccessful tries, you must turn off the computer,
then turn it on again before you can continue.
à Save Changes and Exit.
Desktop Management Guide 7
Entering a Setup Password
If a setup password has been established on the Computer, you will be
prompted to enter it each time you run Computer Setup.
1. Turn on or restart the Computer. If you are in Windows, click Start
à Shut Down à Restart the Computer.
2. When the F10=Setup message appears in the lower-right corner of
the screen, press the F10 key.
If you do not press the F10 key while the message is
displayed, you must restart the computer again to access
the utility.
3. When the key icon appears on the monitor, type the setup
password, then press the Enter key.
Type carefully; for security reasons, the characters you
type do not appear on the screen.
If you enter the password incorrectly, a broken key icon appears. Try
again. After three unsuccessful tries, you must turn off the Computer,
then turn it on again before you can continue.
8 Desktop Management Guide
Changing a Power-On or Setup Password
1. Turn on or restart the computer. If you are in Windows, click Start
à Shut Down à Restart the Computer. To change the setup
password, run Computer Setup.
2. When the key icon appears, type your current password, a slash (/)
or alternate delimiter character, your new password, another slash
(/) or alternate delimiter character, and your new password again as
shown:
current password/new password/new password
Type carefully; for security reasons, the characters you type do not
appear on the screen.
3. Press the Enter key.
The new password takes effect the next time you turn on the computer.
Refer to the “National Keyboard Delimiter Characters”
section in this chapter for information about the
alternate delimiter characters.
The power-on password and setup password may also
be changed using the Security options in Computer
Setup.
Desktop Management Guide 9
Deleting a Power-On or Setup Password
1. Turn on or restart the computer. If you are in Windows, click Start
à Shut Down à Restart the Computer. To delete the setup
password, run Computer Setup.
2. When the key icon appears, type your current password followed
by a slash (/) or alternate delimiter character as shown:
current password/
3. Press the Enter key.
Refer to the “National Keyboard Delimiter Characters”
section in this chapter for information about the
alternate delimiter characters.
The power-on password and setup password may also
be changed using the Security options in Computer
Setup.
National Keyboard Delimiter Characters
Each keyboard is designed to meet country-specific requirements. The
syntax and keys that you use for changing or deleting your password
depend on the keyboard that came with your computer.
National Keyboard Delimiter Characters
Arabic / Greek - Russian /
Belgian = Hebrew . Slovakian -
BHCSY* - Hungarian - Spanish -
Brazilian / Italian - Swedish/Finnish /
Chinese / Japanese / Swiss -
Czech - Korean / Taiwanese /
Danish - Latin American - Thai /
French ! Norwegian - Turkish .
French
Canadian
German - Portuguese - U.S. English /
* For Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia, and Yugoslavia
10 Desktop Management Guide
é Polish - U.K. English /
Clearing Passwords
If you forget your password, you cannot access the computer. Refer to
Troubleshooting for instructions on clearing passwords.
Smart Cover Sensor
Smart Cover Sensor is a combination of hardware and software
technology that can alert you when the computer cover or side panel has
been removed. There are three levels of protection, as described in the
following table:
Smart Cover Sensor Protection Levels
Level Setting Description
Level 0 Disabled Smart Cover Sensor is disabled (default).
Level 1 Notify User When the computer is restarted, the screen displays a message indicating that the
computer cover or side panel has been removed.
Level 2 Setup Password When the computer is restarted, the screen displays a message indicating that the
computer cover or side panel has been removed. You must enter the setup
password to continue.
Setting the Smart Cover Sensor Protection Level
To set the Smart Cover Sensor protection level, complete the following
steps:
1. Turn on or restart the computer. If you are in Windows, click Start
à Shut Down à Restart the Computer.
2. When the F10 Setup message appears in the lower-right corner of
the screen, press the F10 key. Press Enter to bypass the title screen,
if necessary.
If you do not press the F10 key while the message is
displayed, you must restart the computer again to access
the utility.
3. Select Security, then Smart Cover and follow the instructions on
the screen.
4. Before exiting, click File
àSave Changes and Exit.
Desktop Management Guide 11
Smart Cover Lock
Locking the Smart Cover Lock
The Smart Cover Lock is a software-controllable cover lockfeatured on
select Compaq PCs. This lock prevents unauthorized access to the
internal components. Computers ship with the Smart Cover Lock in the
unlocked position.
CAUTION: For maximum cover lock security, be sure to establish a
setup password. The setup password prevents unauthorized access
to the Computer Setup utility.
To activate and lock the Smart Cover Lock, complete the
following steps:
1. Turn on or restart the computer. If you are in Windows, click Start
à Shut Down à Restart the Computer.
2. When the F10 Setup message appears in the lower-right corner of
the screen, press the F10 key. Press Enter to bypass the title screen,
if necessary.
If you do not press the F10 key while the message is
displayed, you must restart the computer to access the
utility.
Unlocking the Smart Cover Lock
12 Desktop Management Guide
3. Select Security, then select Smart Cover and the Locked option.
4. Before exiting, click File
1. Turn on or restart the computer. If you are in Windows, click Start
à Shut Down à Restart the Computer.
2. When the F10 Setup message appears in the lower-right corner of
the screen, press the F10 key. Press Enter to bypass the title screen,
if necessary.
If you do not press the F10 key while the message is
displayed, you must restart the computer to access the
utility.
3. Select Security, then select Smart Cover and the Unlocked option.
4. Before exiting, click File
à Save Changes and Exit.
à Save Changes and Exit.
Using the Smart Cover FailSafe Key
If you enable the Smart Cover Lock and cannot enter your password to
disable the lock, you will need a Smart Cover FailSafe Key to open the
computer cover. You will need the key in any of the following
circumstances:
Power outage
Start up failure
PC component failure (e.g., processor or power supply)
Forgotten password
CAUTION: The Smart Cover FailSafe Key is a specialized tool
available from Compaq. Be prepared; order this Key before you need
one.
To obtain the FailSafe Key, do any one of the following:
Contact your authorized Compaq reseller or service provider.
Refer to the Compaq World Wide Web site (www.compaq.com)
for ordering information.
Call the appropriate number listed in the warranty.
For more information about using the Smart Cover FailSafe
consult Making Hardware Changes.
Key,
Desktop Management Guide 13
Master Boot Record Security
The Master Boot Record (MBR) contains information needed to
successfully boot from a disk and to access the data stored on the disk.
Master Boot Record Security may prevent unintentional or malicious
changes to the MBR, such as those caused by some computer viruses or
by the incorrect use of certain disk utilities. It also allows you to recover
the “last known good” MBR, should changes to the MBR be detected
when the system is restarted.
To enable MBR Security, complete the following steps:
1. Turn on or restart the computer. If you are in Windows, click Start
à Shut Down à Restart the Computer.
2. When the F10 Setup message appears in the lower-right corner of
the screen, press the F10 key. Press Enter to bypass the title screen,
if necessary.
If you do not press the F10 key while the message is
displayed, you must restart the computer to access the
utility.
3. Select Security
4. Select Security
5. Before exiting, click File
When MBR Security is enabled, the BIOS prevents any changes being
made to the MBR of the current bootable disk while in MS-DOS or
Windows Safe Mode.
Most operating systems control access to the MBR of the
current bootable disk; the BIOS cannot prevent changes that
may occur while the operating system is running.
à Master Boot Record Security à Enabled.
à Save Master Boot Record.
à Save Changes and Exit.
14 Desktop Management Guide
Each time the computer is turned on or restarted, the BIOS compares
the MBR of the current bootable disk to the previously-saved MBR. If
changes are detected and if the current bootable disk is the same disk
from whch the MBR was previously saved, the following message is
displayed:
1999 - Master Boot Record has changed.
Press any key to enter Setup to configure MBR Security
Upon entering Computer Setup, you must
Save the MBR of the current bootable disk;
Restore the previously-saved MBR; or,
Disable the MBR Security feature.
You must know the setup password, if one exists.
If changes are detected and if the current bootable disk is not the same
disk from which the MBR was previously saved, the following message
is displayed:
2000 - Master Boot Record Hard Drive has changed.
Press any key to enter Setup to configure MBR Security
Upon entering Computer Setup, you must
Save the MBR of the current bootable disk; or,
Disable the MBR Security feature.
You must know the setup password, if one exists.
In the unlikely event that the previously-saved MBR has been
corrupted, the following message is displayed:
1998 - Master Boot Record has been lost.
Press any key to enter Setup to configure MBR Security
Upon entering Computer Setup, you must
Save the MBR of the current bootable disk; or,
Disable the MBR Security feature.
You must know the setup password, if one exists.
Desktop Management Guide 15
Before You Partition or Format the Current Bootable Disk
Ensure that MBR Security is disabled before you change partitioning or
formatting of the current bootable disk. Some disk utilities, such as
FDISK and FORMAT, attempt to update the MBR. If MBR Security is
enabled when you change partitioning or formatting of the disk, you
may receive error messages from the disk utility or a warning from
MBR Security the next time the computer is turned on or restarted. To
disable MBR Security, complete the following steps:
1. Turn on or restart the computer. If you are in Windows, click Start
à Shut Down à Restart the Computer.
2. When the F10 Setup message appears in the lower-right corner of
the screen, press the F10 key. Press Enter to bypass the title screen,
if necessary.
If you do not press the F10 key while the message is
displayed, you must restart the computer to access the
utility.
3. Select Security
4. Before exiting, click File
à Master Boot Record Security à Disabled.
à Save Changes and Exit.
16 Desktop Management Guide
The Kensington Cable Lock Provision
The rear panel of the Computer accommodates a cable lock so that the
Computer can be physically secured to a work area.
For illustrated instructions, please see the Hardware Reference Guide
on the Reference Library CD.
The cable lock can be purchased from Kensington Microware
Limited or from Compaq DirectPlus
(www.directplus.compaq.com). Ask for the Kensington
MicroSaver Security System, Model 64068.
Fingerprint Identification Technology
Eliminating the need to enter end-user passwords, Compaq Fingerprint
Identification Technology tightens network security, simplifies the login
process, and reduces the costs associated with managing corporate
networks. Affordably priced, it isn’t just for high-tech, high-security
organizations anymore.
See www.compaq.com/im/fit/index.html for more information.
Support for Fingerprint Identification Technology varies by
model.
Desktop Management Guide 17
Fault Notification and Recovery
Fault Notification and Recovery features combine innovative hardware
and software technology to prevent the loss of critical data and
minimize unplanned downtime.
When a fault occurs, the computer displays a Local Alert message
containing a description of the fault and any recommended actions. You
can then view current system health by using the Compaq Management
Agent. If the computer is connected to a network managed by a
Compaq Insight Manager product or other management products from
Compaq Management Solutions Partners, the computer also sends a
fault notice to the network management application.
Celeron, Pentium II, and Pentium III Fault Prediction and Prefailure
Warranty
When the processor encounters an excessive number of error checking
and correcting (ECC) cache memory errors, the computer displays a
Local Alert message. This message contains detailed information about
the faulty processor, allowing you to take action before you experience
non-correctable cache memory errors. The Prefailure Warranty allows
you to replace these processors, free of charge, before they actually fail.
Processors with ECC cache memory are available on select Compaq
personal computers.
SMART Hard Drive Fault Prediction
18 Desktop Management Guide
The SMART hard drive monitors hard drive activity to predict failures
and, in some cases, fix faults before failures occur. Fault prediction and
failure indication parameters, such as abnormal variations in spinup and
seek times, or non-correctable read and write errors, are tracked to
determine the hard drive condition. Should these errors become
significant, the computer displays a warning message. The warning
gives you time to back up the hard drive and replace it prior to
experiencing downtime or loss of data.
The Prefailure Warranty for SMART hard drives allows you to replace
these drives, free of charge, before the drives fail.
SMART hard drives are compliant with the Small Form Factor
Committee Specification for Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting
Technology (SMART). SMART is the industry standard technology,
SMART hard drive fault prediction and Prefailure Warranty
apply only to internal hard drives, not to MultiBay drives.
pioneered by Compaq and originally called IntelliSafe, that allows you
to prevent data loss and minimize downtime, in concert with Compaq
Management Agents.
Drive Protection System
The Compaq Drive Protection System (DPS) is a diagnostic tool built
into the hard drives installed in select Compaq computers. DPS is
designed to help diagnose problems that might result in unwarranted
hard drive replacement.
When Compaq enterprise computers are built, each installed hard drive
is tested using DPS and a permanent record of key information is
written onto the drive. Each time DPS is run, test results are written to
the hard drive. Your service provider can use this information to help
diagnose conditions that caused you to run the DPS software. Refer to
Troubleshooting for instructions on using DPS.
Ultra ATA Integrity Monitoring
Ultra ATA Integrity Monitoring monitors the integrity of data as it is
transferred between an Ultra ATA hard drive and the system’s core
logic. If the computer detects an abnormal number of transmission
errors, the computer displays a Local Alert message with recommended
actions.
ECC Fault Prediction and Prefailure Warranty
When the computer encounters an excessive number of error checking
and correcting (ECC) memory errors, the computer displays a Local
Alert message. This message contains detailed information about the
errant memory module, allowing you to take action before you
experience non-correctable memory errors. The Prefailure Warranty for
ECC memory modules allows you to replace these modules, free of
charge, before the modules actually fail. ECC memory modules are
optional on all Compaq personal computers.
To use this feature, you must replace the standard DIMMs or
RIMMs with ECC DIMMs or ECC RIMMs.
Desktop Management Guide 19
Surge-Tolerant Power Supply
An integrated surge-tolerant power supply provides greater reliability
when the computer is hit with an unpredictable power surge. This
power supply is rated to withstand a power surge of up to 2000 volts
without incurring any system downtime or data loss.
Thermal Sensor
The thermal sensor is a hardware and software feature that tracks the
internal temperature of the computer. This feature displays a warning
message when the normal range is exceeded, which gives you time to
take action before internal components are damaged or data is lost.
20 Desktop Management Guide
Software Updating and Management
Compaq provides several tools for managing and updating software on
desktop computers—Altiris eXpress, Altiris PC Transplant Pro, PC
Transplant for Compaq, Insight Manager LC, System Software
Manager, and Remote Management Setup Utilities. Using Insight
Manager LC, you can also monitor a workgroup of PCs from a central
console and remotely update the system software, security settings,
flash ROM, or hardware device drivers, for each of the managed PCs
individually.
System Software Manager (SSM) is a utility that lets you update
system-level software on multiple systems simultaneously. When
executed on a PC client system, SSM detects both hardware and
software versions, then updates the appropriate software from a central
repository, also known as a file store. Support software that works with
SSM is flagged with the PC Lifecycle Management icon on the
Compaq Web site. To download the utility or to obtain more
information on SSM, visit the Compaq Web site at
http://www.compaq.com/im.
In addition to its PC configuration capabilities mentioned in a previous
section, Altiris eXpress also includes easy to use software distribution
capabilities. You can use Altiris eXpress to update operating systems
and application software from a central console. When used in
conjunction with SSM, Altiris eXpress can also update ROM BIOS and
device driver software.
Finally, the Compaq Remote Management Setup Utilities, when
integrated with Management Solutions Partners products, deliver an ongoing management solution. These utilities supplement the capabilities
of Solutions Partners products for distributing new applications, device
drivers, and other system software. The Compaq Web site include
updated ROM images and device drivers which can be distributed to
client PCs using these software tools.
For more information, refer to the online Remote Management
Administrators Guide. The Remote Management Administrators Guide
is included with the Remote Management Setup Utilities, which are
available on the Compaq Web site at
www.compaq.com/support/files/index.html. The following sections
provide information on using these utilities to accomplish various
remote management functions including ROM flash, changing security
settings, and wakeup/shutdown.
Desktop Management Guide 21
Remote ROM Flash
Using Remote ROM Flash
Your computer comes with reprogrammable flash ROM (read only
memory). By establishing a setup password in Security
Management, you can protect the ROM from being unintentionally
updated or overwritten. This is important to ensure the operating
integrity of the computer. Should you need or want to upgrade your
ROM, you may:
Order an upgraded ROMPaq diskette from Compaq.
Download the latest ROMPaq images from the Compaq World
Wide Web site (www.compaq.com).
CAUTION: For maximum ROM protection, be sure to establish a
setup password. The setup password prevents unauthorized ROM
upgrades. Compaq Insight Manager LC allows the system
administrator to set the setup password on one or more PCs
simultaneously. For more information, visit the Compaq Web site at
www.compaq.com.
Remote ROM Flash allows the system administrator to safely upgrade
the ROM on remote Compaq computers, directly from the centralized
network management console. Enabling the system administrator to
perform this task remotely, on multiple computers, results in a
consistent deployment of and greater control over Compaq PC ROM
images over the network. It also results in greater productivity and
lower total cost of ownership.
22 Desktop Management Guide
All ROMPaq ROM images from Compaq are digitally signed to ensure
authenticity and minimize potential corruption. Your system ROM may
include a Boot Block that is protected during the flash process and
allows the computer to be restarted, in the unlikely event of an
unsuccessful ROM flash.
For more information on enabling Remote ROM Flash, refer to the
online Remote Management Administrators Guide. The Remote
Management Administrators Guide is included with the Remote
Management Setup Utilities, and is available on the Compaq Web site
at www.compaq.com.
Your computer must be powered on, or turned on through
Remote Wakeup, to take advantage of Remote ROM Flash.
Use of Remote ROM Flash also requires an established setup
password.
FailSafe Boot Block ROM
The FailSafe Boot Block ROM allows for system recovery in the
unlikely event of a ROM flash failure, for example, if a power failure
occurs during a ROM upgrade. The Boot Block is a flash-protected
section of the ROM that checks for a valid system ROM flash when
power to the system is turned on.
If the system ROM is valid, the system starts normally.
If the system ROM fails the validation check, the FailSafe Boot
Block ROM provides enough support to start the system from a
ROMPaq diskette, which will program the system ROM with a
valid image.
When the Boot Block detects an invalid system ROM, the system
sounds a series of beeps (one long and three short) and flashes the three
keyboard lights on and off two times. A Boot Block recovery mode
message will appear on the screen.
To recover the system after it enters Boot Block recovery mode,
complete the following steps:
1. Remove any diskettes from the diskette drive and turn off the
power.
2. Insert a ROMPaq diskette into the diskette drive.
3. Turn on power to the system.
4. If no ROMPaq diskette is found, you will be prompted to insert one
and restart the computer.
5. If a setup password has been established, the Caps Lock light will
turn on and you will be prompted to enter the password.
6. Enter the setup password.
7. If the system successfully starts from the diskette and successfully
reprograms the ROM, then the three keyboard lights will turn on. A
“rising tone” series of beeps also signals successful completion.
The following table lists the various keyboard light combinations used
by the Boot Block ROM, as well as the meaning and action associated
with each combination.
Desktop Management Guide 23
Keyboard Light Combinations Used by Boot Block ROM
FailSafe Boot
Block Mode
Num Lock Green On ROMPaq diskette not present, is bad, or drive not
Caps Lock Green On Enter password.*
Num, Caps,
Scroll Lock
Num, Caps,
Scroll Lock
Note: Diagnostic lights do not flash on USB keyboards.
*Insert valid ROMPaq diskette in drive A. Turn power switch off, then on to reflash ROM. If ROM flash is
successful, all three keyboard LEDs will light up and you will hear a rising tone series of beeps. Remove
diskette and turn power off, then on to restart the computer. For more information about flashing the ROM, refer
to the Troubleshooting guide.
Keyboard LED
Color
Green Turn on and off
Green On Boot Block ROM Flash successful. Turn power off,
Keyboard LED
Activity State/Message
ready.*
ROM flash failed.*
2 times
(accompanied
by 1 long and
3 short beeps)
then on to reboot.
Remote Security Management
Remote Security Management allows the system administrator to safely
set or modify security features on remote Compaq computers, directly
from the centralized network management console. Enabling the system
administrator to perform these tasks remotely, on multiple computers,
results in consistent deployment of and greater control over client
computer security parameters over the network. It also results in greater
productivity and lower total cost of ownership.
24 Desktop Management Guide
Your computer must be powered on, or turned on through
Remote Wakeup, to take advantage of Remote Security
Management. Use of Remote Security Management also
requires an established setup password.
For more information about the Remote Management Setup software
and enabling Remote Security Management, refer to the online Remote
Management Administrators Guide. The Remote Management
Administrators Guide is included with the Remote Management Setup
Utilities, and is available on the Compaq Web site at
www.compaq.com.
Remote Wakeup and Remote Shutdown
If your computer has an optional network card installed, it may support
the Compaq Remote Wakeup and Remote Shutdown functions. These
functions allow a system administrator to power on and power off a
client computer from a remote location, supported by PC LAN
management tools.
Remote Wakeup allows the network interface controller to continue
functioning, even when power to the computer has been turned off.
To enable Remote Wakeup and Remote Shutdown, complete the
following steps:
1. Double-click the Network Icon, located in the Control Panel.
2. Double-click the appropriate network controller.
3. Click the Advanced Properties tab.
4. Select Remote Wakeup.
5. Change the value to ON.
6. Click OK to save and apply changes, then click OK to exit the
For more information on using Remote Wakeup and Remote Shutdown,
refer to the online Remote Management Administrators Guide. The
Remote Management Administrators Guide is included with the Remote
Management Setup Utilities, and is available on the Compaq Web site
at www.compaq.com.
Third-party software tools are required to remotely distribute
software.
The computer continues to consume a small amount of
electricity even after you turn it off. Only when you disconnect
the power cord from the electrical outlet does the computer
stop consuming electricity.
Network dialog.
NIC Alert
The NIC Alert function enables desktop PCs to send an immediate alert
to the network administrator when there is a hardware or operating
system failure, or evidence of tampering, even if the system is powered
off or the operating system is not yet started.
Desktop Management Guide 25
Replicating Your Setup
This procedure gives an administrator the ability to easily copy one
setup configuration to other computers of the same model. This allows
for faster, more consistent configuration of multiple computers. To
replicate your setup:
1. Access the Computer Setup Utilities menu.
2. Click File
screen.
3. To replicate the configuration, click File
and follow the instructions on the screen.
Altiris eXpress and PC Transplant make it easy to replicate the
configuration and custom settings of one PC and copy it to one or more
PCs. For more information, visit the Compaq Web site at
www.compaq.com.
Dual-State Power Button
With Advanced Power Management (APM) enabled in Windows 95 or
Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) enabled for
Windows 98 and Windows 2000, the power button can function either
as an on/off switch or as a suspend button. The suspend feature does not
completely turn off power, but instead causes the computer to enter a
low-power standby. This allows you to quickly power down without
closing applications and to quickly return to the same operational state
without any data loss.
à Save to Diskette. Follow the instructions on the
This requires an internal diskette drive, a MultiBay LS120 drive, or a portable, external diskette drive.
à Restore from Diskette,
26 Desktop Management Guide
To change the power button’s configuration, complete the following
steps:
1. Access the Computer Setup menu.
2. Select Power
on the Energy Saver Options menu.
3. Select PoweràEnergy Saver Options. Set the power button
configuration to either On/Off or Suspend/Wakeup, as desired.
4. Refer to the Hardware Reference Guide for more detailed
information about the features of Computer Setup.
5. Select File
After configuring the power button to function as a suspend button,
press the power button to put the system in a very low power state
àEnergy Saver. Select Minimal or Advanced to turn
à Save Changes and Exit.
(suspend). Press the button again to quickly bring the system out of
suspend to full power status. To completely turn off all power to the
system, press and hold the power button for four seconds.
Power Management
Power Management is a feature that saves energy by shutting down
certain components of the computer when they are not in use, saving
energy without having to shut down the computer. Timeouts (the period
of inactivity allowed before shutting down these components) can be
enabled, customized, or disabled using Computer Setup.
1. Access the Computer Setup menu.
2. Select Power
3. Select PoweràTimeouts. Enable, customize, or disable timeouts.
4. Select File
If you have selected the “Blink LED during Energy Save”
option in Computer Setup, the power-on light will blink green
once every two seconds while the computer is in suspend. See
the Hardware Reference Guide for more information on using
Computer Setup.
àEnergy Saver. Select Advanced to turn on the
Timeouts menu.
Refer to the Hardware Reference Guide for more detailed
information about the features of Computer Setup.
à Save Changes and Exit.
To avoid potential conflicts, never enable monitor
timeouts in Windows 95 or Windows 98 while system
timeouts are enabled in Computer Setup.
Use Display Properties to establish, modify, or disable
Power Management settings for the monitor. To access
Display Properties, right-click on the Windows
Desktop, then choose Properties.
Desktop Management Guide 27
World Wide Web Site
Compaq engineers rigorously test and debug software developed by
Compaq and third-party suppliers, and develop operating-system
specific support software, to ensure the highest level of performance,
compatibility, and reliability for Compaq personal computers.
When making the transition to new or revised operating systems, it is
important to implement the support software designed for that operating
system. If you plan to run a version of Microsoft Windows or Microsoft
Windows NT Workstation that is different from the version included
with your computer you must install corresponding Compaq device
drivers and utilities to ensure all features are supported and functioning
properly.
Compaq has made the task of locating, accessing, evaluating, and
installing the latest support software easier. You can download the
software from the Compaq World Wide Web site at www.compaq.com.
The Web site contains the latest device drivers, utilities, and flashable
ROM images needed to run Windows 95, Windows 98,
Windows 2000, and Windows NT Workstation on your Compaq
computer.
28 Desktop Management Guide
Building Blocks and Partners
Compaq management solutions are based on industry standards,
including DMI 2.0, Web-Based Enterprise Management, Intel's "Wired
for Management" (WfM), SNMP, and Net PC technologies. Microsoft,
Intel, Hewlett-Packard, Novell, Veritas, Computer Associates, Tivoli,
and other industry leaders work closely with Compaq to integrate their
management solutions with Compaq products and initiatives, giving
you, the Compaq customer, extraordinary flexibility and functionality in
client management and PC ownership cost reduction.
Compaq delivers desktop management solutions through the Compaq
Management Solutions Partners Program. The partnership ensures that
the benefits of Intelligent Manageability are accessible through a broad
range of vendors. For more information and a list of Compaq
Management Solutions Partners and their products, visit
www.compaq.com/im/partners/index.html on the Compaq Web site.
Desktop Management Interface (DMI)
The Desktop Management Task Force (DMTF) is an industry body
created in 1992 with the goal of standardizing systems manageability.
DMTF established the Desktop Management Interface (DMI)
framework to standardize access to PC configuration data. Compaq, as
a Steering Committee and Technical Committee member of the DMTF,
delivers hardware and software instrumentation that supports the DMI
standard.
For more information on configuring the DMI software, refer to the
online Intelligent Manageability Guide.
Wired for Management
Intel's Wired for Management initiative is focused on reducing the
support and administration cost of Intel architecture-based systems
without compromising their flexibility and performance. The Wired for
Management guidelines provide a baseline set of building blocks that
Compaq utilizes in Intelligent Manageability to provide standardized
management of desktop inventories, remote system configuration, offhours maintenance, and next generation power management. But
Compaq doesn't stop with these baseline features. Additional
capabilities have been incorporated into Intelligent Manageability to
provide an extensive solution for managing networked computing
environments.
Desktop Management Guide 29
Required Wired for Management technologies include:
Desktop Management Interface (DMI) 2.0
Remote System Installation
Remote Wakeup and Remote Shutdown
ACPI-Ready Hardware
SMBIOS
Pre-boot execution (PXE) support
30 Desktop Management Guide
INDEX
A
administrator (setup) password, 5
Altiris eXpress, 3
Asset Tracking and Security, 3–17
AssetControl, 3
B
beeps, 23
broken key (password) icon, 7
building blocks and partners, 29,
28–30
buttons
power, 26
C
cable lock provision, 5, 17
Computer Setup
replicating, 26
configuration, 1–3
D
delimiter characters, 10
deployment, 1–3
remote, 2–3
Desktop Management Interface
(DMI), 29
E
ECC fault prediction and prefailure
warranty, 19
H
hard drive
fault prediction, 18
prefailure warranty, 18
I
icon, password, 7
infrared interface control, 5
Initial Configuration and
Deployment, 1–3
Insight Manager LC, 4, 21, 22
Intelligent Manageability, 1
K
key (password) icon, 7
keyboard
national delimiter characters, 10
keyboard light combinations, 24
M
managing software, 20–28
memory
change alerts, 5
N
network
service boot, 2
NIC Alert, 25
O
F
FailSafe Boot Block ROM, 23
fault notification and recovery, 18,
17–20
Fingerprint Identification
Technology, 17
flash ROM, 22
Ownership Tag, 5
P
parallel
interface control, 5
password icon, 7
passwords, 5, 6–13. See also
power-on password, setup
password, DriveLock security
Desktop Management Guide 31
clearing, 11
PC Transplant, 3
power button
configuring for suspend, 26
power management, 27
power supply, 20
power-on password, 5
changing, 8–9
deleting, 10
entering, 7
establishing, 7
prefailure warranty, 18, 19
hard drive, 18
processor, 18
preinstalled software, 2
processor
fault prediction, 18
prefailure warranty, 18
R
Remote Management Setup
Utilities, 4, 21, 22, 24, 25
remote ROM flash, 22
remote security management, 24
remote system installation, 2
Remote Wakeup and Remote
Shutdown, 25
removable media
boot control, 5
replicating your setup, 26
ROM upgrade
recovery from ROM upgrade
failure, 23
remote, 22
ROMPaq diskette, 22
S
security features, 5
serial
interface control, 5
setup password, 5
changing, 8–9
deleting, 10
entering, 7–8
establishing, 6
Smart Cover Sensor, 5, 11
setting protection level, 11
SMART hard drive fault prediction,
18
software image, 2
configuring, deploying a
custom, 1–3
software updating and
management, 20–28
surge-tolerant power supply, 20
suspend
configuring power button, 26
System Software Manager, 21
T
thermal sensor, 20
U
Ultra ATA integrity monitoring, 19
updating software, 20–28
USB interface control, 5
W
warranty
ECC memory prefailure, 19
processor prefailure, 18
SMART hard drive prefailure,
18
Wired for Management, 29
World Wide Web Site, 28
32 Index
Loading...