
Service Reference Card
HP dx5150 Series Personal Computers
© 2005 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is sub-
ject to change without notice. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions 
contained herein. Intel, Pentium, Intel Inside, and the Intel logo are trademarks or registered 
trademarks of the Intel Corporation and its subsidiaries in the U. S. and other countries. 
Document Number 381052-001.   1st Edition May 2005
Key Specifications
Key Specifications
Processor Type: AMD Athlon 64, AMD Sempron
RAM Type: PC3200 DDR-SDRAM, 400 MHz, non-ECC
Maximum RAM Supported: Up to 4 GB
Expansion Bus: PCI 2.3 and PCI Express
Graphics: Integrated graphics & PCI Express expansion capability
Hard Drive Interface: SATA (up to 7200 rpm)
I/O Interfaces: Serial, parallel, USB 2.0 (8), PS/2 (2), RJ-45, VGA, 
System Setup and Boot
Basic system information regarding file, storage, security, and power configuration is maintained in the Setup Utility held in the system ROM. The Setup Utility is accessed by pressing the 
F10 key during the boot sequence. If you do not press the F10 key at the appropriate time, you 
must restart the computer and press and hold the F10 key again to access the utility. 
Computer Setup Menu
Heading Option Description
System 
Information
Standard 
CMOS 
Features
Advanced 
BIOS 
Features
Advanced 
Chipset 
Features
Integrated 
Peripherals
Displays Product Name, Processor Type, Cache Size, Mem-
Date (mm:dd:yy) Allows you to set system date.
Time (hh:mm:ss) Allows you to set system time.
• PATA IDE Channel 0 
Master & Slave
• SATA IDE Channel 1 
& 2 Master
Drive A Allows you to set Drive A to Disabled or Auto.
Floppy 3 Mode Support Disables/sets diskette drive support to Drive A.
Halt On Allows you to set at: All Errors, No Errors, All but 
POST Delay Allows you to set a POST delay.
Removable Device Boot 
Priority
Hard Disk Boot Priority Allows you to specify the order of attached hard 
CD-ROM Boot Priority Allows you to specify the order in which attached 
Network Boot Priority Allows you to specify the order in which network 
Quick Power On Self 
Tes t
• First Boot Device
• Second Boot Device
• Third Boot Device
• Fourth Boot Device
Boot Up NumLock 
Status
APIC Function Enables/disables the APIC support.
MPS Version Ctrl for OS Allows you to set the MPS version for the OS.
HDD SMART Function Enables/disables SMART capability on the HDD.
BIOS Write Protection Enables/disables BIOS write protection.
Internal Video Mode Disables/selects internal video mode.
AGP Aperture Size Allows you to set the AGP aperture size.
UMA Frame Buffer Size Allows you to set the size of UMA frame buffer.
Video Display Devices Allows you to select the video display devices.
Auto Detect PCI Clk Enables/disables PCI Clk auto detection.
Spread Spectrum Enables/disables spread spectrum.
South OnChip IDE 
Device
South OnChip PCI 
Device
Init Display First Allows you to select the primary VGA source.
Surroundview Allows you to enable/disable Surroundview only if 
DVI-D, Audio-In, Audio-Out (2), Mic In (2) 
ory Size, System ROM, Integrated MAC, UUID, 
System Serial #, Asset Tag.
For each, allows you to:
• enable/disable auto detection of HDD size & head.
• set IDE to: None; Auto, Manual.
• set access mode to: CHS, LBA, Large, Auto.
Keyboard, All but Diskette, All but Diskette/Keybd.
Allows you to specify the order in which attached 
devices are checked for a bootable OS image.
drive devices. The first drive in the order has priority 
in the boot sequence and is recognized as drive C.
CD-ROM drives (including USB ODD) are checked 
for a bootable operating system image.
devices (including UP NIC cards) are checked for a 
bootable operating system image.
Enables/disables the system to skip certain tests 
while booting. Enabling this feature decreases the 
time required to boot the system.
Allows you to specify which devices will boot first, 
second, third, and fourth. 
NOTE: MS-DOS drive lettering assignments may 
not apply after a non-MS-DOS operating system has 
started.
Allows you to set the default NumLock status on 
or off.
Allows you to enable/disable IDE devices.
Allows you to: 
• enable/disable: Onboard AC97 Audio.
• select: SATA Disabled, IDE Controller (nonRAID), RAID Controller.
• enable/disable: Onboard LAN, Onboard LAN 
Boot ROM.
PCI-E GFX add-on card is ATI. Provides support for 
up to three independent monitors.
Continued
Computer Setup Menu 
Heading Option Description
Integrated 
Peripherals 
(continued)
Power 
Management Setup
PnP/PCI 
Configuration
PC Health 
Status
Load 
Optimized 
Defaults
Set 
Supervisor 
Password
Set User 
Password
Save & Exit 
Setup
Exit Without Saving
NOTE: Support for Computer Setup options may vary depending on hardware configuration.
OnChip USB Controller Enables/disables the USB controller.
Front Panel USB Port Enables/disables the front panel USB ports.
Onboard FDC Cntroller Enables/disables onboard FDC controller.
Onboard Serial Port Allows you to disable or select setting for the 
Onboard Parallel Port Allows you to disable or select setting for the 
Parallel Port Mode Allows you to select parallel port mode.
ECP Mode Use DMA If Parallel Port Mode is set to ECP or ECP+EPP, 
ACPI Function Enables/disables ACPI functions.
ACPI Suspend Type Allows you to set type of ACPI suspend.
After AC Power Loss Allows you to select: Last State, On, Off.
PowerOn by PCI Card Enables/disables ability to power on by PCI card.
AMD Cool’n’Quiet Allows you to set the AMD Cool’n’Quiet to auto or 
RTC Alarm Resume Enables/disables resumption of RTC alarm.
Date (of Month) If RTC Alarm Resume enabled, allows you to select 
Resume Time 
(hh:mm:ss)
Reset Configurations 
Data
Resources Controlled ByAllows you to select whether resources are con-
IRQ Resource: 
IRQ-3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 
12, 14, 15 assigned to
PCI/VGA Palette Snoop Enables/disables PCI/VGA palette snoop.
Assign IRQ for VGA Enables/disables ability to assign IRQ for VGA.
Assign IRQ for USB Enables/disables ability to assign IRQ for USB.
System Information Lists: CPU Temperature, System Temperature, CPU 
(Continued)
onboard serial port.
onboard parallel port.
allows you to set the ECP Mode Use DMA to 1 or 3.
to disable it.
the day of the month for resumption of RTC alarm.
If RTC Alarm Resume is enabled, allows you to 
select what time the RTC alarm will resume.
Enables/disables automatic reconfiguration. Default 
is Disabled. Select Enabled to reset Extended System Configuration Data (ESCD) when you exit 
Setup, if you have installed a new add-on and the 
system reconfiguration has caused such a serious 
conflict that the OS cannot boot.
trolled automatically or manually. BIOS can automatically configure all the boot and Plug-and-Playcompatible devices. If you choose Auto, you cannot 
select IRQ DMA and memory base address fields, 
since BIOS automatically assigns them.
When resources are controlled manually, allows you 
to assign each system interrupt a type, depending on 
the type of device using the interrupt. Legacy ISA 
for devices compliant with the original PC AT bus 
specification, PCI/ISA PnP for devices compliant 
with the Plug and Play standard whether designed 
for PCI or ISA bus architecture.
Fan Speed, System Fan Speed.
Allows you to reset Computer Setup to factory 
defaults.
Allows you to establish a password to control access 
to Computer Setup.
Allows you to establish a password to control access 
to the computer.
Allows you to save current settings and exit Computer Setup.
Allows you to exit Computer Setup without saving 
changes.
FailSafe Boot Block ROM
The FailSafe Boot Block ROM allows for system recovery in the event of a ROM flash failure. 
The computer comes with a reprogrammable flash system ROM. To upgrade the ROM:
- Order an upgraded ROMPaq diskette or CD from HP, or
- Download the latest ROMPaq images from the HP Web site (www.hp.com
All ROMPaq ROM images from HP are digitally signed to ensure authenticity and minimize 
potential corruption. Your system ROM includes a Failsafe Boot Block that is protected during 
the flash process and allows the computer to be restarted during an unsuccessful ROM flash.
If the computer detects an invalid system ROM during the boot sequence, the System Power 
LED blinks red 8 times, 1 every second, followed by a 2 second pause. The computer also beeps 
8 times. To recover from the Boot Block recovery mode complete the following steps:
1. Remove any diskettes or CDs from the drives and turn off power.
2. Insert a ROMPaq diskette or CD into the drive and turn on the computer.
3. Enter the supervisor password. If the computer successfully starts and reprograms the ROM, 
the three keyboard lights will turn on, and you will hear a rising tone series of beeps.
4. Remove the diskette or CD, and then turn power off and on to restart the computer. 
).
Security Functions
The computer offers two independent passwords for computer and data protection. The User  
password protects the computer from unauthorized access by prompting the user for a password 
during power up. The Supervisor password protects the computer from unauthorized or inadvertent reconfiguration by prompting the user for a password prior to entering Computer Setup, 
You can also use the Supervisor password as an override to the User password. 
To establish a User or Supervisor password:
NOTE: If the system is equipped with an embedded security device, refer to HP ProtectTools  
Embedded Security Guide on the Documentation CD.
1. Turn on or restart the computer. In Windows, click Start > Shut Down > Restart.
2. As soon as the computer is turned on, press and hold the F10 key until you enter 
Computer Setup. Press Enter to bypass the title screen, if necessary. 
3. Select either Set Supervisor Password or Set User Password and enter the password.
4. To save the password and exit Computer Setup, click File > Save Changes and Exit. 
 

To change or delete a User or Supervisor password: 
1. Turn on or restart the computer. If you are in Windows, click Start >
Shut Down > Restart.
2. When the Enter Password box displays, type the current User password, if required, and 
then press Enter.
3. Press and hold the F10 key until you enter Computer Setup. Press Enter to bypass the 
title screen, if necessary.
4. When the Enter Password box displays to access Computer Setup, type the current 
Supervisor password, if required, and then press Enter.
5. Select either Set Supervisor Password or Set User Password.
6. If you want to change the password, when the Enter Password box displays, type the 
new password, and then press Enter.
7. If you want to delete the password, when the Enter Password box displays, press Enter  
instead of entering the new password. This deletes the current password.
8. To save changes and exit Computer Setup, click File > Save Changes and Exit. 
To disable or clear the User or Supervisor passwords: 
1. Shut down the operating system properly, then turn off the computer and any external 
devices, and disconnect the power cord from the power outlet.
2. Press the power button again to drain the system of any residual power.
3. Remove the access panel.
4. Locate the header and jumper.
NOTE: The password jumper is green so you easily identify it. For assistance locating the 
password jumper and other system board components, see the system’s Illustrated Parts 
Map (IPM). You can download IPMs from www.hp.com/support
5. Remove the jumper from pins 1 and 2. Place the jumper on pins 2 and 3.
6. Replace the access panel and reconnect external equipment.
7. Plug in the computer and turn on power. Allow the operating system to start.
8. To establish new passwords, repeat steps 1 through 4, replace the password jumper on 
pins 1 and 2, then repeat steps 6 through 8. Establish the new passwords in Computer 
Setup. Refer to the Computer Setup (F10) Utility Guide on the Documentation CD for 
Computer Setup instructions.
To clear CMOS:
1. Power down the computer and disconnect the power cord from the AC outlet.
NOTE: The CMOS button will not clear CMOS if the power cord is connected.
2. Remove the access panel.
3. On the system board, slide and hold the CMOS switch for 5 seconds after the standby 
LED turns off. 
4. Replace the access panel and reconnect the power cord.
NOTE: You will receive POST error messages after you clear CMOS and reboot that indicate 
that configuration changes have occurred. Use Computer Setup to reset passwords and any special system setups along with the date and time.
Security Features
Feature Description
Supervisor 
Password
User 
Password
Device 
Security
Network 
Service 
Boot
System IDs Allows you to set:
Master 
Boot 
Record 
Security
NOTE: Support for security features varies depending on computer configuration. 
[1] For more information about Computer Setup, see the Computer Setup (F10) Utility Guide on 
the Documentation CD.
Allows you to set and enable Supervisor (administrator) password.
NOTE: If the Supervisor password is set, you must enter it to change Computer 
Setup [1] options, flash the ROM, and make changes to certain plug and 
play settings under Windows.
See the Troubleshooting Guide on the Documentation CD for more information.
Allows you to set and enable a User password.
NOTE: If the User password is set, you must enter it to access the computer.
See the Troubleshooting Guide on the Documentation CD for more information.
Enables/disables serial ports, parallel port, front USB ports, system audio, and 
network controllers.
Enables/disables the computer’s ability to boot from an operating system 
installed on a network server. (Feature available on NIC models only; the 
network controller must reside on the PCI bus or be embedded on the sys bd.)
• Asset tag (18-byte ID) and ownership Tag (80-byte ID displayed at POST).
• Chassis serial number or Universal Unique Identifier (UUID) number. You can 
update the UUID only if the current chassis serial number is invalid.
• Keyboard locale setting (i.e., English or German) for System ID entry.
Allows you to enable or disable Master Boot Record (MBR) Security.
When enabled, the BIOS rejects all requests to write to the MBR on the current 
bootable disk. Each time the computer is powered on or rebooted, the BIOS 
compares the MBR of the current bootable disk to the previously-saved MBR. If 
the BIOS detects changes, it allows the option of saving the MBR on the current 
bootable disk, restoring the previously-saved MBR, or disabling MBR Security. 
You must know the supervisor password, if one is set.
NOTE: Disable MBR Security before intentionally changing the formatting or 
partitioning of the current bootable disk. Several disk utilities (such as 
FDISK and FORMAT) attempt to update the MBR.
If MBR Security is enabled and disk accesses are being serviced by the BIOS, 
write requests to the MBR are rejected, causing the utilities to report errors.
If MBR Security is enabled and the operating system is servicing disk accesses, 
BIOS detects MBR changes during the next reboot and displays an MBR 
Security warning message.
.
Diagnostic Functions
Diagnostic functions are provided by the Setup Utility (in system ROM) and by Diagnostics for 
Windows. The Diagnostics for Windows utility is a component of Intelligent Manageability that 
allows you to view information about the hardware and software configuration of the computer 
while running Microsoft Windows. It also allows you to perform hardware and software tests on 
the subsystems of the computer.
Diagnostics for Windows provides detailed system information including:
• Processor type and speed
• Memory amount, mapping, and integrity
• Hardware peripheral availability/settings
• Hard drive type, space used/available
• System identification, asset tracking
Diagnostic Functions (continued)
When you invoke Diagnostics for Windows, the current configuration of the computer is shown 
in the Overview screen. This screen provides access to several categories of information about 
the computer and the Tes t  tab. You can print or save the information in every screen of the utility 
to a file. Diagnostics for Windows may be preinstalled on some models and can be downloaded 
from www.hp.com/support/files
Computer Diagnostic LEDs (front of computer)
LED Color Activity State/Message
Green On Computer on (normal operation).
Green 1 blink/2 seconds Suspend Mode.
Green 1 blink/2 seconds Suspend to RAM.
Red 2 blinks, 1 second apart CPU thermal shutdown.
Red 3 blinks, 1 second apart CPU not installed.
Red 4 blinks, 1 second apart Power supply overload.
Red 5 blinks and beeps, 1 second apart* Pre-video memory error.
Red 6 blinks and beeps, 1 second apart* Pre-video graphics error.
Red 7 blinks and beeps, 1 second apart* System board failure.
Red 8 blinks and beeps, 1 second apart* Invalid ROM.
Red 9 blinks and beeps, 1 second apart* System powers on unable to boot.
Red 10 blinks and beeps, 1 second apart* Bad option card.
*Blinks repeated after 2 second pause. Beeps stop after 5 iterations.
Common POST Error Messages
Screen Message Probable Cause Recommended Action
BIOS ROM 
checksum error– 
System halted
CMOS battery 
failed
CMOS checksum 
error—Defaults 
loaded
CPU at nnnn Displays running speed of CPU. None.
Press ESC to skip 
memory test
HARD DISK 
INSTALLFAI LU RE
Keyboard error or 
no keyboard 
present
Memory Test: This message displays during a 
Memory test fail If POST detects an error during 
Override enabled– 
Defaults loaded
Error: NonSystem disk or 
disk error Replace 
and press any key 
when ready
Warning: CPU fan 
has failed
Warning: System 
Fan has failed
Memory is 
running at Single 
Channel Mode
Memory is in 64 
bit mode. Move 
memory modules 
to slots 1 and 2 for 
best performance.
Warning: Bad 
memory config. 
Move memory 
module(s) to slot 
1 (and slot 2).
Warning: Memory 
configuration is 
not supported. 
Please see user 
documentation for 
recommended 
memory configs.
. 
The checksum of the BIOS code 
in the BIOS chip is incorrect, 
indicating that the BIOS code 
may be corrupt.
The CMOS battery is no longer 
functional.
Checksum of CMOS is incorrect, 
so the system loads the default 
equipment configuration. A 
checksum error may indicate that 
CMOS is corrupt. A weak 
battery can cause this error.
Cannot find or initialize the hard 
drive controller or the drive.
Cannot initialize the keyboard. Make sure the keyboard is attached 
full memory test, counting down 
the memory areas being tested.
memory testing, additional 
information appears giving 
specifics about the type and 
location of the memory error.
If the system cannot boot using 
the current CMOS configuration, 
BIOS can override the current 
configuration with a set of BIOS 
defaults for the most stable 
minimal performance system.
The BIOS was unable to find a 
suitable boot device. This may 
mean an uninitialized or corrupt 
ATA f l as h .
CPU fan weak (RPM < 1000) or 
not turning.
System fan weak (RPM < 1000) 
or not turning.
When two same size memories 
are put in slot 1 and 3, this 
message displays.
When two of the same size/ 
density memories are inserted 
into slot 1 and 3, this message 
displays. 
Found DIMM3 alone, or DIMM3 
and DIMM4 are populated when 
DIMM1 is alone, or DIMM1 and 
DIMM2 are not populated. 
Found unsupportable memory 
configuration. Configure to boot 
at DDR333, the smallest DIMM 
size available in 64bit mode. 
Contact your system dealer to replace 
the BIOS.
Contact your system dealer for a 
replacement battery.
Check the battery and replace, if 
necessary.
The user may press Esc to skip the 
full memory test.
Make sure the controller is installed 
correctly. If no hard drives are 
installed, be sure the Hard Drive 
selection in Setup is set to NONE.
correctly and no keys are pressed 
during POST. To purposely configure 
the system without a keyboard, set 
the error halt condition in Setup to 
HALT ON ALL, BUT KEYBOARD. 
The BIOS then ignores the missing 
keyboard during POST.
None.
Shut down the system, reseat the 
DIMMs, and reboot the system. If the 
problem persists, contact the system 
dealer for a replacement.
None.
Shut down the system, ensure that the 
power and data cables of all storage 
devices are plugged in properly, and 
reboot the system. If the problem 
persists, contact an authorized service 
center for assistance.
Ensure that the CPU fan power cable 
is connected. If the problem persists, 
contact an authorized service center.
Ensure the system fan power cable is 
connected. If the problem persists, 
contact an authorized service center.
For optimal performance, shut down 
the system and move the second 
DIMM from the XMM3 to the 
XMM2 socket.
For optimal performance, shut down 
the system and move the memory 
modules to the XMM1 and XMM2 
sockets.
Shut down the system and move 
memory modules to XMM1 and 
XMM2 sockets.
Consult the user documentation to 
determine recommended memory 
configurations. Then shut down the 
system and move the memory to an 
appropriate configuration.