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# Using the System Setup Program

Dell™ PowerEdge™ R905 Hardware Owner's Manual

Entering the System Setup Program

System Setup Options

System and Setup Password Features

Disabling a Forgotten Password

Baseboard Management Controller Configuration

After you set up your system, run the System Setup program to familiarize yourself with your system configuration and optional settings. Record the information for future reference.

You can use the System Setup program to:

- Change the system configuration stored in NVRAM after you add, change, or remove hardware
- Set or change user-selectable options—for example, the time or date
- Enable or disable integrated devices
- Correct discrepancies between the installed hardware and configuration settings

## Entering the System Setup Program

1. Turn on or restart your system.
2. Press <F2> immediately after you see the following message:

F2 = System Setup

If your operating system begins to load before you press <F2>, allow the system to finish booting, and then restart your system and try again.

| NOTE: To ensure an orderly system shutdown, see the documentation that accompanied your operating system.

### Responding to Error Messages

You can enter the System Setup program by responding to certain error messages. If an error message appears while the system is booting, make a note of the message. Before entering the System Setup program, see System Messages for an explanation of the message and suggestions for correcting errors.

| NOTE: After installing a memory upgrade, it is normal for your system to send a message the first time you start your system.

### Using the System Setup Program

Table 2-1 lists the keys that you use to view or change information on the System Setup program screens and to exit the program.

Table 2-1. System Setup Program Navigation Keys

Keys | Action
--- | ---
<Enter> | From the main menu, selects an option that has a submenu, such as Memory Information.
Up arrow or <Shift><Tab> | Moves to the previous field.
Down arrow or <Tab> | Moves to the next field.
Spacebar, <+>, <–>, left and right arrows | Cycles through the settings in a field. In many fields, you can also type the appropriate value.
<Esc> | From the main menu: Exits the System Setup program and restarts the system if any changes (other than time and date) were made and you wish to save them. If no changes are made, system boot will resume. From a submenu, returns the program to the main menu.
<F1> | Displays the System Setup program's help text.

| NOTE: For most of the options, any changes that you make are recorded but do not take effect until you restart the system.

## System Setup Options

### Main Screen

When you enter the System Setup program, the main System Setup program screen appears (see Figure 2-1).

Figure 2-1. Main System Setup Program Screen

Table 2-2 lists the options and descriptions for the information fields that appear on the main System Setup program screen. For related information, see System Security Screen Options.

| NOTE: The options for the System Setup program change based on the system configuration.

| NOTE: The System Setup program defaults are listed under their respective options in the following sections, where applicable.

Table 2-2. System Setup Program Options

Option | Description
--- | ---
System Time | Sets the time on the system's internal clock.
System Date | Sets the date on the system's internal calendar.
Memory Information | Displays information related to installed memory. See Memory Information Screen.
CPU Information | Displays information related to microprocessors (speed, cache size, and so on). See CPU Information Screen.
Boot Sequence | Determines the order of devices from which the system attempts to boot during system startup. Available options can include a diskette drive, CD drive, hard drives, and network. NOTE: System boot is not supported from an external device attached to a SAS adapter. See support.dell.com for the latest support information about booting from external devices.
Hard-Disk Drive Sequence | Determines the order in which the BIOS will attempt to boot from hard drives in the system during system startup.
USB Flash Drive Emulation Type (Auto default) | Determines the emulation type for a USB flash drive. Hard disk allows the USB flash drive to act as a hard drive. Floppy allows the USB flash drive to act as a removable diskette drive. Auto automatically chooses the appropriate emulation type for the device, except for devices installed in the SD card slot. A device installed in the SD card slot will automatically emulate a hard drive. If you install a device in this slot that is configured as a removable diskette drive, you must manually set the emulation type to Floppy.
Boot Sequence Retry | If this field is enabled and the system has failed to boot, the system will reattempt to boot after 30 seconds.
Integrated Devices | See Integrated Devices Screen.
PCI IRQ Assignment | Displays a screen to change the IRQ assigned to each of the integrated devices on the PCI bus, and any installed expansion card that requires an IRQ.
Serial Communication (Off default) | See Serial Communication Screen.
Embedded Server Management | Displays a screen to configure the front-panel LCD options and to set a user-defined LCD string.
System Security | Displays a screen to configure the system password and setup password features. See System Security Screen, Using the System Password, and Using the Setup Password for more information.
Keyboard NumLock (On default) | Determines whether your system starts up with the NumLock mode activated on 101- or 102-key keyboards (does not apply to 84-key keyboards).
Report Keyboard Errors (Report default) | Enables or disables reporting of keyboard errors during the POST. Select Report for host systems that have keyboards attached. Select Do Not Report to suppress all error messages relating to the keyboard or keyboard controller during POST. This setting does not affect the operation of the keyboard itself if a keyboard is attached to the system.

### Memory Information Screen

Table 2-4 lists the descriptions for the information fields that appear on the Memory Information screen.

Table 2-3. Memory Information Screen

Option | Description
--- | ---
System Memory Size | Displays the amount of system memory.
System Memory Type | Displays the type of system memory.
System Memory Speed | Displays the system memory speed.
Video Memory | Displays the amount of video memory.
System Memory Testing | This option determines whether system memory tests are run at system boot. Options are Enabled and Disabled.
Redundant Memory (Disabled default) | Enables or disables the redundant memory feature. Redundant memory feature is disabled if the Node Interleaving field is enabled.
Node Interleaving (Disabled default) | If this field is enabled, memory interleaving is supported if a symmetric memory configuration is installed. If this field is set to Disabled, the system can support Non-Uniform Memory architecture (NUMA) (asymmetric) memory configurations. NOTE: The Node Interleaving field must be set to Disabled when using the redundant memory feature.
Memory Optimizer Technology (Enabled default) | Sets the behavior of the two DRAM controllers for memory optimization. When set to Enabled, the two controllers run in parallel 64-bit mode for improved memory performance (running single-bit ECC).When set to Disabled, the controllers are joined in 128-bit mode running multi-bit Advanced ECC.
Low Power Mode (Disabled default) | Enables or disables the low power mode of the memory. When set to Disabled, the memory runs at full speed. When set to Enabled, the memory runs at a reduced speed to conserve energy.

### CPU Information Screen

Table 2-4 lists the options and descriptions for the information fields that appear on the CPU Information screen.

Table 2-4. CPU Information Screen

Option | Description
--- | ---
64-bit | Specifies if the installed processor(s) support 64-bit extensions.
Core Speed | Displays the clock speed of the processor(s).
Bus Speed | Displays the bus speed of the processor(s).
Virtualization Technology (Enabled default) | NOTE: Disable this feature if your system will not be running virtualization software. Displays when the processors support Virtualization Technology. Enabled permits virtualization software to use Virtualization Technology incorporated in the processor design. This feature can only be used by software that supports Virtualization Technology.
Demand-Based Power Management (Disabled default) | Enables or disables demand-based power management. When enabled, the CPU Performance State tables will be reported to the operating system; when disabled, the CPU Performance State tables will not be reported to the operating system. If any of the CPUs do not support demand-based power management, the field will become read-only and automatically set to Disabled.
Processor X ID | Displays the model number of the processor. A submenu displays the amount of level 2 cache and number of cores.

#### Enabling AMD PowerNow!™ Technology

AMD PowerNow! technology controls your system's processor performance automatically, dynamically adjusting the operating frequency and voltage according to the task at hand. When an application does not require full performance, significant amounts of power can be saved. Performance is designed to still be responsive, with maximum processor performance being delivered when required, and automatic power savings when possible.

| NOTE: AMD PowerNow! support is dependent on the operating system and version used on your system. Disable AMD PowerNow! if your operating system does not fully support this feature. See your operating system user guide for more information.

To disable the AMD PowerNow! feature, run the System Setup Program and disable the Demand-Based Power Management option on the CPU Information screen.

### Integrated Devices Screen

Table 2-5 lists the options and descriptions for the information fields that appear on the Integrated Devices screen.

Table 2-5. Integrated Devices Screen Options

Option | Description
--- | ---
Integrated SAS/RAID Controller (Enabled default) | Enables or disables the integrated SAS controller.
Optical Drive Controller (On default) | Enables or disables the integrated optical drive controller.
User Accessible USB Ports (All Ports On default) | Enables or disables the system's user accessible USB ports. Options are All Ports On, Only Back Ports On, and All Ports Off.
Internal USB Port (On default) | Enables or disables the system's internal USB port.
SD Card Port | Enables or disables the system's internal SD card port. NOTE: This port is dedicated to a hypervisor, if installed.
Embedded Gb NICx (NIC1 default: Enabled with PXE; Other NICs: Enabled) | Enables or disables the system's integrated NICs. Options are Enabled, Enabled with PXE, Enabled with iSCSI Boot, and Disabled. PXE support allows the system to boot from the network. Changes take effect after the system reboots.
MAC Address | Displays the MAC address for the integrated 10/100/1000 NIC. This field does not have user-selectable settings.
Capability Detected | Displays the NIC features provided by the NIC hardware key installed in the TOE_KEY socket on the system board. NOTE: Some features may require the installation of an additional driver.

### Serial Communication Screen

Table 2-6 lists the options and descriptions for the information fields that appear on the Serial Communication screen.

Table 2-6. Serial Communication Screen Options

Option | Description
--- | ---
Serial Communication (O n without Console Redirection default) | Options are O n without Console Redirection, On with Console Redirection via COM1, On with Console Redirection via COM2, and Off.
External Serial Connector (COM1 default) | Specifies whether COM1, COM2, or Remote Access Device has access to the external serial connector for serial communications.
Failsafe Baud Rate (115200 default) | Displays the failsafe baud rate used for console redirection when the baud rate cannot be negotiated automatically with the remote terminal. This rate should not be adjusted.
Remote Terminal Type (VT 100/VT 220 default) | Select either VT 100/VT 220 or ANSI.
Redirection After Boot (Enabled default) | Enables or disables BIOS console redirection after your system boots to the operating system.

### System Security Screen

Table 2-7 lists the options and descriptions for the information fields that appear on the System Security screen.

Table 2-7. System Security Screen Options

Option | Description
--- | ---
System Password | Displays the current status of your system's password security feature and allows you to assign and verify a new system password. NOTE: See Using the System Password for instructions on assigning a system password and using or changing an existing system password.
Setup Password | Restricts access to the System Setup program in the same way that you restrict access to your system using the system password feature. NOTE: See Using the Setup Password for instructions on assigning a setup password and using or changing an existing setup password.
Password Status | Setting the Setup Password option to Enabled prevents the system password from being changed or disabled at system start-up. To lock the system password, assign a setup password in the Setup Password option and then change the Password Status option to Locked. In this state, you cannot change the system password using the System Password option and cannot be disabled at system start-up by pressing <Ctrl><Enter>. To unlock the system password, enter the setup password in the Setup Password field and then change the Password Status option to Unlocked. In this state, you can disable the system password at system start-up by pressing <Ctrl><Enter> and then change the password using the System Password option.
TPM Security (Off default) | NOTE: TPM functionality is not available in China. Sets the reporting of the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) in the system. When set to Off, presence of the TPM is not reported to the operating system. When set to On with Pre-boot Measurements, the system reports the TPM to the operating system and stores the pre-boot measurements (compliant with Trusted Computing Group standards) to the TPM during POST. When set to On without Pre-boot Measurements, the system reports the TPM to the operating system and bypasses pre-boot measurements.
TPM Activation | Changes the operational state of the TPM. When set to Activate, the TPM is enabled and activated at default settings. When set to Deactivate, the TPM is disabled and deactivated. The No Change state initiates no action. The operational state of the TPM remains unchanged (all user settings for the TPM are preserved). NOTE: This field is read-only when TPM Security is set to Off.
TPM Clear (No default) | NOTICE: Clearing the TPM will cause loss of all encryption keys in the TPM. This option will prevent booting to the operating system and will result in loss of data if the encryption keys cannot be restored. Be sure to back up the TPM keys prior to enabling this option. When set to Yes, all the contents of the TPM are cleared. NOTE: This field is read-only when TPM Security is set to Off.
Power Button (Enabled default) | Enables or disables the power off function of the power button. When enabled, the power button powers off the system as follows: If the system is running an ACPI-compliant operating system, the system performs an orderly shutdown before power is turned off. If the system is not running an ACPI-compliant operating system, power is turned off immediately after the power button is pressed. When disabled, the button can only turn on system power. NOTE: You can still turn on the system by using the power button, even if the Power Button option is set to Disabled.
NMI Button | NOTICE: Use the NMI button only if directed to do so by qualified support personnel or by the operating system's documentation. Pressing this button halts the operating system and displays a diagnostic screen. Enables or disables the NMI feature.
AC Power Recovery (Last default) | Determines how the system reacts when power is restored to the system. If system is set to Last, the system returns to the last power state. On turns on the system after power is restored. When set to Off, the system remains off after power is restored.

### Exit Screen

After you press <Esc> to exit the System Setup program, the Exit screen displays the following options:

- Save Changes and Exit
- Discard Changes and Exit
- Return to Setup

## System and Setup Password Features

| NOTICE: The password features provide a basic level of security for the data on your system. If your data requires more security, use additional forms of protection, such as data encryption programs.

| NOTICE: Anyone can access the data stored on your system if you leave the system running and unattended without having a system password assigned or if you leave your system unlocked so that someone can disable the password by changing a jumper setting.

Your system is shipped to you without the system password feature enabled. If system security is a concern, operate your system only with system password protection.

To change or delete an existing password, you must know the password (see Deleting or Changing an Existing System Password). If you forget your password, you cannot operate your system or change settings in the System Setup program until a trained service technician changes the password jumper setting to disable the passwords, and erases the existing passwords. This procedure is described in Disabling a Forgotten Password.

### Using the System Password

After a system password is assigned, only those who know the password have full use of the system. When the System Password option is set to Enabled, the system prompts you for the system password after the system starts.

#### Assigning a System Password

Before you assign a system password, enter the System Setup program and check the System Password option.

When a system password is assigned, the setting shown for the System Password option is Enabled. If the setting shown for the Password Status is Unlocked, you can change the system password. If the Password Status option is Locked, you cannot change the system password. When the system password feature is disabled by a jumper setting, the system password is Disabled, and you cannot change or enter a new system password.

When a system password is not assigned and the password jumper on the system board is in the enabled (default) position, the setting shown for the System Password option is Not Enabled and the Password Status field is Unlocked. To assign a system password:

1. Verify that the Password Status option is set to Unlocked.
2. Highlight the System Password option and press <Enter>.
3. Type your new system password.

You can use up to 32 characters in your password.

As you press each character key (or the spacebar for a blank space), a placeholder appears in the field.

The password assignment is not case-sensitive. However, certain key combinations are not valid. To erase a character when entering your password, press <Backspace> or the left-arrow key.

| NOTE: To escape from the field without assigning a system password, press <Enter> to move to another field, or press <Esc> at any time prior to completing step 5.

1. Press <Enter>.
2. To confirm your password, type it a second time and press <Enter>.

The setting shown for the System Password changes to Enabled. Exit the System Setup program and begin using your system.

1. Either reboot your system now for your password protection to take effect or continue working.

| NOTE: Password protection does not take effect until you reboot the system.

#### Using Your System Password to Secure Your System

| NOTE: If you have assigned a setup password (see Using the Setup Password"), the system accepts your setup password as an alternate system password.

When the Password Status option is set to Unlocked, you have the option to leave the password security enabled or to disable the password security.

To leave the password security enabled:

1. Turn on or reboot your system by pressing <Ctrl><Alt><Del>.
2. Type your password and press <Enter>.

To disable the password security:

1. Turn on or reboot your system by pressing <Ctrl><Alt><Del>.
2. Type your password and press <Ctrl><Enter>.

When the Password Status option is set to Locked whenever you turn on your system or reboot your system by pressing <Ctrl><Alt><Del>, type your password and press <Enter> at the prompt.

After you type the correct system password and press <Enter>, your system operates as usual.

If an incorrect system password is entered, the system displays a message and prompts you to re-enter your password. You have three attempts to enter the correct password. After the third unsuccessful attempt, the system displays an error message showing the number of unsuccessful attempts and that the system has halted and will shut down. This message can alert you to an unauthorized person attempting to use your system.

Even after you shut down and restart the system, the error message continues to be displayed until the correct password is entered.

| NOTE: You can use the Password Status option in conjunction with the System Password and Setup Password options to further protect your system from unauthorized changes.

#### Deleting or Changing an Existing System Password

1. When prompted, press <Ctrl><Enter> to disable the existing system password.

If you are asked to enter your setup password, contact your network administrator.

1. Enter the System Setup program by pressing <F2> during POST.
2. Select the System Security screen field to verify that the Password Status option is set to Unlocked.
3. When prompted, type the system password.
4. Confirm that Not Enabled is displayed for the System Password option.

If Not Enabled is displayed for the System Password option, the system password has been deleted. If Enabled is displayed for the System Password option, press the <Alt><b> key combination to restart the system, and then repeat steps 2 through 5.

### Using the Setup Password

Read the information in the following sections to assign or change your setup password.

#### Assigning a Setup Password

You can assign (or change) a setup password only when the Setup Password option is set to Not Enabled. To assign a setup password, highlight the Setup Password option and press the <+> or <–> key. The system prompts you to enter and verify the password. If a character is illegal for password use, the system beeps.

| NOTE: The setup password can be the same as the system password. If the two passwords are different, the setup password can be used as an alternate system password. However, the system password cannot be used in place of the setup password.

You can use up to 32 characters in your password.

As you press each character key (or the spacebar for a blank space), a placeholder appears in the field.

The password assignment is not case-sensitive. However, certain key combinations are not valid. If you enter one of these combinations, the system beeps. To erase a character when entering your password, press <Backspace> or the left-arrow key.

After you verify the password, the Setup Password setting changes to Enabled. The next time you enter the System Setup program, the system prompts you for the setup password.

A change to the Setup Password option becomes effective immediately (restarting the system is not required).

#### Operating With a Setup Password Enabled

If Setup Password is set to Enabled, you must enter the correct setup password before you can modify most of the System Setup options. When you start the System Setup program, the program prompts you to enter a password.

If you do not enter the correct password in three attempts, the system lets you view, but not modify, the System Setup screens—with the following exception: If System Password is not set to Enabled and is not locked through the Password Status option, you can assign a system password.

| NOTE: You can use the Password Status option in conjunction with the Setup Password option to protect the system password from unauthorized changes.

#### Deleting or Changing an Existing Setup Password

1. Enter the System Setup program and select the System Security option.
2. Highlight the Setup Password option, press <Enter> to access the setup password window, and press <Enter> twice to clear the existing setup password.

The setting changes to Not Enabled.

1. If you want to assign a new setup password, perform the steps in Assigning a Setup Password.

## Disabling a Forgotten Password

See Disabling a Forgotten Password.

## Baseboard Management Controller Configuration

The Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) enables configuring, monitoring, and recovery of systems remotely. BMC provides the following features:

- Uses the system's integrated NIC
- Enables fault logging and SNMP alerting
- Provides access to system event log and sensor status
- Allows control of system functions including power on and off
- Functions independently of the system's power state or the system's operating system
- Provides text console redirection for system setup, text-based utilities, and operating system consoles

| NOTE: To remotely access the BMC through the integrated NIC, you must connect the network connection to integrated NIC1.

For additional information on using BMC, see the documentation for the BMC and systems management applications.

### Entering the BMC Setup Module

1. Turn on or restart your system.
2. Press <Ctrl-E> when prompted after POST.

If your operating system begins to load before you press <Crtl-E>, allow the system to finish booting, and then restart your system and try again.

### BMC Setup Module Options

For information about the BMC Setup Module options and how to configure the emergency management port (EMP), see the BMC User's Guide.

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