Dell PowerEdge VRTX: Using The System Setup And Boot Manager

Boot Settings Screen

Menu Item Description

Boot Mode Allows you to set the boot mode of the system.

CAUTION: Switching the boot mode may prevent the system from booting if the operating

system is not installed in the same boot mode.

If the operating system supports UEFI, you can set this option to UEFI. Setting this field to BIOS

allows compatibility with non-UEFI operating systems. By default, the Boot Mode option is set

to BIOS.

NOTE: Setting this field to UEFI disables BIOS Boot Settings menu. Setting this field to

BIOS disables the UEFI Boot Settings menu.

Boot Sequence Retry Allows you to enable or disable the boot sequence retry feature. If this field is enabled and the

system fails to boot, the system reattempts the boot sequence after 30 seconds. By default, the

Boot Sequence Retry option is set to Disabled.

BIOS Boot Settings Allows you to enable or disable BIOS Boot options.

NOTE: This option is enabled only if the boot mode is BIOS.

UEFI Boot Settings Allows you to enable or disable UEFI Boot options.

NOTE: This option is enabled only if the boot mode is UEFI.

One-Time Boot Allows you to enable or disable a one-time boot from a selected device.

Integrated Devices Screen

Menu Item Description

Integrated RAID

Allows you to enable or disable the integrated RAID controller. By default, the Integrated RAID

Controller

Controller option is set to Enabled.

User Accessible USB

Allows you enable or disable the user accessible USB ports. Selecting Only Back Ports On

Ports

disables the front USB ports and selecting All Ports Off disables both front and back USB ports.

By default, the User Accessible USB Ports option is set to All Ports On.

Internal USB Port Allows you to enable or disable the internal USB port. By default, the Internal USB Port option

is set to On.

Internal SD Card Port Enables or disables the system’s internal SD card port. By default, Internal SD Card Port option

is set to On.

NOTE: This option is displayed only if IDSDM is installed on the system board.

Internal SD Card

If set to Mirror mode, data is written on both SD cards. If any one of the SD card fails, data is

Redundancy

written to the active SD card. Data from this card is copied to the replacement SD card at the

next boot. By default, Internal SD Card Redundancy option is set to Mirror.

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Menu Item Description

NOTE: This option is displayed only if IDSDM is installed on the system board.

Integrated Network

Allows you to enable or disable the integrated network card 1. By default, the Integrated

Card 1

Network Card 1 option is set to Enabled.

OS Watchdog Timer Allows you to enable or disable the OS watchdog timer. When this field is enabled, the

operating system initializes the timer and the OS watchdog timer helps in recovering the

operating system. By default, the OS Watchdog Timer option is set to Disabled.

Embedded Video

Allows you to enable or disable the Embedded Video Controller. By default, the embedded

Controller

video controller is Enabled.

SR-IOV Global Enable Allows you to enable or disable the BIOS configuration of Single Root I/O Virtualization (SR-

IOV) devices. By default, the SR-IOV Global Enable option is set to Disabled.

Mezzanine Slot

Allows you to enable or disable available PCIe mezzanine card slots on your system. The Slot

Disablement

Disablement feature controls the configuration of PCIe mezzanine cards installed in the

specified slot.

CAUTION: Slot disablement must be used only when the installed peripheral card is

preventing booting into the Operating System or causing delays in system startup. If the

slot is disabled, both the Option ROM and UEFI driver are disabled.

NOTE: Use this option only for troubleshooting purposes. If one or more of the PCIe

mezzanine card slots are disabled, an error message is displayed during system startup.

For proper operation, make sure that the server module has two Dell PCIe mezzanine

cards installed and both cards are set to Enabled.

NOTE: The Boot Driver Disabled option does not apply to the M620 when operating in the

PowerEdge VRTX chassis. Selecting this option will have the same result as selecting

Enabled.

Serial Communications Screen

Menu Item Description

Serial Communication Allows you to enable the COM port or Console Redirection options.

Serial Port Address Allows you to set the port address for serial devices. By default, the Serial Port Address option

is set to COM1.

NOTE: Only Serial Device 2 can be used for Serial Over LAN (SOL). To use console

redirection by SOL, configure the same port address for console redirection and the serial

device.

Failsafe Baud Rate Displays the failsafe baud rate for console redirection. The BIOS attempts to determine the

baud rate automatically. This failsafe baud rate is used only if the attempt fails and the value

must not be changed. By default, the Failsafe Baud Rate option is set to 11520.

Remote Terminal

Allows you to set the remote console terminal type. By default, the Remote Terminal Type

Type

option is set to VT 100/VT220.

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Menu Item Description

Redirection After

Allows you to enable or disable to the BIOS console redirection when the operating system is

Boot

loaded. By default, the Redirection After Boot option is set to Enabled.

System Profile Settings Screen

Menu Item Description

System Profile Allows you to set the system profile. If you set the System Profile option to a mode other than

Custom, the BIOS automatically sets the rest of the options. You can only change the rest of the

options if the mode is set to Custom. By default, the System Profile option is set to Performance

Per Watt Optimized (DAPC). DAPC is Dell Active Power Controller.

NOTE: The following parameters are available only when the System Profile is set to

Custom.

CPU Power

Allows you to set the CPU power management. By default, the CPU Power Management option

Management

is set to System DBPM (DAPC). DBPM is Demand-Based Power Management.

Memory Frequency Allows you to set the memory frequency. By default, the Memory Frequency option is set to

Maximum Performance.

Turbo Boost Allows you to enable or disable the processor to operate in turbo boost mode. By default, the

Turbo Boost option is set to Enabled.

C1E Allows you to enable or disable the processor to switch to a minimum performance state when

it is idle. By default, the C1E option is set to Enabled.

C States Allows you to enable or disable the processor to operate in all available power states. By

default, the C States option is set to Enabled.

Monitor/Mwait Allows you to enable Monitor/Mwait instructions in the processor. By default, the Monitor/

Mwait option is set to Enabled for all system profiles, except Custom.

NOTE: This option can be disabled only if the C States option in Custom mode is disabled.

NOTE: When C States is enabled in Custom mode, changing the Monitor/Mwait setting

does not impact system power/performance.

Memory Patrol Scrub Allows you to set the memory patrol scrub frequency. By default, the Memory Patrol Scrub

option is set to Standard.

Memory Refresh Rate Allows you to set the memory refresh rate. By default, the Memory Refresh Rate option is set to

1x.

Memory Operating

Allows you to set the DIMM voltage selection. When set to Auto, the system automatically sets

Voltage

the system voltage to the optimal setting based on the DIMM capacity and the numbers of

DIMMs installed. By default, the Memory Operating Voltage option is set to Auto.

Collaborative CPU

When set to enabled, the CPU power management is controlled by the OS DBPM and the

Performance Control

System DBPM (DAPC). By default, the option is set to Disabled

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System Security Screen

Menu Item Description

Intel AES-NI The Intel AES-In option improves the speed of applications by performing encryption and

decryption using the Advanced Encryption Standard set and is set to Enabled by default.

System Password Allows you to set the system password. This option is read-only if the password jumper is not

installed in the system.

Setup Password Allows you to set the setup password. This option is read-only if the password jumper is not

installed in the system.

Password Status Allows you to lock the system password. By default, the Password Status option is set to

Unlocked.

TPM Security Allows you to control the reporting mode of the Trusted Platform Module (TPM). By default, the

TPM Security option is set to Off. You can only modify the TPM Status, TPM Activation , and

Intel TXT fields if the TPM Status field is set to either On with Pre-boot Measurements or On

without Pre-boot Measurements.

TPM Activation Allows you to change the operational state of the TPM. By default, the TPM Activation option is

set to No Change.

TPM Status Displays the TPM status.

TPM Clear

CAUTION: Clearing the TPM results in loss of all keys in the TPM. The loss of TPM keys

may affect booting to the operating system.

Allows you to clear all the contents of the TPM. By default, the TPM Clear option is set to No.

Intel TXT Allows you enable or disable Intel Trusted Execution Technology. To enable Intel TXT,

Virtualization Technology must be enabled and TPM Security must be enabled with Pre-boot

measurements. By default, the Intel TXT option is set to Off.

BIOS Update Control Allows you to update the BIOS using either DOS or UEFI shell-based flash utilities. For

environments that do not require local BIOS updates, it is recommended to set this field to

Limited. By default, the Local BIOS Update Support option is set to Unlocked.

NOTE: BIOS updates using Dell Update Package is not affected by this option.

Power Button Allows you to enable or disable the power button on the front of the system. By default, the

Power Button option is set to Enabled.

AC Power Recovery Allows you to set how the system reacts after AC power is restored to the system. By default,

the AC Power Recovery option is set to Last.

Miscellaneous Settings

Menu Item

Description

System Time Allows you to set the time on the system.

System Date Allows you to set the date on the system.

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Menu Item Description

Asset Tag Displays the asset tag and allows you to modify it for security and tracking purposes.

Keyboard NumLock Allows you to set whether the system boots with the NumLock enabled or disabled. By default

the Keyboard NumLock is set to On.

NOTE: This field does not apply to 84-key keyboards.

Report Keyboard

Allows you to set whether keyboard-related error messages are reported during system boot.

Errors

By default, the Report Keyboard Errors field is set to Report.

F1/F2 Prompt on Error Allows you to enable or disable the F1/F2 prompt on error. By default, F1/F2 Prompt on Error is

set to Enabled.

In-System

This field enables or disables In-System Characterization. By default, In-System

Characterization

Characterization is set to Enabled.

System And Setup Password Features

You can create a system password and a setup password to secure your system. To enable creation of the system and

setup password, the password jumper must be set to enabled. For more information on the password jumper settings,

see System Board Jumper Settings.

System password This is the password that you must enter to log on to your system.

Setup password This is the password that you must enter to access and make changes to the BIOS or UEFI

settings of your system.

CAUTION: The password features provide a basic level of security for the data on your system.

CAUTION: Anyone can access the data stored on your system if the system is running and unattended.

NOTE: Your system is shipped with the system and setup password feature disabled.

Assigning A System And/Or Setup Password

NOTE: The password jumper enables or disables the System Password and Setup Password features. For more

information on the password jumper settings, see System Board Jumper Settings.

You can assign a new System Password and/or Setup Password or change an existing System Password and/or Setup

Password only when the password jumper setting is enabled and Password Status is Unlocked. If the Password Status

is Locked, you cannot change the System Password and/or Setup Password.

If the password jumper setting is disabled, the existing System Password and Setup Password is deleted and you need

not provide the system password to log on to the system.

To assign a system and/or setup password:

1. To enter System Setup, press <F2> immediately after a power-on or reboot.

2. In the System Setup Main Menu, select System BIOS and press <Enter>.

The System BIOS screen is displayed.

3. In the System BIOS screen, select System Security and press <Enter>.

The System Security screen is displayed.

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4. In the System Security screen, verify that Password Status is Unlocked.

5. Select System Password , enter your system password, and press <Enter> or <Tab>.

Use the following guidelines to assign the system password:

– A password can have up to 32 characters.

– The password can contain the numbers 0 through 9.

– Only lower case letters are valid, upper case letters are not allowed.

– The following special characters are allowed: space, (”), (+), (,), (-), (.), (/), (;), ([), (\), (]), (`).

A message prompts you to re-enter the system password.

6. Re-enter the system password that you entered earlier and click OK.

7. Select Setup Password, enter your system password and press <Enter> or <Tab>.

A message prompts you to re-enter the setup password.

8. Re-enter the setup password that you entered earlier and click OK.

9. Press <Esc> to save the changes.

NOTE: Password protection does not take effect until the system reboots.

Using Your System Password To Secure Your System

NOTE: If you have assigned a setup password, the system accepts your setup password as an alternate system

password.

1. Turn on or reboot your system.

2. Type your password and press <Enter>.

When Password Status is Locked, type the password and press <Enter> when prompted at reboot.

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 that the system has halted and must be powered down.

Even after you shut down and restart the system, the error message is 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 protect your system from unauthorized changes.

Deleting Or Changing An Existing System And/Or Setup Password

Ensure that the Password jumper is set to enabled and the Password Status is Unlocked before attempting to delete or

change the existing System and/or Setup password. You cannot delete or change an existing System or Setup password

if the Password Status is Locked.

To delete or change the existing System and/or Setup password:

1. To enter System Setup, press <F2> immediately after a power-on or reboot.

2. In the System Setup Main Menu, select System BIOS and press <Enter>.

The System BIOS screen is displayed.

3. In the System BIOS Screen, select System Security and press <Enter>.

The System Security screen is displayed.

4. In the System Security screen, verify that Password Status is Unlocked.

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5. Select System Password, alter or delete the existing system password and press <Enter> or <Tab>.

6. Select Setup Password, alter or delete the existing setup password and press <Enter> or <Tab>.

NOTE: If you change the System and/or Setup password a message prompts you to re-enter the new

password. If you delete the System and/or Setup password, a message prompts you to confirm the deletion.

7. Press <Esc> to save the changes.

NOTE: You can disable password security while logging on to the system. To disable the password security, turn on

or reboot your system, type your password and press <Ctrl><Enter>.

Operating With A Setup Password Enabled

If Setup Password is Enabled, enter the correct setup password before modifying most of the System Setup options.

If you do not enter the correct password in three attempts, the system displays the message

Incorrect Password! Number of unsuccessful password attempts: <x> System

Halted! Must power down.

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

The following options are exceptions:

• If System Password is not Enabled and is not locked through the Password Status option, you can assign a

system password.

• You cannot disable or change an existing 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.

Entering The UEFI Boot Manager

NOTE: Operating systems must be 64-bit UEFI-compatible (for example, Microsoft Windows Server 2008 x64

version) to be installed from the UEFI boot mode. DOS and 32-bit operating systems can only be installed from the

BIOS boot mode.

The Boot Manager enables you to:

• Add, delete, and arrange boot options

• Access System Setup and BIOS-level boot options without rebooting

To enter the Boot Manager:

1. Turn on or restart your system.

2. Press <F11> after you see the following message:

<F11> = UEFI Boot Manager

If your operating system begins to load before you press <F11>, allow the system to finish booting, and then restart

your system and try again.

Using The Boot Manager Navigation Keys

Key

Description

Up arrow Moves to the previous field.

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Key Description

Down arrow Moves to the next field.

<Enter> Allows you to type in a value in the selected field (if applicable) or follow the link in the field.

Spacebar Expands or collapses a drop-down list, if applicable.

<Esc> Moves to the previous page till you view the main screen. Pressing <Esc> in the main screen

exits System Setup. A message prompts you to save any unsaved changes.

<F1> Displays the System Setup help file.

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

system.

Boot Manager Screen

Menu Item Description

Continue Normal

The system attempts to boot to devices starting with the first item in the boot order. If the boot

Boot

attempt fails, the system continues with the next item in the boot order until the boot is

successful or no more boot options are found.

BIOS Boot Menu Displays the list of available BIOS boot options (marked with asterisks). Select the boot option

you wish to use and press <Enter>.

UEFI Boot Menu Displays the list of available UEFI boot options (marked with asterisks). Select the boot option

you wish to use and press <Enter>. The UEFI Boot Menu enables you to Add Boot Option,

Delete Boot Option, or Boot From File.

Driver Health Menu Displays a list of the drivers installed on the system and their health status.

Launch System Setup Enables you to access the System Setup.

System Utilities Enables you to access the BIOS Update File Explorer, run the Dell Diagnostics program, and

reboot the system.

UEFI Boot Menu

Menu Item Description

Boot From File Sets a one-time boot option not included in the boot option list.

Select UEFI Boot

Displays the list of available UEFI boot options (marked with asterisks), select the boot option

Option

you wish to use and press <Enter>.

Add Boot Option Adds a new boot option.

Delete Boot Option Deletes an existing boot option.

Embedded System Management

The Dell Lifecycle Controller provides advanced embedded systems management throughout the server’s lifecycle. The

Lifecycle Controller can be started during the boot sequence and can function independently of the operating system.

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NOTE: Certain platform configurations may not support the full set of features provided by the Lifecycle Controller.

For more information about setting up the Lifecycle Controller, configuring hardware and firmware, and deploying the

operating system, see the Lifecycle Controller documentation at dell.com/support/manuals.

iDRAC Settings Utility

The iDRAC Settings utility is an interface to setup and configure the iDRAC parameters using UEFI. You can enable or

disable various iDRAC parameters using the iDRAC7 Settings Utility, for example:

NOTE: Some of the features mentioned in the list may require the iDRAC7 Enterprise License upgrade.

• Configure, enable, or disable the iDRAC local area network through the dedicated iDRAC Enterprise card port or

the embedded NIC

• Enable or disable IPMI over LAN

• Enable a LAN Platform Event Trap (PET) destination

• Attach or detach the Virtual Media devices

For more information on using iDRAC7, see the iDRAC7 User's Guide, at dell.com/supoort/manuals.

Entering The iDRAC Settings Utility

1. Turn on or restart the managed system.

2. Press <F2> during Power-on Self-test (POST).

3. In the System Setup Main Menu page, click iDRAC Settings.

The iDRAC Settings page is displayed.

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