HP ProLiant DL140 G3 Server - Manual (Page 4)

System BIOS configuration 4
System BIOS configuration
System BIOS overview
Basic Input/Output System or BIOS is a set of programs permanently stored in an EEPROM chipset (U64) located
on the system board. These programs serve as an interface between the server’s hardware components and its
operating system. Your ProLiant server features the PhoenixBIOS software—a ROM BIOS-based diagnostic tool
that monitors system activity and performs constant hardware testing to ensure proper system operation.
PhoenixBIOS software
The PhoenixBIOS software serves three functions.
•
Configure the system settings via the PhoenixBIOS Setup Utility
Using the Setup program, you can install, configure, and optimize the embedded hardware devices on
your system (clock, memory, disk drives, etc.).
• Initialize hardware at boot via POST (Power On Self-Test) routines
At power-on or reset, the software performs POST routines to test system resources and load the operating
system.
• Perform run-time routines
Using the software, perform basic hardware routines that can be called from DOS and Windows
applications.
PhoenixBIOS Setup Utility
NOTE: For ease of reading, PhoenixBIOS Setup Utility will be simply referred to as “Setup” or “Setup Utility” in
this guide. Also, the screenshots used in this guide display various Setup menu screens with default system
values identified. These values may not be the same as those in your server.
PhoenixBIOS Setup Utility is a hardware configuration program built into your system's Basic Input/Output
System (BIOS). Since most systems are already properly configured and optimized, there is normally no need to
run this utility.
You will need to run this utility under the following conditions:
•
When changing the system configuration including:
•
Setting the system time and date
• Configuring the hard drives
• Specifying the boot device sequence
• Installing PCI expansion boards
• Upgrading the system BIOS
• Configuring the power management modes
• Setting up system passwords or making other changes to the security setup
• When a configuration error is detected by the system and you are prompted (“Run Setup” message) to
make changes to the BIOS settings.
NOTE: If you repeatedly receive “Run Setup” messages, the battery (BT1) located on the system board may be
defective. In this case, the system cannot retain configuration values in CMOS. Ask a qualified technician for
assistance.
The Setup Utility loads the configuration values in a battery-backed nonvolatile memory called CMOS RAM. This
memory area is not part of the system RAM, which allows configuration data to be retained when power is
turned off. The values take effect when the system is booted. POST uses these values to configure the hardware. If
the values and the actual hardware do not agree, POST generates an error message. You must run this utility to
change the BIOS settings from the default or current configuration.