Dell OptiPlex E1 - Manual (Page 32)

The ICU provides a database of configuration files for a large variety of non-Plug and Play ISA expansion cards. The database is
located in the \ db subdirectory. Listed cards are non-Plug and Play ISA expansion cards that have configuration files stored in this
database.
Unlisted cards are non-Plug and Play ISA expansion cards that do not have configuration files stored in the ICU database. Unlisted
cards are not displayed in the list of cards provided for the various card categories. The unlisted cards may be cards for which no
configuration file exists or new cards that include a manufacturer-supplied configuration file on diskette.
When you supply a configuration file and the ICU is running from the hard-disk drive, the configuration file is copied to the directory
that contains the rest of the ICU database.
When to Run the ICU
Whenever you add or remove non-Plug and Play ISA expansion cards, you must run the ICU to ensure that no two cards attempt
to use the same resources (such as interrupt request [IRQ] lines).
Run the program before adding or removing any non-Plug and Play ISA expansion cards. The ICU can identify and resolve any
resource conflicts and indicate the proper jumper and switch settings for each expansion card to avoid such conflicts. Running the
program first helps you determine how to configure a non-Plug and Play ISA expansion card before you install it in your computer.
After you have run the ICU for your non-Plug and Play ISA expansion cards and it has configured all your Plug and Play and PCI
expansion cards, you can use the utility to lock the configuration of your Plug and Play and PCI expansion cards so that they are
always assigned the same resources. See your online System User's Guide or " Locking and Unlocking Cards " found later in this
chapter for details.
Preparing to Use the ICU
Before using the ICU for the first time, you must complete the following steps:
1. If your system includes Dell-installed software, make a program diskette of the utility from the diskette image on
your hard-disk drive.
NOTE: If you received an ISA Configuration Utility Diskette with your system, skip to step 2.
For instructions on how to create a program diskette from the diskette image, see the online help provided in the Program
Diskette Maker, which is available in the Dell Accessories folder.
2. If you want to use your mouse with the ICU, copy your mouse driver file (mouse.exe) to your ICU diskette.
3. Make a backup copy of your ICU diskette, as described in the next subsection, "Backing Up the ICU Diskette."
Use the backup copy whenever you run the utility; store the original diskette in a safe place.
Backing Up the ICU Diskette
Before using the ICU, make a backup copy of the ICU diskette by performing the following steps.
NOTE: If you received an ISA Configuration Utility Diskette with your system, use this procedure to create a backup of
that diskette.