Failsafe Boot Block Rom; Security Functions; Security Features - HP dx2100 - Microtower PC Service & Reference Manual

Failsafe Boot Block ROM

The computer comes with a reprogrammable flash system ROM (read only memory). To
upgrade the ROM, download the latest ROM BIOS image from the HP Web site (www.hp.com)
and follow the online GUI/instructions.
All ROM BIOS images from HP are digitally signed to ensure authenticity and minimize poten-
tial corruption. Your system ROM includes a Failsafe Boot Block that is protected during the
flash process and allows the computer to be restarted in the unlikely event of an unsuccessful
ROM flash.
If the system detects an invalid system ROM during the boot sequence the system will search for
a bootable device. To recover from the Boot Block recovery mode complete the following steps:
Boot Block Recovery
1. Remove any bootable media from the computer and turn off power.
2. Insert a bootable diskette, or CD containing the ROM BIOS.
3. Turn on power to the system.
4. The system will automatically flash the ROM, load the BIOS default, and then boot to the
operating system.

Security Functions

The system offers a single supervisor password for system and data protection.
The password, if established, protects the computer from unauthorized access by prompting the
user for a password during power up. The password, if established, protects the computer from
unauthorized or inadvertent re-configuration by prompting the user for a password prior to
entering the Setup Utility.
Establishing a password:
1. Turn on or restart the computer. If you are in Windows, click Start > Shut Down >
Restart the computer.
2. When the F10 Setup message appears in the lower-right corner of the screen, press the
F10 key. Press Enter to bypass the title screen, if necessary. If you do not press F10 when
prompted, a restart will be necessary.
3. Select Password Option, then select Change Supervisor Password and follow the
instructions on the screen. You may also want to establish the Password check at this time.
This will allow you to specify when the password will be required.
4. Before exiting, click File > Save Changes and Exit.
Changing a password:
1. Turn on or restart the computer. If you are in Windows, click Start > Shut Down > Restart
the Computer. To change the setup password, run Computer Setup.
2. When the key icon appears, type your current password, a slash (/) or alternate de-limiter
character, your new password, another slash (/) or alternate delimiter character, and your
new password again as shown:
current password/new password/new password.
NOTE: Type the new password carefully since the actual characters do not appear on the
screen.
3. Press the enter key.
The new password will take effect the next time the computer is restarted.
Deleting a password
1. Turn on or restart the computer. If you are in Windows, click Start > Shut Down > Restart
the Computer. To delete the setup password, run Computer Setup (F10).
2. When the key icon appears, type your current password followed by a slash (/) or alternate
delimiter character as shown. Example: currentpassword/
3. Press the Enter key.
Clearing CMOS
1. Shut down the system and disconnect the power cord from the power outlet.
2. Remove the chassis access panel.
3. On the system board, move the CMOS jumper from pins 2-3 to pins 1-2
4. Allow the jumper to remain in that position for at least 5 seconds then, return the jumper
to pins 2-3.
5. Replace the chassis access panel and reconnect the power cord.
6. Turn on the computer and allow it to start.

Security Features

Feature Purpose
Floppy drive con- Prevents the transfer of data to or from the
troller floppy drive.
Device Boot Dis- Prevents booting from and or all of these
abling devices: Internal or external USB, Internal
ODD, or Internal FDD
Security Option Prevents use of computer until password is
entered. Can apply to both initial startup
and restart.
BIOS Write Pro- Restricts ability to change ROM BIOS
tect without approval.
USB Controller Allows you to disable or enable all USB
devices.
NOTE:
For more information about Setup Utilities refer to the Computer Setup Menu on the previous
page or in the Service Reference Guide.
Diagnostic Functions
Diagnostic functions are provided by the Setup Utility (in system ROM) and by Insight Diag-
nostics. Insight Diagnostics provides detailed system information including:
•
•
•
•
•
Insight Diagnostics may be pre installed on some models and can be downloaded free of charge
from www.hp.com.
Error Conditions and Messages
Chassis Diagnostic LEDs
Power LED
Steady green
Steady green for 3 seconds
followed by a 1 second pause
Blinks green @ 0.5 Hz
Blinks green @ 0.5 Hz
Off (clear)
Blinks green 5 times @ 1 Hz *
Blinks green 6 times @ 1 Hz *
Blinks green 8 times @ 1 Hz*
NOTE:
* Repeated after 2 second pause
Common POST Error Messages
Screen Message
Parity Error
... Master/... Slave
Hard Disk Error
...Master/Slave
Drive — ATAPI
Incompatible
SMART capable
but Command
Failed.
SMART
Command Failed
SMART status
Bad, Backup and
replace.
SMART Capable
and Status Bad.
DMA-1 Error
DMA-2 Error
DMA Controller
Error
Checking
NVRAM...Update
Failed
NVRAM Ignored
or NVRAM Bad
How It Is
Established
Setup Utilities NVRAM
Checksum Bad,
NVRAM Cleared
Setup Utilities
Microcode Error
Setup Utilities
Setup Utilities.
Setup Utilities
Processor type and speed
Memory amount, mapping, and integrity
Hardware peripheral availability/settings
Hard drive type, space used/available
System identification, asset tracking
Event
System on (normal operation)
System overheating.
Suspend to RAM (some models)
Normal Suspend
Computer off
Memory not seated / installed
Graphics card error
Invalid ROM
Probable Cause
Fatal memory parity error.
System halts after
displaying this message.
(Primary/Secondary)
Master/Slave hard drive
could not be initialized by
the BIOS.
Device configured as a
(Primary/Secondary)
Master/Slave failed an
ATAPI compatibility test.
BIOS unable to send a
SMART message to the
device.
SMART capable hard drive
detects an imminent failure.
Error when initializing the
DMA controller.
BIOS could not write to the
NVRAM block.
NVRAM data used to store
plug and play data was not
used for system
configuration in POST.
Error detected while
validating NVRAM data.
BIOS could not find or load
CPU microcode to update
the CPU.
Recommended Action
Reseat memory modules.
Replace memory modules
Reseat the device data and power
cables.
Replace the device data cable.
Replace the device.
Replace the system board.
Replace the device.
Replace the system board.
Backup the data on the hard drive.
Replace the hard drive.
Backup the data on the hard drive.
Replace the hard drive.
Reconnect the cables on the
peripheral device.
Replace the data cable.
Replace the device.
Replace the system board.
Change system board jumper JP2 to
pins 2-3, then flash the system
BIOS. Reset jumpers to 1-2.
Replace the system board.
Restart computer, access Computer
Setup. Select Load Default
Settings > Save and Exit.
Change system board jumper JP2 to
pins 2-3, then flash the BIOS. Reset
jumpers to 1-2.
Restart the computer, use the F10
Key to access Computer Setup,
Select Load Default Settings >
Save and Exit.
Ensure the system board BIOS
supports the processor.
Change system board jumper JP2 to
pins 2-3, then flash the BIOS. Reset
jumpers to 1-2.