Dell PowerEdge 2850 User manual

Dell™PowerEdge™2850SystemsUser'sGuide
System Overview
Using the Dell OpenManage Server Assistant
Using the System Setup Program
Technical Specifications
Using Console Redirection
Glossary
Model EMS
Notes, Notices, and Cautions
Abbreviations and Acronyms
For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the Glossary.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
©2004DellInc.Allrightsreserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, PowerEdge, and Dell OpenManage are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel is a registered trademark and Xeon is a trademark of Intel
Corporation; Microsoft, MS-DOS, and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; Novell and NetWare are registered trademarks of Novell, Inc.; Red Hat is a
registered trademark of Red Hat, Inc.; UNIX is a registered trademark of The Open Group in the United States and other countries.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any
proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
Initial release: 1 May 2004
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.
NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.

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Technical Specifications
Dell™PowerEdge™2850SystemsUser'sGuide

Processor
Processor type
Up to two Intel®Xeon™processors with a minimum
clock speed of at least 2.8 GHz
Front-side bus speed
800 MHz
L2 cache
at least 1MB internal cache

ExpansionBus
Bus type
PCI-X, PCI Express
Expansion slots via riser card cage:

PCI-X
one 3.3-V, 64-bit, 100-MHz or three 3.3-V, 64 bit,
133MHz
PCI Express
one x4 lane width
one x8 lane width

Memory
Architecture
144-bit ECC registered PC2-3200 DDR2 SDRAM
DIMMs, with two-way interleaving, rated for 400-MHz
operation
Memory module sockets
Six 240-pin
Memory module capacities
256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, 2 GB, or 4 GB (when available)
Minimum RAM
256 MB (one 256-MB module)
Maximum RAM
16 GB

Drives
SCSI hard drives
up to six 1-inch, internal, hot-plug, Ultra320 SCSI
Diskette drive
one optional 3.5-inch, 1.44-MB
external optional USB 3.5-inch, 1.44-MB
Optical drive
one optional IDE CD or DVD
external optional USB CD
Flash drive
external optional USB

Connectors
Externally accessible
Back
NIC
Two RJ-45 (for integrated 1-Gigabit NICs)
PS/2-style keyboard
6-pin mini-DIN
PS/2-compatible mouse
6-pin mini-DIN
Serial
9-pin, DTE, 16550-compatible
USB
Two 4-pin, USB 2.0 compliant
Video
15-pin VGA
Front
Video
15-pin VGA
USB
Two 4-pin, USB 2.0 compliant
Internally accessible
SCSI channels
Two 68-pin U320 SCSI

Video
Video type
ATI Radeon 7000-M video controller; VGA connectors
Video memory
16 MB

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

Power
AC power supply (per power supply)
Wattage
700W
Voltage
84 -264 VAC, autoranging, 47-63 Hz, 10.1 A
Heat dissipation
2388 BTU/hr maximum
Maximum inrush current
Under typical line conditions and over the entire
system ambient operating range, the inrush current
mayreach25Aperpowersupplyfor10msorless.
Batteries

System battery
CR 2032 3.0-V lithium ion coin cell
ROMB battery (optional)
4.1-V lithium ion

Physical
Height
8.656 cm (3.40 in)
Width
44.7 cm (17.6 in)
Depth
75.68 cm (29.79in)
Weight (maximum configuration)
26.76 kg (59 lb)

Environmental

NOTE: For additional information about environmental measurements for specific system configurations,
see www.dell.com/environmental_datasheets.
Temperature
Operating
10°to35°C(50°to95°F)
Storage
–40°to65°C(–40°to149°F)
Relative humidity
Operating
8% to 85% (noncondensing) with a maximum
humidity gradation of 10% per hour
Storage
5% to 95% (noncondensing)
Maximum vibration
Operating
0.25 G at 3–200 Hz for 15 min
Storage
0.5 G at 3–200 Hz for 15 min
Maximum shock
Operating
One shock pulse in the positive z axis (one pulse on
each side of the system) of 41 G for up to 2 ms
Storage
Six consecutively executed shock pulses in the
positive and negative x, y, and z axes (one pulse on
each side of the system) of 71 G for up to 2 ms
Altitude
Operating
–16 to 3048 m (–50 to 10,000 ft)
Storage
–16 to 10,600 m (–50 to 35,000 ft)

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Using Console Redirection
Dell™PowerEdge™2850SystemsUser'sGuide
Hardware Requirements
Software Requirements
Configuring the Host System
Configuring the Client System
Managing the Host System Remotely
Configuring Special Key Functions
Console redirection allows you to manage a host (local) system from a client (remote) system by redirecting keyboard input and text output through a serial
port. You cannot redirect graphic output. You can use console redirection for tasks such as configuring BIOS or RAID settings.
You can also connect the client system to a port concentrator that can access numerous host systems using a shared modem. After logging into the port
concentrator, you can select a host system to manage using console redirection.
This section describes the most basic connection possible: connecting systems using a null-modem serial cable, which directly connects the serial ports on two
systems.
Hardware Requirements
lAn available serial (COM) port on the host system
lAn available serial (COM) port on a client system
This port must not conflict with any other ports on the client system.
lA null-modem serial cable to connect the host system to the client system
Software Requirements
lVT 100/220 or ANSI terminal emulation with a window size of 80 x 25 characters
l9600, 19.2 K, 57.6 K, or 115.2 K bps using serial (COM) ports
lAbility to create keyboard command macros (recommended)
All versions of the Microsoft®Windows®operating system include Hilgraeve's HyperTerminal terminal emulation software. However, the included version does
notprovidemanyfunctionsrequiredduringconsoleredirection.EitherupgradetoHyperTerminalPrivateEdition6.1orlater,orselectnewterminalemulation
software.
Configuring the Host System
Configure console redirection on the host (local) system through the System Setup program (see "Console Redirection Screen" in "Using the System Setup
Program"). The Console Redirection screen allows you to enable or disable the console redirection feature, select the remote terminal type, and enable or
disable console redirection after booting.
Configuring the Client System
After configuring the host system, configure the ports and terminal settings for the client (remote) system.

Configuring the Serial Port

1. Click the Start button, point to Programs®Accessories®Communications, and then click HyperTerminal.

2. Enter a name for the new connection, select an icon, and then click OK.

3. From the Connect to dropdown menu, select an available COM port, and then click OK.
After you select an available COM port, the COM port properties window appears.

NOTE: The examples in this section assume that you have upgraded to Hilgraeve's HyperTerminal Private Edition 6.1 or later. If you are using other
terminal emulation software, see the documentation for that software.

4. Configure the port with the following settings:
lSet Bits per second.
Console redirection supports only 9600, 19.2 K, 57.6 K, or 115.2 K bps.
lSet Data bits to 8.
lSet Parity to None.
lSet Stop bits to 1.
lSet Flow control to Hardware.

lClick OK.

Configuring the Terminal Settings

1. In HyperTerminal, click File, click Properties, and then click the Settings tab.

2. Ensure that the Function, arrow, and Ctrl keys act as field is set to Terminal Keys.

3. Ensure that the Backspace key sends field is set to Ctrl+H.

4. Change the Emulation setting from Auto detect to ANSI or VT 100/220.
Ensure that this setting is the same as the setting you selected for the Console Redirection option on the host system.

5. Click Terminal Setup.
A setting for the number of rows and columns appears.

6. Change the number of rows from 24 to 25 and leave the number of columns at 80.
If you do not have these settings, you must upgrade your terminal emulation software.

7. Click OK twice.
Managing the Host System Remotely
After you configure the host and client systems (see "Configuring the Host System" and "Configuring the Client System"), you can use console redirection to
restart a host system or to change a host system's configuration settings.

1. Reboot the host system using the client system.
See "Configuring Special Key Functions" for instructions.

2. When the host system begins to boot, use console redirection to:
lEnter the System Setup program
lEnter the SCSI setup menus
lUpdate firmware and BIOS (flash the system)
lRun utilities on the utility partition
Configuring Special Key Functions
Console redirection uses ANSI or VT 100/220 terminal emulation, which is limited to basic ASCII characters. Function keys, arrow keys, and control keys are not
available in the ASCII character set, and most utilities require function keys and control keys for ordinary operations. However, you can emulate a function key
or control key using a special key sequence, called an escape sequence.
An escape sequence starts with an escape character. You can enter this character in different ways, depending on the requirements of your terminal
emulation software. For example, 0x1b and <Esc> each represent the escape character. In HyperTerminal, you can create macros by selecting Key Macros
from the View menu. You can assign a macro to almost any key for almost any key combination. Create a macro to represent each function key.
TableB-1 lists the escape sequences that represent a special key or function.
NOTE: Torunutilitiesonthehostsystem'sutilitypartition,youmusthavecreatedtheutilitypartitionusingDellOpenManage™ServerAssistant
version 6.3.1 or later.

Table B-1.SupportedEscapeSequences
After creating macros for the keys listed in TableB-1, press <F1> on the client system's keyboard during terminal emulation to send the escape sequence
<Esc><O><P> to the host system. The host system then interprets the sequence as <F1>.
Additional escape sequences may be required by certain utilities or functions on the host system. Create macros for the additional sequences listed in TableB-
2.
Table B-2. Additional Escape Sequences
NOTE: When creating macros in HyperTerminal, press <Insert> before <Esc> to signify that you are sending an escape sequence rather than escaping
out of the dialog box. If you do not have this function, you must upgrade HyperTerminal.
NOTE: Escape-sequence key combinations listed in TableB-1 are case-sensitive. For example, to generate the character <A> you must press
<Shift><a>.

Key(s)

Supported Sequence

Terminal Emulation
<Up arrow>
<Esc><[><A>
VT 100/220, ANSI
<Down arrow>
<Esc><[><B>
VT 100/220, ANSI
<Right arrow>
<Esc><[><C>
VT 100/220, ANSI
<Left arrow>
<Esc><[><D>
VT 100/220, ANSI
<F1>
<Esc><O><P>
VT 100/220, ANSI
<F2>
<Esc><O><Q>
VT 100/220, ANSI
<F3>
<Esc><O><R>
VT 100/220, ANSI
<F4>
<Esc><O><S>
VT 100/220, ANSI
<F5>
<Esc><O><T>
VT 100, ANSI
<F6>
<Esc><O><U>
VT 100, ANSI
<Esc><[><1><7><~>
VT 100/220
<F7>
<Esc><O><V>
VT 100, ANSI
<Esc><[><1><8><~>
VT 100/220
<F8>
<Esc><O><W>
VT 100, ANSI
<Esc><[><1><9><~>
VT 100/220
<F9>
<Esc><O><X>
VT 100, ANSI
<Esc><[><2><0><~>
VT 100/220
<F10>
<Esc><O><Y>
VT 100, ANSI
<Esc><[><2><1><~>
VT 100/220
<F11>
<Esc><O><Z>
VT 100, ANSI
<Esc><[><2><3><~>
VT 100/220
<F12>
<Esc><O><A>
VT 100, ANSI
<Esc><[><2><4><~>
VT 100/220
<Home>
<Esc><[><1><~>
<Esc><h>
VT 220
ANSI
<End>
<Esc><[><4><~>
VT 220
<Esc><k>
ANSI
<Delete>
<Esc><[><3><~>
VT 220
<Esc><–>
ANSI
<Delete>
<Esc><[><3><~>
VT 220
<Esc><–>
ANSI
<Page Up>
<Esc><[><5><~>
VT 220
<Esc><Shift><?>
ANSI
<Page Down>
<Esc><[><6><~>
VT 220
<Esc></>
ANSI
<Shift><Tab>
<Esc><[><Z>
VT 100
<Esc><[><0><Z>
VT 220
<Esc><[><Shift><z>
ANSI
NOTE: Escape-sequence key combinations listed in TableB-2 are case-sensitive. For example, to generate the character <A> you must press
<Shift><a>.

Key(s)

Supported Sequence
<Ctrl><Alt><Del>
(Reboot host system)
<Esc><R><Esc><r><Esc><R>
<Alt><x>
<Esc><X><X>

Back to Contents Page

<Ctrl><H>
<Esc><Ctrl><H>
<Ctrl><I>
<Esc><Ctrl><I>
<Ctrl><J>
<Esc><Ctrl><J>
<Ctrl><M>
<Esc><Ctrl><M>
<Ctrl><2>
<Esc><Ctrl><2>

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System Overview
Dell™PowerEdge™2850SystemsUser'sGuide
Indicators on the Optional Bezel
Front-Panel Features and Indicators
Back-Panel Features and Indicators
Power Indicator Codes
System Features
Supported Operating Systems
Power Protection Devices
Other Documents You May Need
Obtaining Technical Assistance
This section describes the major hardware and software features of your system and provides information about the indicators on the system's front and back
panels. It also provides information about other documents you may need when setting up your system and how to obtain technical assistance.
Indicators on the Optional Bezel
The optional locking system bezel incorporates blue and amber system status indicators. The blue indicator lights up when the system is operating correctly.
The amber indicator lights up when the system needs attention due to a problem with power supplies, fans, system temperature, or hard drives.
Table1-1 lists the system's indicator patterns. Different patterns are displayed as events occur in the system.
Table 1-1. System Status Indicator Patterns
Front-Panel Features and Indicators
Figure1-1 shows the controls, indicators, and connectors located behind the optional bezel on the system's front panel. Table1-2 lists the font panel features.
Figure 1-1. Front-Panel Features and Indicators
Table 1-2. Front-PanelLEDIndicators,Buttons,andConnectors

Blue indicator

Amber indicator

Description
Off
Off
Power is not available to the system
Off
Blinking
The system has detected an error. See your Installation and Troubleshooting Guide for more information.
On
Off
Power is on, and the system is operational.
Blinking
Off
The indicator has been activated to identify the system in a rack.

NOTE: While the system is being identified, the blue indicator blinks even though an error has been detected. After the system is identified, the blue
indicator stops blinking and the amber indicator resumes blinking.
NOTE: Hard drive bays are numbered 0 through 5 starting at the lower leftmost drive bay.





SCSI Hard-Drive Indicator Codes
If RAID is activated, two indicators on each of the hard-drive carriers provide information on the status of the SCSI hard drives. RAID can be enabled either by
using ROMB on the riser card or by using a RAID card connected to the backplane. See Figure1-2 and Table1-3.TheSCSIbackplanefirmwarecontrolsthe
drive power-on/fault indicator.
Figure 1-2. SCSI Hard-Drive Indicators
Table1-3 lists the drive indicator patterns. Different patterns are displayed as drive events occur in the system. For example, if a hard-drive fails, the "drive
failed" pattern appears. After the drive is selected for removal, the "drive being prepared for removal" pattern appears, followed by the "drive ready for
insertion or removal" pattern. After the replacement drive is installed, the "drive being prepared for operation" pattern appears, followed by the "drive online"
pattern.
Table 1-3. Hard-DriveIndicatorPatterns
Indicator, Button,
or Connector
Icon
Description
blue system status
indicator

Does not operate when the optional bezel is removed. The LCD display indicates the status.
amber system
status indicator

Does not operate when the optional bezel is removed. The LCD display indicates the status.
LCD display

Provides system ID, status information, and system error messages.
The LCD display lights during normal system operation. Both the systems management software and the identification
buttons located on the front and back of the system can cause the LCD to flash blue to identify a particular system.
The LCD display lights amber when the system needs attention due to a problem with power supplies, fans, system
temperature, or hard drives.

NOTE: If the system is connected to AC power and an error has been detected, the LCD display flashes amber regardless of
whether the system has been powered on.
power-on indicator,
power button
The power-on indicator lights when the system power is on. The power-on indicator blinks when power is available to the
system, but the system is not powered on.
The power button controls the DC power supply output to the system.

NOTE: If you turn off the system using the power button and the system is running an ACPI-compliant operating system, the
system performs a graceful shutdown before the power is turned off. If the system is not running an ACPI-compliant
operating system, the power is turned off immediately after the power button is pressed.
system
identification button
The identification buttons on the front and back panels can be used to locate a particular system within a rack. When one of
these buttons is pushed, the blue system status indicator on the front and back blinks until one of the buttons is pushed
again.
USB connectors
Connects USB 2.0-compliant devices to the system.
NMI button
Used to troubleshoot software and device driver errors when using certain operating systems. This button can be pressed
using the end of a paper clip.
Use this button only if directed to do so by qualified support personnel or by the operating system's documentation.
video connector
Connects a monitor to the system.

NOTE: If RAID is not activated, only the "drive online" indicator pattern appears. The drive-activity indicator also blinks when the drive is being accessed.



Back-Panel Features and Indicators
Figure1-3 shows the controls, indicators, and connectors located on the system's back panel.
Figure 1-3. Back-Panel Features and Indicators

Connecting External Devices
When connecting external devices to your system, follow these guidelines:
lMost devices must be connected to a specific connector and device drivers must be installed before the device operates properly. (Device drivers are
normally included with your operating system software or with the device itself.) See the documentation that accompanied the device for specific
installation and configuration instructions.
lAlways attach external devices while your system is turned off. Next, turn on any external devices before turning on the system (unless the
documentation for the device specifies otherwise).
For information about individual connectors, see your Installation and Troubleshooting Guide. For information about enabling, disabling, and configuring I/O ports
and connectors, see "Using the System Setup Program."
Power Indicator Codes
The power button on the front panel controls the power input to the system's power supplies. The power indicator can provide information on power status
(see Figure1-4). Table1-4 lists the power button indicator codes.
Table 1-4. Power Button Indicators
The indicators on the optional redundant power supplies show whether power is present or whether a power fault has occurred (see Figure1-4). Table1-5
lists the redundant power supply indicators.
Table 1-5.RedundantPowerSupplyIndicators
Condition
Indicator Pattern
Identify drive
The green power-on/fault indicator blinks four times per second.
Drive being prepared for removal
The green power-on/fault indicator blinks two times per second.
Drive ready for insertion or removal
Both drive indicators are off.
Drive being prepared for operation
The green power-on/fault indicator is on.
Drive predicted failure
The power-on/fault indicator slowly blinks green, amber, and off.
Drive failed
The amber power-on/fault indicator blinks four times per second.
Drive rebuilding
The green power-on/fault indicator blinks slowly.
Drive online
The green power-on/fault indicator is on.

Indicator

Function
On
Indicates that power is supplied to the system and the system is operational.
Off
Indicates that no power is supplied to the system.
Blinking
Indicates that power is supplied to the system, but the system is in a standby state. For information on standby states, see your operating
system documentation.



Figure 1-4. Redundant Power Supply Indicators
System Features
lOneortwoIntelXeonprocessorswithaninternaloperatingspeedofatleast2.8GHz,alevel2cacheofatleast1MB,andafront-side bus operating
at800MHz.
lSupport for symmetric multiprocessing (SMP), which is available on systems with two Intel Xeon microprocessors. SMP greatly improves overall system
performance by dividing microprocessor operations between independent microprocessors. To take advantage of this feature, you must use an
operating system that supports multiprocessing.
lA minimum of 256 MB of registered PC2-3200 DDR 2 400 SDRAM memory modules, upgradable to a maximum of 16GB (if supported by the operating
system) by installing combinations of 256-MB, 512-MB, 1-GB, 2-GB, or 4-GB (when available) 2-way interleaving memory modules in the six memory
module sockets on the system board.
The system also features redundant memory, which provides a failover memory bank of memory mirroring. The failover memory bank (spare bank) is
available if all banks (six memory modules) are populated with identical memory modules. The memory mirroring feature is available only if banks 1 and 2
(four memory modules) are populated with identical memory modules.
lSupport for up to six 1-inch, internal U320 SCSI hard drives (with hot-plug capability when using the optional RAID capability). An optional daughter card
provides support for a split backplane.
lAn optional single, 1.44-MB, 3.5-inch diskette drive.
lAn optional IDE CD or DVD drive.
lUp to two hot-pluggable, 700-W power supplies in a 1 + 1 redundant configuration.
lUp to six redundant system cooling fans.
The system board includes the following features:
lOne of the following riser card options:
¡A riser card cage that has three 3.3-V, 64-bit, 133MHz PCI-X expansion slots, and RAID on motherboard (ROMB). Expansion card slots
accommodate full-height, one half-length and 2 full-length expansion cards.
or
¡A riser card cage that has one x4 lane-width and one x8 lane-width, PCI-Express expansion slots, one 3.3-V, 64-bit, 100-MHz PCI-X expansion
slot, and ROMB. Expansion card slots accommodate half-length expansion cards.
lAn integrated, dual-channel U320 SCSI host adapter. The internal channel supports up to six SCSI hard drives on the SCSI backplane. The SCSI
backplane automatically configures SCSI ID numbers and SCSI termination, greatly simplifying drive installation.
lOptional RAID through a separate controller card that incorporates 128 MB of cache memory and a RAID battery.
lTwo integrated Gigabit Ethernet NICs, capable of supporting 10-Mbps, 100-Mbps, and 1000-Mbps data rates.
lFour USB 2.0-compliant connectors (two on the front and two on the back) capable of supporting a diskette drive, a CD-ROM drive, a keyboard, a
mouse, or a USB flash drive.
lOptional remote access controller (RAC) for remote systems management.
lAn integrated VGA-compatible video subsystem with an ATI Radeon 7000-M, 33MHz PCI video controller. This video subsystem contains 16MB of SDRAM
video memory (nonupgradable). Maximum resolution is 1600 x 1200 with 64,000 colors; true-color graphics are supported in the following resolutions:
Indicator
Function
Power supply status
Green indicates that the power supply is operational.
Power supply fault
Amber indicates a problem with the power supply.
AC line status
Green indicates that a valid AC source is connected to the power supply.
NOTE: If you decide to upgrade your system by installing a second microprocessor, you must order the microprocessor upgrade kits from Dell. Not
all versions of the Intel Xeon microprocessor will work properly as additional microprocessors. The upgrade kit from Dell contains the correct
version of the microprocessor, heat sink, and fan(s) as well as the instructions for performing the upgrade. Both microprocessors must have the
same internal operating frequency and cache size.
NOTE: Two-way interleaving is not supported in the 256 MB single memory configuration.

640x480,800x600,1024x768,1152x864,and1280x1024.Whentheoptionalremoteaccessisinstalled,thevideoresolutionis1024X768.
lSystems management circuitry that monitors operation of the system fans as well as critical system voltages and temperatures. The systems
management circuitry works in conjunction with the systems management software.
lBack-panel connectors include mouse, keyboard, serial, video, two USB connectors, and two NIC connectors.
lFront-panel LCD display for system ID and error messaging.
lSystem ID buttons on the front and back panels.
lFront-panel connectors include a video and two USB connectors.
For more information about specific features, see "Technical Specifications."
The following software is included with your system:
lA System Setup program for quickly viewing and changing system configuration information. For more information about this program, see "Using the
System Setup Program."
lEnhanced security features, including a system password and a setup password, available through the System Setup program.
lSystem diagnostics for evaluating system components and devices. For information about using the system diagnostics, see "Running the System
Diagnostics" in your Installation and Troubleshooting Guide.
lVideo drivers for displaying many popular application programs in high-resolution modes.
lSCSI device drivers that allow the operating system to communicate with devices attached to the integrated SCSI subsystem. For more information
about these drivers, see "Installing Drives" in your Installation and Troubleshooting Guide.
lSystems management software and documentation CDs.
Supported Operating Systems
lMicrosoft®Windows®2000 Server and Advanced Server
lMicrosoft Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition, Enterprise Edition and Web Edition
lRed Hat®Linux Enterprise Server AS, ES, and WS (version 3)
lRed Hat Linux Enterprise ES (version 2.1)
lNovell®NetWare®6.5 and 5.1
Power Protection Devices
Certain devices protect your system from the effects of problems such as power surges and power failures.
lPDU —Uses circuit breakers to ensure that the AC current load does not exceed the PDU's rating.
lSurge protector —Prevents voltage spikes, such as those that may occur during an electrical storm, from entering the system through the electrical
outlet. They do not protect against brownouts, which occur when the voltage drops more than 20 percent below the normal AC line voltage level.
lLine conditioner —Maintains a system's AC power source voltage at a moderately constant level and provides protection from brownouts, but does not
protect against a complete power loss.
lUPS —Uses battery power to keep the system running when AC power is unavailable. The battery is charged by AC power while it is available so that
after AC power is lost, the battery can provide power to the system for a limited amount of time—from5minutestoapproximatelyanhour.AUPSthat
provides only 5 minutes of battery power allows you to save your files and to shutdown the system. Use surge protectors and PDUs with all universal
power supplies, and ensure that the UPS is UL-safety approved.
Other Documents You May Need

lThe Rack Installation Guide or Rack Installation Instructions included with your rack solution describes how to install your system into a rack.
lThe Getting Started Guide provides an overview of initially setting up your system.
lThe Installation and Troubleshooting Guide describes how to troubleshoot the system and install or replace system components.
lSystems management software documentation describes the features, requirements, installation, and basic operation of the software.
lBaseboard management controller (BMC) documentation describes the features and configuration options of the BMC.
lOperating system documentation describes how to install (if necessary), configure, and use the operating system software.
lDocumentation for any components you purchased separately provides information to configure and install these options.
lUpdates are sometimes included with the system to describe changes to the system, software, and/or documentation.
The Product Information Guide provides important safety and regulatory information. Warranty information may be included within this document or as a
separate document.
NOTE: Always read the updates first because they often supersede information in other documents.

lRelease notes or readme files may be included to provide last-minute updates to the system or documentation or advanced technical reference material
intended for experienced users or technicians.
Obtaining Technical Assistance
If you do not understand a procedure in this guide or if the system does not perform as expected, see your Installation and Troubleshooting Guide.
Dell Enterprise Training and Certification is available; see www.dell.com/training for more information. This service may not be offered in all locations.
Back to Contents Page


Back to Contents Page
Using the Dell OpenManage Server Assistant
Dell™PowerEdge™2850SystemsUser'sGuide
Starting the Server Assistant CD
Using the Server Setup Program
Updating Drivers and Utilities
Using the Utility Partition
The Dell OpenManage Server Assistant CD contains utilities, diagnostics, and drivers to help you configure your system. You begin the operating system
installation with this CD if your operating system was not preinstalled on your system. A bootable utility partition on the system's hard drive contains some of
the same functionality as the Server Assistant CD.
Starting the Server Assistant CD
To configure your system and install your operating system, insert the Server Assistant CD, and turn on or reboot the system. The Dell OpenManage Server
Assistant main screen appears.
The Server Assistant CD uses a standard Web browser interface. You can navigate the CD by using the mouse to click various icons and text links.
Click the Exit icon to exit Server Assistant. If you exit Server Assistant while in the Server Setup program, the system reboots to the standard operating
system boot partition.
If the CD does not boot, verify that the CD drive is specified first in the Boot Sequence option in the System Setup program (see "Using the System Setup
Program").
Using the Server Setup Program
If the operating system is not preinstalled or if you install an operating system at a later date, use the Server Setup program on the Server Assistant CD to
configure your system and install your operating system.
The Server Setup program guides you through tasks such as the following:
lSetting the system date and time
lConfiguring your RAID controller (if applicable)
lSelecting and installing your operating system; specifying operating system-specific information
lConfiguring hard drives
lViewing the installation summary
To start the Server Setup program, click Server Setup on the Dell OpenManage Server Assistant main screen. Follow the instructions on the screen.
Updating Drivers and Utilities
You can update drivers and utilities on any system that has Microsoft®Internet Explorer 5.5 or later or Netscape Navigator 7.02 or later installed. When you
insert the CD into the CD drive on a system that uses a Microsoft Windows®-based operating system, the system automatically starts the browser and
displays the Dell OpenManage Server Assistant main screen.
To update drivers and utilities, perform the following steps:

1. From the Dell OpenManage Server Assistant main screen, select the option for updating drivers and utilities.

2. Select the system model number from the drop-down menu.

3. Select the type of drivers or utilities that you want to update.

4. Click Continue.

5. Select each driver or utility that you want to update.
You are prompted to either run the program or provide a location to save the files.

NOTE: Use the Server Assistant CD only if your operating system is not preinstalled on your system. Locate the operating system's Installation
Instructions document and follow the instructions to complete the installation process.
NOTE: You must have your operating system media available to install your operating system.


6. Run the program or specify the location to save the files.
Using the Utility Partition
The utility partition is a bootable partition on the hard drive that contains system configuration and diagnostic utilities. When you start the utility partition, it
boots and provides an executable environment for the partition's utilities.
To start the utility partition, turn on or reboot the system. During POST, press <F10> after the following message appears:
<F10> = Utility Mode
The utility partition provides a text-based interface from which you can run the partition's utilities. To select a menu option, use either the arrow keys to
highlight the option and press <Enter> or type the number of the menu option. To exit the utility partition, press <Esc> from the Utility Partition main menu.
Table2-1 provides a sample list and explanation of the options that appear on the utility partition menu. These options are available even when the Server
Assistant CD is not in the CD drive.
Table 2-1. UtilityPartitionMainMenuOptions
Back to Contents Page

NOTE: The utility partition provides only limited MS-DOS®functionality and cannot be used as a general-purpose MS-DOS partition.

Option

Description
Run system diagnostics
Runs the system hardware diagnostics
Run RAID configuration utility
Runs the RAID configuration utility if ROMB is enabled or RAID controller card is installed

NOTE: The options displayed may vary depending on your system configuration and may not include those listed here.

Back to Contents Page
Using the System Setup Program
Dell™PowerEdge™2850SystemsUser'sGuide
Entering the System Setup Program
System Setup Options
System and Setup Password Features
Disabling a Forgotten Password
Asset Tag Utility
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:
lChange the system configuration stored in NVRAM after you add, change, or remove hardware
lSet or change user-selectable options—for example, the time or date
lEnable or disable integrated devices
l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> = 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.

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 Beep Codes" and "System Messages" in your Installation and Troubleshooting Guide for
an explanation of the message and suggestions for correcting errors.

Using the System Setup Program
Table3-1 lists the keys that you use to view or change information on the System Setup program screens and to exit the program.
Table 3-1. System Setup Program Navigation Keys
System Setup Options

Main Screen
NOTE: To ensure an orderly system shutdown, see the documentation that accompanied your operating system.
NOTE: After installing a memory upgrade, it is normal for your system to send a message the first time you start your system.

Keys

Action
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>
Exits the System Setup program and restarts the system if any changes were made.
<F1>
Displays the System Setup program's 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.

When you enter the System Setup program, the main System Setup program screen appears (see Figure3-1).
Figure 3-1. Main System Setup Program Screen
Table3-2 lists the options and descriptions for the information fields that appear on the main System Setup program screen.
Table 3-2.SystemSetupProgram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, where applicable.

Option

Description
System Time
Resets the time on the system's internal clock.
System Date
Resets the date on the system's internal calendar.
Diskette Drive
A:
Displays a screen that allows you to select the type of diskette drive for your system.
System
Memory
Displays the amount of system memory. This option does not have user-selectable settings.
System
Memory
Testing
(Enabled
default)
Determines if memory is being tested during POST.
Redundant
Memory
(Disabled
default)
Displays Disabled if less than four identical memory modules are installed in the system. If four identical memory modules are installed in
the system, select Mirror Enabled to enable memory mirroring. If six identical memory modules are installed in the system, select Spare
Bank Enabled to enable spare bank. For more information on memory configurations, see "Memory Module Installation Guidelines" in
"Installing System Components" in the Installation and Troubleshooting Guide.
Video Memory
Displays the amount of video memory. This option does not have user-selectable settings.
OS Install
Mode
(Off default)
Determines the maximum amount of memory available to the operating system. On sets the maximum memory to 256 MB. Off makes all of
the system memory available to the operating system. Some operating systems cannot install with more than 2 GB of system memory.
Enable this option (On) during operating system installation and disable (Off) after installation.
CPU
Information
See "CPU Information Screen."
Boot Sequence
Determines the order in which the system searches for boot devices during system startup. Available options can include the diskette drive,
CD drive, hard drives, and network.
Hard-Disk Drive
Sequence
Determines the order in which the system searches the hard drives during system startup. The selections depend on the hard drives
installed in your system.
USB Flash
Drive 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 removal diskette drive. Auto automatically chooses an emulation type.
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 cards that
require an IRQ.
Console
Redirection
See "Console Redirection Screen."


CPU Information Screen
Table3-3 lists the options and descriptions for the information fields that appear on the CPU Information screen.
Table 3-3. CPU Information Screen

Integrated Devices Screen
Table3-4 lists the options and descriptions for the information fields that appear on the Integrated Devices screen.
Table 3-4.IntegratedDevicesScreenOptions
System
Security
Displays a screen to configure the system password and setup password features. See "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.
Asset Tag
Displays the customer-programmable asset tag number for the system if an asset tag number has been assigned. To enter an asset tag
numberofupto10charactersintoNVRAM,see"Assigning or Deleting an Asset Tag Number."

Option

Description
Bus Speed
Displays the bus speed of the processors.
Logical Processor
(Enabled default)
Displays when the processors support HyperThreading. Enabled permits all logical processors to be used by the operating system. Only
the first logical processor of each processor installed in the system is used by the operating system if Disabled is selected.
Sequential
Memory Access
(Enabled default)
Displays when the processor supports sequential memory access. Enabled optimizes the system for applications that require sequential
memory access. Disabled is used for applications with random memory access.
Processor X ID
Displays the family and model number of each processor.
Core Speed
Displays the clock speed of the processor(s).
Level XCache
Displays the amount of cache memory for the processor.

Option

Description
Primary SCSI
Controller
(SCSI default)
Enables the integrated SCSI subsystem. This field displays only when RAID is not detected in the system. Off disables the SCSI
subsystem.
Channel A and Channel B operate independently.
Embedded RAID
Controller
Selects between RAID Enabled, SCSI Enabled, or Off. The configurable options vary, depending on whether the optional ROMB key
and memory are installed.
lWith the ROMB key and memory module installed —Select either RAID Enabled or Off.
lWithout the ROMB key and memory module installed —Select either SCSI Enabled or Off.
Channel A and Channel B operate independently. If the Channel A displays RAID Enabled, Channel B can be set to RAID Enabled,
SCSI Enabled, or Off.
IDE CD-ROM
Controller
(Auto default)
Enables the integrated IDE controller. When set to Auto, each channel of the integrated IDE controller is enabled if IDE devices are
attached to the channel and the external IDE controller is not detected.
Diskette Controller
(Auto default)
Enables or disables the system's diskette drive controller. When Auto is selected, the system turns off the controller when necessary to
accommodate a controller card installed in an expansion slot. You can also configure the drive as read-only. When using the read-only
setting, the drive cannot be used to write to a disk.
USB Controller
(On with BIOS
support default)
Enables or disables the system's USB ports. Options are On with BIOS support, On without BIOS support, or Off. Disabling the USB
ports makes system resources available for other devices.
Embedded Gb
NIC1
(Enabled with PXE
default)
Enables or disables the system's integrated NIC. Options are Enabled without PXE, Enabled with PXE, 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.
Embedded Gb
NIC2
(Enabled with PXE
default)
Enables or disables the system's integrated NIC. Options are Enabled without PXE, Enabled with PXE, 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.
Serial Port 1
(COM1 default)
Serial Port 1 options are COM1, COM3, BMC Serial,BMC NIC,and Off. If an optional remote access controller (RAC) is installed in the
system, RAC is an additional option.


System Security Screen
Table3-5 lists the options and descriptions for the information fields that appear on the System Security screen.
Table 3-5.SystemSecurityScreenOptions

Console Redirection Screen
Table3-6 lists the options and descriptions for the information fields that appear on the Console Redirection screen. For more information about using
console redirection, see "Using Console Redirection."
Table 3-6.ConsoleRedirectionScreenOptions

Serial port 1 shares three usage models. For standard usage, serial port 1 attempts to use COM1 first, and then COM3. For BMC usage,
serial port 1 uses the COM1 address and communication can be either via the Serial port or the integrated shared NIC. RAC control uses
only the COM1 address.

NOTE: Off and COM3 are not available options when Console Redirection is set to use Serial Port 1.
Speaker
(On default)
Sets the integrated speaker On or Off. A change to this option takes effect immediately (rebooting the system is not required).

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.
Power Button
(Enabled
default)
Turns system's power off and on.
lIf you turn off the system using the power button and the system is running an ACPI-compliant operating system, the system can
perform an orderly shutdown before power is turned off.
lIf the system is not running an ACPI-compliant operating system, power is turned off immediately after the power button is pressed.
The button is enabled in the System Setup program. When disabled, the button can only turn on system power.
NMI Button
(Disabled
default)

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.
Sets the NMI feature Enabled or Disabled.
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.

Option

Description
Console Redirection
(Off default)
Sets the console redirection feature to Serial Port 1 or Off.
Failsafe Baud Rate
(11520 default)
Displays if the failsafe baud rate is used for console redirection.
Remote Terminal Type
(VT 100/VT 220 default)
Select either VT 100/VT 220 or ANSI.
Redirection After Boot
(Enabled default)
Enables or disables console redirection after your system restarts.


Exit Screen
After you press <Esc> to exit the System Setup program, the Exit screen displays the following options:
lSave Changes and Exit
lDiscard Changes and Exit
lReturn to Setup
System and Setup Password Features
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 the Installation and Troubleshooting Guide.

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. 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.

4. Press <Enter>.

5. 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.

6. Either reboot your system now for your password protection to take effect or continue working.

Using Your System Password to Secure Your System
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.
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.
NOTE: Password protection does not take effect until you reboot the system.