HP ProLiant DL145 Generation 3 Server Software Configuration Guide

System BIOS configuration 5
System BIOS configuration
This chapter describes the basic functions of the PhoenixBIOS software.
System BIOS overview
A Basic Input/Output System, or BIOS, is a set of programs permanently stored in an EEPROM chipset (U70)
located on the system board. These programs serve as an interface between the server’s hardware components
and its operating system. This 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 Utility, you can install, configure, and optimize the hardware devices on your system (such
as clock, memory, and hard drives).
• Initialize hardware at boot via POST routines
At power-on or reset, the software performs Power-On Self Test (POST) routines to test system resources and
run 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, the PhoenixBIOS Setup Utility will be referred to as “Setup” or “Setup Utility” in
this guide. Also, the screenshots used in this guide display default system values. These values may not be the
same as those in your server.
The PhoenixBIOS Setup Utility is a hardware configuration program built into the server BIOS. Because most
systems are already properly configured and optimized, there is normally no need to run this utility.
You 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
• 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 by a "Run Setup" message to
make changes to the BIOS settings.
NOTE: If you repeatedly receive “Run Setup” messages, the battery located on the system board (XBAT1) 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 the Setup
Utility to change the BIOS settings from the default or current configuration.
Accessing the Setup Utility
1. Turn on the monitor and the server.
If the server is already turned on, save your data and exit all open applications, then restart the server.