HP ProLiant DL170h G6 Server Software Configuration Guide

System BIOS configuration 4
System BIOS configuration
This chapter describes the basic functions of the System BIOS.
System BIOS overview
A Basic Input/Output System, or BIOS, is a set of programs permanently stored in an EEPROM chip
(U21) 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 a ROM BIOS-based
diagnostic tool that monitors system activity and performs constant hardware testing to ensure proper
system operation.
BIOS software
The BIOS software serves three functions:
• Configure the system settings via the BIOS Setup Utility
Using the Setup Utility, you can install, configure, and optimize the hardware devices on your
system (such as CPU, 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.
BIOS Setup Utility
NOTE: For ease of reading, the BIOS 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 BIOS 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.