PC BIOS Settings before Imaging (SATA RAID On)

This procedure provides instructions on how to configure the BIOS settings for the Dell Optiplex PC.

In preparation for Imaging a Dell Optiplex PC, the BIOS settings must be configured correctly.

Some Dell Optiplex PCs default with the wrong BIOS configuration.

This causes a Windows Recovery Error after re-imaging.

  • Incorrect: SATA Operation set to ATA.
  • Correct: SATA Operation set to RAID On.

This procedure provides instructions on how to correct the BIOS settings prior to re-imaging to allow for smooth image/software installation.

Parts Affected

  • Dell XE2 PC with 16GB RAM - [CMP-01711]
  • Dell XE3 PC with 16GB RAM - [CMP-01672]

Time Required

  • 5 Minutes

Procedure

  1. Enter the BIOS Configuration Menu.
    1. Power ON, the Panther PC.
    2. ClosedPress F12 while the PC is booting to access the Boot menu.

    3. ClosedUse the arrow keys to select BIOS Setup under “Other Options.”

    4. Press Enter.
    5. ClosedThe BIOS Setup window will be displayed.

  2. Change the System Configuration.
    1. ClosedClick on the “+” next to System Configuration at the left of the window.

    2. ClosedSelect SATA Operation.

    3. Click the Unlock button at the bottom of the window.
    4. ClosedA window might open and ask for a password. Enter “gpservice” and click OK.

    5. If the password was not accepted, retry the password (ensure Caps Lock is off).

      If the password is still not accepted, reset the BIOS password as per the Service Manual. Refer to the Panther Service Manual > Unlocking the XE2 BIOS

    6. ClosedSelect RAID On.
      Note — ClosedFor systems with an SSD installed, set SATA RAID to AHCI.

    7. ClosedA warning message will appear. Select Yes.

    8. Click Apply at the bottom of the window.
    9. Click Exit at the bottom of the window and the PC will reboot.

Verification

  1. Restart the PC
  2. ClosedPress F12 while the PC is booting to access the Boot menu.

  3. Use the arrow keys to select BIOS Setup under Other Options and press enter.
  4. In the BIOS Setup, click on the “+” next to System Configuration.
  5. ClosedClick on SATA Operation and verify that RAID On is selected.

  6. Click Exit at the bottom of the window and the PC will reboot.