HP dc7700 Convertible Minitower P Information Manual
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vPro Prerequisites and Trade-offs for the dc7700 Business PC
with Intel vPro Technology
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Prerequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Network Management Console Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Setup and Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Hard Drive Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Network Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Memory Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
MAC (Media Access Control) Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Trade-offs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Memory Subsystem Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Power Consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
AMT vs. ASF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Network Performance Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Third Party Appliances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Hard Drive Capacity Loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Hard Drive Duplication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
HP Backup and Recovery Manager Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Driver and Service Verification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Intel vPro is a new technology designed to revolutionize the digital office. Intel vPro Technology allows for
remote management of a PC regardless of system power state or operating system condition, as long as
the system is attached to AC power and a network. Intel vPro also improves system security against mali-
cious software attacks. Intel vPro’s goal is to simplify back-office management and reduce IT-related
expenditures.
As with any substantial new technology, questions arise about the requirements to utilize Intel vPro’s bene-
fits. There are certain prerequisites to use the features, and certain trade-offs that the IT professional
should understand before deploying Intel vPro technology branded systems.
This white paper assumes some basic knowledge of AMT (Active Management Technology) and Intel Vir-
tualization Technology compatible with Intel vPro technology.
HP Compaq dc7700p Business PCs initially shipped with AMT 2.0. AMT 2.1 is an important update that
provides support for the Microsoft Vista operating system as well as power efficiencies. HP has updated
this white paper to include the new features of AMT 2.1.
Prerequisites
An Intel vPro technology branded system has hardware, software, and firmware prerequisites.
Hardware
An Intel vPro technology system requires the following hardware:
•
Intel Core 2 Duo processor (E6x00)
•
Intel Q965 with ICH8-DO chipset
•
Intel 82566DM Network Interface Controller
The HP Compaq dc7700p Business PC is an Intel vPro technology branded system that meets all Intel vPro
technology hardware requirements.
The Intel Q965 chipset includes several devices that support AMT functions:
•
Intel Management Engine (ME) Interface
•
Serial-over-LAN
•
IDE-Redirect
Some of these internal devices need drivers to function. See the Software section for more details.
Required Operating System
Windows XP Pro with Service Pack 2 (32-bit version).
A Windows XP Pro software images require three deliverables:
•
Intel ME Interface driver
•
SOL driver
•
LMS
Go to www.hp.com to check for the latest versions of these deliverables. AMT 2.1 support requires a new
LMS deliverable.
Intel ME Interface (Intel Management Engine Interface)
The Intel ME Interface driver allows third party agents in the user operating system to communicate with
the ME for out-of-band access to the non-volatile data store. All third party software products supporting
Intel vPro technology may not utilize these operating system services.
The Intel ME Interface driver controls the management engine that enumerates under System Devices in
Windows XP Device Manager.
SOL (Serial-over-LAN)
The SOL driver allows a management system to remotely display the keyboard interface of a managed cli-
ent. The display is typically shown through a management console, and it emulates serial communication
over standard network connection. This allows a management system to remotely control a client system.
SOL is also known as KT (Keyboard and Text redirection).
The SOL driver comes as an INF file and contains the strings for device identification. The driver uses the
SERIAL.SYS and SERNUM.SYS driver from Windows XP, and appears as a COM device.
LMS (Local Manageability Service)
LMS is a service that enables local applications running on AMT capable systems to use the same SOAP
(Simple Object Access Protocol) functionality available to remote applications. LMS routes all traffic to the
ME firmware through the ME interface.
LMS includes two components - the service and the system status. An AMT dialog box also displays at XP
boot up, informing you that AMT is active. The dialog box contains a check box that allows you to prevent
the dialog box from appearing in subsequent boots. This check box displays for each profile; therefore, if
a new profile is created, the AMT dialog box displays for the new profile until it is disabled.
IDE-R (Integrated Drive Electronics Redirect)
The IDE-R is a function that allows a client system to access the ATA, ATAPI, and floppy devices on the
management system. When booting through IDE-R, the client system ATA/ATAPI commands are for-
warded to the management system and it will respond back to the client as if it issued the command.
The remote capabilities of IDE-R allow for client systems to load operating system or diagnostic images
from a management system. The IDE-R interface is fully compliant with the ATA/ATAPI-6 specification.
At this time, IDE-R does not need a driver file. It is displayed as a real IDE controller during normal opera-
tion. When a remote IDE-R session is established, the Intel virtual driver string and device are shown. The
ME FW has the strings for device identification. IDE-R devices use the same mechanism as real IDE
devices in Windows XP.
There may be a driver file associated with IDE-R in the future to assist with enumeration issues when in
Compatibility mode for SATA hard drives.
Other Operating System Support
A firmware update will be made available sometime after the HP Compaq dc7700p Business PC
launches that will include Vista AMT support. The HP dc7700p PC is enabled for Intel vPro Technology.
There are no plans for Intel vPro technology to support Vista Virtual Appliances. There is no support or
Windows XP Pro x64 or older Microsoft operating systems.
Network Management Console Software
Providers of Network Management Console Software will need to update their current products to take
advantage of new Intel vPro Technology, including AMT and future Virtual Appliances. Customers using
network management console software should consult with the ISV they use regarding availability of
updated software.
Firmware
To support future updates, the system BIOS may require an upgrade. Initial units shipped may not have
full system BIOS support for the Vista operating system and XP-based virtual appliances. ME firmware
may require an upgrade as well. Please check the HP support site for updated system BIOS, and work
with your management console vendor for required ME firmware updates.
Initial HP dc7700p systems were shipped with the second generation Active Management Technology:
AMT 2.0.
To take advantage of AMT 2.1 features, upgrade the system BIOS to at least BIOS 2.09 and ME firmware
to at least ME firmware 2.1.0.1031. See the HP Compaq Business PC with vPro Technology AMT 2.1
Firmware Update white paper at www.hp.com for more information about updating the system BIOS and
ME firmware.
VT is disabled by default in F10 Setup. You must enable it before you can use a third party Virtual Appli-
ance. The VT option is located in F10 Setup under the following selections:
Security > OS Security > Intel Virtualization Technology
Setup and Configuration
All Intel vPro technology branded systems should be set up before deployment to enable AMT. AMT setup
and configuration is also known as Provisioning.
There are several ways to set up a system:
•
Purchase configured (pre-provisioned) systems from HP.
•
Use a USB key in conjunction with a setup and configuration server console for one-touch deploy-
ment.
•
Manually enter the data into the MEBx (Management Engine BIOS Extension) setup module.
Enterprise provisioning of AMT requires networking infrastructure, including DHCP, DNS, a Setup and
Configuration console, and a management console. To utilize recommended security, Transport Layer
Security (TLS) is required. Without TLS, AMT uses HTTP digest for security.
You can find more details about provisioning in the HP white paper, “vPro Setup and Configuration for
the dc7700 Business PC with Intel vPro Technology” at http://www.hp.com.
AMT-capable systems that you deploy without being provisioning are vulnerable to attack, which can
lead to full hijacked control of the system. This may require costly manual provisioning at a later time to
use the AMT system again.
The IT administrator must keep pre-shared keys used in provisioning a secret. Stolen keys can be used in
rogue provisioning servers to take control of systems.
HP will provide a fee-based customized service that will configure (pre-provision) AMT systems in the fac-
tory and securely provide pre-shared keys to the customer. HP offers a secured service that will eliminate
manual setup/configuration (provisioning) of each unit at the customer site. Please contact HP for more
information about this valuable service.
Hard Drive Layout
Intel vPro technology requires a separate hard drive partition for a future XP Pro based Virtual Appliances.
This partition is known as the SOS (Service Operating System) partition. The Virtual Appliance in the SOS
partition is a single binary image, and includes:
•
Intel LVMM (Light-weight Virtual Machine Monitor)
•
Virtual operating system
•
Third party Virtual Appliance (if any)
The SOS partition is a 102MB partition of type 72h. It is not formatted or given a drive letter, has no file
system, and cannot be directly accessed through Windows XP. It does not show up in Windows Explorer.
However, the SOS partition is visible in Disk Management, so care must be taken to insure that it is not
accidentally or maliciously deleted.
NOTE: Once a Virtual Appliance is installed in the SOS partition, its type will become 71h.
NOTE: Not all third party software products supporting Intel vPro technology offer Virtual Appliances.
At launch, HP Compaq dc7700p Business PC configurations will have a blank SOS partition. This parti-
tion is located at the end of the hard drive and is inaccessible. The main client operating system partition
(COS) housing Windows XP is at the front of the hard drive, and the HP Backup and Recovery Manager
partition is located behind the COS.
Figure 1 HDD partition layout
Customers who build their own images should be aware of the partition layout requirements for Intel vPro
technology. The SOS partition must be exactly 102MB, be type 72h, not formatted, not enumerated, and
located at the end of the hard drive.
Network Changes
Intel vPro technology requires usage of the embedded Intel 82566DM Network Interface Controller
(NIC).
After a future Virtual Appliance is installed, PCI and PCI-e add-in NICs will no longer function. This is a
security feature to prevent network traffic from add-in NICs bypassing the SOS. This may be a limitation
for customers that require multiple NICs. However, USB NICs are not virtualized by the Intel LVMM, and
therefore may circumvent installed Intel vPro technology compatible management and security appli-
ances.
Memory Changes
The management engine requires that memory is populated in channel A. If memory is not populated in
channel A, the ME cannot function and all AMT or ASF features are lost. A POST error message displays
if memory is not populated in channel A. If this occurs, power off and unplug the system so memory can
be reconfigured.
The POST error is as follows:
2211-Memory not configured correctly for proper MEBx execution.
Make sure there is a memory module in the black DIMM socket.
The DIMM slots for the Compaq dc7700 Business PC are color coded. The first DIMM slot in channel A is
black and all other DIMM slots are white. Populating a DIMM in the black slot insures memory is in chan-
nel A.
For more information, see “Memory Subsystem Changes” on page 7.
MAC (Media Access Control) Address
The HP Compaq dc7700 Business PC has two MAC addresses, one for the NIC and another for the ME.
This is a change from previous HP Business PCs, which had only one MAC address for the NIC.
Intel vPro technology delivers many benefits for IT professionals and everyday users. However, as with
many new technologies, these benefits are not without trade-offs.
Memory Subsystem Changes
The management engine uses system memory, much like UGA graphics. It can take up to 16MB from the
operating system, not including any installed software running under the operating system or LVMM.
Virtualized appliances consume additional system memory, resulting in less usable memory for Windows
XP. The amount of memory depends on the application, but can be as high as 100-200MB. The IT admin-
istrator might want to consider a minimum of 1GB system memory for use with future virtual appliances.
Since the ME requires power in all sleep states, the memory slots remain powered at all times. The only
safe way to add or remove memory modules is to first unplug the unit from A/C power. Failing to do so
can cause damage to the system, memory module, and possibly the person changing the memory.
CAUTON: Unplug the system before removing or inserting memory modules.
Refer to HP service and support documentation before installing or removing memory modules.
Power Consumption
Once a system is set up and configured (provisioned), the ME and system memory require power even in
the sleep states (S3 Standby, S4 Hibernate, and S5 Off). Because of this, an AMT-enabled system con-
sumes more power than a non-AMT system.
The additional power consumption is minimized with the Wake-On-ME feature implemented in AMT 2.1.
Wake-On-ME allows the ME to be in an off state while the system is in the S3-S5 sleep states except when
there are pending management functions. The user can set the time out value for the ME to go to sleep in
the MEBx.
You can find more details on Wake-On-ME in the vPro Setup and Configuration for the dc7700 Business
PC with Intel vPro Technology white paper, located at the HP Web site at: www.hp.com.
AMT vs. ASF
The HP Compaq dc7700p Business PC can support both AMT and ASF (Alert Standard Format). Once
AMT is provisioned, ASF is no longer available (and vice-versa). AMT provides equivalent or better alert-
ing and remote control capabilities with supporting management console software. Customers and IT pro-
fessionals must determine which management standard is right for them.
Comparison of AMT vs ASF Capabilities
Network Performance Impact
The installation of a virtualized appliance causes the NIC device to dynamically change device IDs. This
should result in “New hardware found” messages and the installation of different virtual drivers.
Intel NIC Vendor ID, Device ID, and description string:
•
Physical - 8086 / 104A “Intel 82566DM Gigabit Network Connection”
•
Virtualized - 8086 / 10B7 “Intel Pro/1000 vVE Network Connection”
This causes redirection of user networking I/O to the virtual partition, which can impact network traffic
performance. Third party appliances that inspect network packets will impact this further.
Capabilities
AMT
ASF
OOB (Out Of Band) Management
Yes - From any power state (S0,
S3, S4, S5)
Limited - System must be in S0,
needs to be remotely woken first
Remote Control
Yes - SOL, IDE-R, reboot, wake,
shutdown, and more
Limited - Remote reboot and wake
only
Event Alerting
Yes - Preset (restrictive)
Yes - Policy based (flexible)
Non-Volatile Storage
Yes - Third Party Data Store (3PDS)
No
Event Logging
Yes
No
Remote Boot
Yes - PXE or IDE-R
Yes - PXE
Asset Information
Yes - HW and SW
No
Remote ME FW Update
Yes
No
Secure Communication
TLS / HTTP Digest
Simple Authentication
Connection Protocol
HTTP
(Accessible by Web browser)
RMCP
Layer 4 Stack
TCP
(Preferred routing protocol)
UDP
(Often blocked by routers)
Broad Enterprise ISV Support
Yes
No
Third Party Appliances
Intel vPro technology only supports a single virtual appliance for now. The customer will need to select the
right VA to suit their needs.
There could be some minor impact to runtime power consumption and suspend/resume latencies due to
virtualization of processor registers required for these features.
Hard Drive Capacity Loss
Intel vPro technology branded HP Compaq dc7700p Business PC configurations include an SOS parti-
tion. This partition uses 102MB of hard drive space even with no virtual appliance installed.
If Intel vPro technology is not longer desired, the hard drive space used by the SOS partition cannot be
reclaimed into the COS partition with the hard drive layout in the shipping configuration. The SOS parti-
tion is separated from the COS partition by the HP Backup and Recovery Manager partition. To reclaim
the SOS partition into the COS partition, the HP Backup and Recovery Manager partition must also be
reclaimed for one contiguous drive space. See “Hard Drive Layout” on page 5 for partition placement.
Hard Drive Duplication
There are limitations in the way you can duplicate hard drives using duplication software (for example
Symantec Ghost), once a virtual appliance is installed. Because of the LVMM and the way it boots, hard
drive cloning through software means is only possible for same sized hard drives.
Corporate customers planning on image deployment over systems with different hard drives must be
aware of this limitation. You can properly duplicate only hard drives of the same size once a VA is
installed.
HP Backup and Recovery Manager Behavior
HP Backup and Recovery Manager is a backup and restore application designed to make backup
images of the hard drive and restore them if needed. The SOS partition is not backed up or restored by
HP Backup and Recovery Manager.
Driver and Service Verification
To verify AMT drivers and services are loading properly, look for them in Device Manager or Services.
Intel Management Engine Interface
Figure 2 Intel ME Interface in Device Manager
Figure 3 SOL in Device Manager
The COM port assigned to SOL can vary. It does not have to be COM3.
Local Manageability Service
Figure 4 LMS in Services
Figure 7 IDE-R during normal session in Device Manager
Figure 8 IDE-R (CD-ROM and Floppy) during redirected session in Device Manager
Figure 9 Explorer showing IDE-R floppy and CD-ROM drive
The virtual drives and any media within them will show up in Windows Explorer. A system can be
directed to boot from the virtual drive and media.
© 2007 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. The information in this document is subject to change without notice. The
only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and
services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or
editorial errors or omissions contained herein.
Microsoft, MS-DOS, Windows, and Windows NT are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.
434478-002, 2/2007