BIOS Settings for Intel® Active Management Technology (Intel® AMT) Devices
Created on: Feb 28, 2008 12:27 PM by Michele Gartner - Last Modified: Jul 25, 2008 5:12 PM by Michele Gartner
Introduction
Intel® Active Management Technology (Intel® AMT) is configured in different ways by the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), or computer vendors. Intel provides guidance on the best selections for Intel AMT features, but it is optional for the OEMs to implement them. We have found differences that are important to the “provisioning” or "activating" process that enables Intel AMT devices. Although this document is not all inclusive, it provides assistance with a few of the major systems that include Intel AMT.
Configure these systems to simplify provisioning
System BIOS
The System BIOS (SMBIOS) is the primary BIOS area for computers. Some of the OEMs include a setting in their SMBIOS to enable Intel AMT features. For example, the HP 6910 notebook computer has a setting to enable the USB key one-touch provisioning capability. This is disabled by default. In order to transfer the pre-shared security keys to this system, the SMBIOS must be changed to enable this feature. As with many of the OEMs, we found that HP provides a utility that allows you to do this update without entering the BIOS through a command line script. For the systems that we highlight in this document, we will provide the web link for these utilities. Again, since we don’t cover all OEMs in this document, please research similar capabilities with your OEM of choice.
ME BIOS Extension
The Intel AMT Management Engine has an option BIOS referred to as the ME BIOS Extension (MEBx or ME BIOS). This option BIOS has values relating to the setup and operation of the Intel AMT feature set. The ME BIOS settings are established during the manufacturing process. Unlike the SMBIOS, the ME BIOS is “locked” when it leaves the OEM facility. The way to change settings is known as “provisioning” or the "activation" process. Unfortunately, some of the OEMs have set some of the values to a disabled setting which then requires a manual touch of the ME BIOS to enable the feature. For example, the Lenovo T61 notebook computer sets the Manageability Feature settings as “none”. In order to use Intel AMT you must enter the ME BIOS (CTRL + P during system startup), change the ME BIOS password, and then select “Intel AMT” as the manageability feature. This document will highlight known settings that are needed to enable Intel AMT.
Universal Unique Identifier
Each system has a Universal Unique Identifier (UUID) assignment. Some systems have had UUIDs that have not been unique or have had mis-matched IDs between the SMBIOS and ME BIOS. Both situations need to be restored to a proper value in order for Intel AMT features to be accessible. We will note those instances where we know this is required.
OEM-Specific Configuration Settings
OEM Model | AMT Firmware | BIOS Version | Notes |
HP 6910 | SMBIOS: Update AMT Options to enable USB key one-touch provisioning ME BIOS: No changes Needed UUID: Update required | ||
HP 7700p | SMBIOS: No updates required ME BIOS: No updates required. However, on some early systems, IntelAMT and Intel.com were set as values for Host Name and Domain (respectively) that could create some problems. UUID: No updates required | ||
HP 7800 | SMBIOS: No Update required to enable AMT ME BIOS: No Update required to enable AMT UUID: No Update required | ||
Lenovo T61 | SMBIOS: Update required to enable AMT ME BIOS: Update required to enable AMT UUID: No update required | ||
Lenovo M55 | SMBIOS: No update required to enable AMT ME BIOS: No update required to enable AMT UUID: Depending on date of system, you may need to update BIOS (look for all 000s) It is highly recommended that the latest BIOS version be installed to support Intel AMT features | ||
Lenovo M57 | SMBIOS: No Update required to enable AMT ME BIOS: No Update required to enable AMT UUID: No Update required | ||
Dell 630c | SMBIOS: No Update required ME BIOS: Need to enable SoL and IDE-R UUID: No update required | ||
Dell 745c | SMBIOS: No Update required to enable AMT ME BIOS: No Update required to enable AMT UUID: No Update required | ||
Dell 755 | SMBIOS: No Update required to enable AMT when using TLS-PKI provisioning. If TLS-PSK provisioning is used, update is required ME BIOS: No Update required to enable AMT UUID: Update required (mis-matched) |
Web locations for updates and utilities
The following table shows the URLs for useful utilities and update files for the OEMs. It is recommended that you check the OEM website for the latest files as there are frequent changes to the posted files. Not all OEMs or models are listed, nor will an attempt be made to list all.
OEM Model | Updates and Utilities | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
HP 6910p Notebook PCs | BIOS Update Utility: http://h20331.www2.hp.com/Hpsub/cache/284133-0-0-225-121.html?jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN
Latest BIOS, including both SMBIOS and ME BIOS (firmware)
HPQFlash for HP Notebook System BIOS - Microsoft Windows/Vista-Based Version: F.15 14 Jun 2008 File Size: 2.4 Download Speed: 56K: 5m / 512K: <1m Previous Version: F.14 17 Apr 2008
ROMPaq for HP Notebook System BIOS - FreeDOS Bootable Media Version: F.14 17 Apr 2008 File Size: 5.6 Download Speed: 56K: 13m / 512K: 1m Previous Version: F.13 20 Feb 2008
Latest Client Drivers (MEI and LMS)
Intel Chipset Installation Utility for ICH8 for Microsoft Windows 2000 and XP Version:8.3.1.1009 11 Sep 2007 File Size: 1.9 Download Speed:56K: 4m / 512K: <1m Previous Version: 8.2.0.1012 18 Jul 2007
Version: 2.6.1.1030 A 18 Jan 2008 File Size: 7 Download Speed: 56K: 17m / 512K: 1m Previous Version: 2.5.5.1098 10 Jul 2007
Version:2.6.1.1030 18 Jan 2008 File Size: 1.3 Download Speed: 56K: 3m / 512K: <1m Previous Version: 2.5.5.1098 10 Jul 2007 | |||||||||||||||
HP Compaq dc7700 Ultra-slim Desktop PC | Latest BIOS which includes both SMBIOS and ME BIOS (firmware)
Business Desktops BIOS Utilities Version: 4.01 Rev. A 22 Feb 2008 File Size: 0.32 Download Speed: 56K: <1m / 512K: <1m Previous Version: 4.00 Rev. A 14 Sep2007
HP Compaq dc7700p Business Desktop System BIOS for Intel vPro Technology (786E1 BIOS) Version: 3.03 Rev. A 12 Sep 2007 File Size: 6 Download Speed: 56K: 14m / 512K: 1m Previous Version: 2.10Rev.A 19 Apr 2007
Latest Client Drivers (MEI and LMS)
Intel Chipset Support for Windows Version: 8.4.0.1016 Rev. A 11 Mar 2008 File Size: 1.9 Download Speed: 56K: 4m / 512K: <1m Previous Version: 8.3.0.1013 Rev. A 12 Oct 2007
Intel Host Embedded Controller Interface (HECI) Driver Version: 2.1.22.1026 Rev. C 12 Oct 2007 File Size: 0.9 Download Speed: 56K: 2m / 512K: <1m Previous Version: 2.0.18.1118 Rev. A 18 Oct 2006
Intel Local Management Service (LMS) and Serial-over-LAN (SOL) Support Version: 5.2.0.1019 Rev. C 12 Oct 2007 File Size: 1.2 Download Speed: 56K: 2m / 512K: <1m Previous Version: 5.1.2600.9403 A 6 Sep 2006 | |||||||||||||||
HP Compaq dc7800 Ultra-slim Desktop PC | Latest BIOS which includes both SMBIOS and ME BIOS (firmware)
HP Compaq Business Desktop ME Firmware Update and Utilities Version: 3.2.1.1022 Rev. A 11 Apr 2008 File Size: 2 MB Download Speed: 56K: 4m / 512K: <1m
HP Compaq Business Desktop System BIOS (786F1 BIOS) Version: 1.24 Rev. A 25 Mar 2008 File Size: 7.3 Download Speed: 56K: 17m / 512K: 1m Previous Version: 1.04 Rev. A 27 Aug 2007
Latest Client Drivers (MEI and LMS)
Intel Active Client Manager HECI Device Version: 3.0.30.1086 Rev. C 14 Mar 2008 File Size: 1.8 Download Speed: 56K: 4m / 512K: <1m Previous Version: 3.0.30.1086 Rev. B 20 Dec 2007
Intel Chipset Support for Windows Version: 8.4.0.1016 Rev. A 11 Mar 2008 File Size: 1.9 Download Speed: 56K: 4m / 512K: <1m Previous Version: 8.3.0.1013 Rev. A 12 Oct 2007
Intel AMT LMS_SOL for AMT 3.xx Version: 5.4.0.1065 Rev. C 7 Mar 2008 File Size: 8.3 Download Speed: 56K: 20m / 512K: 2m Previous Version: 5.4.0.1065 Rev. B 20 Dec 2007 | |||||||||||||||
Lenovo T61 | BIOS T61, T61p Release Date: 11 Jun 2008 BIOS Version 2.19-1.08 http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-67988 BIOS Settings Capture/Playback Utility: 10 Apr 2008 v3.37 BIOS Settings for Windows: 10 Apr 2008 v1.04
Local Manageability Service and Serial Over LAN (Intel AMT 2.6) Windows Vista, XP Local Manageability Service and Serial Over LAN: 18 Dec 2007 v5.3.1.1018
Management Engine Interface (Intel AMT 2.6) Windows Vista, XP Management Engine Interface: 18 Dec 2007 v2.6.30.1014
Management Engine Firmware (Intel AMT 2.6) Windows Vista, XP Management Engine Firmware: 09 Mar 2008 v2.6.3.1032 | |||||||||||||||
Lenovo M55p | BIOS All operating systems: 14 Apr 2008 2MKT43A
Intel AMT
Windows Vista: 21 Nov 2006 V1AMT02US17
Windows XP, 2000: 5 Jun 2007 Q1AMT03US13 | |||||||||||||||
Lenovo M57 | BIOS All operating systems: 12 Jun 2008 2RKT46A
Intel AMT Windows Vista, XP, 2000: 31 Aug 2007 A2AMT01US17 | |||||||||||||||
Dell OptiPlex 745c | BIOS
Release Title: BIOS: Dell OptiPlex System BIOS, English, OptiPlex 745c, 1.2.2 Release Date: 1/9/2008 Criticality: Optional Description: Optiplex 745C 1.2.2 System BIOS
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Dell OptiPlex 755 | BIOS
Release Title: BIOS: Dell OptiPlex 755 System BIOS, English, OptiPlex 755, A10 Release Date: 6/19/2008 Criticality: Optional Description: OptiPlex 755 System BIOS A10
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