Copyright: Copyright© 2000, Intel Corporation.  All rights reserved.


Introduction

Intel(R) Active Monitor

Intel(R) Active Monitor is a system monitoring tool that alerts you when any monitored sensors on your Intel motherboard have gone outside of their recommended range.  If an alert occurs, Intel Active Monitor can provide you with several different alert notifications.  The standard notification is the Intel Active Monitor icon in the system tray, which turns red and flashes in the event of an alert.  Additionally, you can choose to receive audio alerts and pop-up window alert messages.

Intel Active Monitor also:

•	provides easy channel bar navigation in place of menus,

•	retains a history of the previous alerts on your system, and

•	provides important information about your system’s software and hardware, which you can print or save.

For more information about…

For information about how Intel Active Monitor works, refer to Getting Started.

For help navigating through Intel Active Monitor, refer to Channel Bar Contents.


System Requirements

Supported Operating Systems

•	Microsoft* Windows* XP

•	Microsoft Windows Me

•	Microsoft Windows 2000

•	Microsoft Windows 98, Second Edition

Hardware

•	An Intel motherboard featuring supported onboard hardware management sensors

•	Intel(R) Pentium(R) II processor or above

or

Intel(R) Celeron(TM) processor

Available Hard Drive Space

12 MB

Minimum Recommended Display Configuration

800 x 600 with 16-bit color

Supported Browsers

Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 and up


About Intel(R) Active Monitor

The above is only an example of what you might see in the About Intel(R) Active Monitor window.  The version and build numbers will vary depending on the version of the application installed on your system.

To view version and copyright information, open the Intel Active Monitor About window:

•	click on the Intel Active Monitor logo on the channel bar or

•	right-click on the Intel Active Monitor icon in the system tray and, from the pop-up menu, select About…

Go to the Channel Bar Contents page.


Legal Information

Information in this document is provided in connection with Intel products. No license, express or implied, by estoppel or otherwise, to any intellectual property rights is granted by this document. Except as provided in Intel's Terms and Conditions of Sale for such products, Intel assumes no liability whatsoever, and Intel disclaims any express or implied warranty, relating to sale and/or use of Intel products including liability or warranties relating to fitness for a particular purpose, merchantability, or infringement of any patent, copyright or other intellectual property right. Intel products are not intended for use in medical, life saving, or life sustaining applications. Intel may make changes to specifications and product descriptions at anytime, without notice.

The hardware vendor remains solely responsible for the design, sale and functionality of its product, including any liability arising from product infringement or product warranty.

Copyright (c) 2000, 2001 Intel Corporation.

* All other names and brands are the property of their respective owners.

Help file Release 1.14 Ver m6, August, 2001


Getting Started

Introduction

For a brief overview, refer to the Introduction.

Navigating Intel Active Monitor

For a description of the items in the channel bar, refer to Channel Bar Contents.

Reading Intel Active Monitor sensor gauges

For information about reading the sensor gauges, refer to Viewing Sensor Information.

Viewing your system’s sensor gauges

To view the fan and temperature sensor gauges for your system, refer to the Cooling Scene.

To view the voltage sensor gauges for your system, refer to the Power Scene.

Viewing alert information

For information about the following, refer to Alert Response:

•	what an alert would look like,

•	what might cause an alert, and

•	recommendations of what to do if you receive an alert notification.

Viewing alert history

To look at the history of alerts on your system, click on the View Alert History button in the Options Scene.  This opens the View Alert History window.

System tray icon

The Intel(R) Active Monitor icon in the system tray changes to reflect the application’s monitoring status.  To view images and descriptions of its three states, refer to System Tray Icon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

To view the list of frequently asked questions and their answers, refer to Frequently Asked Questions.


Viewing Sensor Information

Sensors are divided by the type of device they represent:  the Cooling scene includes fan and temperature sensors and the Power scene includes voltage sensors.  Each sensor, whether fan, temperature, or voltage, is represented by a gauge.  The name of the sensor is listed below the gauge.  Each gauge displays three levels of sensor status:  recommended (green), caution (yellow), and danger (red).

The gauge represents the sensor’s current readings, or status, in two ways:

•	the gauge’s indicator arm, which shows the sensor’s current value in relationship to the recommended, caution, and danger ranges, and

•	the text box below the gauge, which displays the sensor’s current value as a number.   This number cannot be edited.

Right-click on a gauge for these menu options:

Set Sensor Thresholds -- Click this menu item to open the Set Sensor Thresholds window.

Note:  Not all system configurations allow you to change threshold settings.

View Alert History -- Click this menu item to open the View Alert History window.

Help -- Click this menu item to display Intel(R) Active Monitor’s help file.

Cooling scene

The Cooling scene includes fan and temperature sensor gauges.

Fan sensor gauges

Depending on your system’s configuration, the Cooling scene may contain up to three fan sensor gauges.  The gauges represent fan spin cycles measured in RPM (revolutions per minute).  There are two types of fan gauges:

Normal fans -- These fans spin at all times and have only lower thresholds.  An application alert, generated by a fan sensor will notify you when a fan enters a danger zone (when the fan either stops or its speed falls below a certain level).

Variable fans -- These fans react to the internal temperature of your system.  The variable fan spins at higher speeds when extra cooling is needed, and either stops or spins at lower speeds when no extra cooling is required.  In this case an application alert is generated when the fan does not operate as expected.

The above are examples of fan sensor gauges.

For more information about…

For more information about and examples of fan sensor gauges, refer to the Cooling Scene.

For terms defined as they are used in this application, refer to the Glossary.

Temperature sensor gauges

Depending on your system’s configuration, the Cooling scene may contain up to three temperature sensor gauges.  The gauges represent temperature measurements in either Celsius or Fahrenheit.  Temperatures have only upper thresholds, so a device’s temperature enters the danger zone, causing its sensor to generate an alert, only when its rises above a certain level.  There are two types of temperature gauges associated with different zones of the system:

Processor Zone -- The processor zone measures temperature from a sensor located inside the processor and is intended to indicate temperature trends of the processor.

System Zone -- The system zone provides temperature from sensors located at different regions of the motherboard.

The above are examples of temperature gauges.

For more information about…

For more information about and examples of temperature sensor gauges, refer to the Cooling Scene.

For information about how to select between Celsius and Fahrenheit temperature measurements, refer to the Options Scene.

Power scene

Depending on your system’s configuration, the Power scene may contain up to six voltage sensor gauges.  The gauges represent voltage measurements in volts.  Voltages have upper and lower thresholds, so a voltage enters the danger zone, causing its sensor to generate an alert, if it rises above or falls below a certain range.

The above is an example of a power sensor gauge.

For more information about…

For more information about and examples of temperature sensor gauges, refer to the Power Scene.

For terms defined as they are used in this application, refer to the Glossary.


Channel Bar Contents

The left navigational channel provides sensor status information, system information, options selection, easy enabling or disabling of active alerting, help, and a connection to Intel’s Web site.

These topics correspond with the tabs, indicator lights, and logos in the channel bar.

•	Intel(R) Active Monitor logo -- Click this logo to open the About Intel(R) Active Monitor window, where you’ll find version and copyright information about the Intel Active Monitor application.

•	Cooling -- Click this tab to open the Cooling Scene, which displays gauges representing each fan and temperature sensor.

•	Power -- Click this tab to open the Power Scene, which displays gauges representing each voltage sensor.

•	System Info -- Click this tab to open the System Info Scene, which displays general, processor, and system information.

•	Options -- Click this tab to open the Options Scene, which may display up to all of these options, depending on your system’s configuration:  temperature scale, opening scene, reports, and settings.

•	Active Alerting -- Click the Active Alerting area to open the Active Alerting window, which allows you to enable, disable, or configure active alerting.

Note:  Not all system configurations allow you to change alerting options.

•	Sensor Status -- This indicator light tells you if your system is in normal or alert state.  For more details about this indicator light, refer to Sensor Status.

•	Help -- Click this button to display Intel Active Monitor’s help file.

•	Exit -- Click this button to close the Intel Active Monitor application.
If active alerting is enabled, you will be notified of alerts whether the application is open or closed.  If active alerting is disabled, you will be not be notified of alerts when the application is closed.

•	Intel logo -- Click this logo to open the Intel World Wide Web site (if you have an Internet browser installed).


Cooling Scene

The above is an example of the information you might see in the Cooling scene.

Click the Cooling tab to open the Cooling scene.  This scene displays both fan and temperature sensor gauges.  The number of fan and temperature sensor gauges may vary per system; it is possible that the Cooling scene might not show any fan or temperature sensor gauges at all.  Only the newest motherboards support processor temperature.

Fan sensor gauges

If a normal fan’s speed falls below a certain level, or threshold, leaving its recommended range, that fan may be failing and its sensor will generate an alert.  Sensors for these fans have only lower thresholds, not upper thresholds.  Variable speed fans will only generate an alert if the fan does not operate as expected.

Temperature sensor gauges

If a temperature rises above a certain level, or threshold, leaving its recommended range, that temperature’s sensor will generate an alert.  Temperature sensors have only upper thresholds, not lower thresholds.

For more information about…

For information about the sensor gauges and how to read them, refer to Viewing Sensor Information.

For terms defined as they are used in this application, refer to the Glossary.

Click the note at the bottom of the Cooling scene to open the Temperature Sensor Variations help topic.

Go to the Channel Bar Contents page.


Power Scene

The above is an example of the information you might see in the Power scene.

Click the Power tab to open the Power scene.  Your power supply provides your system with power at several voltage levels.  Sensors on your motherboard detect the status of these voltage levels.

A power sensor generates an alert if the power reading rises above or falls below certain levels, or thresholds, leaving its recommended range.  Power sensors have both upper and lower thresholds.

For more information about…

For information about the sensor gauges and how to read them, refer to Viewing Sensor Information.

For terms defined as they are used in this application, refer to the Glossary.

Go to the Channel Bar Contents page.


System Info Scene

The above shows only a sample system information listing.  Information will vary between Intel(R) motherboard products, attached devices, and the specific operating system used.

Click the System Info tab to open the System Info scene.  This scene provides current information about your system’s configuration, listed below:

General Information

•	Product name -- Name of the Intel(R) processor family the processor belongs to (for example, Genuine Intel(R) Celeron(TM) processor based system).

•	Board model -- Name of your Intel motherboard (for example, D810EMO).

•	OS version -- Your system’s specific operating system (for example, Windows* 98 SE version n.nnn build nnnn).

•	OS memory -- Amount of system memory available to your operating system
(for example, 64,000 KB).

Processor

•	Processor -- Type of Intel processor (for example, Genuine Intel(R) Celeron(TM) processor).

•	Processor speed -- Speed of processor in megahertz (MHz).

•	Form factor -- Type of processor connector (for example, ZIF Socket).

•	Bus speed -- Speed of your system’s bus (for example, 66 MHz).

•	Stepping -- Manufacturing version of the processor (for example, 3).

•	L1 Cache -- Amount of Level-1 cache for your processor, if available.

•	L2 Cache -- Amount of Level-2 cache for your processor, if available.

System

•	Physical memory -- Size in megabytes (MB) of your system’s physical memory (for example, 96 MB RAM).

•	Form factor -- Type of memory connector (for example, DIMM).

•	Memory speed -- Speed at which the memory devices are operating, dependent on the speed of the system bus (for example, 100 MHz).

•	Memory type -- Type of memory device (for example, DRAM, Synchronous).

•	BIOS date -- Release date of the BIOS installed on your the system.

•	BIOS size -- Your system’s capacity for BIOS software (for example, 256 KB).

•	BIOS version -- Version number of the BIOS installed on your the system.

Unknown -- The word "Unknown" may appear in a field on the System Info page because Intel(R) Active Monitor may not display all features on older Intel motherboards and in older BIOSs.

Print or Save System Report

Click the Print or Save System Report button to open the View System Report window.  You can print or save system information from the View System Report window.

Go to the Channel Bar Contents page.


Options Scene

The above is an example of the information you might see in the Options scene.  Note:  Your system may not be configured to represent all of these options and/or buttons.

Click the Options tab to open the Options scene.  This scene displays the available Intel(R) Active Monitor options, reports, and settings.

Temperature Scale

Select which temperature scale you prefer, Celsius or Fahrenheit.

Opening Scene

Select which scene you prefer Intel Active Monitor to open with.  Choose from Cooling, Power, and System Info.  For information about how Intel Active Monitor opens in alert state, refer to Alert Response.

Reports

Click the View Alert History button to open the View Alert History window.

Click the View System Report button to open the View System Report window.

Settings

Note:  Not all systems are configured to include the options under the Settings heading:

•	enable, disable, or configure active alerting

•	set sensor thresholds

Click the Active Alerting Options button to open the Active Alerting Options window.

Click the Set Sensor Thresholds button to open the Set Sensor Thresholds window.

Go to the Channel Bar Contents page.


Exit

Click the Exit button on the channel bar to exit the Intel(R) Active Monitor application.

To navigate from scene to scene, click on the scene tabs on the channel bar:  Cooling, Power, System Info, and Options.

Go to the Channel Bar Contents page.


Active Alerting

When active alerting is enabled, the Active Alerting indicator light in the channel bar is on (green) and the label reads "ON".

When active alerting is disabled, the Active Alerting indicator light in the channel bar is off (dimmed) and the label reads "OFF".

Enabling or disabling active alerting

Note:  Not all system configurations allow you to change alerting options.

You can enable, disable, or configure active alerting options in the Active Alerting Options window.

To open the Active Alerting Options window:

•	click on the active alerting area in the channel bar, or

•	click on the Options tab, then click the Active Alerting Options button

You can also enable or disable active alerting by right-clicking on the Intel(R) Active Monitor icon in the system tray.

Active Alerting enabled

When active alerting is enabled, Intel Active Monitor will monitor your system’s sensors and send you alerts.  Active alerting is set to enabled, by default, when Intel Active Monitor is installed.

Normal state

The Intel Active Monitor icon in the system tray looks like this when active alerting is enabled and the system is in normal state.

Alert state

In the event of an alert, Intel Active Monitor will notify you by changing its icon in the system tray to this red icon which will flash.

Besides the flashing system tray icon, there are two optional alert notifications, both of which are enabled, by default, when Intel Active Monitor is installed:

•	pop-up message notification (for an example of an active alerting pop-up message window, refer to Alert Response) and

•	an audio alert notification (three successive beeps)

Active Alerting disabled

If you disable active alerting, Intel Active Monitor will not monitor your system or send you any notifications of an alert when the application is closed.

 If active alerting is disabled, the Intel Active Monitor icon in the system tray looks like this.

For more information about…

For more information about alert state, refer to Alert Response, the help topic you would access if you received an alert message.

For more information about the Intel Active Monitor system tray icon, refer to System Tray Icon.

Go to the Channel Bar Contents page.


Sensor Status

When the system is in its normal state, the Sensor Status indicator light in the channel bar is green and the label reads "OK".

When the system is in alert state, the Sensor Status indicator light in the channel bar is red and the label reads "ALERT".

For more information about…

For more information about what to do in an alert, refer to Alert Response.

To change sensor threshold settings, click the Set Sensor Thresholds button in the Options Scene.  This opens the Set Sensor Thresholds window.

Note:  Not all system configurations allow you to change threshold settings.

Go to the Channel Bar Contents page.


View Alert History

The above is an example of the type of information you might see in the View Alert History window.

Click the Options tab to open the Options Scene.  Then click the View Alert History button, under Reports, to open the View Alert History window.

The View Alert History window presents the complete history of alerts, since the last time the history was cleared.  The most recent alert appears at the top of the list and the oldest appears at the end.

If you entered a custom message in the Active Alerting Options window, it will not be the message that appears in the View Alert History window.  The messages that appears here will be specific to the sensor that generated the alert.

Save

Click the Save button to open the Save As window.  Browse to save the Alert History file.

Print

Click the Print button to print the Alert History.

Clear History

Click the Clear History button to permanently delete all existing entries in the Alert History text box.

Close

Click the Close button to close the View Alert History window.


View System Report

The above shows only a sample system information listing.  Information will vary between Intel(R) motherboard products, attached devices, and the specific operating system used.

Click the Options tab to open the Options Scene.  Then click the View System Report button, under Reports, to open the View System Report window.

The system report includes the information from the System Info Scene, as well as sensor information.  This report allows you to print and save the information in the screen.

Save

Click the Save button to open the Save As window.  Browse to save the system report file.

Print

Click the Print button to print the system report.

Close

Click the Close button to close the View System Report window.


Active Alerting Options

The above shows the Active Alerting Options window with:  Active Alerting, Audio Alerts,
and Pop-up Message Alerts enabled.

You can choose from several types of alert notifications.  All of these alert notifications (active alerting, audio alerts, and pop-up message alerts) are enabled when Intel(R) Active Monitor is installed.  You can enable or disable active alerting and set active alerting options in the Active Alerting Options window.

To open the Active Alerting Options window:

•	click the active alerting area in the channel bar or

•	click on the Options tab, then click the Active Alerting Options button.

These are the alert notification options:

•	Check the Active Alerting check box in the Active Alerting Options window to enable Active Alerting.  This option must be enabled before any other active alerting options can be enabled (audio alerts and pop-up messages).  If you enable active alerting, you will receive the system tray icon alert, the standard alert notification, if your system enters alert state.

•	Check the Audio Alerts check box to receive audio alert messages (three successive beeps) if your system enters alert state.

•	Check the Pop-up Message Alerts check box to receive pop-up alert message windows if your system enters alert state.  For an example of an active alerting pop-up message window, refer to Alert Response.

If you’d prefer a custom alert message in the pop-up message window, enter the text in the text box.  Entering a custom alert message and activating it by selecting the Pop-up Message Alerts check box means that you’ll receive the same message you entered anytime your system enters alert state.
If you enter a custom alert message, it will not be the message that appears in the View Alert History window.  The messages that appear there are specific to the sensor that generated the alert and are not customizable.

Note:  Not all system configurations allow you to change alerting options.


Set Sensor Thresholds

The above is an example of the information you might see in the Set Sensor Thresholds window.

Warning:

These sensor thresholds should be modified only by someone who is familiar with your system’s hardware requirements.

You can set the system’s sensor thresholds in the Options Scene.  Click the Set Sensor Thresholds button to open the Set Sensor Thresholds window.  All sensors that Intel(R) Active Monitor has detected will appear here.

Thresholds table

The information in the Sensor name, Nominal Value, and Current Value columns cannot be edited.  You can edit the information in the Upper Threshold and Lower Threshold columns.

•	The nominal values are determined by the various items they refer to.  Active Monitor collects nominal value information resident in hardware devices.

•	Current values are determined by the motherboard’s sensors when the Set Sensor Thresholds window is opened.  Active Monitor gathers this information from the sensors and presents it, notifying you if a particular current value drops below or rises above a threshold.

•	The Upper Threshold and Lower Threshold columns can be edited, although you probably will not need to adjust these thresholds.

Restore Defaults

Click the Restore Defaults button to reset the thresholds to their original values, that is, the values they were set to when Intel Active Monitor was first installed.  Clicking this button restores all sensor thresholds to defaults.

Apply

Click the Apply button to enter your changes.  If the value you entered was lower or higher than the allowed threshold setting range, your entry will be reset to the nearest value within the acceptable threshold value range.

Close

Click the Close button to close the Set Sensor Thresholds window.

Note:  Not all system configurations allow you to change threshold settings.

For more information about…

For terms defined as they are used in this application, refer to the Glossary.


Alert Response

The above shows only a sample alert message.

Warnings:

The procedures in this topic assume familiarity with the general terminology associated with personal computers and with the safety practices and regulatory compliance required for using and modifying electronic equipment.

Disconnect the computer from its power source and from any telecommunications links, networks, or modems before performing any of the procedures described in this topic.  Failure to disconnect power, telecommunications links, networks, or modems before you open the computer or perform any procedures can result in personal injury or equipment damage.  Some circuitry on the motherboard can continue to operate even though the front panel power button is off.

Alert Types, Possible Causes, and Recommendations

Fan alert

Error message:

If you receive this message, "A fan in your system has slowed or stopped", then one of your system fans may be failing.  If a fan slows beyond its recommended range, it may cause your system to overheat.

Possible causes:

Your fan could be failing because:

•	A foreign object is preventing the fan from spinning.

•	A bearing within the fan is failing.

•	The fan is no longer connected to the motherboard.

•	The fan has been moved to a different fan sensor connector on the motherboard.

Recommended resolutions:

Your system may have more than one fan.  Check all of the fans to see if any of them have been disconnected or are blocked by a foreign object.  If all fans are connected and free of foreign objects, a fan may need to be replaced.  Contact your system manufacturer for technical support.

If you have added, changed, or removed a fan, you need to reinstall Intel(R) Active Monitor.  This lets the application redetect all installed fans so fan operation is accurately monitored.  Otherwise, the application may generate alerts continually until the new fan configuration is detected.

Power Supply alert

Error message:

If you receive this message, "A power supply voltage has gone outside of its recommended range", then your power supply may be failing.  If a power supply voltage has gone outside of its recommended range, it may cause failures in other components of your system, including, but not limited to, your motherboard.

Possible causes:

Your power supply could be failing because:

•	Fluctuations may occur in the power entering your system.  Worst case conditions include power surges, often the result of lightning, or "brown outs", where the voltage or current being received is degraded.  Either of these conditions can result in damage to your power supply and other components of your system.

•	Your power supply is deteriorating.  Some power supplies may have a shorter life span than the overall system.

•	There is an electrical short somewhere in the system.

•	The power supply fan may have failed.  This fan, in most cases, does not have a sensor, so it’s not often monitored.  A failed power supply fan may cause overheating and damage to the power supply.

Recommended resolutions:

If you receive alerts often or if your system remains in an alert state for an extended period of time, you should make sure your system has adequate cooling and/or a surge protector.

Check to make sure that the power supply is adequately cooled:

•	If the power supply’s fan is external to the power supply, check to see whether it is disconnected or blocked by a foreign object.  If the fan is connected and free of foreign objects, it may need to be replaced.  Contact your system manufacturer for technical support.

•	If the power supply’s fan is internal to the power supply, check to see whether it is still spinning.  If not, the power supply may need to be replaced or serviced.  Contact your system manufacturer for technical support.

•	Make sure that there is proper airflow around your system.  Make sure your system is not located near walls or in corners.  If vents in the system become blocked, airflow to the fans may be restricted.

Your power supply may need to be replaced.  Contact your system manufacturer for technical support.

Processor Temperature alert

Error message:

If you received this message, "Your processor has exceeded its recommended maximum temperature", then your processor may be running too hot.  Consistently running your processor at a temperature above the recommended range may shorten the life of the processor expectancy of your processor.

Possible causes:

Your processor’s temperature could have exceeded its recommended range because:

•	The heatsink and/or fan have become detached from the processor (or were not installed).

•	The heatsink may not have adequate thermal grease.

•	The processor fan(s) may have slowed or stopped.

•	The system does not have adequate airflow to keep the processor cooled.

Recommended resolutions:

Check processor and system fan(s) to see if any have been disconnected or are blocked by a foreign object.  If they are still connected and free of foreign objects but are still not operating properly, they may need to be replaced.  Contact your system manufacturer for technical support.

Make sure that there is proper airflow in and around your system.  Make sure your system is not located near walls or in corners.  If vents in the system become blocked, airflow to the fans may be restricted.

Your system should be kept in a room that has adequate cooling; the room’s ambient temperature should be below 90 °F (32 °C).

Check that the processor’s heatsink has been installed properly and verify that thermal grease was applied to the heatsink.  Inadequate thermal grease on the heatsink can cause an unusually high processor temperature.

Make sure your system’s I/O (disk, floppy, CD-ROM, etc.) cables aren’t restricting airflow in the system.

System Temperature alert

Error message:

If you receive this message, "Your system has exceeded its recommended maximum temperature", then the temperature inside your system’s case is too hot.  Operating your system at temperatures above its recommended range may shorten the life span of its internal components.

Possible causes:

Your system’s temperature could have exceeded its recommended range because:

•	The system is in a location that is not allowing optimal airflow or is too hot.

•	One or more of the system’s fans have slowed or stopped, reducing airflow to the system.

•	Dust has accumulated in your system, reducing airflow to the system.

Recommended resolutions:

Check all of the system fans to see if any of them are disconnected or blocked by a foreign object.  If all fans are still connected and are free of foreign objects, a fan may need to be replaced.  Contact your system manufacturer for technical support.

Make sure that there is proper airflow to your system.  Make sure your system is not located near walls or in corners.  If vents in the system are blocked, remove dust or foreign objects.

Your system should be kept in a room that has adequate cooling; the room’s ambient temperature should be below 90 °F (32 °C).

Make sure your system’s I/O (disk, floppy, CD-ROM, etc.) cables aren’t restricting airflow in the system.

When would I receive an alert?

Intel Active Monitor notifies you of an alert when at least one of your system’s cooling and/or power devices crosses a threshold and is operating outside of its recommended range.

Which scene do I open when I receive an alert?

Alerts can be generated in the Cooling and Power scenes.  When a sensor is in alert state, Intel Active Monitor will open to the scene displaying an alert, and the sensor gauge’s name (the blue title below the gauge) will flash.

For more information about…

Active Alerting

For more information about Intel Active Monitor in alert state, refer to Active Alerting.

View Sensor Information

For information about reading the sensors in Intel Active Monitor, refer to Viewing Sensor Information.

View Error Messages and Possible Causes

To look at the complete list of error messages and possible causes by individual sensor, refer to Error Messages and Possible Causes.

View Alert History

To view alert activity, click on the View Alert History button in the Options Scene.  This opens the View Alert History window.


System Tray Icon

The Intel(R) Active Monitor icon in the system tray changes to reflect the application’s monitoring status.

The look of the Intel Active Monitor icon in the system tray indicates:

•	whether active alerting is enabled or disabled

•	whether your system is in normal or alert state

The Intel Active Monitor icon has three possible states:

  	The icon looks like this when active alerting is enabled and the system is in normal state.

 	The icon looks like this and flashes when active alerting is enabled and the system is in alert state.

 	The icon looks like this if active alerting is disabled.  When active alerting is disabled, you will not be notified of an alert unless the application is open.

Double-click on the icon, in any state, to open the Intel Active Monitor application.  If Intel Active Monitor is in alert mode, the application opens to the scene displaying the alert.  Regardless of whether the application is open or closed when an alert occurs, the tab for the scene displaying the alert will blink.

Right-click on the icon for these menu options:

Open -- Click this menu item to open the Intel Active Monitor application.

Disable/Enable Active Alerting -- This menu item toggles between disable and enable, depending on whether active alerting is currently enabled or disabled.

About -- Click this menu item to open the About Intel Active Monitor window, where you’ll find version and copyright information about the Intel Active Monitor application.

Help -- Click this menu item to display Intel Active Monitor’s help file.

For more information about…

For more information about enabling and disabling active alerting, refer to Active Alerting.

For more information about Intel Active Monitor in alert state, refer to Alert Response, the help topic you would access if you received an alert message.


Temperature Sensor Variations

Processor

The processor zone temperature sensor gauge is designed to provide you with an approximate temperature range for your processor, so that unusually high temperatures can be quickly and easily detected.  In the event of a processor zone temperature alert, refer to Alert Response.  It will provide recommendations for resolving the alert, such as, making sure your fans are working properly, etc.

The processor zone temperature measurement is approximate and should not be used to validate thermal solutions.  The processor temperature that Intel(R) Active Monitor displays is read from a hardware monitor ASIC on your motherboard, which is designed to indicate temperature trends only.  If you are a system manufacturer or a system designer and you require a more accurate temperature measurement, you will need to use a more sophisticated measurement device.  For more information on hardware monitoring for Intel(R) Desktop Boards or the Wired for Management initiative, visit our developer Web site.

System

The system zone sensor gauge is designed to provide you with an approximate temperature range for your system, so that unusually high temperatures can be quickly and easily detected.  In the event of a system zone temperature alert, refer to Alert Response.  It will provide recommendations for resolving the alert, such as, making sure your fans are working properly, etc.

The system zone temperature measurement is approximate, and should not be used to validate thermal solutions.  The system temperature that Intel Active Monitor displays is read from a hardware monitor ASIC on your motherboard, which is designed to indicate temperature trends only.  If you are a system manufacturer or a system designer and you require a more accurate temperature measurement, you will need to use a more sophisticated measurement device.  For more information on hardware monitoring for Intel Desktop Boards or the Wired for Management initiative, visit our developer Web site.


Frequently Asked Questions

How does Microsoft Window* XP affect operation of Intel(R) Active Monitor?

Because Windows XP supports multiple users (including the Switch User option), please note the following:

•	Both limited users and administrators can adjust alerting options.  For more information about alerting options, refer to Active Alerting Options.

•	If any user disables monitoring through the system tray icon, then all other users will be affected.  For more information about the Intel Active Monitor system tray icon, refer to System Tray Icon.

What happens if I get an alert?

If active alerting is enabled, Intel(R) Active Monitor will detect if a sensor has crossed a threshold.  If you have all alerting methods enabled (refer to Active Alerting Options), you will be notified of the alert with a pop-up message, an audio alert, and the Intel Active Monitor icon in your system tray turning red and flashing.  Double-clicking on that icon opens Intel Active Monitor.  The application opens to the scene displaying the alert.

If active alerting is disabled, Intel Active Monitor is not monitoring your system and will neither detect nor notify you of an alert, if the application is closed.

Click the Help button to open the Alert Response topic, designed to provide you information in the event of an alert.

Click on the Alert History button to open the View Alert History window, where you can view all recent alert activity.

Where can I get more information about Intel(R) Motherboards?

Visit our support Web site.

Where can I get more information about heatsinks and fans?

Check your Product Guide, Technical Product Specification (TPS), or installation instructions for your specific Intel(R) Board.  Intel(R) Active Monitor has been qualified only with the heatsink, fan, and processor combinations listed for Intel(R) Boxed Processors.  The heatsink must also be properly installed with adequate thermal grease.

Why are some of my system fan(s) not spinning without an alert appearing?

Variable fans will only come on when the system requires extra cooling.  In this case no alert message is generated by the sensors.

How does a variable fan work?

The variable speed fan turns on and off in response to your system’s thermal conditions.  The speed of fan rotation (rpm) depends on the specific temperature in the monitored system zone.  For example, the fan speed increases as temperature in the zone rises.

Why do I receive an alert after I removed a fan?

Intel(R) Active Monitor assumes the removed fan has failed.  You need to redetect all fans in the system.  Please reinstall the Intel(R) Active Monitor program so the system can correctly detect all fans in the new configuration.

Why is the System Info screen reporting a PC600 memory speed when I have some PC800 RIMMs installed?

System memory runs at the lowest memory module speed that’s installed in your system.  If you have a PC800 mixed with a PC600, the system will report a PC600.  Please ensure that all installed memory modules are of the same type to obtain optimal performance.  To obtain more information about your memory configurations, please contact your manufacturer.


Error Messages and Possible Causes

Warnings:

The procedures in this topic assume familiarity with the general terminology associated with personal computers and with the safety practices and regulatory compliance required for using and modifying electronic equipment.

Disconnect the computer from its power source and from any telecommunications links, networks, or modems before performing any of the procedures described in this topic.  Failure to disconnect power, telecommunications links, networks, or modems before you open the computer or perform any procedures can result in personal injury or equipment damage.  Some circuitry on the motherboard can continue to operate even though the front panel power button is off.

Listed below are the error messages that you may see.  After the message there is one or more possible cause(s) that may explain why you received the error message.  There may also be suggestions for resolving the error.

For more information about…

For terms defined as they are used in this application, refer to the Glossary.

An essential file is missing.

The name of the missing file will appear after the error message.  That file has been deleted or moved from its original location.  Reinstall the application.

An unspecified internal error occurred during initialization.

•	The system may be low on resources.

•	The service may not be running with adequate security privileges.

No sensors were detected in your system.

You are running this application on a system without functioning monitoring hardware.

Fan x has stopped or slowed (fan x can represent either fan 1 or fan 2).

Your fan could be failing because:

•	A foreign object is preventing the fan from spinning.

•	A bearing within the fan is failing.

•	The fan is no longer connected to the motherboard.

•	The fan has been moved to a different fan sensor connector on the motherboard.

Recommended resolutions:

Your system may have more than one fan.  Check all of the fans to see if any of them have been disconnected or are blocked by a foreign object.  If all fans are connected and free of foreign objects, a fan may need to be replaced.  Contact your system manufacturer for technical support.

If you have added, changed, or removed a fan, you need to reinstall Intel(R) Active Monitor to accurately monitor your system’s fan(s).  The application may generate alerts continually until reinstalled.

An unknown fan in your system has stopped or slowed.

An application DLL is invalid.  Reinstall the application.

These are the possible voltage error messages.  In the case of the voltages, voltage x can represent any voltage from voltage 1 to voltage 4.  The voltages those labels may represent include:  12 Volt,  -12 Volt, 5 Volt, -5 Volt, 3.3, CPU Core, CPU I/O, and 1.5 Volt.

Voltage x has gone outside of its recommended range.

If your system’s voltage went outside of its recommended range, your power supply could be failing.  Here are reasons why your power supply could be failing:

•	Fluctuations may occur in the power entering your system.  Worst case conditions include power surges, often the result of lightning, or "brown outs", where the voltage or current being received is degraded.  Either of these conditions can result in damage to your power supply and other components of your system.

•	Your power supply is deteriorating.  Some power supplies may have a shorter life span than the overall system.

•	There is an electrical short somewhere in the system.

•	The power supply fan may have failed.  This fan, in most cases, does not have a sensor, so it’s not often monitored.  A failed power supply fan may cause overheating and damage to the power supply.

Recommended resolutions:

If you receive alerts often or if your system remains in an alert state for an extended period of time, you should make sure your system has adequate cooling and/or a surge protector.

Check to make sure that the power supply is adequately cooled:

•	If the power supply’s fan is external to the power supply, check to see whether it is disconnected or blocked by a foreign object.  If the fan is connected and free of foreign objects, it may need to be replaced.  Contact your system manufacturer for technical support.

•	If the power supply’s fan is internal to the power supply, check to see whether it is still spinning.  If not, the power supply may need to be replaced or serviced.  Contact your system manufacturer for technical support.

•	Make sure that there is proper airflow around your system.  Make sure your system is not located near walls or in corners.  If vents in the system become blocked, airflow to the fans may be restricted.

Your power supply may need to be replaced.  Contact your system manufacturer for technical support.

An unknown power supply voltage has gone outside of its recommended range.

Most likely cause: The CPU in the system runs at a voltage that was not known at the time this software was released.

Your processor has exceeded its recommended maximum temperature.

Your processor’s temperature could have exceeded its recommended range because:

•	The heatsink and/or fan have become detached from the processor (or were not installed).

•	The heatsink may not have adequate thermal grease.

•	The processor fan(s) may have slowed or stopped.

•	The system does not have adequate airflow to keep the processor cooled.

Recommended resolutions:

Check the processor and system fan(s) to see if any have been disconnected or are blocked by a foreign object.  If they are still connected and free of foreign objects but are still not operating properly, they may need to be replaced.  Contact your system manufacturer for technical support.

Make sure that there is proper airflow in and around your system.  Make sure your system is not located near walls or in corners.  If vents in the system become blocked, airflow to the fans may be restricted.

Your system should be kept in a room that has adequate cooling; the room’s ambient temperature should be below 90 °F (32 °C).

Check that the processor’s heatsink has been installed properly.  Inadequate thermal grease on the heatsink can cause unusually high processor temperatures.

Make sure your system’s I/O (disk, floppy, CD-ROM, etc.) cables aren’t restricting airflow in the system.

Your system has exceeded its recommended maximum temperature.

Your system’s temperature could have exceeded its recommended range because:

•	The system is in a location that is not allowing optimal airflow or is too hot.

•	One or more of the system’s fans have slowed or stopped, reducing airflow to the system.

•	Dust has accumulated in your system, reducing airflow to the system.

Recommended resolutions:

Check all of the system fans to see if any of them are disconnected or blocked by a foreign object.  If all fans are still connected and are free of foreign objects, a fan may need to be replaced.  Contact your system manufacturer for technical support.

Make sure that there is proper airflow to your system.  Make sure your system is not located near walls or in corners.  If vents in the system are blocked, remove dust or foreign objects.

Your system should be kept in a room that has adequate cooling; the room’s ambient temperature should be below 90 °F (32 °C).

Make sure your system’s I/O (disk, floppy, CD-ROM, etc.) cables aren’t restricting airflow in the system.

An unknown temperature sensor reading has exceeded its recommended maximum temperature.

The DLL version does not match the application.  Reinstall the application.


Troubleshooting

The troubleshooting issues are shown in bold.  The possible cause(s), shown in regular font, may explain the cause(s) for the troubleshooting issue they follow.

Warnings:

The procedures in this topic assume familiarity with the general terminology associated with personal computers and with the safety practices and regulatory compliance required for using and modifying electronic equipment.

Disconnect the computer from its power source and from any telecommunications links, networks, or modems before performing any of the procedures described in this topic.  Failure to disconnect power, telecommunications links, networks, or modems before you open the computer or perform any procedures can result in personal injury or equipment damage.  Some circuitry on the motherboard can continue to operate even though the front panel power button is off.

Intel(R) Active Monitor does not display all of my fans.

Intel(R) Active Monitor supports up to three fans.  These consist of the first three fans detected by Intel Active Monitor.

A fan can be monitored only if all of these requirements are met.

•	The fan must be a three-wire fan that supports monitoring.  A three-wire fan is capable of monitoring if one of the wires is capable of transmitting a signal from a fan to a tachometer.

•	The fan connector, that you’re connecting the fan to, must support monitoring.  Not all fan connectors support monitoring.

Note:   Your system has standard fan connectors, which are monitored, and may also have optional fan connectors, which are not monitored.  To determine which fans are standard, refer to the motherboard’s Quick Reference Guide, which came in the box with the system, or the motherboard’s Technical Product Specification (TPS) at developer.intel.com/design/motherbd/msu.htm.

I changed my fan and now the fan sensor generates alerts continually.

If you have added, changed, or removed a fan, you need to reinstall Intel (R) Active Monitor to accurately monitor your system’s fan(s).  Otherwise, the application may generate an alert until you’ve reinstalled the Intel Active Monitor application.

Intel Active Monitor conflicts with other monitoring software.

Intel Active Monitor may conflict with other monitoring software that uses the same resources, the monitoring ASIC chip and the SM Bus driver.  Running other monitoring software that uses the same resources as Intel Active Monitor, while Intel Active Monitor is running, may cause Intel Active Monitor to fail.  Intel(R) LANDesk(R) Client Manager (LDCM) is an example of another application that uses the same resources as Intel Active Monitor.

The application window does not resize.

Intel Active Monitor was not designed to be resized.

I cannot change the sound configuration under Windows* 2000.

When using Intel Active Monitor, if you are running the Windows 2000 operating system, you cannot select sound configuration from the "Sounds" section of the Control Panel.

The word "Unknown" appears in the System Info scene or the View System Report window.

The word "Unknown" may appear in a field on the System Info scene because Intel Active Monitor may not display all features on older Intel motherboards and in older BIOSs.

The Active Alerting Options window is grayed out, so I cannot select any options.

If restarting the system doesn’t resolve the problem, reinstall the application.


Glossary

The terms in this glossary are defined only as they apply to this application.

active alerting

Active alerting determines how Intel(R) Active Monitor notifies you of an alert.

•	If you enable active alerting, you can receive audio alerts and/or pop-up message alerts, in addition to the standard Intel Active Monitor icon in the system tray changing to red and flashing.

•	If you disable active alerting, Intel Active Monitor will not monitor your system, when the application is closed.  As a result, you will not receive alert notifications if any of your cooling and/or power devices cross a threshold, going outside of its recommended range.

For more information, refer to Active Alerting.

alert state

The system is in alert state when one or more of its cooling and/or power devices has crossed a threshold, going outside of its recommended range.  Refer to normal state further in this glossary.

ASIC

ASIC is an acronym for Application Specific Integrated Circuit.

nominal value

The nominal value is the particular power level that a sensor runs at under normal operating conditions.  Intel Active Monitor collects and uses nominal value information resident in your power devices.

normal state

The system is in its normal state when all cooling or power devices are within their thresholds.  Refer to alert state.

recommended range

The recommended range is any number above, below, or within (depending on the device being measured) the thresholds set for a device.

Examples:

•	Fans -- Fan sensors have only lower thresholds.  If the threshold for a fan’s sensor is set to 750 RPM, any speed above 750 RPM is within that fan sensor’s recommended range.

•	Temperatures -- Temperature sensors have only upper thresholds.  If the threshold for a temperature’s sensor is set to 50 °C, any temperature below 50 °C is within that temperature sensor’s recommended range.

•	Voltages -- Power sensors have both lower and upper thresholds.  If the lower threshold for that sensor is set to 4.200 Volts and the upper threshold for a voltage’s sensor is set to 5.800 Volts, any voltage between 4.200 and 5.800 Volts is within that power sensor’s recommended range.

threshold

A threshold is the point where you want a notification to appear if a sensor surpasses that level.

Examples:

•	Fans -- Normal fan sensors don’t have upper thresholds, only lower thresholds, with a nominal value above the threshold.  So, a fan is failing and its sensor will generate an alert if its speed falls below a certain level, or threshold, leaving its recommended range.  Variable fan sensors generate an alert when the fan fails to operate as expected.

•	Temperatures -- Temperature sensors don’t have lower thresholds, only upper thresholds with a nominal value below the threshold.  So, a temperature sensor generates an alert if the temperature rises above a certain level, or threshold, leaving its recommended range.

•	Voltages -- Power sensors have both upper and lower thresholds, with a nominal value somewhere in between.  So, a power sensor generates an alert if power current rises above or falls below certain levels, or thresholds, leaving its recommended range.