Intel® Integrator Assistant
Quick Start Guide


Version 1.1.6

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Preface

This Quick Start Guide gives an overview of the Intel® Integrator Assistant and summarizes the steps to take when using the basic features of the tool. Refer to the following documents for additional information:

Intended Audience

The information given in the Quick Start Guide is intended for professional computer integrators who build custom computers using Intel® Desktop Boards.

Intended Use

The Intel Integrator Assistant is used to automatically download the latest BIOS updates, customize computers by modifying BIOS settings, set identifying values for asset management, provide support information, and brand the computer with a company logo. It also lets you customize a BIOS splash screen.

Conventions

The following conventions are used in the Quick Start Guide:
 CAUTION
Cautions warn the user about how to prevent damage to hardware or loss of data.

 NOTE
Notes call attention to important information.

Glossary

Term Description
BIOS Basic input output system
Configuration file A file which contains all workspace settings, such as BIOS updates, BIOS configuration changes, branding, and asset management.
Target computer The computer to be configured using the Intel Integrator Assistant.
Workspace All settings that may be modified with Intel® Integrator Assistant, such as BIOS updates, BIOS configuration changes, branding, and asset management.

File Type
File Extension File Type Use
.iaw Intel Integrator Assistant workspace This is the configuration file for the Intel Integrator Assistant. It contains the BIOS and other setting modifications you have made to the computer using the Intel Integrator Assistant.

Overview

The Intel® Integrator Assistant helps computer integrators customize a computer to fit their customer's needs by automatically downloading the latest BIOS, modifying BIOS settings, identifying the computer with unique values, and branding it with a company logo. The application has four main features:
  1. Update System BIOS and BIOS Image - download BIOS updates, customize the BIOS splash screen, and place or remove the Intel badge shown on the BIOS splash screen
  2. Configure BIOS Settings - customize BIOS settings such as boot, device manager, power, and security
  3. Asset Management - set values that uniquely identify the computer
  4. Customize Branding - add a company logo and support information
With the graphical user interface based on Microsoft Windows*, integrators can easily configure these settings without having to go into a pre-Windows environment. The application is available for download from the Intel website at http://www.intel.com/design/motherbd/software/iia.

Computer Requirements

Hardware Requirements
The target computer must be based on one of the following Intel® Desktop Boards: Software Requirements
 NOTE
You must be logged in as an administrator or have administrator privileges to use the Intel Integrator Assistant. Close all other applications before starting an installation to protect yourself from loss of any unsaved data.

The target computer must be based on one of the following operating systems:

Getting Started

This chapter gives information about downloading and then installing the Intel Integrator Assistant to the target computer and becoming familiar with the different features of the application.

Download Software

 NOTE
The Intel Integrator Assistant does not change any computer registry entry when copied to a folder on the target computer and then run. Once all installation work is done, delete the originally copied application folder from the computer's hard drive. You may want to archive a copy of the folder to save the custom configuration and preferences for integration records.

You may download the Intel Integrator Assistant to the target computer in two ways: Using a USB Drive or CD
 NOTE
You must be connected to the Internet to download a BIOS update.

If the program is operated from a CD drive on the system, use the same CD/DVD drive for the session. Otherwise, a "File not found" error message could appear. For example, if two CD/DVD drives exist on a system (F: and G:) and you place the program CD into the G: drive, then always use G: for that CD session. Also remember that preferences information might not be written back to the CD.

Using a Network Connection
Once the application's main window displays on your computer screen, a link will appear under the Intel Integrator Assistant heading if a newer version of the application is available. Click the link to get the latest version of the application.

Application Features

The Intel Integrator Assistant has a graphical user interface with the option to display short descriptions when the mouse pointer is over a button (see Set Tool Tips for more information). Below is a general overview of the features of the application.

Tasks

The table below describes the function of the icons located on the home screen:
Icon Name Description
Update System BIOS and BIOS Image Click this button to download a BIOS update, include a BIOS splash image, and specify a badge location.
Configure BIOS Settings Click this button to change the BIOS settings for boot, device manager, power, or security.
Asset Management Click this button to set unique values to your target computer's computer and chassis information.
Customize Branding Click this button to enter the manufacturer and support information as well as a custom branding image.


The main window and each setting window will have two buttons at the bottom right-hand corner of the display:

Toolbar Icons

The table below describes the function of the icons located on the upper right-hand side of the home screen:
Icon Name Description
Create New Workspace Creates a new workspace.
Open Existing Workspace Opens an already saved workspace.
Save Workspace Saves the workspace with the latest information that was entered. When clicked, gives two options: Save or Save As.
Report Generates a report of the current computer settings.
Set Preferences Allows user to set preferences for options, such as language selection, displaying tool tips, document/report storage locations, and specifying a folder for BIOS update downloads.
About Displays the user interface and manager software version that is currently installed with the Intel Integrator Assistant.

BIOS Related Icons

 NOTE
BIOS settings can be either locked or hidden, but not both. If a setting is hidden, it is also locked. The maximum number of BIOS settings that can be locked or hidden depends on the BIOS you are using. Some BIOS settings cannot be locked or hidden; the lock and hide icons and menu items will be disabled.

The lock and hide feature is present when you are working with BIOS settings. It gives you the opportunity to lock and hide those BIOS settings you do not want the computer user to change.
Icon Name Description
Lock Allows user to see those BIOS features that are locked but is not be able to modify them.
Unlock Allows the user to modify those BIOS features that are unlocked.
Hide Hides BIOS features from the user.
Up arrow Changes boot order for each device.
Down arrow Changes boot order for each device.

Other Icons

Icon Name Description
Home Return to the home screen of the application.
Application Appears on the target computer's task bar when Intel Integrator Assistant is launched. The icon also appears in the About screen.
Browse Find a location on your hard drive.
Preview Image Preview the BIOS splash screen image.
Factory Defaults Revert modified settings only in the Configure BIOS Settings screens to the factory installed default settings.
Add Logo Image Add a logo image.
Delete Logo Image Delete the image you have as your logo.
Internet Connected The system is connected to the Internet.
Internet Disconnected The system is not connected to the Internet.
Help Open the help file. For some screens, the help will provide context sensitive help information when you click the Help button or press the F1 key on the keyboard.

Shortcut Keys

In addition to using the available icons, you may also use shortcut keys (hot keys) to do a task. The following table lists the shortcut keys available when using the Intel Integrator Assistant.
Shortcut Key Description
Alt+A Apply settings
Ctrl+D Restore default settings. Resets modified settings back to the factory default settings for the BIOS that is installed.
Ctrl+N Open a new workspace.
Ctrl+O Open an existing workspace.
Ctrl+P Set preferences.
Ctrl+R Generate a report.
Ctrl+S Save the workspace.
F1 Open the help file.
Ctrl+C Copy the text string or value (Microsoft* operating system shortcut key).
Ctrl+V Paste the text string or value (Microsoft* operating system shortcut key).

Using Intel Integrator Assistant

This section gives examples and steps to complete tasks using the Intel Integrator Assistant. Depending on your needs as an integrator, you can make changes to the BIOS settings, insert a custom BIOS splash screen, provide product information, brand the computer, select a language preference, and get automatic BIOS updates. After completing these modifications, you can apply them to the computer immediately or save them in a workspace to apply later. Modifications will not be installed to the computer until the Apply All Changes button is clicked.

Get a BIOS Update

 NOTE
You must be connected to the Internet to be able to get a BIOS update.

There are two messages that will appear under the System Information heading in the main window of the application: The Intel Integrator Assistant finds the correct BIOS(s) for you to download to your computer and, if needed, save on the hard drive of the computer for later use.

You can also download the latest BIOS by clicking the Update System BIOS and BIOS Splash Image icon on the main window.   In this window, a message will indicate if the BIOS version on the system is current or needs to be updated.  If the BIOS you want to install is already on the local drive, then select the Browse   button to locate the file.  However, if you need to download the BIOS file from Intel, click the  Download... link displayed next to the BIOS information.  Make your selection for the download location on the displayed BIOS Download Information window.

Display a BIOS Splash Screen

 NOTE
Once you select a custom BIOS splash screen and apply it, you can return to the default state only by using the Iflash BIOS Update. During system boot, you may want to have a custom BIOS splash screen image that displays along with the Intel logo. In a business environment, it allows the user to integrate a custom image into the boot process. The Intel logo will also display on the screen indicating that the original BIOS is an Intel BIOS.
 NOTE
It is recommended that you use .jpg files with a file size smaller than 1024x768 pixels and a resolution limited to 1024x768, 800x600, or 640x480. Progressive .jpg files are not supported. If you must use a .bmp file, the display resolution is limited to 800x600 and the pixel size must be 8 or 24 bits per pixel (not 1, 4, 16, or 32 bits per pixel).

 NOTE
You may be able to select a white or black background color for the Intel logo if the BIOS you are using supports that feature. If the radio buttons under the Display the Intel logo checkbox are active, your BIOS supports background color choices. If not, these radio buttons will be grayed out.

To add a BIOS splash screen:
  1. Click Update System BIOS and BIOS Image .
  2. Select the BIOS to install.
  3. Click Browse  to locate the previously saved BIOS splash image file.
  4. Click Preview to make sure the image is what you want.
  5. If you want the Intel logo to display, click the checkbox next to Display the Intel logo. You can select a location for the Intel logo by clicking on a box in the image on the right-hand side of the text.
  6. If your BIOS supports it, select a background color for the Intel logo.
  7. To install this and all other modifications you have made so far, click Apply All Changes; if not, click Save Workspace .

Install Modified Settings to a Target Computer

 NOTE
Once you click the Apply All Changes button, all previous information will be lost.

Before you start to modify computer settings, it is important to note the function of the Apply All Changes button that is located on the main and each feature window of the application.  The button is disabled until you change any of the settings after startup. You must remember that once you click this button, any modifications you have made up to that point to the settings will be installed on the computer.  However, you can set a preference to show a confirmation dialog before any settings are applied by clicking Set Preferences and selecting the Show confirmation dialog before applying settings option (see Set Confirmation Dialog).  Click Apply All Changes to change the configuration of the computer to the modified settings you created in the workspace.

You can use Apply All Changes when you have:
If you modify settings but aren't sure if they are the right ones, you can save these settings without installing them to the computer.  See the Open and Save a Workspace topic in this document.

If you do not want to save any of the changes you have made, click the Cancel All Changes button.  Note that only those changes that have not already been applied will be cancelled.

Open and Save a Workspace

You may want to save a workspace if you: Open a New Workspace
To open a workspace, click Open New Workspace . You can now select the different settings and modify them.

Save a Workspace
When you save a workspace, the modifications you have made are kept as a configuration file on the computer. As long as you do not click Apply All Changes, these modifications will not be installed on the computer. The file will be available for you to edit at a later time. To save a workspace:
  1. Click Save Workspace . In the dialog that displays, select the location and the name for the file being saved. The workspace is saved in the desired location as a configuration file (IIAConfigFile.iaw).
  2. When prompted, click OK to save the new workspace on the computer.

Open an Existing Workspace

You may want to come back to a saved workspace to either edit or review the settings before installing them on to the target computer. To open an existing workspace:
  1. Click Open Existing Workspace .
  2. Browse to locate the workspace.
  3. Click Open.
  4. When the dialog indicates that the workspace is open, go to the feature you want to view or edit, such as BIOS Settings, Asset Management, Customize Branding, and Update System BIOS and BIOS Image.

Change BIOS Settings

You may want to change BIOS settings if you want to: To change BIOS settings:
  1. Click Configure BIOS Settings on the home page of the application.
  2. Select the setting you want to modify and then click + to expand the list.
  3. Make changes to the settings.
  4. If you are sure that these are the changes you want installed to the computer, click Apply All Changes, otherwise, click Save Workspace .

Identify the Computer

In a business environment, you may want to put unique identifying information about the computer. This information can help to: CAUTION
Whenever you edit system or chassis information and click the Apply All Changes button, the previous information will be lost. You must record any historical information elsewhere if you want to keep track of it.

Asset management can be done by identifying the system and the chassis. To enter identifying information:
  1. Click Asset Management on the main screen of the application.
  2. Enter system and chassis information.
  3. If you are sure this is what you want installed on the computer, click Apply All Changes, if not, click Save Workspace .

Brand the Computer

As a system integrator, your customer(s) may want you to make their brand and support information available to the computer user. This information will display in the My Computer/Properties/General tab (if you are using Microsoft Windows XP) and under My Computer/Properties (if you are using Microsoft Windows Vista*). To enter brand and support information:
  1. Click Customize Branding .
  2. Enter the manufacturer and support information you want displayed in the System Control Panel of the computer.
  3. If you are sure this is what you want installed on the computer, click Apply All Changes, if not, click Save Workspace .
In addition to the above mentioned information, you may also want a brand logo image to display when the computer is accessed.

 NOTE
Image size must be 120 pixels x 100 pixels using a .bmp or .jpg image file.

To enter a logo image:
  1. Click Customize Branding .
  2. Click Add Logo Image .
  3. If you are sure this is what you want installed on the computer, click Apply All Changes , if not, click Save Workspace .
  4. If you do not like the result, click Delete Logo Image to delete the image.

Generate a Report

As an integrator you may want to keep a record of the modifications you have made to a certain computer. This may be important because whenever you click the Apply Settings button, all previous information is lost. By generating a report, you will be able to have a history of all the modifications that were made earlier. With the Intel Integrator Assistant, you are able to view and save a report that shows all the settings that are currently installed on the computer. To generate a report:
  1. Click Report . The report will display on the screen.
  2. You may save the report to a default folder set up on your hard drive (see Select a Report Folder Location).

Set Preferences

By clicking the preferences button you have the option of selecting a language for the application, enabling tool tips when working with the application, getting a notification if a newer version of the application is available, having system modifications recorded, selecting a proxy setting location, setting a default report path, setting a confirmation dialog, specifying a locating on the hard drive where you want the BIOS updates to be saved, and being notified if an on-line survey is available.

Choose a Language
With the Intel Integrator Assistant you can make a language preference. If you are running an English operating system, you can only use English. If you are running an operating system in a supported language, your choices will be English and the supported language. To select a language preference:
  1. Click Set Preferences .
  2. Select the language of your choice.
  3. Click OK.
Set a Confirmation Dialog
You have the option of displaying a confirmation dialog before the setting changes you have made so far are applied to the computer:
  1. Click Set Preferences .
  2. Make sure the Show Confirmation Dialog before Applying Settings checkbox is checked. If this option is not checked, a confirmation dialog will not display.
  3. Click OK.
Set Tool Tips
You have the option of displaying or not displaying mouse rollover messages when using the application. To display mouse rollovers:
  1. Click Set Preferences .
  2. Click the Enable Tool Tips checkbox to enable the mouse rollover.
  3. Click OK.
Notify Latest Version Availability
You can have the Intel Integrator Assistant notify you when a newer version of the application is available. To get a notification of the latest version availability of the application:
  1. Click Set Preferences .
  2. Click the Notify if latest version of Intel Integrator Assistant is available checkbox.
  3. Click OK.
Enable Feature Use Log
You have the option of Intel Integrator Assistant recording the changes you have applied to the system. To enable the feature use log:
  1. Click Set Preferences .
  2. Click the Enable Feature Use Log checkbox.
  3. Click OK.
Select a BIOS Update Folder Location
You can select a specific place on the hard drive of the computer to save the BIOS updates you download from the Internet. To select a BIOS update folder location:
  1. Click Set Preferences .
  2. Browse to the desired folder location.
  3. Click OK.
Select a Report Folder Location
You can select a specific place on the hard drive of the computer to save the report that shows the current set up of the computer. To select a report folder location:
  1. Click Set Preferences .
  2. Browse to the desired folder location.
  3. Click OK.
Set a Proxy Settings Location
Depending on your operating environment, you may need to give the application a proxy setting to be able to access the Internet:
  1. Click Set Preferences .
  2. Check the checkbox next to Use Proxy to Connect to Internet.
  3. Enter the proxy server address in the Proxy Server Address for Your LAN text box.
Be notified if an on-line survey is available
If you would like to participate in the on-line survey, do the following:
  1. Click Set Preferences .
  2. Check the checkbox next to Notify if On-line survey is available.
  3. Click OK.

Command Line Options

 NOTE
The switches are not case sensitive.
IIAConfigFile.iaw is the file that stores the setting modifications.

You cay apply configuration file settings by using the command line in Microsoft Windows.

Use the following command lines to apply an already prepared Intel Integrator Assistant configuration file (IIAConfigFile.iaw) to the system. General Syntax: iAssist config.iaw -switch...[-switch]
Switches include: