Overview

Dell has well-documented manuals with step-by-step instructions for the small form factor and micro PC models we support in Avanti kiosks. Please refer to them for component replacement instructions specific to each PC model. In most cases, the PC will need one or more of these components replaced:

• HDD replacement and reimaging
• BIOS firmware updated to current version
• Power Supply replacement (small form factor only)
• CPU or Motherboard fan replacement
• Secondary NIC installed (small form factor only)
• Application setup and registered to Slabb Pipeline Org

If either the motherboard has failed or the PC cannot otherwise be repaired, replace it with a new PC kit: imaged micro PC, power supply, and HDMI-VGA adapter.

Include a power supply and HDMI adapter if cross-grading from small form factor to micro PCs or an Asus > Dell PC.

For replacement HDDs, any SATA III SSDs will work. We are currently replacing HDDs with Patriot Burst 2.5” 120GB SSDs, sourced in 10 packs through AMAZON

Use a bit of tape to secure the SSDs to the hard drive sleeve in the small form factor PCs. 

Kiosk Setup

Use the following values to fill out the kiosk setup form before submitting.

• Kiosk MAC address: (auto-populates)
• Kiosk IP Address: (auto-populates)
• Kiosk Serial Number: W10-[PC service tag]
• Kiosk Type: AVMX1
• MSR Type: Normal
• DVR Type: DVR
• OS Type: Windows
• Monitor: None
• Cash Option: USB Bill Acceptor
• Credit Option: Encrypted card reader
• Print Option: (None for micro PCs/ Has Printer for SFF)
• Screen Size: None
• Dell Service Tag: [PC service tag]
• Dell Service Date: (auto-populates)
• Slabb Order #: (blank)
• Router Serial Number: (blank)

Dell Manuals and Firmware

Manuals and current BIOS executables can be accessed here:

https://avantimarkets-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/p/jploeckelman/EnZwFBEpIpFPumlwIYoSCGYBLWzzL7kB3WD0UKLNAXa73g?e=6gSjFq

Recommended to save the firmware to a USB drive for easy accessibility.

General BIOS configuration for Dell PCs

The BIOS needs to be set to Power On as soon as it has power (so it restarts after losing power). This is required for all PCs regardless of model.

Hold F12 while booting and select Other Options > BIOS Setup then click enter

• Select AC Recovery
• Select Power On
• Select Apply then Exit to reboot

Updating BIOS firmware on Dell PCs

On the Dell 780s, 390s, and 3010s, you will need to download the firmware to the desktop and run as administrator. On newer machines you can save the file to a USB drive and update from the boot menu.

To update the BIOS from the F12 One Time boot menu:

• Turn off the computer.
• Connect the USB flash drive to the computer.
• Turn on the computer and hold F12 to access boot menu
• Use the arrow keys and select BIOS Flash Update

In the BIOS flash menu, click the Browse button 

In the pop-up window, select the BIOS flash executable file that you copied to the USB drive. For example, E5450A14.exe. The file name varies

Click OK

Click Begin Flash Update

When the warning message appears, read the message and click Yes to begin the BIOS update process

The BIOS update process can take up to 10 minutes, but generally takes two to three minutes. After the BIOS update is complete, the PC will restart and you can begin the imaging process.

PC Imaging

The various Dell models require slightly different BIOS and ISO configurations to successfully image the PC. This table contains a general overview and related hardware for quick reference. Details follow below.

Creating an MBR formatted boot image

The oldest models we have in the field require an MBR boot formatted image to boot from. This can be created using Rufus v2.10 and selecting MBR partition scheme for BIOS in the partition scheme dropdown.

Setting Boot option to Legacy

When preparing the PC for imaging, hold F12 while to booting to go into the boot menu. Select BIOS Setup under Other Options to access the BIOS menu

• under Boot Sequence > Boot List Option, select Legacy
• Make any other required BIOS changes
• Click Apply then Exit to reboot

Hold F12 when the PC is rebooting. On the boot menu, select the Legacy drive with your image and click enter to begin the imaging process.

Setting Boot option to UEFI

When preparing the PC for imaging, hold F12 while to booting to go into the boot menu. Select BIOS Setup under Other Options to access the BIOS menu.

Under Boot Sequence > Boot List Option, select UEFI

Under Advanced Boot Options, make sure only Enable Legacy Option ROMs is checked

Navigate to Secure Boot > Secure Boot Enable and uncheck the Secure Boot Enable box then click yes

Under Advanced Boot Options, make sure only Enable Legacy Option ROMs is checked

Click Apply then Exit to reboot

Hold F12 when rebooting then select the UEFI drive with your image and click enter to begin the imaging process.

Micro VGA Cards

Dell started installing micro VGA cards in the 3040/46 – 3050 models. If there is no video output, try powering off the PC and reseating the micro VGA cable on the motherboard. If this does not restore video output, the micro VGA card will need to be replaced.