BIOS info

There is numerous types of motherboards on the market. Each motherboard has a BIOS. Each model of motherboard has its on ways of accessing the BIOS, and maneuvering around the BIOS varies depending on the BIOS.

 

The BIOS allows you to configure the system to detect or ignore devices. It also informs the computer the boot order. Usually the default boot order is Floppy, Hard Drive, CD-ROM and other devices (if available). This means that when the system is turned on, it will examine the floppy drive before the hard drive and CD-ROM. If there is a floppy in the floppy drive, it will examine the disk to see if it is bootable (means to have commands to tell the system what to do). If there is a floppy in the drive and it is not bootable you will get an error. If it is bootable, it will follow the boot instructions on the floppy. If there is no disk in the floppy drive, it will then look to see if the hard drive is bootable. If it is, it will boot and if its not bootable, it will give you an error. If it doesn't detect a hard drive, then it will look at the CD-ROM to boot from. This procedure will continue till boot choices are exhausted (which will result in an error) or it boots to a device.

 

To Enter the BIOS varies. When you first turn on the system, you Start hitting the key or keys designed for your motherboard to Enter the BIOS. You Start hitting them when the system first turns on. If you do it too fast, you may get a keyboard failure message but if you do it too late you will miss it. Usually about 2 to 4 seconds after you turn it on, it is safe to hit the key or keys to enter the BIOS.

 

Here is a list of some of the key combinations required to enter the BIOS. This may not be the entire list of key strokes. You may want to contact the manufacturer or your manual on the proper sequence.

 

Depending on the system, the keystrokes to enter the BIOS

Control + ALT + Enter

Control + ALT + INS

F1

Control + ALT + Delete

F2

F12

 

Click here for a short list of BIOS Manufacturers and the commands to enter the BIOS

 

The keystrokes above are the common keys to push to enter the BIOS but your system but your system may require keystrokes not listed here. Consult your manufacturer or manual on what keys your system requires.

 

Once your in the BIOS, there is different options you can do. These options vary due to the numerous different motherboards on the market. Consult the manual or manufacturer for all the options that you have with the BIOS. Most motherboards will allow you to set the BIOS to default. (Make sure you write down the settings on the BIOS in the event you need to change something back to the setting it was before you did the default). Some systems allow you to clear NVRAM. The keystrokes for this procedure vary depending on the manufacturer.  Please consult the manual or manufacturer for that procedure. You can also contact me and I will be glad to research it.

 

Note: Periodically, a motherboard manufacturer will provide an update to the BIOS. Use extreme caution on updating the BIOS. If the update doesn't take, it can keep the system from working or have various issues.

 

Click here for info on the risk of doing updates.

Click here for information about setting BIOS to default and clearing NVRAM.