T.L.E.

9 – COMPUTER SYSTEMS
SERVICING

BIOS CONFIGURATION
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BIOS (basic input/output system)
The acronym for Basic Input/Output System is BIOS. It is a firmware application that runs
automatically when your computer turns on. It is in charge of initializing and facilitating vital
communication between the computer's hardware and operating system.

Firmware is programming that's written to a hardware device's non-volatile memory. Non-volatile

memory is a form of static random access memory where the content is saved when a hardware
device is turned off or loses its external power source. Firmware is installed directly onto a piece
of hardware during manufacturing. It is used to run user programs on the device and can be
thought of as the software that enables hardware to run.

BIOS is responsible for:

• Startup procedures: During startup, BIOS performs a Power-On Self-Test (POST)

to check the functionality of your hardware components like the memory, storage,
and peripherals.
• Hardware initialization: BIOS initializes and prepares the hardware components
for use by the operating system.
• Booting: BIOS loads the operating system from a storage device like your hard
drive or solid-state drive.
• Basic input/output (I/O) services: In the past, BIOS also provided basic services
for interacting with hardware components like the keyboard, mouse, and display.
However, modern operating systems typically handle these tasks directly.

It's important to note that while BIOS is still present in many personal computers, a newer
technology called Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) is gradually replacing it. UEFI
offers several advantages over BIOS, including support for larger storage devices, faster boot
times, and more advanced security features.

Steps in configuring the BIOS before installing the Operating System

It's important to exercise caution when modifying BIOS settings, as incorrect configurations can
prevent your system from booting properly. If you're not comfortable making changes, it's best to
seek help from a qualified technician.

Here's a general overview of the steps involved in configuring BIOS for Windows 10 installation,
but refer to your motherboard manufacturer's manual for specific instructions as the interface
and options may vary:

• Before you begin:

o Create a bootable USB drive containing the Windows 10 installation files. You can
use the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool to create one.
o Back up your important data: In case of any unexpected issues during the
process.
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SERVICING

Steps:
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1. Access BIOS: Restart your computer and press the key to enter BIOS setup. This key is
usually F2, Delete, F10, or F12, depending on your manufacturer. The key will be displayed
during the boot process.
2. Navigate to the Boot menu: Once in BIOS, use the arrow keys to navigate to the Boot or
Boot Options menu.
3. Set boot priority: In the Boot menu, look for options like Boot Device Priority or Boot Order.
Use the instructions provided in the BIOS to set your USB drive as the first boot device.
This will tell your computer to boot from the USB drive containing the Windows 10
installation files before attempting to boot from other devices like your hard drive.
4. Save and exit: Once you've set the boot priority, find the option to Save and Exit BIOS. This
option might be under a separate Exit menu. Confirm any prompts to save changes and
exit BIOS.

Additional considerations:

o UEFI vs. Legacy mode: Some systems may have options related to UEFI mode or Legacy
mode. If you're unsure which to choose, consult your motherboard manual or system
manufacturer for guidance. Generally, for modern systems with Windows 10 installation
media on a USB drive, UEFI mode is recommended.
o Secure Boot: Some systems may have a Secure Boot setting. If you encounter issues
booting from the USB drive, temporarily disabling Secure Boot might be necessary.
However, re-enable it after a successful installation for improved security.

Remember, these are general guidelines, and it's crucial to refer to your specific motherboard
manual or manufacturer's instructions for accurate and up-to-date information.

Visual images of BIOS

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SERVICING

Identifying of Bios Chip on the Motherboard

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There are Two Ways to Identify Which:

1. Using the Motherboard Manual

Follow these procedures to locate the BIOS chip on the motherboard using the motherboard
manual:

1. Locate and obtain the motherboard manual: Locate and obtain the motherboard manual.
If you don’t have a physical copy, you can typically find it by searching for your
motherboard model on the manufacturer’s website.
2. Locate the motherboard layout diagram: A motherboard layout diagram that provides an
overview of all the essential components and connectors should be included in the
instructions.
3. Look for the BIOS chip: Scanning the diagram for a labelled component connected to the
BIOS is a good place to start. It is frequently referred to as “BIOS,” “UEFI,” or “BIOS Chip”
and is symbolized by a little rectangle with pins on the sides.
4. Examine the surroundings: The BIOS chip is usually found at the center of the
motherboard, near the CPU or memory slots. It is generally close to other critical chips
and components.
5. Verify the label: Once you’ve located the probable BIOS chip, cross-reference its location
with any neighboring text or labels to ensure it’s the BIOS chip.
2. Through Physical Inspection

Physically inspecting the motherboard to identify the BIOS chip is a simple process. Take the
following steps:

1. Find the Motherboard: Open your computer case and look for the motherboard, which is
the large circuit board that connects all of the components.
2. Check Around the CPU or Memory Slots: The BIOS chip is typically found near the CPU
socket or memory slots. It is a tiny, rectangular integrated circuit (IC) with a number of
pins.
3. Look for labels BIOS chips, as you indicated, may feature labels such as “M_BIOS,”
“UEFI,” “BIOS,” or other versions. Look for any indications of the BIOS function.
4. Confirm with the motherboard manual: If you have the motherboard manual, it may
contain detailed information regarding the BIOS chip’s location and labelling.