Working with the BIOS / CMOS

Chapter 20
 Objectives
 Describe about motherboard BIOS
 Explain the Preboot Environment
 Explain BIOS packaging
 Define CMOS
 Upgrade the BIOS
 Describe BIOS Setup Utility
 Troubleshoot the system using the BIOS beep
codes

Chapter 20 Slide 2 of 23
 Basic Input / Output System (BIOS) - I
 Enables you to control and troubleshoot the system and the
different hardware components before loading the
operating system
 Types of BIOS chips
• Rectangular shaped 32-pin Dual In-line Package (DIP)

• Square 28-pin Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier (PLCC)

Chapter 20 Slide 3 of 23
 Basic Input / Output System (BIOS) - II
 Runs the power-on self-test (POST) when the system
starts

 Receives signals from the hardware

 Loads the custom settings from the CMOS that stores

the BIOS settings

 Displays the settings

 Locates the bootable devices and loads the operating

system from the bootable device
Chapter 20 Slide 4 of 23
 Motherboard BIOS
 BIOS is a collection of programs embedded in one or
more chips

Functions of BIOS

POST Setup BIOS Bootstrap Loader

Chapter 20 Slide 5 of 23
 ROM Shadowing

 Technique that is used to increase the

computer's speed
 Contents of a ROM are directly copied to
the extended memory

Chapter 20 Slide 6 of 23
 Complementary Metal Oxide
Semiconductor (CMOS)
 Memory chip located on the motherboard that stores the
BIOS settings
 Size of 64 bits
 Receives power from the battery that is installed on
the motherboard
 Clear the BIOS settings stored in the CMOS using the
jumpers located on the motherboard or by removing the
battery from the motherboard

Chapter 20 Slide 7 of 23
 Upgrading the BIOS

Two ways for

upgrading a
Motherboard BIOS

Replacing
Performing
Physical
a Flash
BIOS Chip
Update

Chapter 20 Slide 8 of 23
 BIOS ENTER SETUP

 Computers manufactured in the last few years allow you to enter the
BIOS setup using one of the five keys shown below during the boot
process.
 F1(ibm)
 F2 *(intel,asrock)
 F10 **(hp and compaq)
 DEL(gigabyte,biostar,foxconn,asus)
 ESC hp
 * If pressing F2 opens a diagnostics tool, your setup key is likely F10
 ** F10 is also used for the boot menu. If F10 opens a boot menu, your
setup key is likely F2.
 Setup keys are to be pressed as the computer is booting up. Most users
will see a message similar to the example below upon startup. Some older
computers may also display a flashing block to indicate when to press the
F1 or F2 keys.

Chapter 20 Slide 9 of 23
 BIOS Setup Utility
 Enables you to modify the settings and store them
in the CMOS
 Enables you to control the boot sequence
 Changes the BIOS setting to correct any hardware
problems

Chapter 20 Slide 10 of 23
 BIOS Main Menu Page
 Displays the different BIOS options which can be changed

Chapter 20 Slide 11 of 23
 Standard CMOS Setup Page
 Enables you to set the basic settings of the system such as the
date and time, hard disk settings, and diskette drive settings

Chapter 20 Slide 12 of 23
 Advanced Setup Page
 Enables you to access the advanced functions of the BIOS such as Boot Devices,
S.M.A.R.T. for Hard Disks, Boot Up Num-Lock, Floppy Drive Swap about the system

Chapter 20 Slide 13 of 23
 Power Management Setup Page
 Sets the parameters such as Standby Time Out, Suspend
Time Out, Ring On Power On for the system power
management operation

Chapter 20 Slide 14 of 23
 PCI / Plug and Play Setup Page
 Enables the system to automatically search for new hardware connected to the system
 Automatically search for the drivers to use the device

Chapter 20 Slide 15 of 23
 Applying Settings
 Applying Optimal settings enables to set the
default options
 Best Performance Settings enables to set BIOS
options to make the system perform at best level

Chapter 20 Slide 16 of 23
 Features Setup Page
 Controls the built-in motherboard components

Chapter 20 Slide 17 of 23
 CPU PnP Setup Page
 Enables to change the microprocessor settings, to
adjust the speed of the microprocessor

Chapter 20 Slide 18 of 23
 Hardware Monitor Page
 Displays the system hardware details
 Enables to monitor the system to prevent overheating

Chapter 20 Slide 19 of 23
 Setting the BIOS Password
 Protects the BIOS settings stored in the CMOS
 Password option from the Advanced Setup page
should be enabled
 Prompts to enter the password before accessing
the Setup Utility

Chapter 20 Slide 20 of 23
 Troubleshooting Using BIOS Beep Codes - I
Number of Beeps Solving Problem

1 Short Beep System OK. If system does not start check that the
power and data cables are properly connected

2 / 3 / 4 Short Beeps Check that the RAM and Video Adapter cards are
properly connected.

5 Short Beeps Check that the RAM is properly installed. Check that
the microprocessor is properly installed.
Replace the microprocessor or the motherboard.

6 Short Beeps Check or replace keyboard.

Chapter 20 Slide 21 of 23
 Troubleshooting Using BIOS Beep Codes - II
7 Short Beeps
Check the processor and heat sink are properly installed

8 Short Beeps Check that the video card is properly installed.

Replace the video card.

9 Short Beeps Check that the BIOS chip is properly connected.

Update or Replace the BIOS chip.

10 Short Beeps Replace the battery or CMOS chips.

11 Short Beeps Check the cache settings from BIOS and check that the Cache
memory chip is properly connected.
Replace the Cache memory chip.
1 Long, 3 Short Beeps Check that the RAM is properly connected.

1 Long, 8 Short Beeps Check that the video card is properly installed.
Replace the video card.

Chapter 20 Slide 22 of 23
 Summary - I
 BIOS software enables you to control and
troubleshoot the system
 Types of BIOS chips include Dual In-line Package
and Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier
 BIOS run the power-on self-test when the system
starts
 CMOS stores the BIOS settings
 Updating the BISO adds additional functions to the
BIOS and it also fixes all the errors and bugs in the
BIOS
Chapter 20 Slide 23 of 23
 Summary - II
 BIOS Setup Utility enables you to modify the
settings and store them in the CMOS
 The BIOS Setup Utility Main menu page displays
different BIOS options that you can change
 BIOS password used to protect the settings stored
in CMOS
 You can troubleshoot the system using the BIOS
beep codes.

Chapter 20 Slide 24 of 23