Bios Configuration

Mohd Saiful Rizal bin Yusof

Hasani Enterprise

Overview
In this chapter, you will learn to
Explain the function of BIOS
Distinguish among various CMOS setup utility
options
Describe option ROM and device drivers
Troubleshoot the power-on self test (POST)

Historical/Conceptual

We Need to Talk

Bridge Introduction
Data flows through the computer
Between CPU and RAM
Between CPU and video
Between CPU and other devices

Bridges are used to connect the pieces

Northbridge
Bridge closest to the CPU

Southbridge
The farther bridge

Northbridge & Southbridge

A chipset is a set of Northbridge and
Southbridge chips that work together
Northbridge
Chip or chips that
connect the CPU to
video and/or memory

Southbridge
Handles all of the
inputs and outputs to
the many devices in
the PC

Data Flow

Northbridge and Southbridge

have connectivity with all devices
Not the same in all systems

Chipset

Northbridge

Southbridge

Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)

Bridges connect the devices

But without a program, they dont know how
to communicate

A special kind of program is required to

enable the CPU to talk to other devices
A Flash ROM chip stores these programs
These programs are collectively known
as the basic input/output service (BIOS)

Talking to the Keyboard

The keyboard talks to the external data

bus
Uses the keyboard controller chip (8042)

BIOS
Each program is called a service
Programs stored on Flash ROM chips are known
as firmware
Programs stored on erasable media are called
software

Keyboard
controller
chip

CMOS
Separate chip from ROM BIOS
Volatile (kept alive by battery)
Stores only changeable data
Not programs
Acts as clock to keep data current

Customizable via SETUP program

Often on Southbridge

BIOS vs. CMOS

BIOS

CMOS

Programs

Data

Non-volatile (stays
same after power of)

Volatile (kept alive with

battery)

Can be changed by
flashing

Changed via CMOS

setup

Typically 64 K of
programs (though Flash
ROM is much bigger)

Typically 128 K of data

(though chip size is
typically 64 K)

Often a separate chip

Often on Southbridge

Updating CMOS
Updated via BIOS program
Three primary BIOS brands
American Megatrends (AMI), Award, Phoenix
To enter setup, press key combination
(may be Del, ESC,
F1, F2,
CTRL-ALT-ESC,
CTRL-ALT-INS,
CTRL-ALT-Enter,
or CTRL-S)

CMOS Setup
Main menu
Access to all submenus

Standard CMOS Features

Clock, hard drives, floppy drives

SoftMenu Setup
Normally set to Default or Auto for all

Advanced Features
POST, boot order

Power Management
Use to enable/disable power-saving
features

PnP/PCI
Rarely need to manipulate on todays PCs

Set Password
Locks access to CMOS settings
Prevents non-techs from changing key settings

Option ROM and

Device Drivers

BYOB
Computer makers could not predict all the new

types of hardware
Ways to bring your own BIOS (BYOB) were
invented:

Option ROM is a BIOS chip embedded on the adapter

card itself (i.e., video cards)

Most new hardware devices use device drivers to tell

the BIOS how to talk to the CPU

Most devices with onboard BIOS use it only for internal

needs (internal function) and use a device driver to talk

to the CPU

Device Drivers
A device driver is a file that contains the
BIOS commands necessary to communicate
with the devices they support
Loaded into RAM when the system boots

All devices come with their own device

drivers

BIOS, BIOS, Everywhere

All hardware needs a program to allow CPU
to communicate with it
Could be on motherboard ROM
Could be on PC card ROM
Could be loaded via a driver
Could be loaded into RAM at boot

IT Technician
CompTIA A+
Technician

Power-On Self Test (POST)

Power-On Self Test (POST)

The power-on self test (POST) is a special
program stored on the ROM chip
Initiated when the computer is turned on or is
reset
Checks out the system every time the computer
boots

Communicates errors
Beep codes

Beep Codes
If video is determined to be missing or faulty
One long beep followed by three short beeps

If everything checks out

One or two short beeps

If RAM is missing or faulty

Buzzing noise that repeats until power turned of

More complicated beep codes may be found in

legacy computers

Check motherboard manual for meaning

Text-Based Error Message

POST Cards
POST cards are devices that monitor POSTs and
report on the hardware that may be causing
problems
Turn the PC of, plug in the card,
and reboot
POST error codes do not fix the
computer they just tell you
look
If all else fails, replace the
motherboard

where to

The Boot Process

The CPU is the first component initialized
when the computer is turned on
It reads a special wire called power good
once the power supply provides the proper
voltage to the CPU
Every CPU has a built-in memory address
with the first line of the POST program on
the system ROM

The Boot Process

The last BIOS function called by POST is the
bootstrap loader
The bootstrap loader loads the operating
system from the boot sector
Searches the floppy, CD-ROM, or the hard drive
Boot order set in CMOS

The bootstrap loader generates an error if it

cannot find the boot sector on the bootable
disk

Losing CMOS Settings

Common errors
CMOS configuration mismatch
CMOS date/time not set
No boot device available
CMOS battery state low
Common reasons for losing CMOS data
Jiggling the battery while doing other work
Dirt on the motherboard
Electrical surges
Faulty power supplies
Chip creep

Losing CMOS Settings

If your system keeps resetting
Replace the battery

Common symptoms of low battery

Slow running clock
Clock resetting to January 1st

Clearing CMOS Settings

To clear the CMOS settings, place the shunt
on the CMOS jumper
Resets to factory settings
Resets password

Flashing ROM
Flash ROM chips can be reprogrammed
Download program from manufacturer
Copy program to floppy
Some programs will run within Windows

Boot to floppy and run program

Thank you

Mohd Saiful Rizal bin Yusof

Hasani Enterprise

Demo

Mohd Saiful Rizal bin Yusof

Hasani Enterprise