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BIOS Setup FAQ and BIOS setup guide

BIOS Setup FAQ: how to set up the BIOS

Introduction

Basic Input Output System BIOS) is stored in a small flash memory chip on the motherboard. Most often, this memory is used for reading, but with the help of special utilities and BIOS technologies it can also be rewritten. When the PC starts, the processor on the motherboard runs the BIOS program to initially check and initialize the hardware, and then transfers control to the OS.

If the PC does not go through the boot process, if the system is too slow, Windows crashes, or the hardware fails, then the cause may be an incorrectly configured BIOS. In our article we will show how, with the help of proper BIOS Setup settings, you can solve this or that problem.

The Basics section covers basic BIOS information. In it you will learn what BIOS is, how to go to the BIOS settings and deal with them. The "Key Settings" section contains information about the main BIOS options that every user should know about. Experienced users can be recommended to go straight to the "Tweaking the BIOS" section, where you can learn about using hidden settings, activating new functions, bypassing bottlenecks, etc.

BIOS: Basics and Principles

When the computer starts, the BIOS "introduces" the processor to the main components of the motherboard and tells the processor what program to run next after the BIOS completes. Typically, the BIOS transfers control to the boot sector of the drive, which can be a floppy disk, CD-ROM, DVD or hard drive. The boot sector launches the bootloader, which activates the main operating system, the same Windows or Linux.

The BIOS is responsible for more than just the boot process. Many operating systems use the BIOS as an intermediary to access various hardware.

1. BIOS versions

Each motherboard uses its own version of the BIOS, specially designed for its hardware. The most common BIOS is from Phoenix Award, and in two varieties. Additionally, some computers use American Megatrends (AMI) BIOS.

The BIOS menu structure and symbols used vary from one manufacturer to another. Even the BIOS menus for two consecutive motherboard models may differ to some extent. This is why we cannot give an accurate description of the BIOS options of every computer known to mankind. But don't despair. You can easily find a match between the sections discussed below (based on the Phoenix Award BIOS) and the BIOS items on your PC. Don't be upset if you don't find some settings: this means that your PC's BIOS does not allow you to control these settings directly.

2. Exit to BIOS

During boot, when the BIOS checks the system hardware, considers available memory, and finds hard drives and other drives or devices, you can use a special key to exit to the BIOS Setup program. Often it is enough to press the key, but other options are also used, for example. Look carefully at the screen during boot: in most BIOSes, it displays a line like “F10 = Setup” closer to the bottom of the monitor. If all else fails, open the manual for the motherboard, where the magic combination should be indicated. Press the indicated key (or combination) and hold it for a second or two while your PC boots.

If it works, the BIOS will calculate the amount of available memory, after which the BIOS main menu will appear. If it doesn’t work, restart your computer and try using a different key combination. For example, many laptops enter the BIOS by pressing the or key. Sometimes the keys work, or a combination like .

3. Change BIOS settings

BIOS setup: use the cursor to select the desired line and press "Enter".

To select a menu in the BIOS, use the cursor and use the arrows to move it to the desired item. By pressing the "Enter" key, you will go to the section or receive a settings selection window (as in the illustration below). To change the specified setting, press the plus [+] or minus [-] keys, or another combination like and . From the main BIOS setup menu you will be taken to various setup sections, which can also be divided into their own subsections.

Open the subsection. Many options can be changed using the plus [+] and minus [-] keys, while others can be set using a drop-down menu.

Let me briefly go through the sections of the main BIOS setup menu.

• In the "Main" or "Standard CMOS Setup" section you can set the date and time, as well as hard drive parameters.
• The BIOS Features Setup section provides various general settings.
• The "Integrated Peripherals" section is responsible for interfaces and additional system functions.
• The "Power Management Setup" section allows you to configure all power consumption and power options.
• In the "PnP/PCI Configurations" section you can bind interrupts (IRQs) to expansion cards of your PC. If such functions are not available in the section, they can be found in the "Advanced" subsection.
• The "Hardware Monitor" section allows you to find out the values ​​of system sensors: processor temperature or fan speed (rpm). Usually the rotation speeds of the processor and case fans are shown, but the parameters of the power supply fan or others may also be present here.
• The "Load Setup Defaults" item restores the BIOS settings to default and eliminates any changes you may have made. This item will be useful if your actions led to any problems in the system.

4. Exit BIOS Setup

To complete the BIOS setup, press the key or select the main menu item "Save & Exit Setup". Sometimes you first need to select the "Exit" item, and then select the "Exit & Save Changes" option. Then you are usually offered the choice of saving the changes made: “Yes” [Y] or “No” [N]. Select the required option and your computer will restart.

Key BIOS settings

Below we will show you how to change the boot drive selection sequence for your computer in the BIOS, turn on your PC by pressing a key or clicking a mouse, activate USB 2.0 support, and also solve problems with fans or changing the hardware configuration.

5. Set the priority of boot devices in the BIOS

In BIOS it is better not to set the disk drive as the first boot device. Instead of a disk drive, specify a hard drive.

Most PCs set the disk drive as the priority boot device by default. This option will slow down the PC boot for a couple of seconds as it will check to see if there is a boot floppy in the drive. There is also no need to do this because there is a danger of becoming infected with a boot virus from a “dirty” floppy disk. And how often do you boot from a floppy disk? And why do you need this disgusting sound of accessing an empty drive? It is better to set the hard drive as the first boot device.

In BIOS Setup, it is possible to specify the devices from which booting is possible, as well as the order in which they are checked. Let's look at how to remove the disk drive from the first boot device. To do this, select "Advanced BIOS Features, Boot Sequence", then select "1st Boot Device" and change its value from "Floppy" to "Hard Disk", as shown in the illustration above. In principle, the hard drive can be called “HDD-0”. As a result, the computer will boot directly from the hard drive, bypassing the floppy disk. Of course, if necessary, the boot order can always be restored by returning to BIOS Setup.

But now, even if the computer does not try to boot from the floppy disk, it will still check the disk drive when booting, wasting time. To avoid checking the drive, set the "Boot Up Floppy Seek" option to "Disabled".

6. Speed ​​up PC boot using BIOS

As you understand, to speed up loading it is important that the PC didn't check extra devices, but booted immediately from the hard drive. In addition, it is better to disable the search for new hard drives and other devices. If you do not often change the set of hard drives in the system, then set the search time to zero. To do this, in the "Main" menu, set the "Timeout" value to "0".

7. How to enable USB 2.0 support in the BIOS

USB: If you installed Windows XP with Service Pack 2, you should enable the "USB 2.0 Controller" option.

On many motherboards, the "USB Controllers" option is set to USB 1.1 mode by default. This is due to the fact that Windows XP without Service Packs (and special patches) does not support USB 2.0. This is why USB 2.0 support usually has to be enabled manually.

To enable USB 2.0 in BIOS Setup, set the option to "Enabled" (as shown in the illustration above) or to "V1.1+V2.0". But remember that to use the USB 2.0 interface you need to install at least Service Pack 1 for Windows XP.

8. How to solve problems with USB devices using BIOS

Some flash drives, MP3 players, and USB flash drives are powered by a USB port. If there is not enough power, the device will not work. This is why you should make sure that the USB port provides enough power for such devices.

Check if your BIOS has an option called "USB 2.0 HS Reference Voltage". If there is, then change the value from "Low" or "Medium" to "High" or "Maximum".

9. How can I change the PC's response to a power outage in the BIOS?

In the "Power Management" section of BIOS Setup, you can specify how the computer will react when the power is turned off. The "AC Power Loss Restart" or "Restore on AC Power Loss" options in the BIOS are responsible for the behavior of the computer after emergency shutdown electricity and subsequent restoration of power. Set this option to "On" or "Enabled" if you want the computer to boot automatically. Either "Off" or "Disabled" otherwise.

10. How to check PC temperature and status via BIOS

BIOS provides information about the operating parameters of your PC. You can monitor the real-time status of vital system components, including the CPU, fans, power supply and hard drives. For example, you can enable an alarm in the BIOS if the processor exceeds a certain temperature, or even implement an emergency shutdown. As a result, your system will not overheat.

Various items in the "Health" or "H/W Control" sections allow you to monitor changes in voltages, as well as temperature sensors. Most BIOS display values ​​for the temperature of the processor and case, and in some versions other temperatures, say, of the hard drive or motherboard chipset. In addition, in the BIOS you can find out the fan rotation speed (in rpm).

11. How to fix problems with coolers using the BIOS

If your PC won't boot, it could be because the cooler is spinning too low or stopping altogether. This situation is especially common with high-end coolers, whose rotation speed depends on temperature. They may spin very slowly (or stop altogether) at low temperatures, causing the BIOS to think the fan has failed. In such cases, correct BIOS settings help.

Set the BIOS option "CPU Fan Failure Warning" to "Disabled". When you disable this option, the computer will boot even if the fan is spinning at low speed. Of course, there is another problem: you may not be able to enter the BIOS at all, since the computer may refuse to boot for the reason mentioned above (in many BIOSes this option is set to "Enabled" by default). In this case, you will have to temporarily connect any cheap cooler to the motherboard, which always rotates at maximum speed. And after disabling the setting, you can connect a high-end model.

12. How to avoid system crash?

Modern hard drives can detect symptoms or problems that precede drive failure and alert the BIOS. This feature is called "Self Monitoring And Reporting Technology" (SMART). Enabling the HDD SMART Capability feature allows the BIOS to send warnings to programs like Norton System Works or the well-known free utility SpeedFan. As a result, the user receives information about the status of the drives. This opportunity allows you to take the necessary measures as soon as the first symptoms of an impending failure begin to appear.

13. Connecting old printers and scanners (LPT)

Parallel port: The fastest mode is "ECP+EPP".

A computer's parallel port (LPT) typically only works in one direction. This setting is suitable for almost all devices, although the transfer speed is limited to 100 kbps. You can switch the LPT port to a more modern mode, which gives speeds of up to 1 Mbit/s.

To do this, you need to enable the "ECP" (Extended Capability Port) or "EPP" (Enhanced Parallel Port) mode. In fact, you can enable both modes at once by selecting the "ECP/EPP" or "ECP + EPP" option.

Warning: If you have several devices connected to one port, then problems may arise with speed modes. In such situations, we can recommend purchasing an additional PCI expansion card, which will allow you to add a second LPT port. Or buy a USB-LPT adapter. Or, of course, upgrade to a more modern scanner or printer.

Tweaking the BIOS

This part of the article is addressed to demanding users who want to speed up boot times as much as possible, optimize system parameters, and fully utilize the computing resources of the PC, the capabilities of the motherboard chipset and memory.

14. How to enable BIOS to display POST test results during boot

When booting a PC, many computers display multi-colored manufacturer logos instead of POST (Power-on Self-Test) lines. But, it seems to us, it will be much more useful to see which element of the computer is being tested, and with what results.

In the "Advanced BIOS Features" section, find the "Full Screen LOGO Display" item and set it to "Disabled". After this, you will be able to observe the results of all PC tests during boot.

15. How to configure the BIOS so that the PC boots even faster

Using BIOS, you can further reduce the boot time of your PC, reducing the time of the first test. Of course, we recommend doing this only if all PC components are working stably. For example, you can enable the BIOS to check available memory once instead of three times. To do this, go to the "Advanced" or "Advanced BIOS Features" section, find the "Quick Power On Self Test" or "Quick Boot" option and set it to "Enabled".

Warning: If you experience any problems with the hardware, we recommend returning to the BIOS and turning off the quick test by setting it to "Disabled". In this case, the BIOS is more likely to find an error.

16. How to enable another video card in the BIOS

If your computer has several interfaces into which a graphics card can be installed (integrated graphics, AGP, PCI Express, PCI), then the BIOS will try to determine which of them has a working card when booting. But this is not necessary, because you know all the necessary information!

Select an option in BIOS Setup called "Init Display First", which may also be called "Primary VGA BIOS" or "VGA Boot From" depending on the BIOS version. Specify "AGP" if you are using an AGP graphics card. On newer systems with PCI Express, this option is usually called "PEG Port/Graphic Adapter Priority". In this case, set it to "PEG" if you are using a PCI Express card.

17. How to disable unnecessary video card functions in the BIOS

BIOS Cacheable: This option will improve performance on MS-DOS only.

The "Video RAM Cacheable" and "Video BIOS Cacheable" options improve graphics performance on older DOS machines. But they are useless for Windows. There is no need to include them.

Set both the "Video RAM Cacheable" and "Video BIOS Cacheable" options in the BIOS to "Disabled". At the same time, disable the "VGA Palette Snoop" option, if available. Finally, you can disable the "System BIOS Cacheable" option: it no longer improves performance, and in some cases can even negatively affect system stability.

18. How to correctly configure memory for a video card in BIOS

The "Graphics Aperture Size" option (which may also be called "AGP Aperture Size") was originally intended to help AGP graphics cards use PC RAM more efficiently during texture rendering. This feature is already outdated, since many graphics cards are equipped with 128, 256 or even 512 MB of built-in memory. In addition, the video memory built into the card is faster than the PC's RAM. If previously it was recommended to set the value of texture memory to half the amount of RAM in your system, today it is better to choose the optimal size. That is, 128 or 64 MB.

19. How to correctly set the AGP clock speed in the BIOS

This "trick" allows you to avoid problems with an AGP graphics card when overclocking Front Side Bus (FSB).

On motherboards equipped with an overclocking function, you can find the "AGPCLK/CPUCLK" menu item (it can also be called "AGP Clock"). If it is, then set the value to "Fix". It prevents FSB overclocking from affecting AGP frequencies. A value of "1/1" forces AGP to operate at the same frequency as the FSB. A value of "2/3" sets the AGP to 2/3 of the FSB frequency, so that, say, a 100 MHz FSB becomes 66 MHz for the AGP graphics card.

20. How to increase the AGP clock speed in the BIOS

Increasing the AGP frequency increases performance, but it can also cause problems.

Some motherboards allow you to increase the AGP frequency. In principle, you can try to increase this frequency (“AGP Frequency” item) in small steps, and restart the PC after each change. Test every setting on a 3D shooter like Doom 3 or Quake 4 to check system stability. If any problems start to occur, change to the previous AGP frequency value.

21. How to increase the AGP voltage in the BIOS

Higher clock speeds also require more power. The "AGP Voltage" option allows you to increase the AGP voltage, most often in 0.1 V steps. The voltage can be increased if increasing the AGP frequency leads to instability, and the need for increased performance is urgent.

Warning: In some situations, increasing the voltage too much may burn out the graphics card. If increasing the voltage does not produce the desired effect, return the value to a lower level and reduce the AGP frequency to ensure stable system operation.

22. How to enable or disable the processor cache in the BIOS

Enabling any level of processor cache (1, 2 or 3) provides a significant performance boost.

The CPU runs significantly faster than other components on the motherboard and often has to wait for data to arrive. The processor cache, which is a high-speed memory located between the CPU and the computer's RAM, allows you to speed up data exchange.

The first level cache (L1) is very small, but it is located on the processor core, close to the compute units, providing very fast storage for temporary data. The second level cache (L2) is significantly larger in size and can store some entire program elements or pieces of data. When the processor requests data, it first checks its presence in the cache. If the required data is there, then the computer's performance increases significantly, because memory cannot respond at the same speed as the cache. Some processors, usually professional grade, also have an L3 cache. As you understand, the cache should always be enabled.

23. How to enable APIC in BIOS

The motherboard chipset most often consists of two chips, called the north and south bridges. They are responsible for transferring data between the processor, RAM, expansion cards and peripheral devices. Enabling the APIC (advanced programmable interrupt controller) mode in the BIOS allows for improved operation of devices. The number of interrupts increases from 16 to 24, and managing them using APIC is much simpler and more convenient.

All you need to do is go to the "Advanced BIOS Features" menu and set the "APIC Mode" option to "Enabled".

24. How to enable Burst Mode in the BIOS

Burst Mode allows you to speed up many things: working with hard drives, PCI cards and RAM. Batch mode allows you to transfer multiple pieces of data in one transmission instead of processing all the pieces individually.

If during BIOS setup you come across the “Burst Mode” option anywhere, then set it to “Enabled” mode. Of course, after this we recommend checking the stability of the system.

Warning: Many PCI cards may not function properly if the PCI Dynamic Bursting option is set to Enabled.

25. Turn on Bus Mastering

Enable Bus Mastering: this option speeds up work with the hard drive.

This BIOS setting allows Windows to use the faster Direct Memory Access (DMA) mode when reading or writing to the hard drive. DMA mode allows the hard disk controller to directly access memory, bypassing the CPU. As a result, access to the hard drive is accelerated and precious CPU resources are saved.

If the "PCI IDE BusMaster" option is present in the "Integrated Peripherals" menu, set its value to "Enabled", as shown in the illustration above. When you do this, go to Windows "Start, Settings, Control Panel, System" and click the "Device Manager" button on the "Hardware" tab. There, find the item “IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers/IDE ATA/ATAPI Controller” (it depends on the chipset, so it may be slightly different in your case). Find the entry "Primary IDE Channel" and go to the "Advanced Settings" tab. There, find the item "Current Transfer Mode". Its value should be set to "Ultra DMA Mode". Hard drives are usually set to mode 5, and CD/DVD drives are usually set to mode 2.

26. How to change memory timings in the BIOS

Reducing memory latency. This operation makes sense only for high-quality memory modules. But if it works, you'll get a performance boost.

Each SDRAM and DDR/DDR-2 memory module carries a special Serial Presence Detect (SPD) chip, which stores default memory latency (timing) values. Memory manufacturers usually specify SPD values ​​to ensure stable and reliable operation. Therefore, it often makes sense to speed up latency a little, since this step allows you to squeeze out a few more percent of performance.

The corresponding options may have names like "System Performance", "Memory Timings" or "Configure DRAM Timing". Typically, the default value for these options is "By SPD". It forces the computer to read the recommended values ​​from the SPD chip of the memory module and automatically use them. In addition, the value "Enabled" is also unlikely to cause problems with the PC.

If you want to try to configure the systems for better performance, then set the option value to "Disabled" or "User Defined" (if there are any, see the illustration above). Then set the parameters manually as indicated in the following paragraphs.

27. How to reduce RAS-to-CAS latency in BIOS

Memory is better represented as a two-dimensional array. To obtain data, specify a column using the Row Address Strobe (RAS) signal, and then a row using the Column Address Strobe (CAS) signal. A certain time interval is required between the RAS and CAS signals so that the addressing does not go astray. Typically the RAS-to-CAS latency is two or more clock cycles.

The "SDRAM RAS to CAS Delay" value allows you to precisely set how many clock cycles will pass between the RAS and CAS signals. Possible settings range from 2 to 5, with 2 being the fastest. Try to reduce latency and test the stability of your system. The higher quality your memory modules are, the lower the latency you can get.

28. Reducing CAS latency in BIOS

When receiving data from memory, you should wait a certain time interval between setting the address and transmitting the data. It is also indicated in measures: 2T for two measures, 3T for three, etc. A lower "SDRAM CAS Latency" value provides higher performance.

The correct (and safe) "SDRAM CAS Latency" value is usually printed on the module label or even burned into the chips themselves. For cheap modules, values ​​of 3T or 2.5T are usually found. Set the value to 2.5T or even 2T, then check the stability of the system. Some memory manufacturers claim that memory that supports 2T mode is capable of operating at higher frequencies. If you can reduce the CAS latency, you can try to increase the memory frequency using the "Memory Frequency" option.

Warning: Perform only one parameter change per test run. Then you can immediately determine the cause of unstable operation and return to the tested value.

29. Reduce RAS Precharge Delay in BIOS

For memory cells to work quickly, they need to be charged correctly. The "SDRAM RAS Precharge Delay" option specifies the interval (in clock cycles) between charging the cells and sending the RAS signal. With a lower value, say "2", the memory works faster, but is often unstable. Try to reduce the charging delay and check the stability of the system each time.

30. Reduce SDRAM Precharge in BIOS

The delay "SDRAM Active Precharge Delay" is also set in clock cycles. It indicates the latency between successive memory accesses, so reducing it can speed up memory access.

Typically, the delay is calculated as follows: Active Precharge Delay = CAS-Latency + RAS Precharge Delay + 2 (for stability). As with other delays, try reducing its value by one cycle and check the stability of the system. If problems arise, return the value back.

31. Reducing memory timings: general tips

RAM Latencies: Reducing latency allows for faster performance of the memory subsystem.

Recommended values ​​for council delays 27-30 depend on the modules themselves. If the module says “2.5-4-4-8”, then the CAS Latency is 2.5 clock cycles, the RAS to CAS Delay is 4 clock cycles, the RAS Precharge Delay is 4 clock cycles, and the Active Precharge Delay is 8 clock cycles. These are the values ​​recommended by the manufacturer for memory modules. Of course, smaller delays can be achieved, but this poses the risk of system failures. If you want optimal performance, we recommend decreasing the latency by one value at a time and testing system stability each time.

32. Increase the memory voltage in the BIOS

If the memory works faster, then it will need more energy. That is why, as the frequency increases, the supply voltage should also be increased.

The "DDR Reference Voltage" option allows you to increase the memory voltage, usually in 0.1 V increments. Increasing the voltage makes sense if you have reduced latency or increased the memory frequency. Or if problems with stable operation began to arise.

Warning: Excessive voltage may burn out memory modules!

33. How to turn off the built-in sound in the BIOS

Often the motherboard's built-in sound controller is not used. For example, if you have installed a powerful PCI sound card or generally use a computer without speakers. Then it makes sense to turn off the sound on the motherboard. In some cases, this can improve overall system performance and stability.

In the "Integrated Peripherals" menu, set the "AC97 Audio Select" item to "Disabled" (as shown in the illustration above).

34. How to disable the game port in the BIOS

The game port is useful only to owners of old joysticks or those users who use it as a MIDI interface. Then it makes sense to allocate two I/O ports and an interrupt to the game port. (By the way, if you have a joystick, it most likely uses a USB connection). For all other users, it is better to disable the game port.

In the "Integrated Peripherals" menu, set the "Game Port" item to "Disabled".

35. How to disable the network port in the BIOS

Some motherboards come with two network interfaces, but generally most users only need one. It is better to disable interfaces that are not working. In some cases, this improves system performance and stability.

In the "Integrated Peripherals" menu, set the "Onboard Intel LAN" item to "Disabled".

36. How to disable unnecessary ports in the BIOS

Today, only older PDAs and modems need serial ports COM1 and COM2. Disabling ports saves two IRQs, reducing the number of interrupts the processor must check. And hardly anyone needs a parallel LPT interface today. Moreover, modern printers and scanners are connected to a USB port.

From the "Integrated Peripherals" menu, disable the COM1 and COM2 interfaces (the "IO Devices, Com-Port" option, but it can also be called "Serial Port 1/2"). Disable the LPT port by setting the "Parallel Port" item to "Disabled".

37. How to disable FireWire (IEEE1394) in the BIOS

The FireWire interface is only needed if you need to download video from a video camera or connect FireWire peripherals. In all other situations, it is better to turn off the interface.

In the "Integrated Peripherals" menu, set the value of the "Onboard 1394 device" item to "Disabled".

BIOS update

From time to time, motherboard manufacturers release new BIOS versions. BIOS updates usually contain various optimizations as well as new features. Let's say the same overclocking functions. We recommend updating the BIOS only when a new final version is available (it is better to skip beta and alpha versions).

The BIOS is written to a special flash memory chip. When flashing a new version of firmware, it is written in place of the old one. To update the BIOS, special utilities are required, which motherboard manufacturers include in the package. In addition, some BIOS versions support firmware flashing independently using a key combination.

When it comes to updating the BIOS, there are usually two alternatives. You can use a Windows utility, which can usually be found on the motherboard CD or downloaded from the manufacturer's website. You can also install a utility that will periodically check for a new BIOS version and, if necessary, download it. This method is simple, but the verification utility takes up memory space and consumes some resources.

Updating the BIOS for Windows is an easy and simple method, as long as your system is stable. For greater reliability, we can recommend updating via DOS.

To do this, you need to download the firmware utility from the manufacturer's website. Then create a DOS boot floppy disk and write the utility along with the new BIOS version onto it. Then you should boot from the floppy disk and run the utility through the command line (if you downloaded the utility and BIOS in a ZIP archive, then they should be copied unpacked to the floppy disk). This approach is considered by many to be more reliable, since DOS does not have any third-party drivers.

Warning: If you update your laptop's BIOS, you should not do this while running on battery power. The laptop should be flashed while running on mains power.

Choose your motherboard: Only use BIOS versions that are designed specifically for your model.

Visit the website of the motherboard (or computer) manufacturer and then find the model you need. Most often, motherboard models are named like "GA-686BX", "A7N8X-E" or "K8T Neo2". Sometimes motherboards have two names: retail (say, "K8T-Neo") and technical (for example, "MS-6702 Version 1.0"). The latter is usually indicated on the PCB of the board. When you find the page with your model, follow the "Downloads" or "Support" link.

39. Keep the old BIOS version

We recommend keeping the old BIOS version in case the new one is unstable or causes any problems. You can always flash the old BIOS instead of the new version. In addition, we recommend that you carefully read the Readme file that is included in the BIOS archive. It indicates the changes and additions made to the new version.

40. Think twice before updating your BIOS

The notes provided in each BIOS version help you decide whether you need to update your BIOS or not.

If updating the BIOS solves a specific problem (see illustration above), then you must decide how relevant it is for your system. If the problem does not concern you, then you can skip the BIOS update. Of course, if it does not provide any other improvements. Note that a new BIOS version often allows you to install more modern processors.

If you did not buy the motherboard separately, or bought a branded PC outright, then in such cases it is better to contact the PC manufacturer’s website. Of course, it is quite possible that you will find the same BIOS update there as on the motherboard manufacturer's website. However, some PC manufacturers release their own versions of the BIOS. If you don't know where to download the BIOS update from (from the motherboard or PC manufacturer's website), find out the answer to this question from the manufacturer. If you don't get a clear answer, then it may not be worth updating the BIOS.

41. How to prepare a boot disk with BIOS

When you download a BIOS from the manufacturer's website, you will usually receive a ZIP archive containing several files. One of the files contains the new BIOS version itself, and this file is often called very mysteriously: “W7176IMS.110” or “AN8D1007.BIN”. In addition, in the archive you can find a text document with installation instructions.

As a rule, the archive also contains an executable file.EXE - a utility for flashing the BIOS. For BIOS Award it is called "awdflash.exe". In addition, the archive usually contains a batch file that simplifies the firmware process. Most often it is called "start.cmd", "flash.bat" or "autoexec.bat". Unzip these files to any folder. For example, in "C:\BIOS\". If the BIOS archive is self-extracting, then copy it to this folder and run it.

Important: Before you begin the firmware procedure, print the Readme file as it may contain important information. Keep the printout with other documentation. By the way, if you don’t have the documentation saved, you can almost always download it from the manufacturer’s website in the form of PDF files.

42. How to write the BIOS to a bootable floppy disk

To flash the BIOS, you will need a DOS boot diskette. To create it, click on the “My Computer” icon. Right-click on the drive icon and select "Format.../Format...". In the window that appears, check the box “Create an MS-DOS startup disk.” Then click "Start" to start formatting. Copy the BIOS file and the firmware utility to the floppy disk (for example, the files “awdflash.exe” and “w6330vms.360” for the latest version of Award BIOS).

Then you need to restart the computer and boot from the floppy disk. To do this, make sure that the drive in the BIOS is set to the first boot device. After rebooting, enter the BIOS setup menu by pressing the appropriate key. Select "Advanced BIOS Features, Boot Sequence", which may also be called "Advanced, Advanced BIOS Features" on some PCs. Make sure the "1st Boot Device" option is set to "Floppy". Exit to the main BIOS setup menu using the key, then use the key to exit the BIOS setup menu. If you want to save the changes you have made, press the [Y] ("Yes") key.

43. How to flash BIOS under DOS

Make sure there is stable power supply to the computer. As we mentioned earlier, do not flash the BIOS on a laptop while it is running on battery power. Connect your laptop to a power outlet.

Boot the PC from the floppy disk on which you recorded the firmware utility and BIOS file. On the command line, enter the name of the firmware utility, followed by a space - the name of the BIOS file. In our example for Award BIOS this will be a line like:

A:\>awdflash.exe w6330vms.360

The firmware utility will launch and guide you through all the other processes.

Keep the old BIOS. Before flashing a new BIOS version, we recommend saving the old version by entering the file name.

Although the name of the firmware utility and the BIOS file in your case may differ (for example, "awdfl789.exe" and "w6330vms.250"), the approach does not change. Follow the utility's instructions and answer correctly. Whenever you update your BIOS, keep the old version just in case. It will allow you to go back if any problems appear in the new BIOS version.

Finally, the firmware utility will overwrite the BIOS image in the flash memory with the new version. After successful completion, you should restart your PC. During the firmware installation, you need to ensure that the computer does not lose power. Otherwise, you will have to contact a service center (or craftsmen) and flash the BIOS using a programmer.

44. Setting up a new BIOS

When the BIOS update is completed, reboot the computer, preferably in a cold way (by turning off and on the power). In some cases, a CMOS reset may be necessary (see below). After switching on, the BIOS loading lines will be displayed on the screen, where the new version should appear. Enter the BIOS setup using the required keys. Select the "Load Optimized Defaults" option (this may be called "Exit, Load Setup Defaults" on some PCs), which will load the default settings. Make any required changes to the BIOS settings. Exit the setting with the key, then press [Y] to save the setting. Then enjoy the products of your labor!

Golden rules of BIOS firmware

In principle, by changing BIOS settings, you are unlikely to cause irreparable harm to the computer, unless you increase the supply voltage too much. In any case, it is better to remember a few golden rules.

1. Create a backup copy of your current BIOS version. Before you flash a new BIOS version, save the old one. Each BIOS firmware utility has the ability to save the old version, for example, "Save current BIOS as". If the new version turns out to be problematic, you can always go back to the old one.
2. Change only one setting at a time. If you go into BIOS setup, make changes carefully, one at a time and in small steps if possible. After each process, reboot your computer and test under Windows to identify any instabilities. This is the only way to determine how a particular setting will affect the performance and stability of your PC.
3. Use stress tests. To check the stability of your PC, it is best to load your computer to the maximum. You can run games, a video editing application, 3D tests like 3DMark 2005, etc.
4. If all else fails, try a cold boot. If the computer refuses to boot after pressing the Reset key, then turn off the computer from the network and wait a couple of minutes. Use the power cable disconnect switch or the toggle switch on the power supply rather than the power key on the front of the PC.
5. Reset CMOS. If the PC refuses to boot after changes made to the BIOS, then you will not be able to return the settings back. In such cases, resetting CMOS settings helps. Follow the instructions to reset the CMOS for your motherboard. In some cases, to reset the CMOS, you must close (or open) the jumper, giving the "Clear CMOS" signal. Or you need to use a DIP switch. Don't forget that after resetting CMOS you need to return the jumper to its original position. Alternatively, you can remove the motherboard battery and disconnect the computer from the network. But sometimes you need to wait several hours.

BIOS Setup: Guide

Introduction to BIOS Setup

The Basic Input-Output System (BIOS) is an important part of the procedures of any PC, which is stored in a separate chip on the motherboard. At its core, BIOS is an intermediary between computer hardware and the operating system. Without a BIOS, the operating system would not be able to communicate with and control the hardware.

In other words, the BIOS is the most important component of any computer. If the BIOS settings are set incorrectly, your PC's performance can be reduced by up to 40%. Unfortunately, as new processors and motherboards come out, BIOS options continue to become more confusing. As a result, many users simply do not understand the meaning of many modern BIOS options.

But don't despair - THG is here to help! Each motherboard and/or computer uses a different BIOS, so we will look at an example of BIOS optimization based on the Asus A7N8X-E Deluxe motherboard. We chose this particular motherboard because after it a large number of other ASUS motherboards with similar BIOS were released. In addition, the A7N8X-E is one of the most popular ASUS models: it has been on the market for almost two years and is still sold for AMD systems. It is likely that your motherboard will have certain differences from this model, but you can get an idea of ​​​​the possible adjustments.

Remember that incorrectly setting BIOS settings can lead to unstable PC operation. In this case, you will have to reset the BIOS settings to the factory default (that is, to non-optimized ones). This is usually done using a motherboard jumper, but how do you reset the BIOS on a laptop? None of the options discussed here should negatively impact your PC's performance, but follow each step carefully.

Many major computer manufacturers like Dell, HP, Gateway and Micron limit the available options in the BIOS to reduce the number of support calls due to incorrect settings. Therefore, on computers from some manufacturers, you will not be able to enable certain advanced options mentioned in our article.

During boot, most PCs will briefly display a message telling you how to enter the BIOS setup. You will have a few seconds to press the required key; if you don’t have time, the operating system will begin to load. To enter the BIOS after turning on the PC, hold or continuously press the desired key. On most PCs this is "DEL", "F1" or "F2". If your PC does not enter the BIOS setup using these keys or does not display a message on how to do this, you will have to contact your PC manufacturer's documentation or support service.

We recommend that you reboot your computer after changing each BIOS option to ensure the system is stable. Think about it: if you make several changes to the BIOS options and your system stops booting, how will you find the cause of the error?

Let's start with the BIOS main options menu (Main Options), which can be called up by clicking on the "Main" tab in the upper left corner.

Below you can set the time and date, as well as the parameters of your hard drives and other installed drives. Every time you boot, your PC will most likely automatically detect the drives installed on the system. This takes a second or two on most computers, but if you manually enter the settings you need, you'll speed up the boot time somewhat.

To do this, select the drive by moving the cursor to it and press "Enter". Then write down the values ​​for the Cylinders, Heads, Sectors, and LBA parameters. Some BIOSes have options for "Block Mode" and "32-Bit Transfer Mode". Change the drive type from "AUTO" to "USER". Then enter the same numbers that were displayed. On most modern computers, you should turn "LBA Mode", "Block Mode" and "32-bit Transfer Mode" ON, even if they were turned off previously.

If no drives are connected to this controller channel, select NONE. For example, if your hard drive is configured as Primary Master and your CD-RW drive is configured as Secondary Master, make sure that the Primary/Secondary Slave on each channel is set to NONE. If you leave the AUTO option without the presence of a device, the computer will check for the presence of a drive every time. Setting it to NONE where there are no drives will speed up loading a bit.

Then select the "Advanced" tab, which will be divided into several submenus. The first branch is called "Advanced BIOS Features."

Is it necessary to thoroughly test your memory and disk drive every time you turn on your computer? Unless you suspect there is a problem with one of these components, it probably doesn't make sense to run a BIOS diagnostic every time. In this part of the BIOS, you can reduce the system startup time by enabling or disabling certain functions. For example, those that we indicated above. Below are the recommended settings.

Boot Virus Detection(boot virus detection): "Enabled" Sometimes this item is located in the main section of the BIOS (“Standard” or “Main”). Today, boot viruses are not as common as they once were, but this feature will protect your data when booting from an infected floppy disk or CD-ROM.

CPU Level 1 Cache(processor L1 cache): "Enabled"

CPU Level 2 Cache(processor L2 cache): "Enabled".

Quick Power On Self Test(quick test): "Enabled" This item allows you to avoid repeating memory testing several times when you turn on the PC. If you have faulty memory, this test still won’t detect it.

First, Second, or Third Boot Device(first, second, or third boot devices): Set your boot order and disable any devices you don't plan to boot from.

Boot Other Device(boot from another device): "Disabled" unless you plan to boot from a network card or SCSI device.

Boot Up Floppy Seek(drive check at boot): "Disabled" Extra waste of time, and extra noise.

Boot Up NumLock Status(state of the "NumLock" key when loading): choose here yourself. Some people like the NumLock key to be activated when Windows boots, others don't.

Gate A20 Option(Gate A20 option): FAST. Although this feature has lost its significance under Windows XP, we still recommend leaving it enabled. Older versions of Windows and OS/2 work better if the parameter is set to FAST. The only reason to set this parameter to "Normal" is when loading DOS.

Typematic Rate Setting(dial speed): "Disabled" Here you can choose for yourself. This setting determines how often keyboard characters will be pressed when holding a specific key.

APIC Mode(APIC mode): "Enabled" Behind the APIC lies an Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller, which is responsible for supporting multiple processors, additional IRQs and faster interrupt processing.

OS/2 Onboard Memory > 64M(OS/2 memory > 64 MB): "Disabled". This setting only applies to users who will be running the now legacy OS/2 operating system from IBM.

Full Screen LOGO Show(display full screen logo): your choice. When the option is enabled, the memory counter and the Power-On Self-Test (POST) are hidden behind the graphic image. If this option is disabled, you will see the normal loading screen. Actually, it is present on most computers. Some users like to hide the POST screen, while others like to watch the process.

POST Complete Report(full POST report): Take your pick. When you enable this option, you will receive a full POST report.

Overclockers and enthusiasts trying to increase system performance often increase the bus and core frequencies of the processor. In addition, they often increase the voltage of the components, since this can achieve higher clock speeds, but also generates more heat.

Overclocking no longer results in the kind of performance difference we were accustomed to a few years ago. In addition, overclocking voids the user's warranty, can lead to component failure, and the system may become unstable. For this reason, most frequency and voltage settings in this section of the BIOS should be left at "AUTO". If you want to adjust the settings, click on the "Advanced" tab of the BIOS screen, and then select the "Advanced Chipset Features" branch.

CPU External Freq. (MHz)(external processor frequency, MHz): Make sure it is set according to the specifications of your processor.

CPU Frequency Multiple Setting(set the processor multiplier): AUTO.

CPU Frequency Multiple(CPU Multiplier): Make sure the multiplier is set according to the CPU specifications.

In other BIOSes, the multiplier item may be called "CPU Multiplier". To understand the meaning of the multiplier, remember that the processor frequency is different from the rest of your system. Our example uses an AMD Athlon 2600+ processor, whose frequency is 2133 MHz. The processor FSB frequency is 133.33 MHz. The processor operating frequency of 2133 MHz (2.133 GHz) is set by multiplying the FSB frequency by a multiplier. In this case, we just get 16 x 133.33 = 2133.

Through testing, AMD has determined that the 2133 MHz processor is as fast (or even faster) than the 2.6 GHz Intel processor. Because consumers typically use clock speed to measure performance, AMD had to find a way to convince consumers that lower clock speeds on AMD processors do not mean lower performance. For this purpose, model numbers were introduced. So it should come as no surprise that the AMD Athlon 2600+ (in our example) is actually clocked at 2.133 GHz rather than 2.6 GHz.

System Performance(system performance): "Optimal"

CPU Interface(CPU interface): "Optimal"

Memory Frequency(memory interface): "By SPD" (via SPD). Most memory module manufacturers add a special chip (Serial Presence Detect, SPD), which tells the computer's BIOS the module size, frequency, voltage and other memory parameters. These settings are determined by the manufacturer to ensure maximum performance and reliability. This is why we recommend leaving the "By SPD" option. If you adjust the memory settings manually, you can squeeze out a little more performance. But be careful: the system may start to crash at random times, not boot properly, or refuse to boot at all.

Overclocking options in advanced BIOS settings, continued

Memory Timings(memory delays): "Optimal" (optimal).

FSB Spread Spectrum: "Disabled" This feature allows systems to pass European electromagnetic interference (EMI) tests. It constantly changes, albeit slightly, the Front Side Bus (FSB) frequency. Please be aware that enabling this feature may result in interruptions to your Internet connection and may also cause stability issues when overclocking your system.

AGP Spread Spectrum: "Disabled" The same thing is true here as stated in the previous paragraph. Except that the frequency of the Advanced Graphics Port (AGP) interface is modulated.

CPU VCore Setting(processor core voltage setting): "AUTO".

CPU VCore(CPU Core Voltage): Make sure this setting is set according to the CPU specifications.

There are so many different processors on the market today that it is unlikely that one example can describe them all. Below we have provided a partial table showing the name of the CPU, the actual operating frequency, the rated core voltage and the maximum permissible temperature.

Athlon processors	Frequency (GHz)	Core Voltage (V)	Max. temperature (°C)
XP 1700	1,467	1,50	90
XP 1900	1,60	1,50	90
XP 2000	1,667	1,60	90
XP 2100	1,733	1,60	90
XP 2200	1,80	1,60	90
XP 2400	2,0	1,60	85
XP 2600	2,133	1,65	85
XP 2700	2,171	1,65	85
XP 2800	2,250	1,65	85

Graphics Aperture Size(AGP aperture size): 64 MB or 128 MB. This function controls the Graphics Address Relocation Table (GART) and the amount of memory that the AGP bus can address. Regardless of the memory size of your graphics card, we recommend specifying 64 or 128 MB. As a result, the video card will provide optimized performance even if the application requires additional memory for textures - at the same time, GART will not go beyond reasonable limits.

AGP Frequency(AGP frequency): "AUTO".

System BIOS Cacheable(system BIOS caching): "Disabled" You might think that caching is a good thing. Yes, but not always. Enabling this feature may cause the system to crash if a program attempts to write data to the cached area of ​​the BIOS. If you are using DOS, then it is better to enable the function.

Video RAM Cacheable(video memory caching): "Disabled" This option allows you to copy the video memory directly to the L2 cache, which is faster than the video card ROM. However, Windows today has advanced much further than DOS, so it uses the video card ROM very rarely. Since the L2 cache is limited in size, we recommend using it to improve the efficiency of other tasks.

DDR Reference Voltage(DDR module voltage): 2.6V. The setting controls the voltage of your system's Double Data Rate (DDR) memory modules.

AGP VDDQ Voltage(AGP VDDQ voltage): 1.5V. VDDQ is a technical abbreviation (Voltage between Drain and common for Data Quad-band). But we won't go into details. All you need to understand is that the voltage of the AGP port of the video card is set here.

AGP 8X Support(AGP 8X support): Enable this option if your video card supports the 8X AGP interface. In addition, motherboards with a VIA chipset should install "VIA 4-in-1" drivers.

AGP Fast Write Capability(AGP Fast Write Support): We recommend enabling this option. This feature allows you to bypass main RAM when writing from the chipset to an AGP device, improving performance by up to 10%. However, some cards and games may have problems enabling this feature. We recommend experimenting to determine which setting works best for your PC.

This section of the BIOS contains settings for the built-in peripherals installed on the motherboard. This includes serial and parallel ports, audio, LAN, USB ports, etc. If some ports are not used, but they are enabled in the BIOS, then the ports consume unnecessary system resources. It's still better to turn them off.

Primary VGA BIOS(main BIOS VGA): This feature is only used if your PC has two graphics cards installed: one AGP (accelerated graphics port) and one PCI (peripheral component interconnect). The system must know which card to initialize first and consider as the primary one. If you have one video card, then most likely it supports the AGP interface. For most cases the default setting is not correct and should be changed to AGP VGA Card. If you really have two video cards, then choose the main one. It will display information about the POST test and OS loading.

USB Controllers(USB controllers): This feature allows you to limit the functionality of your PC's Universal Serial Bus (USB) controllers. You can select "USB 1.1 only", "USB 1.1 and 2.0" and turn off USB altogether. For most users, the best option will be to configure USB 1.1 and 2.0

.

USB Legacy Support(support for legacy USB devices): This feature should be enabled if your PC is equipped with a USB keyboard and you want to use it in a DOS environment or before loading the OS (in the boot menu, for example). If the setting is disabled, the keyboard will not work after booting from a floppy disk or CD-ROM. And you won't be able to enter the BIOS either. If your PC uses a USB keyboard (rectangular connector), then set the setting to "Enabled". If you have a PS/2 keyboard (round connector), set "Disabled". Please note that enabling this feature may result in problems waking up from Standby or Hibernate modes, or may cause your PC to shut down incorrectly. In other words, activate the feature only when necessary.

USB Mouse Support(USB mouse support): The same is true as for the previous point. It is best to disable this option.

Onboard AC97 Audio Controller(built-in AC97 sound controller): If your PC is equipped with an additional sound card, such as the Sound Blaster Audigy, or your system does not have speakers, then disable the built-in sound card ("Disabled"). Then you will free up precious resources and prevent potential conflicts. However, many computers use integrated sound solutions, so you should leave the option enabled ( "Enabled").

Onboard AC97 Modem Controller(AC97 built-in modem controller): Some motherboards use a built-in dial-up modem. If there is no modem socket, a modem is not needed at all, or a separate modem card is used, then the option should be disabled (“Disabled”). Otherwise - enable ("Enabled").

Onboard LAN (nVidia)(built-in LAN controller): this option allows you to enable or disable the built-in network card. The options are "Auto" or "Disabled". The ASUS motherboard used for our review has two built-in network cards, which are especially useful in cases where the PC is used as a router for distributing an Internet connection: one network card connects to a cable/DSL modem, and the second to a switch on your network . If you only use one network port or do not need a network at all, then turn off the controller to free up valuable resources.

Onboard LAN (3Com)(Built-in LAN Controller): This option applies to the second built-in LAN controller. The same thing is true here as stated above.

Peripheral settings in BIOS (Integrated Peripherals), continued

Onboard 1394 Device (FireWire)(Built-in 1394 Controller): This feature enables or disables your PC's built-in IEEE 1394 (FireWire) port. If you are not using any FireWire devices, then disable the option to free up valuable resources.

Floppy Disk Access Controller(disk drive controller): Most modern boards do not have disk drives. If this is true for your PC, or you don’t need the drive, then disable it and free up resources. Note: If you have a floppy drive installed and you turn it off in the BIOS, you will not be able to use it until you turn the feature back on in the BIOS.

Onboard Serial Port 1(built-in serial port): Most users no longer use serial ports to connect peripherals, since this interface has now been almost completely replaced by USB. If you are not using serial ports, disable them to free up resources. On the other hand, if the serial port is used, then set the option "3F8/IRQ4".

Onboard Serial Port 2(built-in serial port): The same as above is true. If the port is in use, set the value to "2F8/IRQ3".

UART2 Use As(UART2 usage type): UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter) is a chip that receives and transmits data serially. Each serial port uses this chip, although it is possible to integrate multiple UARTs into a single chip. Many motherboards offer IR pins instead of COM2, so take your pick. But remember that for the IR port you must install an IR adapter, usually sold separately.

Onboard Parallel Port(built-in parallel port): This feature allows you to select the parallel port mode or disable it altogether. If you do not use the parallel port, then disabling the option will free up valuable system resources. If the port is used, we recommend setting the value "378/IRQ7".

Parallel Port Mode(parallel port mode): If you have disabled the parallel port, then this setting has no effect. However, when enabling the parallel port, you can set the modes to "EPP" (enhanced parallel port) or "ECP" (enhanced capabilities port). "EPP" mode is recommended if your system has only one device that uses the parallel port (for example, a printer). Select "ECP" if you have multiple devices connected to the port: say, an external zip drive, scanner, printer, or tape drive. Make sure you use parallel cables that are IEEE 1284 certified.

ECP DMA Select(ECP DMA Channel Selection): If you have selected "ECP" or "EPP plus ECP" modes for the parallel port, this option will also appear. With its help, you can set the direct memory access channel (DMA, Direct Memory Access) that you plan to use. We recommend the default value of "3".

Onboard Game Port(built-in game port): If your system has a separate sound card, or you do not use MIDI devices or older joysticks, then this feature should be disabled to free up valuable resources. If you are using the built-in game port, then set the default value to “201”.

Onboard MIDI I/O(built-in MIDI interface): MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) allows you to connect musical instruments with PC hardware and software. If the computer is not used to connect external MIDI devices, then feel free to disable the option. Otherwise, we recommend the default value of "330".

Onboard MIDI IRQ: same as above. If you are using MIDI devices, then set the default setting to "10".

This area of ​​the BIOS is where most users get confused. If the settings here are not correct, the system will not shut down properly and will not exit Standby or Hibernate states correctly. Since Windows already has built-in power management, all relevant options in the BIOS can be turned off. Otherwise they will conflict with each other and neither will work correctly. Motherboard manufacturers understand that not everyone uses Windows, so most settings are intended for users of other OSes.

ACPI Suspend to RAM: ACPI stands for Advanced Configuration and Power Interface - do not confuse it with APIC or IPCA, which are also options in some BIOSes. The "Suspend to RAM" feature, also called S3/STR, allows the computer to save more power during standby mode, but all devices connected to the computer must be ACPI compatible. Some BIOS have an "S1/POS" option for this scenario. If you enable this feature and have problems with standby mode, go back to the BIOS and turn it off.

Video Off Method(video off method): DPMS stands for Display Power Management System. This option allows the BIOS to manage a graphics card that supports the "DPMS" feature. The Blank Screen option simply produces a blank black screen - it should be used for those monitors that do not support green options or power saving mode. The "V/H SYNC Blank" option not only produces a black screen, but also turns off vertical and horizontal scanning. If your computer and monitor were released in the last five years, then we recommend the "DPMS" option.

HDD Down In Suspend(HDD shutdown in Suspend mode): The function determines whether the hard disk will be automatically turned off in Suspend mode. Most of these settings are controlled by Windows, but if your hard drive does not turn off when the computer enters Suspend mode, then enable this option. Otherwise, it is better to leave it turned off (“Disabled”).

PWR Button< 4 Secs (Power key): By default, all ATX computers turn off if you hold down the power key for more than four seconds. This setting tells the computer what to do if the power key is held down for less than four seconds. You can either turn off the system or switch it to “Suspend” mode. So decide for yourself.

Power Up On PCI Device(PCI Device Wake): If you are using Wake-On-LAN - an option often used in large office environments to turn on computers remotely - then leave the option "Enabled". Otherwise, we recommend turning off this option (“Disabled”).

Wake/Power Up on Ext. Modem(Wake on via external modem): This feature allows the computer to automatically turn on when the modem telephone line is activated. Again, a convenient feature for remote control. In other environments, that is, for most users, it is better to turn it off (“Disabled”).

Automatic Power Up(auto-on): This feature allows you to set a time when your computer will automatically turn on. If you need such a function, then turn it on ("Enabled"). Otherwise, turn it off ("Disabled").

Time (hh:mm:ss) of Alarm(on time): here you can set the time for automatic switching on. Don't forget to turn on the "Automatic Power Up" feature.

AC Power Loss Restart(Power on after power loss): This option tells the computer what it should do after an unexpected power loss and restoration. If the option is disabled ("Disabled"), the system will not start. If enabled ("Enabled"), the system will reboot. We recommend turning this option off ("Disabled").

Power On By PS/2 Mouse(switch on via PS/2 mouse): if the option is enabled, a PS/2 mouse (not USB) can be used to turn on the PC. Turn off ("Disabled") this option to avoid turning on the computer by accidentally touching the mouse.

Power On By PS/2 Keyboard(PS/2 Keyboard Wake): When this function is activated, you can turn on the system using special keys. It is better to turn off the function (“Disabled”) so as not to accidentally make the wrong key.

This area of ​​the BIOS exists primarily to resolve compatibility issues with older hardware. Most users do not need to change the default settings here.

Reset Configuration Data(reset configuration data): ESCD (Extended System Configuration Data) contains information about all non-PnP devices (plug and play). It also stores system information from the previous boot. Enable this option to clear data during the Power-On-Self-Test (POST). Typically, cleaning is done when diagnosing any component that is not working correctly. After enabling the option ("Enabled") and exiting the BIOS, the configuration data will be cleared and the option will automatically turn off ("Disabled").

Resources Controlled By(resource management): This setting allows the computer to either set IRQs automatically or manually assign IRQs to all devices. Please note that manually specifying an IRQ may cause problems. This option is only necessary when working with older, non-PnP peripherals. It is recommended to set to "AUTO"(ESCD).

IRQ Resources(IRQ resources): This option will allow you to manually configure IRQ. It is activated only if you selected manual indication ("MANUAL") in the previous paragraph.

PCI/VGA Palette Snoop: This feature usually applies to add-on graphics cards like MPEG encoders. They do not have their own color palette, so they must snoop the palette from the system video card. If, like most users, you do not have an additional video device connected to your video card, then disable this setting ("Disabled").

BIOS security options allow you to restrict outsiders from accessing the BIOS or computer to prevent them from making any changes. Since BIOS settings are critical for the correct operation of the PC, many administrators in companies lock the BIOS with a password.

Security Option(security option): This option allows you to protect changes to the BIOS with a password ("Setup" option). In addition, here you can specify that a password is requested every time the PC boots (the "System" option).

Set Supervisor Password(set administrative password): If you specify an administrative password, it will be requested when you enter the BIOS (when you select the "Setup" option above). If in the paragraph above you specified the “System” option, then a password is also required for “cold” boot.

Set User Password(set user password): Here you can specify a password that will be requested from users when they boot the PC. If the Supervisor Password is also specified, then in the BIOS the user will only be able to change the time and date.

Note: If you forget or lose your passwords, you will have to reset the BIOS to factory settings by temporarily changing the jumper on the motherboard.

In this part of the BIOS you can monitor voltages, fan speeds and temperatures. On the ASUS motherboard used in our article, you can also change the fan speed depending on temperature parameters. In addition, you can set the CPU temperature alarm, which will be activated when it overheats. Another possibility is to turn off the computer after exceeding the threshold temperature. Then your processor will not burn out from overheating or in any extreme situations.

If the BIOS has similar capabilities, then they are all included in a section and clearly labeled. Because modern processors run very hot, we recommend enabling monitoring features to prevent potential hazards.

Each CPU has its own temperature limits. For example, for AMD Athlon they are given at the beginning of this article. In general, if the BIOS contains the options “issue a warning beep” or “shut down the computer if a specific temperature is reached or exceeded”, then they usually indicate several temperature values ​​from which you can choose any. We recommend setting the second temperature after the hottest one.

Conclusion on BIOS setup

Since the BIOS of modern computers differs in many ways, your computer's BIOS may have some functions not discussed in this article. For more information and answers to questions, we recommend visiting the following websites: Wim's BIOS And Adrian's RojakPot .

Good luck with setting up and optimizing the BIOS!

Setting up the BIOS on a computer is a simple process in itself, but it requires certain knowledge and care, because the performance and performance of the PC depends on its result. BIOS is a group of microprograms responsible for interaction between PC components and its further loading. This set of programs is “hardwired” into a microcircuit on the motherboard.

An interesting fact is that the BIOS was developed in 1981 and has remained virtually unchanged to this day. Only in 2005 did UEFI BIOS appear, but it has yet to displace the good old BIOS from the market.

Setting up BIOS on a new computer

You have a new computer in front of you. If this is a branded computer, then most likely you will not need to configure the bios of the new computer. The manufacturer did this for you. If not, take the documentation for your motherboard and see how to get into the BIOS. Usually, during initial boot, you need to press one of the keys: Del, F2, or F10, but there are other options. Now you know how to find BIOS settings on your computer. Let's see what needs to be configured in the BIOS.

For example, let's look at how the BIOS is configured on an Asus computer. This is AMI BIOS version 02.61. We get into the BIOS by pressing the "Delete" key. The MAIN section will open. Here you can set the date and time, as well as configure hard drives and CD-DVD drives. Please note: on the left side of the screen there is a hint which keys can be used to control the BIOS. Left-right arrows switch sections. You can use the up and down arrows to move between items in the section. The Enter key enters the selected setting item. You can save the settings using the F10 key.

1. In the MAIN section we can see information about the processor, BIOS version and RAM size. To do this, you need to enter the System Information item. In the Storage Configuration item, you can configure the operating mode of hard drives. Here you can set the SATA configuration mode to IDE or ACHI. In IDE mode, you can install an old operating system like Windows XP on your computer. To install modern operating systems, ACHI is set.

2. Advanced section. Here we are interested in the USB configuration settings item. In this section, you must enable the USB ports by selecting Enabled and set the highest data transfer speed (HighSpeed). It is better to leave the remaining settings in the Auto position.

3. Another computer setup via BIOS is performed in the Power section. Here we are interested in the Hardware Monitor item. It displays the temperature of the processor, as well as the number of volts supplied by the power supply. Here you need to enable intelligent cooler control. In the CPU Q-Fan Control menu item, select Enabled.

4. Next, let's see how to configure the computer's bios in the Boot section. Here we set the download from a particular device. When your computer has more than one hard drive, you need to select the drive from which to boot from in the Hard Disk Drives item. In the Boot Device Priority item, select the device from which the computer will boot (for example, a hard drive).

5. In the Boot Setting Configuration section, enable NumLock in the Bootup Num-Lock item (select ON). We also select to quickly boot the computer in the Quick Boot section. In the Security section you can set a password to enter the BIOS.

6. Exit section. Here we save the settings. If you configured something incorrectly, you can set the standard settings.

A laptop is built on the same principle as a regular computer. Accordingly, it also has a BIOS. To get into it, you need to press one of the F1, F2, F10, or ESC keys, depending on the motherboard manufacturer. In principle, the BIOS of all laptops is very similar, so it will not be difficult for you to understand how to properly configure the BIOS on a laptop.

According to this scheme, you perform step-by-step setup of the BIOS on your computer. We learned how to configure the bios of an asus computer. In order to better understand what and how to configure, it is recommended to watch a video on how to properly configure the BIOS on a computer.

Setting up BIOS on an old computer

There are no fundamental differences between the BIOS of the old computer and the new one, so setting up the BIOS in the old computer is carried out according to the above scheme. The only difference is that on an old computer you cannot set it to boot from a flash drive - only from a CD-DVD or hard drive.

In order to install an operating system on an old computer, you need to configure the BIOS.

Let's see how to configure the BIOS in pictures for an HP computer. Here we configure the hard drive in the IDE and boot from CD-ROM. That's it, you can start installing the operating system.

Have you reconfigured your BIOS but can't install Windows? The cost of installing an operating system by a specialist can be found here. Read about how to set up the Internet on your computer yourself.

UEFI setup

We looked at how the BIOS should be configured on a computer in its classic form. Modern computers use UEFI - a system that is completely different from the old BIOS, but has the same functions. In fact, UEFI is a simple operating system with a graphical interface, so you can easily figure out how to configure your computer through the UEFI BIOS. UEFI has the same tabs as in a regular BIOS, you can select the Russian interface language, boot order, etc. For clarity, you can watch a video of setting up the BIOS on your computer.

Conclusion

As you can see, setting up a computer through bios is really a simple process. The answer to the question “how to configure the BIOS on an asus computer” is given above. This is also easy to do on computers from other manufacturers. All settings are the same. Also now you know how to properly configure bios on a laptop. It is best to perform BIOS settings using the manual for your motherboard, which describes how to set up the BIOS on your computer in pictures. This article provides recommendations for typical BIOS settings. If something goes wrong, you can always return to factory settings - to do this, you need to remove the battery on the motherboard and insert it back after 10 seconds.

Setting up the BIOS is the basis of any computer; it is perhaps the most important process in setting up the system. Many of you know that input/output, on which the stability and reliability of the system as a whole directly depends.
To optimize your computer and improve its performance, you need to start with the basic settings. This is where you can achieve the highest results.
And now about everything in more detail. To enter the program BIOS setup(or Setup), just press “DEL” (or “F2”) when the computer boots. , in the BIOS settings, select "Load SETUP Defaults", the computer will reboot with factory settings.

Below I will indicate the basic settings for both modern PCs and for honored oldies that I would like to return to service.

1. BIOS setup. Optimizing processor performance.

CPU Level 1 Cache – be sure to enable this option. It is responsible for using the first level cache and significantly improves the performance of the entire system.
CPU Level 2 Cache – this parameter plays no less important role than the previous one. So let's turn it on. For reference: disabling cache memory can only be done when it fails, but this will significantly reduce the performance of the system as a whole.
CPU Level 2 Cache ECC Check – parameter to enable/disable the algorithm for checking error correction in the 2nd level cache. Enabling this option slightly reduces performance but improves stability. If you are not overclocking your processor, I advise you not to enable this option.
Boot Up System Speed ​​– the parameter has the value High or Low and determines the processor speed and system bus frequency. Our choice is High.
Cache Timing Control – this parameter controls the reading speed of the 2nd level cache memory. Our choice is Fast (Turbo) – high speed, high performance.

2. Optimization of RAM operation.

We've finished setting up the processor, let's move on to setting up the RAM. These settings are either in the "Chipset Features Setup" section or here in the "Advanced" section.
DRAM Frequency – parameter determines the operating speed of RAM. If you know this parameter for sure (usually indicated on the packaging of the memory module), then set it manually; if in doubt, select Auto.
SDRAM Cycle Length - the parameter determines the number of clock cycles required to output data to the bus after the CAS signal arrives. One of the most important parameters affecting performance. If memory allows, you need to set the value to 2.
RAS-to-CAS Delay - The number of clock cycles required for a line of data to enter the amplifier. Also has an impact on performance. Value 2 is preferred and is suitable in most cases.
SDRAM RAS Precharge Time - recharge time of memory cells. Typically the value 2 is used.
FSB/SDRAM/PCI Freq – determines the frequency of the FSB bus, SDRAM and PCI memory.
Memory Hole At 15-16M – the parameter is responsible for allocating part of the address space for the memory of ISA devices. Be sure to enable this option if your computer has older expansion cards for the ISA bus, for example, a corresponding sound card.
Optimization Method – parameter determines the overall speed of data exchange with RAM. Determined empirically, starting with the highest value.
There are other parameters whose settings will significantly speed up the process of exchanging data with RAM. The lower the value of time delays or timing (this is the slang of IT engineers and system administrators), the higher the performance, but perhaps all this will lead to unstable operation.
Experiment for your health, don’t forget that you can reset the settings and load factory settings.

3. PCI controller

CPU to PCI Write Buffer - when the processor works with a PCI device, it writes to the ports. The data then enters the bus controller and then into the device registers.
If we enable this option, a write buffer is used, which accumulates data before the PCI device is ready. And the processor doesn't have to wait for it - it can release the data and continue executing the program. I advise you to enable this option.
PCI Dynamic Bursting - This parameter is also related to the write buffer. It enables data accumulation mode, in which a write operation is performed only when a whole packet of 32 bits has been collected in the buffer. Must be included.
PCI Latency Timer – the parameter sets the number of clock cycles allocated to each PCI device for data exchange operations. The more clock cycles, the higher the efficiency of the devices. However, if there are ISA devices, this parameter cannot be increased to 128 clock cycles.

4. Optimization of the AGP video card.

The graphics card typically has the biggest impact on gaming performance, so optimizing your graphics card settings can have a significant impact on overall system speed. This is especially true for the lucky owners of old video cards with an AGP interface. Let's consider the main parameters.
Display Cache Window size – parameter determines the size of cached memory for the needs of the video system. If your computer has less than 256 MB of RAM, set this parameter to 32 MB. Otherwise, set the value to 64 MB.
AGP Capability – this parameter determines the operating mode of the video card. The main performance characteristics of AGP video cards. Select the fastest mode - 8X.
However, not all video cards support this mode. If after restarting the computer the operating system does not load or the image has deteriorated, reduce the value of this parameter.
AGP Master 1WS Read / 1 WS Write – the parameter sets the number of clock cycles of one read or write cycle. As with RAM settings, the timing parameter significantly increases process performance, but read and write operations may become unstable.
When this parameter is enabled, reading/writing will occur in one clock cycle - maximum performance. When the parameter is turned off, the system works stably, but slowly.
VGA 128 Range Attribute – enables the data exchange buffer between the central processor and the video adapter. Productivity increases.
I also advise you to disable the AGP Spread Spectrum option and be sure to enable AGP Fast Write Capability.

5. Optimization of the hard drive.

HDD S.M.A.R.T Capability – this parameter enables or disables the S.M.A.R.T. diagnostic system, which warns of possible hard drive failures.
It's up to you to decide whether to use this system or not. I personally turn it off, because... I use specialized software. When running, this feature slightly reduces the speed of your computer.
IDE HDD Block Mode – parameter responsible for block data transfer. Those. More information is transmitted per unit of time, which also improves system performance. Automatic determination of the appropriate parameter is possible.
IDE Burst Mode – this parameter connects the data clipboard to the IDE interface, which also increases performance. Virus Warning – I always disable this feature. It will not replace an antivirus program, but your performance will slow down.
Quick Power on Self Test (or Quick Boot) – you must enable this option to prevent testing of your computer’s hardware. There is also practically no benefit, and the resource is wasted.
Boot Up Floppy Seek – Disable this option. We don't need to search for a boot floppy when the computer starts.

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, if the system does not boot after a reboot and/or goes, go back to the BIOS and load the default settings (I described how this is done at the very beginning of the article).
Or there is still one sure way to reset the settings - turn off the computer, unplug the power cable, open the cover of the system unit and carefully remove the battery, insert it back after 2 minutes, reassemble the computer and try to start it. The parameters must be reset, BIOS setup will return to default values ​​and the system will boot normally.

That's all. Thank you for reading the article. I hope it was useful to you.

BIOS plays an essential role in the operation of a computer system. User settings saved in the BIOS largely determine the efficiency of the computer system as a whole or its individual subsystems.

Correctly configuring the BIOS can significantly improve system performance or stability. Inept handling of BIOS parameters leads to computer malfunctions, and in some cases, to complete system failure.

To customize the parameters of the basic input/output system, there is a special program built into the BIOS of all versions and manufacturers. Traditionally, you can enter it only when you turn on and restart the computer.

NOTE.

Recently, special programs have appeared that allow you to access the BIOS during operation. However, in most cases, it is still better to configure the basic I/O system using the standard program built into the BIOS.

To enter the BIOS settings program, as a rule, you need to press a key or key combination after turning on or restarting the computer. The most commonly used key is the Delete key. However, this is not the only way. Quite often, the following keys and their combinations are also used to enter the BIOS settings program:

Other keyboard shortcuts may also be used. In most cases, a hint message appears on the screen, such as Press to Enter Setup, which disappears after a while. Sometimes the hint is not displayed on the screen so that inexperienced users are not too tempted to experiment.

The basic I/O system for almost all computers is made by just three major manufacturers. The most famous among them is Award Software (now legally a division of Phoenix) (Fig. 3.3).

Rice. 3.3. Award BIOS appearance.

Award BIOS is installed on most computers in the world. The most famous versions of Award BIOS are: 2.50, 2.51, 2.51U, 2.51G, 4.51PG, 6.0 and 6.0PG.

The BIOS version number, as well as the manufacturer and often even the release date can be seen when you turn on the computer (usually on the bottom line of the screen). Almost all modern computers have Award BIOS 6.0 or 6.0PG.

Previously, BIOS manufactured by American Megatrends Inc (AMI) was very popular (Fig. 3.4). At a time when the market was dominated by computer systems built on 80386 class processors, AMIBIOS was installed on almost all computers. Recently, AMIBIOS has been used less and less, although motherboard manufacturers such as Gigabyte and MSI still often turn to this company's BIOS. Sometimes AMI BIOS is installed on motherboards manufactured by ASUS.

Rice. 3.4. Appearance of AMIBIOS.

AMI BIOS is characterized by much less flexibility in settings than Award BIOS, although its interface changed quite noticeably from version to version. Currently, only two versions of AMI BIOS are common - 1.24 and 1.45.

Occasionally you can find BIOS from other manufacturers. Of these, Phoenix stands out. Some time ago, she was actively developing her own BIOS versions, but they all had a big drawback - a small number of user settings. Accordingly, a computer system using the Phoenix BIOS was very difficult to optimize for its own tasks (and often even impossible). Because of this, motherboard manufacturers began to gradually abandon the Phoenix BIOS.

As a result, this company itself decided to abandon the development of its own BIOS versions. Currently, Phoenix BIOS is used only by Intel, whose motherboards are not popular.

However, as mentioned above, today Phoenix absorbed Award Software, the main developer of BIOS for modern computers. At the same time, the Award trademark was retained as more popular among computer and motherboard manufacturers.

In addition to the small number of settings, Phoenix BIOS has another unpleasant feature: often changing its parameters requires rearranging jumpers or changing the position of a microswitch.

The BIOS setup program may have a different user interface, but traditionally it consists of several sections, each of which contains parameters that are similar in meaning or related to similar settings.

The standard interface of the BIOS settings program is quite archaic. When entering it, the main screen appears in front of the user, at the top of which is the name of the program, information about its manufacturer, etc.

Its middle part lists program sections that have the following names in Award BIOS 4.51PG:

Standard CMOS Setup - used to set the date and time, as well as determine the configuration of disk drives - various drives and hard drives;

BIOS Features Setup - in this section you can set the order of scanning media in search of the operating system, as well as setting the parameters of the cache memory, processor, keyboard and hard drives;

Chipset Features Setup – various settings for the operation of the motherboard chipset are collected here, and the speed of access to RAM is also set;

Power Management Setup - this section is intended to determine energy saving modes, the behavior of the Power button, as well as monitoring the temperature and rotation of cooling fans;

PNP/PCI Configuration – allows you to configure the distribution of resources between devices;

Load BIOS Defaults – command to load default settings to ensure the most stable operation of the computer;

Load Performance Defaults – is also a command to load default settings to ensure the most productive operation of the computer;

Integrated Peripherals – this section contains settings for the operating modes of the IDE controller, computer ports and other integrated devices;

Supervisor Password and User Password – here you can set passwords for entering the BIOS settings program and booting the computer in general;

IDE HDD Auto Detection – used to automatically detect the parameters of hard drives installed in the system;

Save & Exit Setup – means exiting the BIOS settings program and saving all changes made;

Exit Without Saving – means exiting the BIOS settings program without saving the changes made.

One of the listed sections in the program window is always highlighted in color. Moving through sections is carried out using the cursor keys. To enter the highlighted section, use the Enter key (sometimes the Spacebar). Using the F2 keys and the Shift+F2 combination, you can change the color scheme of the program interface. To exit the program without saving the changes made, you must press Esc, and to save the changes made, press F10.

At the bottom of the main screen there are hints on how to use the keys, as well as a brief description of the highlighted section. For example, when you select the Standard CMOS Setup partition, the message Time, Date, Hard disk type appears at the bottom of the window, briefly explaining the essence of the partition parameters.

To enter the selected section, press Enter. A list of parameters will appear on the screen, opposite each of which its current value is indicated. One of the parameters is always highlighted.

Use the cursor keys to move between parameters. You can change the values ​​of the selected parameter using the Page Up and Page Down keys, or “+” and “-”. If you need to restore the settings that were current before entering this section, press F5. The F6 key is designed to load the default settings for a given partition, providing the greatest stability, and F7 - providing the best performance. In addition, using the F2 key (and the Shift+F2 combination) you can change the color scheme here, and by pressing F1 you can display quick help.

To exit the selected section, use the Esc key. In this case, all changes made are saved in a temporary buffer. Thus, it is possible to discard the changes made by exiting their BIOS setup program without saving the changes made.

Despite the fact that the standard BIOS settings program interface is more familiar to most users, sometimes there are BIOS settings programs with a different interface. For example, AWARD BIOS version 6.0 (but not 6.0PG) inherited the interface from the Phoenix BIOS, causing the Phoenix-style interface to become quite common again in recent years. Sometimes it is also used in BIOS from AMI.

The main screen of the Phoenix BIOS settings program is characterized primarily by the fact that in its upper part there is a line of sections (highlighted in inversion), where their names are listed in short form (for example: Main, Advanced, Power, Boot and Exit). Moving between sections is done using the “left arrow” and “right arrow” keys.

The contents of the highlighted section are always displayed in the main part of the screen. Do you use keys to move between options? And?. Values ​​can be changed using the "+" and "-" keys (sometimes also the traditional Page Up and Page Down). By pressing the Enter key, you can get a complete list of possible values ​​for the selected parameter (and then select the desired one).

Help is called up using the F1 key. Quick help for the highlighted option is always on the right side of the screen. The default values ​​of the selected partition can be loaded by pressing F5.

The F10 key is intended to exit the setup program while saving changes, and the Esc key is intended to exit without saving changes.

To the left of some parameters are triangular arrows, indicating that these parameters are actually directories that contain a list of additional parameters with their values.

In some cases, the BIOS setup utility may use a windowed graphical interface. It is convenient to make settings here using the mouse, although all changes can be made without using it. A similar interface is typical, in particular, for some versions of AMI BIOS (as a rule, not the newest ones).

When using a windowed interface, each section of options on the screen is located in a separate window. To get to an additional window with a list of possible values, you need to double-click on the required parameter. You can also select the desired value with the mouse.

If the mouse is not connected to the computer or is not detected by the BIOS settings program, you can move between windows using the Tab key and select options in the active window using the cursor keys. To change the parameter value, use the Enter key.

Despite a certain ease of navigation, such interfaces for BIOS settings programs have not become popular and are extremely rare today.

In some emergency situations, it is necessary to reset all BIOS settings to their default state. In most cases, this can be done from the BIOS setup program itself, but sometimes this method is not suitable.

For example, after setting the processor clock frequency or any bus incorrectly, the computer may stop booting or the image on the monitor may disappear. In addition, you cannot enter the BIOS settings program if you have forgotten the password to enter it (although in this case one of the engineering passwords that are suitable for all BIOS of a certain version can help).

If your computer cannot boot due to incorrect BIOS settings, you can reset the settings to their original state. Depending on the motherboard, this can be done in two different ways.

The first is as follows. Look in the documentation for the motherboard to see where the contacts and jumper for resetting the BIOS settings are located on it. If such a jumper is present, turn off the power to the computer, open the computer case, find this jumper on the motherboard and set it to the reset position. Then (without closing the computer case) turn it on for 15-20 seconds (the screen will remain dark) and turn it off again. Then return the jumper to its normal position, close the case and turn on the computer again. It should start loading normally.

ATTENTION!

Before installing jumpers on the motherboard, it is advisable to physically turn off the power to the computer. Otherwise, the consequences may be most unpleasant. The fact is that power continues to flow to the computer’s motherboard, even if it is software disabled.

The second method of resetting BIOS parameters (software) is used if jumpers are not provided on the motherboard. In this case, you need to turn on the computer while holding down any key (which one is written in the documentation for the motherboard) on the computer keyboard. Usually C or K is used for this.

If the two methods discussed above were unsuccessful, you can try “non-standard” methods of resetting BIOS settings. The simplest is to remove the CMOS chip's battery for an extended period of time - it may take more than a day for the capacitors built into the power chip to discharge.

Another method is to short-circuit the pins of the CMOS chip to the computer case. This should be done with the power off, using a wire whose ends are stripped of insulation. To make a short circuit, select an unpainted area of ​​the housing. You can detect the necessary CMOS pins experimentally - only the CMOS chip is powered by the battery, so any other such short circuit with the power off cannot cause damage.

If the computer somehow works, but you need to reset the BIOS settings, you can use the software method - write any number in the range from 10 to 2F (hexadecimal values) to the port with hexadecimal address 70, and any value to the port with hexadecimal address 71 , not equal to the previous one.

You have bootable CD-DVD disc and you want to install an operating system on your computer, in order to do this you will need tune accordingly BIOS and boot from disk. We can also use the device selection in the boot menu, but this function is not always present, for example. on old motherboards. There is also no universal button for logging in. BIOS or boot menu. Many motherboard manufacturers assign different keys.

The surest way to identify such keys is to read the documentation for this laptop or computer, but no matter what key it is, you must always press it at the very beginning of loading. As soon as you turn on your computer, the program located in the BIOS automatically starts BOOT-ROUTINE, which in turn calls the subroutine POST(English) Power-On Self Test), it checks the processor, random access memory (RAM), hard drive (HDD), motherboard elements and other main peripherals. One short the signal indicates that such a self-test completed successfully. This is what the passage might look like POST:

The most common key to enter the BIOS is DEL, we will give other options below. On the screen you see the following invitation: " Press DEL to run Setup", i.e. press the key DEL to log in BIOS. Also during the passage POST A graphical splash screen may be displayed that indicates the name of the computer or motherboard manufacturer.

List of the most common keys to enter the boot menu:

Acer- Esc or F12 or F9; Asrock- F11; Asus- Esc or F8; Compaq- Esc or F9; Dell- F12; ECS - F11; Fujitsu Siemens- F12; Gigabyte- F12; HP- Esc or F9; Intel- F10; Lenovo- F12; MSI(Micro-Star) - F11; Packard Bell- F8; Samsung- Esc; Sony Vaio- F11; Toshiba- F12

The menu for selecting boot devices looks something like this:

You just need to select the desired device from the list and click Enter.

List of the most common keys to enter BIOS Setup : ABIT-Del; Acer(Aspire, Altos, Extensa, Ferrari, Power, Veriton, TravelMate) - F2 or Del; Acer(old models) - F1 or Ctrl+Alt+Esc; ASRock- F2 or Del; ASUS-Del; BIOSTAR-Del; Chaintech-Del; Compaq(Deskpro, Portable, Presario, Prolinea, Systempro) - F10; Compaq(old models) - F1, F2, F10 or Del; Dell(Dimension, Inspiron, Latitude, OptiPlex, Precision, Vostro, XPS) - F2; Dell(old models) - Ctrl+Alt+, or Fn+Esc, or Fn+F1, or Del, or Reset twice; ECS (Elitegroup)- Del or F1; eMachines(eMonster, eTower, eOne, S-Series, T-Series) - Tab or Del; eMachines(some older models) - F2; Foxconn-Del; Fujitsu(Amilo, DeskPower, Esprimo, LifeBook, Tablet) - F2; GIGABYTE-Del; Hewlett-Parkard(HP Alternative, Tablet PC) - F2 or Esc, or F10, or F12; Hewlett-Parkard(OmniBook, Pavilion, Tablet, TouchSmart, Vectra) - F1; Intel- F2; Lenovo(3000 Series, IdeaPad, ThinkCentre, ThinkPad, ThinkStation) - F1 or F2; Lenovo(old models) - Ctrl+Alt+F3, Ctrl+Alt+Ins or Fn+F1; MSI(Micro-Star) - Del; Pegatron- F2, F10 or Del; Samsung- F2; Sony(VAIO, PCG-Series, VGN-Series) - F1, F2 or F3; Toshiba(Portege, Satellite, Tecra) - F1 or Esc.

AMI BIOS - changing device boot priority.

When changing settings and navigating the BIOS menu, use the Enter, +/-, and arrow keys on your keyboard. Use the arrows to move to the tab Boot and select Boot Device Priority:

Here we will see boot sequence: floppy drive first ( Floppy Drive), then hard drive ( Hard Drive), and the third device is turned off ( Disabled). If you want to boot from a disk, then you need the first device in this list to be a CD-DVD drive. Use the arrows to switch to the first device ( 1st Boot Device), press the key Enter and in the menu that appears, select CDROM. Booting from a flash drive is done in the same way.

To exit the BIOS while saving the settings you made ( Save and Exit), press the key F10 and confirm ( Ok) key Enter.

Phoenix-Award BIOS - changing device boot priority

Select from the menu Advanced BIOS Features and enter ( Enter).

Here, if we want to boot from the drive, we need to make sure that this device came first on the list. Use the arrows to switch to the first boot device ( First Boot Device) and change to CDROM. Then exit, saving the settings you made ( Save and Exit), by pressing F10.

Error sounds when passing Post

During the initial self-test of the system (pass Post) errors may occur. If they are not critical, then after a certain message is displayed, the computer will continue to boot. If serious errors are detected, the computer system will try to inform the user about them, but often it is impossible to display such information on the screen.

In this case, you will need to be guided sound signals(they are supplied by the system speaker, speaker, upon completion of the procedure Post). Using them, the system reports the results of self-testing. Below is list of such signals for different BIOS versions ( BIOS). Therefore, if your computer beeps, then you can easily determine if your PC is faulty.

AWARD BIOS signals:

No signals

Continuous beep- the power supply is faulty.

1 short- no errors found.

2 short- minor errors found.

3 long

1 long and 1 short- problems with RAM.

1 long and 2 short- problem with the video card.

1 long and 3 short- an error occurred while initializing the keyboard.

1 long and 9 short- an error occurred when reading data from the permanent memory chip.

1 long repeating- memory modules are installed incorrectly.

1 short repeating- problems with the power supply.

AMI BIOS signals:

No signals- the power supply is faulty or not connected to the motherboard.

1 short- no errors found.

2 short- RAM parity error.

3 short- an error occurred during the operation of the first 64 KB of main memory.

4 short- the system timer is faulty.

5 short- the central processor is faulty.

6 short- the keyboard controller is faulty.

7 short

8 short- video memory is faulty.

9 short

10 short- it is impossible to write to CMOS memory.

11 short- external cache memory (installed in slots on the motherboard) is faulty.

1 long and 2 short- the video card is faulty.

1 long and 3 short- the video card is faulty.

1 long and 8 short- problems with the video card or the monitor is not connected.

PHOENIX BIOS signals:

1-1-3 - error in writing/reading CMOS data.

1-1-4 - checksum error on the contents of the BIOS chip.

1-2-1 - the motherboard is faulty.

1-2-2 - DMA controller initialization error.

1-2-3 - error when trying to read/write to one of the DMA channels.

1-3-1 - RAM regeneration error.

1-3-3

1-3-4 - error when testing the first 64 KB of RAM.

1-4-1 - the motherboard is faulty.

1-4-2 - RAM testing error.

1-4-3 - system timer error.

1-4-4 - error accessing the I/O port.

3-1-1 - error in initializing the second DMA channel.

3-1-2 - error initializing the first DMA channel.

3-1-4 - the motherboard is faulty.

3-2-4 - keyboard controller error.

3-3-4 - video memory testing error.

4-2-1 - system timer error.

4-2-3 - line error A20. The keyboard controller is faulty.

4-2-4 - error when working in protected mode. The CPU may be faulty.

4-3-1 - error when testing RAM.

4-3-4 - real time clock error.

4-4-1 - Serial port testing error. The error may be caused by a device using this port.

4-4-2 - error when testing the parallel port. The error may be caused by a device using this port.