Checkman/Troubleshooting BIOS

DESKTOP BUILD: BIOS TROUBLESHOOTING

BIOS is one of the first experiences builders have with the computer software in build, and sometimes its the most daunting. But this doesn't have to be the case! Below are some hints, tips, and tricks to becoming friends with your BIOS:

Finding BIOS	When you power on the system, the first thing that happens is the system POSTs. In posting, the system should indicate what keys are required to	When you can't figure out the keystroke	You can also Google a term like "Gateway bios key" to find pages that might tell you. (It might help to include the computer's model number.) Laptop Pages from the manufacturer's web site are the most likely to be accurate.Links found under the Classes heading.
No Luck?	Some computers will prompt you with the option of entering the BIOS on the first boot after a hardware change.Changing the amount of memory may do this. Disconnecting the hard drive cable from the motherboard is another very useful tactic.
If Hard Drive is Removed-	Remember however, that some computers won't allow bios access with the hard drive removed.
BIOS password	Occasionally you will find a password protected BIOS. Sometimes this can be reset by taking out the battery, but more often there is a jumper on the mobo that needs to be changed. In the rare cases where there is a default password, these are often available via a Google search.
Rare problems	In some systems, if the keyboard and mouse are switched, they will still work in the GUI, but the keyboard will not work to enter BIOS. USB keyboards may not work to enter BIOS.