Difference between revisions of "Checkman/Troubleshooting BIOS"

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(New page: ==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...)
 
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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:
 
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:
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The hints:
 
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When you push the on button and the system POSTs, you'll see a small bit of text on the bottom of the screen offer you options for "Setup",
 
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NOTE:  if you are connecting a SATA powered hard drive that ALSO has a 4-pin molex power connection, DO NOT plug in both the sata power cable and the molex 4-pin cable.  If there are SATA ports use only SATA connectors.
 
  
  
 
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:left" font-size="90%" border=".05" cellpadding=".4" width=100%  valign="top"  
 
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:left" font-size="90%" border=".05" cellpadding=".4" width=100%  valign="top"  
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|style="text-align:left" width="20%"|'''Common Issues'''
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|style="text-align:left" width="20%"|'''Finding BIOS'''
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|style="text-align:left" width="80%"|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
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|style="text-align:left" width=20%|'''When you can't figure out the keystroke'''
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''Symptom:''<br />
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|style="text-align:left" width=80%|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.[http://wiki.freegeek.org/index.php/ Links found under the '''Classes''' heading.]
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When starting up the computer, the hard drive clicks, chirps, or otherwise makes odd noises.
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|style="text-align:left" width=20%|'''No Luck?'''
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''Solution:''<br />
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|style="text-align:left" width=80%|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.
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Something is not functioning as it should in the hard drive...recycle it and obtain another.
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|style="text-align:left" width=20%|'''If Hard Drive is Removed-'''
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|style="text-align:left" width=80%|Remember however, that some computers won't allow bios access with the hard drive removed.
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|style="text-align:left" width=20%|'''BIOS password'''
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|style="text-align:left" width=80%|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.
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''Symptom:''<br />
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A SMART Warning on my desktop is telling me that the "Hard drive failure imminent", or some other indication the hard drive is dying.
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|style="text-align:left" width=20%|'''Rare problems'''
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|style="text-align:left" width=80%|
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''Solution:''<br />
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*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.
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Simply shut down the system properly, unplug the power chord, remove and replace the hard drive.
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*USB keyboards may not work to enter BIOS.
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[[Category:Laptops]]
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''Symptom:''<br />
 
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I can't find the hard drive in BIOS, and/or the computer doesn't load Ubuntu after BIOS screen.
 
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''Solution:''<br />
 
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:1) Ensure that somewhere in BIOS the Hard Drive is detected or is set to Auto (for assistance, ask a neighbor or build instructor for navigating BIOS).
 
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:2) Make certain the Hard Drive is jumpered to the master pins and plugged in (and properly seated) to the primary SATA/IDE port.  You may want to try plugging the cable connecting the Hard drive into another IDE/Sata Port on the motherboard.
 
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:3) Try replacing the IDE/SATA cable. 
 
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'''References'''
 
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:For general Hard Drive info: http://wiki.freegeek.org/index.php/Hard_Drive_Sizing
 
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:For more troubleshooting info: http://www.techadvice.com/tech/h/harddrivets.htm#1
 
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:Or, just Google a description of the issue you're having! http://www.google.com
 

Revision as of 15:38, 17 February 2011

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.
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