Difference between revisions of "Checkman/Troubleshooting BIOS"

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|style="text-align:left" width="20%"|'''Finding BIOS'''
 
|style="text-align:left" width="20%"|'''Finding BIOS'''
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|style="text-align:left" width="80%"|When you power on a system, the first thing that happens is the system POSTs ('''P'''ower-'''O'''n '''S'''elf '''T'''est).  In POSTing, the graphics and text should flash onto the monitor and indicate what key(s) are required in order to access the BIOS ('''B'''asic '''I'''nput '''O'''utput '''S'''ystem).  Most systems use the following keys:
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|style="text-align:left" width="80%"|When you power on a system, the first thing that happens is the system POSTs ('''P'''ower-'''O'''n '''S'''elf '''T'''est).  In POSTing, the graphics and text should flash onto the monitor and indicate what key(s) are required in order to access the BIOS ('''B'''asic '''I'''nput '''O'''utput '''S'''ystem).  While all computers use the keyboard to access and navigate BIOS, each computers may have different keys to get you into BIOS. Fortunately, most systems use the following keys:
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: Del
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: Del, F1, F2, F8, F10.
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: F1
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Unfortunately, you only have a few seconds to press the key in order to enter BIOS.  The POSTing screen will only be up for a few seconds (then the system will load Ubuntu), so don't feel bad about rebooting the system (by pressing "Ctrl+Alt+Del" or holding the power button down for several seconds).  If the computer doesn't seem to respond to keystrokes, ensure that the keyboard plug is plugged into the correct port, and try switching PS2/USB keyboards if the system supports both.  Otherwise, reach out to a build instructor or perform an Internet search for further troubleshooting.     
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: F2
 
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: F8
 
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: F10
 
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While all computers use the keyboard to access and navigate BIOS, all computers may have different keys to get you into BIOS.  
 
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The POSTing screen will only be up for a few seconds, then the system will load the operating system (Ubuntu in our case).  Due to this short window, Once the Ubuntu screen loads, you will be unable to access the BIOS.     
 
 
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|style="text-align:left" width=20%|'''When you can't figure out the keystroke'''
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|style="text-align:left" width=20%|'''Navigating BIOS'''
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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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|style="text-align:left" width=20%|'''No Luck?'''
 
|style="text-align:left" width=20%|'''No Luck?'''

Revision as of 12:44, 18 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 a system, the first thing that happens is the system POSTs (Power-On Self Test). In POSTing, the graphics and text should flash onto the monitor and indicate what key(s) are required in order to access the BIOS (Basic Input Output System). While all computers use the keyboard to access and navigate BIOS, each computers may have different keys to get you into BIOS. Fortunately, most systems use the following keys:
Del, F1, F2, F8, F10.

Unfortunately, you only have a few seconds to press the key in order to enter BIOS. The POSTing screen will only be up for a few seconds (then the system will load Ubuntu), so don't feel bad about rebooting the system (by pressing "Ctrl+Alt+Del" or holding the power button down for several seconds). If the computer doesn't seem to respond to keystrokes, ensure that the keyboard plug is plugged into the correct port, and try switching PS2/USB keyboards if the system supports both. Otherwise, reach out to a build instructor or perform an Internet search for further troubleshooting.

Navigating BIOS
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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