BASIC COMPUTER

CONFIGURATION
SETUP
What is Configuration?

•is the way a system is set up, or the

assortment of components that make up the
system.
•can refer to either hardware or software, or
the combination of both.
BASIC INPUT / OUTPUT SYSTEM
(BIOS)

•is software stored on a small memory chip on

the motherboard.
•instruct the computer on how to perform a
number of basic functions such as booting
and keyboard control.
•also used to identify and configure the
hardware in a computer such as the hard
drive, optical drive, CPU, memory, etc.
 BIOS contain a number of hardware
configuration options that can be changed
through the setup utility. Saving these changes
and restarting the computer applies the
changes to the BIOS and alters the way BIOS
instructs the hardware to function.
 The following list shows the things you can do in
most BIOS systems:

• Change the Boot Order • Enable or Disable the Computer

• Load BIOS Setup Defaults Logo
• Remove a BIOS Password • Enable or Disable the Quick Power
On Self Test (POST)
• Create a BIOS Password
• Enable or Disable the CPU Internal
• Change the Date and Time Cache
• Change Floppy Drive Settings • Enable or Disable the Caching of
• Change Hard Drive Settings BIOS
• Change CD/DVD/BD Drive Settings • Change CPU Settings
• View Amount of Memory Installed • Change Memory Settings
• Change the Boot Up NumLock • Change System Voltages
Status
Device Drivers

•Drivers are small software programs

that help the operating system use or
“drive” the device. Whenever a device
doesn’t work properly, ask if the proper
driver has been installed.
 The procedures listed below
describe how to obtain and install
drivers for hardware devices on a
Microsoft Windows 2000-based
computer.
Step 1: Determine the Hardware
Manufacturer

1. On the desktop, right-click

My Computer, and then click
Manage.
2. Under System Tools, click Device
Manager. The devices that are
installed on the computer are listed
in the right pane.
3. In the right pane, expand the category of the device that you want to
configure. For example, expand Display adapters.
4. Right-click the device for which you want to install the driver,
and then click Properties.
5. Click the General tab. Make a
note of the manufacturer and
model of the device.

6. Click Cancel, and then

quit Computer
Management.
 Step 2: Obtain the Driver
To obtain the latest driver, use the following list of possible sources for
the driver, in the order in which they are presented.

 Original Computer Manufacturer

If the device was installed by your computer manufacturer, contact the
manufacturer of your computer to find out how to obtain, download, and
install the latest drivers for the device.

 Device Manufacturer
Contact the manufacturer of the device to inquire about how to obtain,
download, and install the latest drivers for the device.
 Chipset Manufacturer
Contact the chipset manufacturer of the device to find out how to
obtain, download, and install the latest drivers for the device. It is best to
first contact the manufacturer of the device for the drivers before you
contact the chipset manufacturer.

 Installation CD or Floppy Disks

If you have the original driver CD or floppy disks that were included
with the computer or device, and if no other source for the drivers is
available, use the original driver that is included with the computer or
device.
Step 3: Install the Driver
• The driver files that you download from the OEM, device
manufacturer, or chipset manufacturer differ depending on
how the driver is packaged by the manufacturer.
• If the file is an executable program, run the program to extract
the files. If the file is in .zip format, you can use a third-party
utility such as WinZip to extract the files. For more information
about how to extract the driver files, see the instructions that
are provided by the manufacturer of the driver.
• The driver may use a setup program. The driver package may
contain raw driver files, or it may contain only raw driver files.
Some examples include .inf files, and .sys files. To install the
driver, use one of the following methods as appropriate to your
situation.
 Driver with a Setup or Installation Program
If the driver uses a setup or installation program, run the program to
install the driver. For more information about how to do this, see the
documentation or contact the driver manufacturer.

 Device Is Displayed in Device Manager

1. On the desktop, right-click My Computer, and then click Manage.
2. Under System Tools, click Device Manager. The devices that are
installed on the computer are listed in the right pane.
3. Expand the category of the device that you want to configure. For
example, expand Modems. NOTE: The device may be listed under Other
devices.
4. Right-click the device for which you want to install the driver, and then
click Properties. NOTE: The device may be displayed as Unknown
device, or as a generic device.
5. Click the Driver tab, and then click Update Driver. The Upgrade
Device Driver wizard starts.
6. Click Next.
7. Do one of the following:
oClick Search for a suitable driver for my device
(recommended), and then click Next. -or-
oClick Display a list of the known devices for this device so
that I can choose a specific driver, and then click Next. Click
Have Disk, click Browse, locate the .inf files that you
downloaded in Step 2: Obtain the Driver, click an .inf file, and
then click Open.
8. Follow the wizard instructions to install the driver.
9. Restart the computer.
 Device Is Not Displayed in Device Manager
Use the Add New Hardware wizard in Control Panel to install drivers for
non- Plug and Play devices. You may have to use this method to install certain
modems, serial ports, or printer ports.
1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
2. Double-click Add/Remove Hardware.
3. Click Next.
4. Click Add/Troubleshoot a device, and then click Next.
5. Do one of the following:
- Click Yes, search for new hardware, and then click Next. -or-
- Click No, I want to select the hardware from a list, and then click
Next.
6. Follow the wizard instructions to install the driver.
7. Restart the computer.
 TESTING INSTALLED
EQUIPMENT / DEVICES
(COMPONENTS)
•report any accidents
•take reasonable care of your own health
and safety when moving heavy
components
•not cause any electrical hazards
•make sure that workstations meet safety
requirements.
 The most basic test is to switch the
system on to check it starts without
errors. ICT professionals are also likely to
use tools and utilities to check that all is
well with the system after an installation.
The Use of Diagnostic Tools in testing installed
hardware components and other peripherals.

Diagnostic tools are used to test and diagnose

equipment. Diagnostic tools include the following:
• Digital multimeter is a device that can take many
types of measurements. It tests the integrity of
circuits and the quality of electricity in computer
components. A digital multimeter displays the
information on an LCD or LED.
• A loopback adapter, also called a loopback plug,
tests the basic functionality of computer ports. The
adapter is specific to the port that you want to test.
• The toner probe, is a two-part tool. The toner part
is connected to a cable at one end using specific
adapters, such as an RJ-45, coaxial, or metal clips.
The toner generates a tone that travels the length
of the cable. The probe part traces the cable. When
the probe is in near proximity to the cable to which
the toner is attached, the tone can be heard
through a speaker in the probe.
Software Tools
• Like hardware tools, there are a variety of software
tools that can be used to help technicians pinpoint
and troubleshoot problems. Many of these tools are
free and several come with the Windows operating
system.

Disk Management Tools

• Disk management tools help detect and correct
disk errors, prepare a disk for data 652 storage, and
remove unwanted files.
The following are some disk management tools:

• FDISK: A command-line tool that creates and deletes partitions on a hard

drive. The FDISK tool is not available in Windows XP, Vista, or 7. It has been
replaced with the Disk Management tool.
• Disk Management Tool: Initializes disks, creates partitions, and formats
partitions.
• Format: Prepares a hard drive to store information.
• ScanDisk or CHKDSK: Checks the integrity of files and folders on a hard
drive by scanning the file system. These tools might also check the disk
surface for physical errors.
• Defrag: Optimizes space on a hard drive to allow faster access to programs
and data.
• Disk Cleanup: Clears space on a hard drive by searching for files that can
be safely deleted.
• System File Checker (SFC): A command-line tool that scans the operating
system critical files and replaces files that are corrupted.
Test procedures

A test procedure is a set of steps to guide you through

what needs to be done to thoroughly test the installation.
It is designed to help you work more effectively and to
make sure you test everything that needs testing.
Test procedures are created in-house and could include
these steps:

1. Gathering test information. The first step is to run the tests required by
the procedure and find out what happens. You should record all the results
of your tests in a log so that you know which pass and which fail, thereby
requiring further action.
2. Validating the test information. The next step is to check the data you
gathered from the tests to make sure it is correct. This is usually done by
running the tests again.
3. Responding to test information. This step is important because you need
to be able to recognize when a test shows problems or is successful. For
example, if ping is used to test a network connection then ‘Request timed
out’ shows the test was not successful.
4. Checking specification. The final step is an important end to testing. You
need to check the specification for the installation to make sure that it has
been met. For example, if a user requested an upgrade to make their display
run at 1920 x 1200, then the ICT professional should check that the graphics
card and screen can do this.
External Visual Inspection

The external visual inspection consists of a

quick inspection of the exterior of the
computer, the monitor, the keyboard, any
peripherals, and cables. While performing the
visual inspection, make any necessary
corrections.
 To perform the external visual inspection, perform the
following steps:

1. Turn off the computer, the monitor, and all peripherals.

2. Verify that all power cables are properly connected to the
computer, the monitor and peripherals, and their power sources.
3. Verify that the keyboard and mouse interface cables are firmly
attached to the proper connectors on the back of the computer.
4. Verify that network cables (if present) are properly attached.
5. Verify that any devices attached to the serial and parallel port
connectors are properly connected.
6. Verify that the video interface cable is firmly attached
to the video connector on the back panel or to a video
expansion card, and also to the connector on the back of
the monitor. For proper connection of the video monitor.
7. Inspect all external monitor controls for any obvious
damage or improper settings.
8. Inspect the keyboard to ensure that no keys are
sticking. If one or more keys are sticking, it may be
necessary to replace the keyboard.
9. Inspect the exterior of the computer, including all
controls and indicators, and all user-accessible data
storage devices for any signs of physical damage.
Does the inspection reveal any
problems?

•Yes. Proceed to the appropriate procedure

in "Removing and Replacing Parts."
•No. Proceed to "Observing the Boot
Routine."
Observing the Boot Routine
To observe problem indications during the boot routine, perform the
following steps: 743
1. If the system is off, turn on all peripherals and the computer.
2. Check the power supply fan.
Does the fan run normally? 746
• Yes. Proceed to step 3.
• No. Troubleshoot the system power supply.
3. Watch the <Num Lock>, <Caps Lock>, and <Scroll Lock> indicators on the
upper-right corner of the keyboard. After all three indicators flash
momentarily, and following a long pause (approximately 30 seconds), the Num
Lock indicator should light up and remain on (unless the Num Lock option is
set to Off in the System Setup program).
 Do these indicators flash on and off within approximately
10 seconds after the boot routine starts?

• Yes. Proceed to step 4.

• No. Troubleshoot the system power supply. If the troubleshooting procedure indicates that
the system power supply is operational, troubleshoot the memory.
4. During the boot routine, observe the system for any of the following indications:
• Beep codes — A beep code is a series of beeps that indicates an error condition.
• System error messages — these messages can indicate problems or 766 provide status
information.
• Diskette-drive and hard-disk drive access indicators — These indicators light up in response to
data being transferred to or from the drives. If either of these indicators fails to light up during
the boot routine, troubleshoot the diskette drive or hard-disk drive subsystem, as appropriate.
5. Observe the monitor screen for the Diagnostics menu.
 Internal Visual Inspection
To perform the internal visual inspection, perform the following steps:
1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect all the
AC power cables from electrical outlets.
2. Remove the computer’s right side cover.
3. Verify that the chips, expansion cards, and SEC cartridge and heat sink
assembly or assemblies are fully seated in their sockets or connectors.
4. To ensure that the chips are fully seated in their sockets, press firmly on the
top of each chip.
5. Verify that all jumpers are set correctly.
6. Check all cable connectors inside the computer to verify that they are firmly
attached to their appropriate connectors.
7. Reinstall the computer cover. Reconnect the computer and any attached
peripherals to their power sources, and turn them on.