MUTHAYAMMAL COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCE (AUTONOMOUS)

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS & COMMUNICATION

Staff Name: P.VIJAYALAKSHMI, M.Sc,M.Phil., Class: III B.Sc EC Paper

Code:19UEL07

Paper Name: PC HARDWARE NETWORKING AND TROUBLESHOOTING Unit: II

BIOS
BIOS (basic input/output system) is the program a personal computer's microprocessor uses to
get the computer system started after you turn it on. It also manages data flow between the
computer's operating system and attached devices such as the hard disk, video adapter, keyboard,
mouse and printer.
2.BIOS Functions
The main function of the BIOS (Basic Input Output System) is to boot up an operating system
on a PC. It does this by first identifying and testing all hardware components (including the hard
disk and floppy drives), and then by locating a valid operating system to which it can transfer
control.
BIOS Drivers
The BIOS's first task is to configure all the system hardware with basic drivers so the system can
get up and running. These drivers will set up and prepare the system memory and configure any
peripheral devices for use such as the hard drives, optical drives, and video card. The BIOS loads
a basic system that's able to read the devices that contain the system operating system.
BIOS Boot
The BIOS typically displays a splash screen when loading the initial CMOS settings and the
hardware drivers. BIOS initiates the operating system boot process after all the drivers are loaded
and configured. The operating system contains more robust versions of the system drivers and
replaces them with the BIOS versions once they're loaded. The BIOS boot process is like the
ignition on a car, it gets the system ready for use.
CMOS and Battery Backup
The CMOS is a physical part of the motherboard: it is a memory chip that houses setting
configurations and is powered by the onboard battery. The CMOS is reset and loses all custom
settings in case the battery runs out of energy, Additionally, the system clock resets when the
CMOS loses power. The CMOS reverts to factory settings if it doesn't get power from the
battery. It's a common practice to remove the battery to flash-back CMOS settings if there is a
configuration problem.
Boot Device Selection
One of the CMOS's most important roles is it can alter the device boot process. This is important
for system restoration because the CMOS may need to change boot priority from the hard drive
to the optical drive or flash drive to launch the operating system installer or adjust which hard
drive to load the operating system from.
3.BIOS Battery

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The CMOS menu is accessed from the BIOS splash screen. You can typically enter it by
pressing F1, F2, Del or Esc. The actual button varies from motherboard to motherboard. The
CMOS menu contains the hardware customization options allowed by the motherboard, uses a
simple graphical interface and is controlled by the keyboard. Customization features include
memory handling, expansion port speed configuration, boot device order and power control.
Microsoft recommends only adjusting these settings if you are an advanced user because some
improper setting adjustments can render the computer unusable. Some advanced settings can
overpower the system, causing it to produce enough heat to break it.

Open the computer case and find the battery on the computer motherboard. Verify that it is
accessible and can be removed. Today, most computers use a coin cell CMOS battery, like the
CR2032 battery shown in the picture.
Tip: Some CMOS batteries may be held down by a metal clip or bar. This clip just holds the
battery in place and the battery can still be removed by sliding it out from under the clip. Do not
bend this clip to get the battery out, as a bent clip can result in the battery not staying in the
battery socket.
If you are unable to locate your CMOS battery, refer to your motherboard or computer
documentation or contact your computer manufacturer for additional assistance in locating it.
Note: With some computers, you may need to disconnect cables, remove drives, or remove other
parts of the computer to get full access to the CMOS battery.
Obtain battery information

Unfortunately, most manufacturers do not list the exact type and model of your CMOS battery. It
is recommended that, once you have located the battery, write down all information about the
battery (Voltage, chemistry, wiring, and packaging). If possible, remove the battery and take it to
the retail location.
Tip: For most computers, the model or part number for this battery is CR2032.
 Additional buying information is on our battery buying tips page.
Removing the battery

If your computer is using a coin cell battery, removing the battery is relatively simple. Use your
fingers to grab on the edge of the battery and pull it up and out of the socket holding it in place.
Some motherboards have a clip holding the battery down. If your computer's motherboard has
this clip, you may need to use one hand to move the clip up and the other hand to pull the battery
out.
4. Mother board connection
Installing a motherboard can be a complex process. This page provides general steps and
guidelines for how to install a motherboard. Please refer to the manual and configuration guide
that is included with the motherboard for specific details on installation and configuration steps.

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Before getting started

1. Write down relevant information from the top or bottom of the board, such as the
Model Number, Serial Number, and specifications.
2. Ensure you are familiar with ESD and its potential dangers while working with any
circuit board.
3. When installing a motherboard, turn the computer off and disconnect the power cord
from the power supply.
Form factor

Before installing a computer motherboard, make sure the case supports the form factorof your
motherboard. Today, the majority of available computer motherboards are
either ATX or MicroATX.
Verify and set jumpers

Before installing the computer motherboard, make sure

all the jumpers or dip switches are correct. The jumpers and dip switches can be changed when
the motherboard is installed, but it is easier to verify them while the motherboard is outside of
the case.
Today, motherboards have the jumpers set as auto, allowing either the BIOS or the software to
setup the proper settings for the CPU and memory and other settings. If the motherboard
supports this feature, make sure the jumpers are set to auto. If you want to adjust the settings
manually for your peripherals, make sure you are using acceptable settings. Although you may
be able to overclock a system, it is recommended you use auto or the real values of the system
first to make sure the system works before tampering with its settings.

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Install pegs or standoffs

After checking the jumpers, if pegs or standoffs are not in

the chassis, insert these attachments now. These are required to prevent the motherboard from
shorting out and must be inserted before installing the motherboard.
When installing the pegs or standoffs make sure to insert them into the proper holes. Many cases
support different motherboard form factors, and if not placed in the proper holes, it may cause
damage to the motherboard. The holes on the case have a small indication of what the holes are
for; for example, a hole may have the words ATX listed next to it to indicate the hole is for an
ATX motherboard.
As the standoff is being installed, make sure they are installed firmly into the case to help
prevent issues such as the pegs coming loose when unscrewing the screw from the peg.
5.Mother board installation
Motherboard Installation

After the standoffs are attached and the I/O plate is in place, install the motherboard into the case
and make sure you align the back of the motherboard with the back of the case. As the
motherboard is being installed align the holes in the motherboards with the pegs or standoffs.
Once aligned, begin placing screws into the motherboard that should go into the peg or standoff
inserted earlier.
Caution: when screwing in the screw you do not want the screw to be too tight. If tightened too
much it can cause the motherboard to crack. However, the screw should be in enough to hold the
motherboard in place.
Install essential components

If not already installed, install the below necessary components into the computer.
Installing a CPU
Installing Memory
Installing a power Supply

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Front Panel Setup

Once the motherboard has been successfully physically installed

into the computer, the Fpanel (short for front panel connectors) must be connected. This panel
controls such things as the power button, reset button, hard drive light, and power light.
Unfortunately, the setup of this panel can be confusing at first, even with the instructions
provided from the motherboard manufacturer. Below are steps and additional information and
help with successfully connecting the cables to this connector.
1. This connector consists of a series of two pin connectors.
2. The cables that connect to the connector are 2, 3 or 4-pin connectors.
3. The cables consist of red, green, blue, white or another color cable with a black cable.
This may vary, the important thing to remember is that the black cable or the dark
color of the cable is ground or '-'.
4. Most cases have a separate cable for each setting, but some computers now have all
of these cables as one large connector. If the computer has one large connector, it
only connects in one direction. If you are installing a new computer motherboard into
an OEM case that uses a large connector, it may not work with your motherboard
since it could be proprietary.
5. Finally, the computer cannot boot if one or more of the cables is not properly
connected. If you are unable to turn on the computer or receive no post, check these
cables first.

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Connect Cables

Once the front panel cables are connected, connect the other cables in the below order.
1. Connect the main motherboard ATX style power cable coming from the power
supply to the motherboard.

Note: Connect the cables in the right direction and never force the cable. If
improperly connected, it can damage the motherboard. Today, ATX and other
motherboard form factors have a keyed power supply connector that allows the cable
to be connected in only one direction.
2. Next, connect the IDE/EIDE, SATA, or SCSI cables to the motherboard from the
hard drive, CD Drive, floppy drive.
3. Connect the Molex power cables from the power supply to each of the drives in the
computer.
CMOS setup

Once the motherboard has been successfully installed and connected into the computer, connect
the keyboard, monitor, and power to the computer. Do not connect all of the cables yet in case
you encounter problems and need to disconnect all the cables again.
Once the computer boots enter CMOS setup and set all of the values not automatically detected.
We recommend you check or set the below values.
1. CPU Settings - make sure the proper CPU speed and voltage is shown or that it is set
to auto.
2. Memory - make sure the memory settings are right, and all memory is detected.
3. Drives - verify the floppy, hard drive, and CD-ROM drive are all shown.
4. If onboard video, modem, network, or sound is on your motherboard and you want to
them disabled for an expansion card you are installing, disable these devices now.
5. Check other settings such as the time, date, and COM ports.
Once everything has been properly detected and setup, save the settings, then exit CMOS setup
and reboot the computer.
6.Mother board troubleshooting
Reference Questions

Motherboard Dictionary definition and related links on a computer motherboard.

Bus Computer bus help and support.
Cleaning Additional information and help with cleaning computer hardware.
CMOS CMOS battery help and support.
CPU Computer processor help and support.
Interface Hard drive interface help and support.
POST Additional information and help with POST and BEEP codes.
Contacts Contact information for motherboard manufacturers.
Buying Additional information and buying tips with purchasing a motherboard.
Drivers Computer motherboard and chipset drivers and manufacturer listing.

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CHADD Additional information with installing computer hardware.
CH000193 Issues with adding new video card to computer that has on-board video.
CH000232 When booting computer I receive several beeps.
CH000233 Error BIOS ROM CHECKSUM - SYSTEM HALTED.
CH000235 How to clear an unknown BIOS password.
CH000261 Troubleshooting on-board audio.
CH000384 Timer error.
CH000504 How do I find what computer motherboard I have?
CH000550 How do I find the computer controller I have?
CH000634 How to determine the motherboards chipset.
CH000725 How can I disable the Internal speaker?
CH000935 How do I know if I have an integrated or onboard video card?
CH000995 Computer never stops beeping or has solid beep.
CH001089 Testing my computer motherboard and CPU for failures?
CH001365 How do I install an expansion card?
CH001548 How do I remove a computer motherboard?
CH001547 How can I replace a capacitor on my motherboard?
CH001369 How do I disable my computer BIOS splash screen?
CH001371 Where is cache located on the motherboard?
CH001509 Motherboard screw stuck in standout.
Forum If your question is not listed here try our computer help forum.

7. BIOS Beep codes

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 Beep Code Descriptions

1 short DRAM refresh failure

2 short Parity circuit failure
3 short Base 64K RAM failure
4 short System timer failure
5 short Process failure
6 short Keyboard controller Gate A20 error
7 short Virtual mode exception error
8 short Display memory Read/Write test failure
9 short ROM BIOS checksum failure
10 short CMOS shutdown Read/Write error
11 short Cache Memory error
1 long, 3 short Conventional/Extended memory failure
1 long, 8 short Display/Retrace test failed
two-tone siren Low CPU Fan speed, Voltage Level issue