Understanding BIOS Functionality

• BIOS is an acronym found in all PC components.
• Its importance is such that the computer cannot be turned on without it.
• BIOS is part of the chipset and is located on the motherboard.
• The main function is to boot the PC, test the RAM memory, and check the proper functioning of the devices when the PC turns on.
• BIOS configures and offers the devices to the operating system, and if it cannot detect a specific device, it cannot be used.
• The information needed to perform its function is stored in a memory known as CMOS, which is another chip on the motherboard.
• When starting the computer, messages appear on the screen or the brand logo, followed by the operating system loading, which is normal except when difficulties arise.
• Error messages from the BIOS may appear, and the computer contains hardware and software as fundamental parts.
• Hardware and software operate separately, needing an indicator to show the OS location and available hardware.
• Automate the review to detail the type of BIOS, its version, and fundamental data on the installed processor.
• Review the RAM installed in the system to inform about the quantity and integrity of the chips that comprise it.
• Detect the computer's hardware components, such as keyboard, mouse, video card, hard drives, and initiate them.
• Activate specific BIOS and components like the video card and control its operation
• Search and load stored configurations, such as the date and time.
• Define the appropriate drive to boot the computer and search for the operating system in it.
• BIOS Setup allows access to many options to adjust computer performance and solve specific problems.
• Generate a copy of entered data before making BIOS modifications, to restore in case the problem is not solved.
• If a hard drive is not recognized, enter the BIOS Setup by turning on the PC and pressing the appropriate key, depending on the BIOS model.
• Then, access the Standard CMOS Features section and ensure the options Primary Master/Primary Slave/Secondary Master/Secondary Slave, TYPE: 1-46, CYLS, HEAD, SECTOR, and MODE are correctly entered.
• Use the AUTO options if available, and check the hard drive labels for the corresponding data.
• Incorrect date and time can cause problems with application control and license expiration, especially with old operating systems
• Access BIOS Setup, modify the data in the Standard CMOS Features section, and use the arrow keys and ENTER key to set the correct date and time.
• To address video memory issues, configure the correct video memory amount and RAM count in the BIOS.
• Enter BIOS Setup by pressing the key before the operating system starts and access the Advanced Setup section.
• Find the Share Memory Size option to verify that the memory aperture is correct for the system, then verify the amount of video memory within Windows.
• Error messages should be resolved for the system to load correctly like the BIOS ROM Checksum Errors which is an indication to change the motherboard.
• Read Only Memory / ROM contains a program with a checksum value, verifying memory to ensure correct code.
• The checksum value is compared to the ROM each time the computer boots and an error message is displayed if a difference is found.
• To solve this, several options include changing the memory, replacing the motherboard, or visiting the manufacturer's website to reprogram the Flash memory.
• Beeps at startup may indicate component failures with those from an AMI BIOS broken down as below

Error Beeps

• One beep indicates that everything is correct, and the equipment starts normally without any hardware complications
• Two or three beeps indicate a difficulty located in the video memory or in the RAM.
• Four beeps indicate an error in the memory or in the system clock.
• Five beeps indicate a problem with the detection of RAM; it may also indicate that the modules are not compatible.
• Six beeps indicate that the keyboard controller is failing.
• Seven beeps indicate a problem with the processor.
• Eight beeps indicate a problem with the video card.
• Nine beeps indicate that the BIOS code is corrupt.
• Ten beeps indicate that the BIOS cannot access the data stored in the CMOS.
• Eleven beeps indicate that the system's cache memory is damaged or inaccessible.
• Updating the BIOS is sensitive but can solve motherboard issues and offer access to newer features.
• Before updating, ensure one of these problems exist; otherwise, don't undertake this complex task.
• Before updating, have the brand, model, and version of the BIOS ready.