Lab 1.

1 Get To know CMOS

Objectives:
The Goal of this Lab is to introduce you to CMOS
To get knowledge and Background on What CMOS is
To know where CMOS is applied
To determine CMOS function
Materials Required:
A prepared Working System Unit
Internet Connection
Lab Preparation:
Before the lab begins, the system unit should be functioning well and the internet
connection must be checked
Activity Background:
This is one of the most basic things to do in this CMOS module here you'll only
search and gather data on what CMOS is , in short it's the "Meet and Greet" portion and
at the same time the introduction of CMOS to you.
Estimated completion time: 30 minutes
Instructions:
Surf the net and Gather background and data about CMOS use the following questions to
Guide you in your Research
Guide Questions:
1. Search the definition of CMOS.
2. What does CMOS Abbreviation stands for?
3. What are the uses of CMOS?
4. Where is the CMOS Hardware located in a system unit?
5. How does CMOS help in troubleshooting a System unit?
Review Questions:
1. What is Overclocking?
2. What are the risks of overclocking?
3. Is it possible to Overclock your System unit Considering your surroundings and
System specs?
4. How to replace CMOS battery.
Discussion:
It this lab subtopic you are able to learn about CMOS, how it was used upon
trouble shooting, its significance during trouble shooting and lastly on how it can

potentially increase your system unit's performance. The Guide Questions will serve as
your modular guide as you go through the experiment. Through those you are able to
learn and familiarize yourself to CMOS.
Answers to Guide Questions:
1. CMOS - is the semiconductor technology used in the transistors that are
manufactured into most of today's computer microchips.
2. The abbreviation stands for Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor.
3. CMOS can be used in a number of other situations. They can be used for RF
circuits, mixed signal devices and as transmission gates. A big advantage of
CMOS is that it uses less power than other technologies. CMOS designs has
almost zero static power consumption. Only during transitions does CMOS use a
non-negligible amount of power, but even then it's still extremely small as CMOS
switches quickly, on the order of picoseconds for the fastest practical designs.
4. 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.
5. CMOS help in troubleshooting by using it to change the date and time, the boot
sequence, and using it to overclock the system.
Answers to Review Question:
1. Overclocking is the process of forcing a computer or component to operate faster
than the manufactured clock frequency. Operating voltages may also be changed
(increased), which can increase the speed at which operation remains stable. Most
overclocking techniques increase power consumption, generating more heat,
which must be dispersed if the chip is to remain operational.
2. Biggest rick is frying your CPU &/or mobo to avoid this keep an eye on the temps
(keep under 55C at full load if you can 60C is just OK) and keep the core voltage
below 1.5V. Its best not to leave them on auto (the core voltage anyway) and set
the RAM voltage to what the manufacturer recommends.
3. Yes it is possible since the room temperature in the laboratory is cold.
4. Step by step process:
a. Unplug all cables except for the power. Write down each cable location if
you do not already know where it connects.
b. Unplug the power cable and with the power cable removed press the Power
button on the front of the PC.

c. Remove the screws on the rear of the PC.

d. Slide the side panel off from the rear of the PC.
e. Remember which direction the battery is installed. Usually the engraved
side, the positive side, is face up. Remove the battery from the main board.
f. Call a local computer supply store to see if a replacement is available. Use
the inscriptions on the battery to answer any questions that the computer
supply store may ask.
g. Acquire the battery and replace it in the same socket it was removed from.
Make sure the new battery is installed in exactly the same orientation as the
previous battery.
h. Replace a side panel by matching the side panel tabs with the tab openings
in the case.
i. Insert the side panel and slide it forward.
j. Fasten the screws to secure the side panel.
k. Connect all cables and turn on the PC to set the time.

References:
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/263985-29-risks-overclocking-approach
http://www.google.com
http://support.hp.com/ph-en/document/bph04375
Lab 1.2 CMOS Set up Utility
Objective:
To know what are the things to be done in CMOS
To change and return CMOS values
To set up CMOS
Materials required:
A working station system unit with an internet access.
Lab preparation:
Check to see if the computer is working and checked the CMOS settings if it is in its
default values. If not set it default to avoid errors in doing this laboratory experiment.
Activity Background:
In the previous laboratory report you got to know all about CMOS as to where it is
applied and its functions. Now, all the things we learned from the very start of this
laboratory report we will see why CMOS is very important and how to set up our CMOS
properly so that we will be able to navigate and/or change values in the CMOS properly
without causing much of a problem.

The floppy drive, hard drive, and the date/time settings can be changed using the
standard CMOS setup. Modern computers provide extra CMOS settings for memory
management, password and booting options, error handling, and power management.
Estimated completion time: 30 minutes.
Instruction:
1. Computers manufactured in the last few years allow you to enter the BIOS setup
using one of the five keys shown below during the boot process, F1, F2, F10,
DEL, ESC.
2. Once in the Set up already, check for the CMOS settings available or the setting
options that appeared on your screen.
3. Check to see if the CMOS is password protected.
4. Change the CMOS values you see.
5. Change some features in the CMOS utility set up.
6. Change the time and date.
7. Then run the setup.
Guide questions:
1. What are the settings available?
2. What happen after you run the setup?
3. What happen after you change the time and date?
Review questions:
1. What is the time and date that you set too?
2. Why are there errors when we change the time and date in CMOS?
3. How to remove if the CMOS is password protected?
4. What effects/cause when you change the CMOS values?
5. What is the difference between CMOS and BIOS?
Discussion:
In this part of the sub topic, we are able to further learn more about CMOS. This
lab experiment requires us to change the CMOS set up utility to see if what changes
could this bring to the system unit we are using. In here we are able to see the even the
difference between CMOS and BIOS and how both helped in troubleshooting the

problems in the system unit we are using. The help of knowing the CMOS can be a big
help since not all the time we have a computer technician with us to fix some of our
computer problems. In this laboratory report as well, we come to face with the different
CMOS values which corresponds to a hardware. Changing a CMOS values can cause an
error and a malfunction in our device.
Guide questions answer:
1. CPU Soft menu, advanced BIOS features, advance chipset features, integrated
peripherals, power management set up, PnP/PCI configuration.
2. There was an error and the system unit would not function well.
3. After the time and date has been changed the system unit did not open since there
are other errors due to changing of the CMOS values.
Review Questions answers:
1. 12 am, October 4, 2020.
2. Because changing the date and time can cause an overclocking. It is operating
faster than the manufactured clock frequency.
3. Clear using jumper. On the computer motherboard locate the BIOS clear or
password jumper or dip switch and change its position. This jumper is often
labeled CLEAR, CLEAR CMOS, JCMOS1, CLR, CLRPWD, PASSWD,
PASSWORD, PSWD or PWD. To clear, remove the jumper from the two pins
currently covers the replace it over the other two. An example of the various
jumper positions may be seen in the image to the right. Some computers may also
clear the password by keeping the jumper open (one or no pins covered.). Or you
might as well call your computer manufacturer or motherboard manufacturer for
the steps on clearing your password.
4. Since every CMOS values corresponds to a hardware changing the values could
cause a malfunction in the computer itself. The hardware values that has been
changed might not be functioning well.
5. The BIOS is a small program that controls the computer from the time it powers
on until the time the operating system takes over. The BIOS is firmware, and thus

cannot store variable data. While CMOS is a type of memory technology, but
most people use the term to refer to the chip that stores variable data for startup.
References:
https://kb.iu.edu/d/annl
http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000192.htm
http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000235.htm
http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000238.htm
http://www.theeldergeek.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=18372

Lab 1.5 Critical Thinking - CMOS Troubleshooting

Objective:
Cultivate the ability to find and solve problems in an orderly manner.
Learn about the effects of changing settings on CMOS
Simulate a possible real-life problem that may occur to users and solve it by the
techniques learned in previous laboratories
Materials Required:

Two working computers with the needed peripherals

Pens and paper
Two groups
Reference materials
Timer and Prizes

Lab Preparation:
Before starting, check first if the computer is properly working, and no other problems
can be found.
The BIOS menu should be restored to default settings to ensure the fairness for both
groups.
Activity Background:
From previous activities, you have learned how to troubleshoot common problems
that occur because of improper changes to the BIOS settings. Problems occurring from
accidental changes to the BIOS is very common since most people will accidentally
access this menu and sometimes change the values without the proper knowledge of what
will happen if these settings are tampered with. Yes, you could just restore the BIOS to

default settings to fix it, but sometimes the user actually has custom settings and by
restoring it to default settings, these custom changes will also be reverted, and the user
will need to change those back again. As a Computer Engineer, we must be able to
diagnose the problems that will occur if these changes are made, and what should be done
to fix them.
This activity puts two groups in a battle of knowledge, wherein both groups will
tamper with each other's CMOS settings, and each group must be able to diagnose the
problems that will occur. Each group will change two settings on the CMOS setup that
will cause the computer to not boot up correctly. The two groups will then return to their
own stations to troubleshoot and fix the computer, and their findings should be written on
a piece of paper. Another option is to make the first group to fix the problem be rewarded
with a prize, and the other group be punished so as to motivate the students in performing
the activity. Reference materials should also be given, and these should contain the
common problems that are caused by CMOS changes and how to solve them.
Estimated Completion Time: 30 minutes
Procedures:
1. Exchange computers with another group and go to the BIOS menu of their
computer. Change two settings that will make the computer not boot up properly.
Write your changes on a piece of paper and give it to the professor.
2. Prepare some pen and paper to record your findings and return to your own
stations, start troubleshooting the computer with your members. Restoring to
default settings is not allowed.
QUESTIONS FOR GATHERING DATA
1. What did you see when you first booted up?
2. Without going to the BIOS menu, what do you think was changed?
3. After checking the BIOS menu, what did you find that was changed. Was
it the same as your previous hypothesis?
4. Were there any more changes that you were not able to spot? If yes, what
did you do to fix the problem?
3. You may use any reference material given to you to help you in troubleshooting
the computer. If you are done, say so and the professor will check if all the
changes made to your computer are returned to their previous settings.
4. The first three groups to fix their computers will be given prizes to compensate
for their victory. The findings report should be stored because it will be submitted
along with the other paper works done.
Review Questions:
1. What were the changes you did to the other computer?
2. In your opinion, were the changes did to your computer hard to fix?
3. What were the steps that you took to find the problem of your computer?

4. If you were to repeat the activity, do you think that you will be able to troubleshoot
the computer faster and more efficiently?
5. If you were not given any reference materials, do you think that you will be able to
fix the problem?
Discussion:
In this subtopic, we were tasked to perform an activity wherein we had to
troubleshoot a sabotaged PC. We believe that this was done to simulate a real-world job
that we will have to do in the future. We had to first sabotage the other group's computer,
and then had to return to our stations.
We quickly started the troubleshooting process, remembering to take down notes
about what we were currently seeing so that we can come back later and see if that
problem was fixed because of the changes that we had made. We tried our best to consult
each member of the group since we believe that having proper cooperation with your
members will make the job much easier and the time it will take to finish will become
faster. The reference materials was a big help since most of the problems and symptoms
can be seen on them, and we will not have to change settings randomly and risk more
damage to the computer. The hypothesis that we made was also correct and that made
fixing the problem much easier since we already know what settings to change on the
BIOS menu. We were able to fix the problem and was also able to get a prize for being
one of the first to complete it.
References:
http://www.errorteck.com/good-to-know/computer-terminology/bios-troubleshootingguide.html
http://www.realworldtech.com/troubleshooting-boot-problems/
Answers to Review Questions and Data Obtained:
DATA:
1. Black screen that asks for CD to boot to.
2. The boot priority of the BIOS was changed.
3. The DVD drive was set as the primary boot priority. Yes, it is the same as our
previous hypothesis
4. No, no more additional changes were made to our system
GUIDE QUESTIONS:
1. We changed the boot priority to a non-existing drive.
2. No, it was not since the problem's solution was very easy to do and we were able to
identify what was the cause quickly.
3.
a. Booted up PC to find out more about the error
b. Looked at our references to find possible causes
c. Went to BIOS menu and changed the problem-causing change

d. Booted up PC to see if error is fixed or any more errors were occurring

4. Yes, since we now know what should be done already, so we wont need to look up
the procedures on the reference material.
5. We think so, since some of us were already familiar with that type of error however,
it may take some trial and error since
6. We were not too sure on what things to change on the BIOS menu.

Lab1.3 BIOS FUNCTIONS AND UPGRADING BIOS

OBJECTIVES:
The goal of this Lab is to become knowledgeable in using BIOS functions and how to
upgrade it.
After completing this lab, you would be able to:
Know the functions in the BIOS
Modify settings in BIOS
Expose problems with the system and eliminate it
Know when you should update a PC's BIOS
Update your own BIOS
MATERIALS REQUIRED:
The lab requires the Following:
Windows XP/Vista System with access to the internet
LAB PREPARATION:
Before the lab begins, the instructor or lab assistant needs to do the following:
Verify that BIOS is accessed with no errors
Backup all important files from the System
Backup the BIOS
ACTIVITY BACKGROUND:
This activity is to build up knowledge on the each of the functions of a BIOS as it may
greatly affect on preventing or determining a specific problem just knowing where you
should look if a particular problem occurs, Although sometimes, some problems are not
solved by the BIOS as it lacks options and thus might need fixes/updates from the BIOS
manufacturer. Updating a BIOS, although quite dangerous, is important in
troubleshooting as it resolves a number of issues pertaining to the BIOS. You would just
have to keep in mind that in updating a BIOS there are risks to take, it is up to you if the
BIOS update is worth your while.
ESTIMATED COMPLETION TIME: 30 minutes

PROCEDURE (W/ DATA GATHERING):

BIOS Functions:
Access the BIOS settings by starting up the computer and repeatedly press a specific key
that the BIOS manufacture had set.
When you have accessed the BIOS settings answer these questions.
1. Upon entering BIOS you would see a number of setup screens, Click Main and
write down the functions displayed.
2. Enter the standard settings menu and configure the following options, Date and
Time. What correct format should the Date be set? What clock format should the
time be set?
3. On the upper part of the screen, select Advanced, and write down the functions
displayed
4. Enter PCI on the upper part of the screen, and write down its functions
5. On the top most part of the screen choose the Boot screen and indicate its
functions
6. In Security, write down the functions displayed
7. Select Chipset and indicate its functions
8. What does the Exit option in the BIOS do?
9. Find the entry in the BIOS setup menu for auto detecting the system's Hard disk
and use it. What happens when you use the Auto detect Hard Disk function in the
BIOS?

Save and Exit the setup by returning to the main menu and choosing the option to save
and exit the BIOS setup program. The system would then reboot.
UPGRADIONG BIOS:
Before updating a BIOS, It is essential to Backup all important files in the system and
most especially the BIOS configurations.
1. Identify the make and model of the Motherboard, either by looking at the
mainboard's manual or by looking at the board itself. What is the model of the
system's motherboard?
2. Also on the main board, Note down the revision number of the main board as it
may require different BIOS file to previous revisions. What is the revision
number?
3. Find out the current BIOS version by holding the windows key+R to bring up the
run command prompt and type in msinfo32. In the system information window

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

which appears, select system summary on the left and look for the BIOS Version.
What is the Current BIOS version indicated?
Head to the motherboard's manufacturer website and look for a support link.
Search for the model by using list of available downloads and Download the latest
BIOS file. What is the latest version of the BIOS your mainboard supports?
Make a bootable USB drive by using a utility such as Rufus or Unetbootin and
you would need an ISO image as well, and FreeDOS. Once you connect a USB
drive onto the system and run one of these applications, copy all necessary BIOS
and Update utility files that you had downloaded from the manufacturers website.
Give at least one link from the 2 applications needed to make a bootable USB
drive.
Use the USB stick prepared for booting and insert it to a USB port and turn the PC
on. It should load up automatically, displaying a DOS prompt. Enter the name of
the flash tool and press enter. It would give information about the BIOS-OD and
the age of the Build. Look around if you can create a backup of your BIOS before
continuing (Usually with the B-key), otherwise, select the file you wish to update
your BIOS with, and wait for the compatibility analysis and confirm the update
process.
1. Is it possible to update BIOS with the BIOS UI? If so, how?
Once the flashing too has successfully finished updating, check the BIOS settings
if there were options that are needed to change. Does any option/setting need any
changing?
BIOS update is improved hardware compatibility, check if all drivers have been
installed correctly by checking in the Device Manager in the control panel usually
indicated by a yellow exclamation mark on the left. Are there any yellow
exclamation marks on the drivers?
If the update has failed, and the pc is still functional. Do not turn off the pc. This
applies to both DOS and windows. Close the flash updating tool and restart the
updating process anew to see if it works
2. You could also use the BIOS backup that you had made and try selecting
that file to install instead of the new one. Some motherboards have a
backup BIOS, so may still be able to restore the information. You could
also check the manual or instruction on how to restore your BIOS. Did your
bios succeed? How? If not, why?

REVIEW QUESTIONS:
1. Why is it important to set up the BIOS?
2. How would configuring the BIOS FUNCTIONS help on eliminating system problems?
3. Why is it essential to know about the functions of the BIOS?
4. Why is it that Dangerous to update your BIOS?
5. Is it recommended to update your BIOS every now and then?
6. Are there any special perks on updating a BIOS?

DISCUSSION:
BIOS functions are essential to not only know but to really master as it takes out
an ample amount of time in troubleshooting as a particular problem can be prevented,
determined and fixed using BIOS. The cool thing about the BIOS is that option menus
are conveniently separated and segregated depending on a specific hardware/software for
ease of use, this takes less time in searching upon a specific option when
configuring/troubleshooting. But when a particular problem is persistent and could not be
fixed by the BIOS itself then, you would need to resort to other methods such as
upgrading the BIOS. In upgrading a PC's BIOS, new fixes are introduced to further
enhance its compatibility if new hardware is installed. Because sometimes the hardware
is incompatible with the current BIOS version you are using thus creating errors and
issues with the system. There are a couple of ways in updating your BIOS be it via
Windows, DOS or in the BIOS UI itself. It is somewhat easy in a sense to update a BIOS,
the only catch is, is that you would need to take risks. As if anything happens to the
computer while the BIOS update is working, there is a chance that you would not be able
to boot up your PC again. So it is a must to first be ready in updating. And to make sure
that in updating your BIOS, it would be worth your while.
REFERENCES:
http://www.webopedia.com/DidYouKnow/Hardware_Software/BootProcess.asp
http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/pc-upgrades/how-update-your-bios-3428662/
http://www.howtogeek.com/196916/how-to-check-your-bios-version-and-update-it/
http://www.pcworld.com/article/187437/how_to_update_your_bios.html
DATA:
1. General product information, including BIOS type, processor, memory, and
time/date.
2. The Date format should be set as MM/DD/YY and time should be set as a 24-hour
clock format.
3. Configuration information for the CPU, memory, IDE, Super IO, trusted
computing, USB, PCI, MPS and other information
4. Configure the server to clear NVRAM during system boot.
5. Configure the boot device priority (storage drives and the DVD-ROM drive).
6. Set or change the user and supervisor passwords.
7. View the configuration of server chipsets.
8. Save changes & exit, discards changes & exit, discard changes, or load optimal or
fail-safe defaults.
9. It auto-detects the hard drive installed in the system and automatic all sets values
in the settings that are compatible with the detected hard drive.
10. P5E3 Deluxe
11. REV 1.03G

12. SMBIOSBISVersion 6.00

13. BIOS Version 7.00
14. (Rufus) https://rufus.akeo.ie/
15. Yes, it is possible by entering the BIOS UI and search the menu for an option like
"EZ Flash 2" and the next steps would be similar with the one in DOS.
16. None, the BIOS is configured correctly
17. None, there are no yellow exclamation marks indicated in the Device Manager
18. Yes, it succeeded as we are able to follow every instruction that the manual had
stated.
ANSWERS:
1. It is important to set up the BIOS to prevent any problems in the system that
would be caused by wrong values stored in each option
2. Configuring the BIOS functions would greatly help on determining and
eliminating problems in the system just by adjusting the values of the Boolean
option. A simple Disable/Enable of an option could get a system up and booting
again.
3. It is essential to know all the functions in the BIOS as it would lessen the time of
configuring the settings by decreasing the time of research. And just straight to
where you think the problem originated in the BIOS.
4. It is dangerous to update your BIOS because if something goes wrong e.g power is
cut, or the System suddenly turns off. It could mean that the system would no
longer be able to boot at all.
5. Updating a PC's BIOS is not recommended to be performed frequently as it only
adds little changes to the system that it is not worthwhile.
6. Yes there are special perks on updating a BIOS especially when a new
processor/other hardware is introduced to the motherboard. It supports the new
processor/other hardware so that it would function properly. Better than if the old
version of BIOS was used.

CONCLUSION:
In this Lab activity, we as a group have learned more about CMOS functions and
CMOS utilities. We have learned how to troubleshoot more of the system units problems.
We have further gain more knowledge in processing the desired functions in both BIOS
and CMOS. We learned numerous things such as the BIOS' functions, each of the options
has a particular job to be done for the whole system to function property. How the
function works, and what the function applies to.
In the lab activity we are also taught on how to update/upgrade our PC's BIOS, for
when issues connected to the system's BIOS arises. Instances like these usually happens
when a new processor/other hardware is introduced to the system. We made sure to keep
in our minds that when updating a BIOS. It must only be done when it is needed, if not
then it is better to not upgrade the BIOS and leave it be as it is. And we must be able to
follow procedure properly to prevent damages in the system. Because a thing that could
happen is that your PC might not be able to boot up. Thus concluding the experiment. We
also encountered the difference between CMOS and BIOS since both is use to
troubleshoot the computers problems we often made mistakes to take them both as one
when in truth they are not. The BIOS is a small program that controls the computer from
the time it powers on until the time the operating system takes over. The BIOS
is firmware, and thus cannot store variable data. While CMOS is a type
of memory technology, but most people use the term to refer to the chip that stores
variable data for startup.