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1. BIOS
Basic Input/Output System.
The BIOS executes Power On Self Test (POST) to be
BIOS Chips
Early computer BIOS information was stored in ROM
chips. Modern BIOS chips are EEPROM or Flash ROM which can be upgraded by the user.
Battery Flash ROM containing BIOS
System BIOS
The BIOS stored in the EEPROM chip attached to the
motherboard is called the system BIOS. This chip is called the system ROM.
configuration data and store it in the CMOS. To access the program when the system boots.
Press Ctrl-Alt-Esc or F2 (Phoenix Award), or Del (AMI), etc.
2. CMOS
CMOS is an acronym that stands for complementary
metal-oxide semiconductor. Stored information the computer needed on boot up, such as hard disk types, keyboard and display type, chip set, and even the time and date. If the battery that powered the CMOS died, all this information was lost, and the PC would boot with the default information that shipped with the motherboard.
CMOS Battery
Generally a lithium coin cell. These cells last two to ten years, depending on the type
of motherboard, ambient temperature and the time that the system is powered off. When replacing the cell, the system time and CMOS BIOS settings may revert to default values. This may be avoided by replacing the cell with the power supply master switch on.
CMOS vs NVRAM
The chip normally has a storage capacity of 512 Bytes,
3. CMOS Setup
Changing the settings for: The floppy drive, the hard drive, and the computer date/time. Also for: Memory management, password and booting options, error handling, and power management, etc.
Cont.
Standard CMOS Setup: setting the date and time, and
Cont.
Select the Advanced BIOS Features option to change
video display card, hard disk, floppy disk and other hardware. Locate, load and execute the Operating System (OS) stored on compatible media. Pass the control of the PC to the OS finally.
This process is known as booting, or booting up, which
is short for bootstrapping; when things go wrong, beep signals are generated.
Cont.
Beep once at the end of POST to show that everything is working correctly. If an error is detected:
An error is shown on the screen. A beep code will be generated. A POST code output is displayed.
manufacturers.
5. Preventive Maintenance
Reduce the likelihood of hardware or software problems by
systematically and periodically checking hardware and software to ensure proper operation.
Reduce computer down time and repair costs.
Hardware Maintenance
Make sure that the hardware is operating properly. Check the condition of parts. Repair or replace worn parts. Keep components clean. Create a hardware maintenance program.
Software Maintenance
Review updates
Follow policies of
your organization
Create a schedule
logical procedure. Eliminate variables one at a time. Troubleshooting is a skill that is refined over time. The first and last steps involve effectively communicating with the customer.
(yes/no) questions
Have you changed your
password recently?
information, even if they do not solve the problem. Document each solution you try. May need to gather more information from the customer. If you find the problem at this stage, document it and proceed to the end of the troubleshooting process.
computer, the Event Viewer is updated with information about the errors:
What problem occurred The date and time of the
Event Viewer
problem The severity of the problem The source of the problem Event ID number Which user was logged in when the problem occurred
Cont.
Device Manager A flag of ! indicates the device is acting incorrectly. A flag of X indicates the device is disabled.
Device Manager
Cont.
When troubleshooting, power on the computer and listen to
the beep code sequence. Document the beep code sequence and research the code to determine the specific hardware failure. If the computer boots and stops after the POST, investigate the BIOS settings to determine where to find the problem. Refer to the motherboard manual to make sure that the BIOS settings are accurate. Conduct research to find software to use to diagnose and solve problems. Often, manufacturers of system hardware provide diagnostic tools of their own. Some third-party tools may be available, in computer troubleshooting.