Elitegroup bios step by step setup. Working with BIOS Advanced: basic instructions on how to use the system. After changing the settings, the computer does not boot. What to do
After publishing a series of materials on overclocking computer components, we began to receive questions from readers revealing ignorance of basic things related to setting up the BIOS of motherboards. We mentioned that you should approach overclocking already having initial theoretical knowledge in this area. However, apparently, many PC users are interested in getting a free performance boost (and more).
This material is intended to help beginners navigate basic system setup.
The article will discuss fairly simple concepts related to working with the configuration of motherboard firmware. To begin with, let's decipher the abbreviation BIOS - Basic Input/Output System (basic input/output system). This is a kind of software recorded in a chip with non-volatile memory, which allows you to initialize PC components and configure their operating modes. The BIOS contains the microcode needed to control the keyboard, video card, drives, ports, and other devices. For the average user, BIOS is identified with a visual shell that allows you to change computer settings if necessary.
We also note that the answers to most of the questions raised in this material can be found in the motherboard manuals. Alas, few users who want to know everything at once pay attention to the brochures supplied with these products. Sometimes the manuals are quite sparse, but nothing prevents you from familiarizing yourself with those devoted to other lines of boards from the same (or another) manufacturer - the basic BIOS options are standard, and what is applicable to one firmware is often suitable when working with another. Mastering this material is also facilitated by knowledge of the English language - a banal translation of terms will help you navigate the search for the necessary parameters.
What types of BIOS are there?
The differences in firmware come down not only to the abundance of settings and adjustment ranges of individual parameters. First of all, this is the microcode of a certain developer, which ultimately determines the visual shell. For example, the BIOS of ASUS motherboards is based on code from AMI (menu with blue symbols on a gray background), most manufacturers use Award/Phoenix (blue background, yellow letters). IN Lately Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) firmware interfaces are becoming widespread, distinguished by their extraordinary graphical interface. They allow navigation using not only the keyboard, but also the mouse, and menu items have become even more intuitive.
How to get into BIOS
To enter the BIOS, you must press the corresponding button on the keyboard while initializing PC devices (going through the POST procedure). If the motherboard firmware is based on microcode from AMI, it will be F2, Award - Del. In order to get into the BIOS of some laptops, you will need to activate the F8 key. However, even if you don’t know what microcode the board’s firmware is based on, during the device initialization process, a hint message will definitely appear on the screen (for example, Press F2 to Enter Setup - “Press F2 to get to the settings section”). If the monitor does not light up in time, after turning on the PC, regularly and often press the required button or, if you are not sure which one, try Del, then F2.
Selecting and changing firmware settings
BIOS settings are controlled exclusively from the keyboard. To move the cursor, use the arrow block (Up, Down, Right, Left). To change the desired parameter, highlight it with the cursor, press Enter and select one of the available modes. If the board's BIOS is based on microcode from AMI, you will have to use the “+” and “-” buttons for the same purposes. Setting certain values can be done directly from the numeric keypad (for example, if you need to change the system bus frequency from 266 to 320 MHz, hover the cursor over the appropriate position, enter 3, 2, 0, then Enter). To go up one menu level, press the Esc key, exit the BIOS - perform a similar operation in the root directory. Often it also contains explanations of options for managing firmware settings. When exiting the BIOS using the Esc key (without saving the settings) or F10 (with saving the settings), a window will definitely appear asking Do you want to exit/save the settings? To confirm, press the Y (Yes) button, to cancel - N (No).
BIOS Basics in Pictures
 |
| The system is undergoing initialization procedure (POST). To get into the BIOS, in this moment you need to press the Del key (this is indicated in the lower left part of the screen) |
 |
| The main BIOS menu of one of the motherboards manufactured by Gigabyte. Below are brief tips - descriptions of the purpose of individual keys |
 |
| Section dedicated to fine-tuning the operating modes of the main system components (processor, random access memory), may be called differently. IN in this case This MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.) |
 |
| Standard CMOS Features- a menu item available in the BIOS of any board. Allows you to set the date and time, as well as view a list of FDD, IDE and SATA devices connected to the system |
 |
| Advanced BIOS Features, or Options, is one of the most important sections related to system configuration. In our case, it is possible to control boot priority, individual CPU technologies and the visual design of the splash screen |
 |
| In chapter Integrated Peripherals functional blocks implemented on the motherboard are activated (network card, audio codec, IEEE 1394, USB ports, IDE and SATA controllers), their operating modes are set |
 |
| Power Management Setup- control computer power, turn on/off without using a button Power system unit |
 |
| In subcategory PnP/PCI Configurations has nothing interesting for the average user. System addressing settings are hidden there |
 |
| System monitoring section - PC Health Status. Allows you to monitor the operating temperature of PC components, main supply voltages, and control the number of revolutions of system fans |
 |
| In this BIOS, control of parameters important for overclocking a PC is concentrated in one section. Things may be different with the settings of boards using firmware from AMI - similar options are sometimes located in different subcategories of the main menu |
BIOS updates - is it worth doing?
By the time a certain motherboard model is announced, manufacturers do not always have time to develop optimal firmware for it. Therefore, over time, BIOS updates are released and available for download from the manufacturers' official websites. A list of improvements that a particular firmware version has is often given in the description. Should you constantly update your motherboard BIOS? If the PC works well, and overclocking the components is not limited to the board, then there is no need to do this. The firmware should be changed only if there are significant changes in certain parameters, expansion of functionality, and sometimes the introduction of support for new processor models.
Information on how to update the firmware is also available on the manufacturers' websites. Owners of modern products do this directly from within the OS, using specialized utilities. To update the firmware of older boards, you need to get a disk drive. When upgrading the BIOS, be extremely careful - a power failure, pressing the Reset button prematurely before the operation is completed - and the motherboard will have to be sent to a service center. There may be freezes caused by defects in utilities from manufacturers. So don’t overdo it in the pursuit of each new BIOS version, because good is not a good thing.
After changing the settings, the computer does not boot. What to do?
A typical situation that accompanies the activity of overclockers is the inability to boot a PC after setting incorrect parameters in the BIOS. Many modern motherboards implement reset technologies in such cases. However, they do not always work, and not all boards are equipped with them. But this is not a reason to get upset, panic and say that the computer is broken. Any motherboard has a special jumper to force all settings to be reset to Default mode, which is often designated as CLR_CMOS (or Clear CMOS). Its location must be indicated in the board's instruction manual. The jumper can take the form of a special button located on the rear panel (a similar solution is found on top ASUSTeK boards), or it can be soldered in the area where the battery is located. If it has three contacts, two of which are closed by a jumper (a similar circuit is used in most products), you need to move the jumper from one position to another for a few seconds while the computer is turned off (say, 1-2 → 2-3) and back. Sometimes a jumper has only two contacts (often found on Gigabyte boards), then they need to be connected with a conductive object (for example, a screwdriver).
If after resetting the system goes through the POST initialization procedure, but does not boot into the OS, make sure that the hard drive is displayed in the BIOS and is listed as the first number among the available boot devices. When using an HDD with an IDE connector on modern motherboards, you will probably have to configure the operating mode of the external controller (Configure SATA Interface as IDE). After carrying out the described manipulations, the system should boot successfully, except in cases where the OS fails (such complications are possible, especially when playing for a long time with memory timing settings, but they occur extremely rarely).
Basic BIOS sections - where to look for what
It is absolutely not necessary for a novice user to thoroughly study every item of the firmware in order to configure the system. Therefore, we will briefly talk about the main features available in the BIOS of all boards.
From the basic sections we highlight Standard CMOS Features, Advanced BIOS Features And Integrated Peripherals. The first of them displays the current date and time, the amount of RAM, and displays a list of IDE- and SATA-compatible system devices. You can also change the clock settings through the OS, so the value of this section lies in the initial diagnostics of the PC: here it is monitored which drives and hard drives are connected and determined at the hardware level, and which are not. In Advanced BIOS Features (or the Boot menu, if the firmware is based on code from AMI) the boot sequence priority is set. There are cases when the operating system on the HDD is not initialized only because the FDD containing the floppy disk or the CD-ROM with the boot disk is selected first in the list of devices. Until you remove the media, don't expect to see the OS. Immediately install the hard drive first - you will never go wrong. The Integrated Peripherals section is interesting because it allows you to disable controllers soldered on the motherboard, thus managing the functionality of the PC. If there is no sound in your system when the speakers are connected correctly, check whether the audio codec is activated (the submenu value should be Enabled or Auto). The situation is similar with the network controller, IEEE 1394, etc. Pay attention to the paragraphs dedicated to USB. Be sure to activate the appropriate controller and enable USB keyboard and mouse support. Depending on the positioning of the motherboard and its features, the Advanced BIOS Features and Integrated Peripherals sections may contain different system settings. You should pay attention to a brief study of the settings proposed in them.
Of the sections available in the BIOS of most boards, we will also highlight the sections for system monitoring (PC Health Status), power management (Power Management Setup) and configuring data bus addresses (PnP/PCI Configurations). The last two are of no interest to most. The most valuable thing for the average user is the monitoring section, which displays the temperatures of the main PC components (CPU, chipset) and the current voltages supplied by the power supply, and also has the ability to control the fan speed. However, you should not trust these sensors unconditionally - their readings can be inaccurate.
Settings that determine the performance of the PC and the operating modes of the main components are located in one or more adjacent subsections of the BIOS. It is possible that they may not be there at all - do not expect to find options on a cheap motherboard for an office computer to seriously increase the supply voltage, set RAM timings, or control CPU parameters. We talked about the relevant points in more detail in the materials devoted to overclocking a PC, so we won’t dwell on them now.
Most of the parameters that can be changed through the BIOS can be installed directly in the OS using specialized utilities. However, this method is often inconvenient - every time you boot the computer you need to launch additional software and activate certain settings. When you reinstall the system, they will be lost. Therefore, if you want to be on friendly terms with your computer, you will have to study the motherboard BIOS.
Afterword
Perhaps this material does not describe all the nuances of working with the BIOS that beginners would like to know. However, do not be upset if you have not found the answer to your question - first of all, remember where the instruction manual for the motherboard is located, and carefully study the section on firmware. If there is no brochure or the description is too sparse, you can download an extended version from the official website of the motherboard manufacturer for a specific product, or simply find a good manual from a third-party manufacturer. It is likely that the settings mentioned there will be largely similar. If you are not sure, ask again on specialized forums of thematic resources, although we do not see anything wrong with studying the BIOS on your own by trial and error. The “magic” CLR_CMOS jumper for resetting settings is available on any board, and it is almost impossible to damage any component without radically changing the power parameters (for example, increasing the voltage on the processor by 80% of the nominal value).
If, after carefully examining the BIOS of the motherboard installed in your PC, it suddenly turns out that certain settings are missing, do not be upset. On Gigabyte products, to activate the section responsible for fine-tuning the memory subsystem and CPU operating mode, after entering the BIOS you need to press the key combination Ctrl+F1. In other cases, it is quite possible that some options really are not there. A similar situation is typical for budget motherboards. In their firmware, sections on fine tuning and power management of PC components are either very scarce or completely absent. However, it is likely that the required parameters can be changed from under operating system using specialized utilities.
A few words must be said about the new interface - EFI - which will replace the classic BIOS. Undoubtedly, a pleasant graphical shell will appeal to some users, but the convenience of its implementation should be judged only by testing the corresponding products. In the meantime, experienced overclockers are quite satisfied with the available capabilities, in which a complete setup of the motherboard BIOS to optimize the parameters of all components and overclock the PC takes from several tens of seconds to a minute. Too fast? Not at all. Learn the basics of working with firmware configuration, expand your own knowledge, and it is possible that over time you yourself will become specialists in this field.
Each user, when working on a computer, one way or another, has to work with BIOS - a standard input (output) system that determines the type of interaction between all components and devices connected to the PC. But the level of mastery of it is, of course, different for everyone. So, while some users have long ago mastered all the intricacies of this “software shell”, others still continue to be tormented by questions about why a BIOS is needed and how to configure it on a computer. Maybe it's time to finally find out the correct answers to them?
Why do you need a BIOS?
Understanding the purpose of BIOS, we can come to a very clear conclusion that it is thanks to this software that each user gets the opportunity to fully use and manage their laptop or desktop PC. In particular, using the BIOS built into the motherboard on the computer:
- initialization, POST testing and configuration of connected hardware is carried out;
- PCI devices are configured and system resources are redistributed;
- parameters for launching the operating system are set, including from a HDD disk, CD / DVD disk and flash drive;
- software interrupts from system devices, etc. are processed.
- the optimal value for energy consumption is selected, tasks for turning on, putting the computer into sleep mode and shutting down are configured.
Accordingly, the overall level of PC performance and the performance of its individual components will directly depend on how to configure the BIOS. However, you need to take into account that the BIOS shell on different laptops may differ depending on the type of motherboard installed.
How to determine the BIOS type?
It must be said that there are quite a lot of BIOS versions today. In particular, Award, Phoenix-Award, UEFI, and AMI can be installed on your computer, which in turn may also differ in build versions: 
At the same time, determining what type of BIOS you will have to deal with during setup is not so difficult. With Windows fully loaded, for example, you can use the Run system utility for this purpose. In this case, in order to find out the version of your BIOS after pressing +R, we only need to enter the msinfo32 command in the “Open” line, and then press Enter and read the information we need in the system information section: 
If the computer is just turning on, to view information about the BIOS version, just press the Pause/Break button on the keyboard when a black window appears, corresponding to the POST procedure: 
If you wish, of course, you can find the same data in the BIOS interface itself.
How to open the BIOS and configure it?
In order to get to the BIOS menu, you don’t need to turn inside out: you just need to press special hot keys designed for this purpose when starting the computer. The list of them is already in front of you: 
At the same time, information about “hot keys” for entering the BIOS can, if desired, be found on the PC screen itself during boot time: 
The main thing is to look carefully! At the same time, on computers with Windows 8, to gain access to the BIOS, you may need to delay the system startup. The bottom line is that this edition of Windows starts up so quickly that the default time for pressing hot keys is about 0.2 seconds. At the same time, getting rid of such a problem is quite easy with the help of this plan:
Has the situation with launching the BIOS been clarified? Then let's move on to the basics of setting it up. Actually, you can configure it in the BIOS:
If desired, you can also return the computer to safe or optimized settings by selecting the Load Fail-Safe (or Optimized) Defaults tab, respectively. In any case, you will need to press F10 to save the changes made to the BIOS. Exiting the settings is carried out simultaneously with pressing Esc on the keyboard.
BIOS (Input/Output System) is an important piece of system software, implemented as a series of firmware programs combined into a common interface. The main purpose of BIOS is to provide the operating system with access to PC hardware and connected devices.
Given the importance of this system, it is not surprising that users wonder how to properly configure the BIOS. This topic is extensive and is partially covered in our other articles, but today we will try to summarize the scattered information a little, creating a complete picture of BIOS settings.
General information
The main task of the BIOS is to check the functionality of the computer’s hardware and connected devices and start them with certain parameters.
Therefore, if, for example, you decide to connect a sound card, you will first have to disable the built-in audio controller in the BIOS for the equipment to work correctly. There are many examples of working with BIOS. If you want to set a password on your computer, use the BIOS. If you want to install Windows XP from a flash drive, change the boot priority in the I/O system.
Versions of this software a lot, but we will focus on BIOS AMI. If you understand the meaning of interacting with one version, then you will quickly understand the other interface.
Working with BIOS
Immediately after turning on the computer, it is not the operating system that starts loading, but the BIOS, which begins to check the functionality of all detected devices.
To enter the BIOS, press the F10 or Delete key immediately after turning on the computer (they may be different in other versions). To be sure, press the button several times in a row so as not to miss the launch moment.
If the login was successful, the following window will appear on the screen. This is your BIOS. 
Main
In this section of the BIOS you can configure the system date and time, as well as work with the parameters of connected drives.
All available drives are listed as “SATA 1-4”. If a disk is not connected to the channel, it has the value “Not detected”.
Use the keyboard arrows to navigate to the desired drive and press Enter to access its operating parameters. All available settings are configured by default so that the computer shows maximum performance and speed. Therefore, if you do not know exactly what can be changed, it is better not to touch the hard drive configuration and leave the “Auto” value for all settings. 
On the “Main” tab there is also a section of system information, which is called “System Information”. Here you can see the BIOS version, production date, and also familiarize yourself with important information about the processor and memory. 
The last section on the Main tab is called Storage Configuration. It is responsible for configuring the disk subsystem and allows, in particular, to set compatibility mode with Windows 95/98.
To set compatibility with Windows 98/95/Me, set the SATA Configuration option to Compatible.
Here you can set the time the system spends checking the disk. The default value is 35 seconds, but you should not reduce this parameter too much, otherwise the check will not be performed correctly.
Advanced
On the “Advanced” tab, the first four sections allow you to configure the processor’s operating parameters, as well as built-in ports and controllers.
In the “Onboard Devices Configuration” section, you can disable the built-in network adapter if it interferes with the operation of the built-in board. To do this, you need to set the “Onboard LAN” parameter to “Disabled”.
The “USB Configuration” section may also be of interest, where you can configure all available USB connectors or disable them completely. 
Power
In this section, you can configure the energy saving function, as well as set the order in which you turn on/off your computer.
On the “Power” tab, it’s best to leave all the settings at default unless you know what needs to be changed to make your computer work better.
There is a useful “Hardware Monitor” section, when you open it you will see all the information about the processor temperature, fan speed, etc. 
Boot
The "Boot" tab allows you to configure boot options.
In the Boot Device Priority section you can set the boot priority, which you constantly talk about in articles about installing Windows.
You need to click on the “1st Boot Device” item with the Enter button and in the window that appears, select which media will boot first. The default is a hard drive, but you can install an optical disk or USB drive. 
The next section is “Hard Disc Drivers”. It will be useful if you have two hard drives connected, since it sets which hard drive the operating system will boot from. 
Another useful section for the average user is “Security”. In it you can set two types of passwords:
If you set a password, then every time you enter the BIOS, a window will appear where you will need to specify it in order to gain access to the basic input/output system.
Tools
The “Tools” section is intended for updating the BIOS from a disk, floppy disk or flash drive. Another option here is “AI NET”. Allows you to obtain information about the cable connected to the network controller. 
Exit
The last section of the BIOS, where you can select the parameters for exiting the I/O system:
The last point allows you to correct some errors when starting your computer that prevent Windows from loading normally.
Conclusion
Most of the described BIOS parameters are unlikely to be needed by the average user. However, there are some things you need to know, such as changing the boot priority. In addition, by understanding how the underlying system works, you will be able to resolve some of the issues that may arise with the security of your computer and the compatibility of connected devices.
Remember: BIOS settings can be reset if necessary. To do this, you need to disassemble the system unit and remove for a while the small battery that is located on the motherboard.
Therefore, even if you make a mistake in the settings of the base system, you can quickly correct the mistake and roll back the configuration to its original state.
The average PC user rarely has to fine-tune the device using the BIOS interface. However, it is very useful to know what this option is intended for.
Many owners of modern PCs, despite the “promotion” and high performance devices, are still interested in the principles of their operation. They want to learn how to go into the BIOS and configure certain hardware and software components.
BIOS: what is it
BIOS (you can write it in Russian: BIOS) is an abbreviation. It stands for basic in-out system, that is, it is a basic system that controls input/output. It describes the key algorithms for the operation of PC hardware components, and also sets the basic settings that ensure the functioning of programs.
BIOS installation is carried out, as a rule, at advanced IT specialists who have the skills to install an I/O system at home. Their arsenal may include flashing and even reprogramming the BIOS. Of course, they are of no use to the average user. But perhaps today's simple user will want to become advanced one day? Is it possible that the BIOS system will interest him so much that he will want to learn how to reinstall it on his own? Probably not. Therefore, we continue our excursion into the functional specifics of the input-output system.
BIOS exists almost independently of the hardware and software installed on the PC. The input/output system algorithms are written in a small chip that is built into the motherboard. This component is complemented by another module designed for data storage. It is called CMOS and is also a chip. That is, the user can make changes to the BIOS algorithms, and they will be remembered by the system. Maintaining the functionality of the microcircuit is carried out using a small power source (“battery”), that is, autonomously from the power supply of the PC.
How long does the BIOS battery last?
The average service life of a BIOS power supply is 5-6 years. As soon as this component fails, a message like CMOS-checksum error will appear on the computer screen. Further loading of the PC, as a rule, is possible, but settings that are critical for optimal operation of the computer and operating system will not be fixed. That is, the PC will work, but, most likely, slowly and with freezes.
There are no problems with replacing the BIOS “battery”. It is inexpensive and is sold at most computer centers. The procedure for replacing a component can be done at home. But if you still trust the master, he will most likely charge very little for his work, since the “battery” is changed very simply, literally in a minute.
Types of BIOS
As a rule, PC manufacturers do not write BIOS control modules themselves, but buy ready-made software algorithms. The main IT companies that supply these solutions to the market are AWARD, AMI, and Phoenix. There are very few fundamental differences between different BIOS versions. As a rule, they consist in the design of the system's software interface and some of its functions. Different versions BIOSes have almost the same capabilities in terms of managing PC hardware components and fine-tuning them.
How to get into the BIOS interface?
Let's move from theory to practice. Many users simply do not know how to access the BIOS. Although in theory they have a good idea of how the input/output system works.
In most cases, to enter the BIOS interface, you need to press the DELETE key immediately after turning on the computer.
There are options in which the F2, Esc keys or combinations (such as, for example, simultaneously pressing CTRL, ALT and INS) perform a similar function.
In almost all cases, a hint is displayed on the screen - what exactly needs to be pressed to enter the BIOS. Usually in English (for example, like this: press INS to enter BIOS). Sometimes, however, hints appear for a very short period of time, literally a second or two. In some cases, the word BIOS in the on-screen text is replaced by the term SETUP.
We looked at how to enter the BIOS web interface. But what is the practical significance of such actions? How to get into the BIOS in order to optimize the PC?
What settings can be changed in the BIOS
The extent to which computer settings are susceptible to changes is determined by the manufacturer. It happens that a brand opens a minimum of BIOS settings. Or, on the contrary, it allows using the system interface to make a variety of changes to the configuration of hardware and software components of the PC.
Most often, a BIOS is needed to solve the following tasks.
- Setting the PC to start from various media. The computer almost always boots the operating system from the hard drive. Accordingly, by default the BIOS is programmed to start the PC from the hard drive. But in some cases, the user may need to start the computer not from a hard drive, but, say, from a DVD. Or, for example, from a flash drive. Then you can set the following parameter by going to the BIOS interface: boot from DVD. In practice, this function is most often used if the computer is infected with a virus and booting from the hard drive is impossible. Another option is to install an operating system other than Windows (for example, Unix) from the boot disk.
- Solving problems with PC hardware components. In some cases, the hardware installed on the computer begins to malfunction. Very often this is due to insufficiently optimal BIOS settings. An IT specialist or the user himself, acting in accordance with the manual, can set the necessary parameters using the BIOS interface.
- Setting a password to boot your PC. This is one of the most popular features. By enabling it, the user can protect the login to his computer with a password. It is very difficult to hack. The reliability of the protection is very high: without entering the correct password, you will not be able to load the OS or at least gain access to the computer disks.
Is the BIOS the same on PC and laptop?
As mentioned above, there are three most common BIOS versions in the world. Despite wide range models and technical versions of computers, each of them will, one way or another, have only one of three possible BIOS modifications. Thus, if we buy a PC and a laptop in a nearby store, then with a high degree of probability they will have the same BIOS version installed. The sequence of user actions that allows you to enter the BIOS on a laptop will be similar to that applicable to desktop PCs.
At the same time, many IT specialists note that for BIOS interfaces installed on laptops, as a rule, fewer settings are open than for similar systems programmed in chips on a PC. Although, according to experts, everything is determined by the policy of a particular manufacturer.
Working with BIOS: practice
Many users are concerned about the question: how to configure the BIOS without affecting the parameters critical to the system? How to find the desired area of the system interface? Now we will try to answer these questions.
It’s not difficult to get comfortable with the BIOS interface. Let's look at the basic capabilities of the system using the example of working with Award BIOS on
So, by turning on the PC and pressing the DEL key (or others that are programmed by the computer manufacturer), we find ourselves in the BIOS interface. We understand how to get into the BIOS. Next, we will study the location of the input/output system interface controls.
The BIOS settings screen will open before our eyes. Selecting the ones you need is very simple: you use the arrows on the keyboard to do this (as a rule, you can use all four). In order to open a particular option, you need to press ENTER.
If the user accidentally made changes to settings that he does not understand, then you can cancel all actions by pressing F9 (works in most interfaces).
Now let's see how you can use the functions that we noted above as the most popular. How to configure the BIOS with an emphasis on the practical significance of the actions performed?
In order to set the source from which the computer will boot, we should select the BOOT option in the BIOS interface. When we select it, a column will appear on the screen in which various storage media will be displayed from top to bottom: hard drive (HDD), DVD, Flash, etc. The computer starts loading from the component that is displayed in the top line.
By default this is HDD. If we want the download to come from a DVD, then using auxiliary keys (usually “+”, less often page up), we move the name of the media to the top line.
To set a password for booting the PC, select the Set Supervisor Password option.
Set a password (preferably for English language, case does not matter) and confirm it.
Having finished working with the BIOS interface, we can either write down all the changes we have made using the F10 key, or cancel them by pressing F9. A similar function is performed by the Exit Saving Changes and Discard Changes options, respectively.
Working with BIOS is easy and simple. But it’s not only important how to enter the BIOS and what key combinations you can use to change and save settings. The main thing is not to overdo it with experiments to make changes to critical parameters for the computer.
"Successor" BIOS: UEFI
The BIOS system has been used on computers of various configurations for more than two decades. It is being replaced by new technologies. Among those that, according to experts, have the greatest chance of success is the UEFI system.
One of the most high-tech companies in the world is ASUS. In motherboards produced by this brand, the standard BIOS is replaced by an innovative interface. Let's see what features are available in the platform that has become an alternative to BIOS, ASUS. Setting up a PC - how much more difficult is it in UEFI? Or, on the contrary, is it simpler? Is it more difficult to run UEFI compared to going into BIOS?
UEFI Features
The basic functionality of the innovative PC management system is not much different from what the BIOS has. The developers place the main emphasis on ease of use of the interface, so that even beginners can easily understand the intricacies of setting up algorithms.
In particular, the UEFI interface contains modes, after enabling which you can very quickly optimize the operation of your PC. They are called: Power Saving (that is, working with energy savings), Normal (normal mode) and Optimal (performance optimization).
There is a tab in the UEFI interface for ASUS called Ai Tweaker. In it, the user can find a large number of options that allow very fine tuning of the computer’s hardware components. In particular, you can set frequencies for the processor, change voltage levels, etc.
Also interesting is the Power Management section, where you can configure PC power saving settings.
So, an example of a company that actively uses an alternative to BIOS is ASUS. Setting up the innovative UEFI software interface is not much more difficult than in the BIOS (and, according to a number of experts, it is even simpler). The extent to which it is positive new system management of PC components will be accepted by the market, the IT community will understand, most likely, in the coming years. It is unlikely that the only company that has decided to abandon the use of traditional BIOS is ASUS. Surely, among computer equipment manufacturers there are other brands that strive to use the most modern technologies. At the same time, it is possible that a company such as, for example, HP BIOS will be preferred as the leading platform for managing software and hardware components of computers.
Since BIOS is a system that allows you to manage your computer within low-level settings, IT specialists do not recommend that beginners make significant changes to the relevant BIOS settings. There are known cases when users unknowingly set values in PC settings that turned out to be completely incompatible with the hardware capabilities of the device. Experts do not recommend experimenting with frequencies, voltage levels and other parameters that affect the performance of hardware.
We have listed the main types of tasks for which it makes sense to open the BIOS interface. It is extremely rare that a situation arises (when using a PC at home) when there is a need to go beyond the instructions provided. And if this happens, then it is preferable to turn to masters who have sufficient professional qualifications and experience.
At the same time, it is possible and even necessary to study BIOS interfaces for informational purposes. Having opened another setting, the user can, by opening detailed instructions, study what this or that option is responsible for, thereby increasing his level of knowledge regarding the principles of PC operation.
Any more or less advanced computer user should know what a BIOS is, why it is needed and how to configure it correctly. In fact, BIOS is a very interesting thing; it can be used to configure almost all components of the system unit. Well, now let's talk about everything in order.
What is BIOS and what is it for?
BIOS is a collection of firmware that allows you to configure individual components of the system unit, as well as the operating system loader and other settings of important parameters. Literally, BIOS can be called the basic input/output system.Many new users ask where the BIOS is located? The BIOS is located on the motherboard and this is not without reason, since it is the motherboard that is responsible for the interaction and operation of all computer components.
In the photo above you can see what the BIOS looks like. Many will agree with us that the appearance of the BIOS is somewhat old, and to be completely honest, it is “wooden”. However, the latest models of Asus motherboards have a rather beautiful and modern design, moreover, it is Russified. In this article, we will configure the BIOS using the old version as an example, since it is more complicated, and the main thing is that you understand the essence of the BIOS. If you understand the essence of how to work in the BIOS with the old design, then it will not be difficult for you to understand the new one.
BIOS Features
As mentioned earlier, the main function of the BIOS is to configure the computer's hardware. With BIOS you can:- Set the system time;
- Set download priority;
- Set the power parameters of some devices;
- Enable or disable some devices, etc.
Working with BIOS
How to get into BIOSIn order to get into the BIOS, when rebooting or starting the computer, you need to hold down the “Delete” or “F1” key on the keyboard, depending on the motherboard, after which you get into the BIOS.
You can control the BIOS using 5 buttons:
- Arrows – help you navigate through sections and select the desired parameters in the settings;
- Enter – opens the selected section or setting;
- ESC – exit.
As for managing the BIOS in the new design of Asus motherboards, it is done using the mouse. In principle, there is nothing complicated in managing both the old and the new BIOS.
How to reset BIOS?
Sometimes advanced users reset BIOS settings. This is done in order to return the BIOS settings to factory settings if the changes they made led to problems with the operation of the entire computer or individual devices. Find contacts on the motherboard that are labeled as: CCMOS, Clear CMOS or Clear RTC. Each manufacturer, and maybe even each different motherboard model, may have its own options for resetting BIOS settings. It is important to note that any work to reset the BIOS settings must be carried out with the computer turned off, as well as with the system unit and other devices connected to it turned off from the power supply.
- The first option to reset the BIOS is using a jumper. If you find a jumper, it will close the first and second contacts. To reset the BIOS, pull out the jumper and close the second and third contacts with it for 15 seconds, then move the jumper to its original position.
- The second option is to close the contacts. There are motherboard models in which to reset the BIOS you need to close 2 contacts with a metal object. Such an object could be a small screwdriver. That is, when the computer is turned off, short-circuit both contacts for 15 seconds, then remove the shorting object and start the computer, the BIOS settings will be reset.
- The third option is using a battery. To do this, you need to find the battery that powers the motherboard. Again, with the power completely off, pry the battery latch and remove it for 15 minutes. Then reinsert the battery and start the computer.
- The fourth option is to click on the reset BIOS settings button. In some motherboard models, resetting BIOS settings is very simple; to do this, you need to press the corresponding button on the motherboard.
Flashing the BIOS
BIOS firmware. Oddly enough, the BIOS has its own firmware that can be updated. Updating the firmware will eliminate some problems with the operation of the BIOS, as well as with its settings. There is no particular need to update the firmware, but if you have problems with the BIOS or you have sufficient knowledge to carry out this procedure, you can update the BIOS firmware. Read about how to update the BIOS in the manuals, which describe this process specifically for your motherboard.
Download latest version You can download BIOS firmware for your motherboard from the official website of its manufacturer. As a rule, flashing the BIOS is done through a special utility, which is located on the disk with drivers and settings. This disk comes with the motherboard.
Learn more about updating the BIOS -.
How to properly configure the BIOS
So, now let's look at how to properly configure the BIOS. While in the BIOS main menu, use the arrows to move the cursor to the clock and set right time using the "PageUp" and "PageDown" keys. Then go to the date settings and use the same buttons to set today's date, month and year. This is very important, since both the operating system itself and most programs operate on the basis of this date and time. It is worth noting that the BIOS is set to the American date format, so the month, day and year come first. To go to the next settings section, click the right arrow.
You don’t need to configure anything special in the Advanced tab, since it is responsible for the operation of devices, so let’s move on to the next tab.
The Security tab allows you to configure security. We will not touch on it either, since this is not necessary for a home computer, as, for example, for an office one. Let's move on to the next section.
In the Boot section you can configure the operating system boot priority. Website site masters strongly recommend that you configure the download in order to reduce the loading time of the operating system. If a CD-ROM is installed as the primary device for booting the OS, then before booting the system from hard drive The bootloader will check the CD-ROM, and after a few seconds, having found nothing, it will start loading the operating system from the hard drive. Depending on the motherboard model, the boot priority settings will have different labels. The primary boot source may be called: “1st Boot Device” or “First Boot Device”. Place the cursor next to this parameter and press “Enter”. In the menu that appears, use the arrows to select “Hard Disk” and press “Enter” again. Then go to the "2nd Boot Device" or "Second Boot Device" option and set it to "CDROM". We recommend setting the “3rd Boot Device” or “Third Boot Device” parameter to “Disabled”.
In order to save the settings made, go to the “Exit” section and select the “Exit Saving Changes” item and press “Enter”. If you only want to save the settings without leaving the BIOS, then select the “Save Changes” item. In addition, you can load default settings from the BIOS menu by selecting “Load Setup Defaults” or exit the BIOS without saving by selecting “Exit Discarding Changes”.
At this point, the necessary settings were made to the BIOS.