BIOS and CMOS
CPU
Floppy drive
Hard drives
Memory
Modems
Monitor and video cards
Power supply
Sound card and speakersTroubleshooting the BIOS
Except for the extremely rare problem during a BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)
flashing operation (see Chapter 6), there isn’t much that can go wrong with the BIOS it-
self. However, during a cold start (when the PC is first powered up), a number of prob-
lems can occur while the PC is under the control of the BIOS. Here are some BIOS
problems that can happen: Upgrading the BIOS Too many FRM problems are automatically linked to
the BIOS being out of date. A solution to an FRM problem should not be an
automatic BIOS upgrade, although it is one thing to be considered. The BIOS
should be treated with the philosophy, “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.” The BIOS
should only be upgraded to solve a specific (and documented) compatibility or
performance issue on the PC, typically with new hardware or software, such as
a new hardware technology or a new release of the operating system.
If you do decide to upgrade the BIOS, first enter the BIOS Setup program and
record the configuration information in the CMOS. Document the basic setup
data completely and any of the advanced menus on which you have made
changes. Before you begin the flashing operation, go to the BIOS or motherboard
manufacturer’s Web site for instructions and the proper flashing utility software.
Apply only the BIOS versions (obtainable from the manufacturer only) that are
listed as compatible to your motherboard, processor, and chipset.
Troubleshooting after a BIOS update After you have flashed the BIOS, the
CMOS settings will be at the default settings of the new version. If you do not
enter the settings you documented before flashing the BIOS, it is likely that the
boot will fail with a missing device. One or more CMOS settings probably needs
to be adjusted. Using the written record of the CMOS settings created before
you flashed the BIOS, enter the Setup program and verify that all of the BIOS
configuration settings are correct. If after resetting the CMOS information, the
system will not boot, it could very well be that the BIOS version you have installedChapter 24: Troubleshooting PC Hardware^621