Lab 6.6: CMOS Setup


System parameters are stored in the CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) memory. The most reliable listing of current hard-drive setup information is found in the CMOS settings of a properly configured computer system. In most computers, the BIOS contains a subroutine that permits you to edit the CMOS files and change the system parameters. If a change is made to the computer hardware, or the CMOS loses power, you may need to run the setup routine so the correct values can be placed into the CMOS.

For some older computers, these CMOS setup subroutines are available on a floppy disk rather than as part of the BIOS routine. Utility disks that can edit the CMOS are available. The subroutine in the BIOS itself is usually a better choice, however, because it matches that particular system. Each BIOS manufacturer provides a unique method for starting and running the CMOS setup routine. Some common methods used are F2 or DEL. Here are a few other examples:

AMIBIOS Boot the computer and press F1, F10, or the Delete key during the boot process.

AWARD BIOS, DTK BIOS, and Mr. BIOS Press Ctrl+Alt+Esc after the computer has booted.

PHOENIX BIOS Press Ctrl+Alt+S or Ctrl+Alt+Esc or Ctrl+Alt+J after the computer has booted.

A Plug-and-Play (PnP) BIOS is designed to automatically update the CMOS files. When PnP computers perform their own setup properly, things are easier. But when the PnP does not perform a setup properly, you must be prepared to run the CMOS routine and override the settings.

Upon completion of this lab, you will be able to:

  • Run the CMOS setup routine

  • Change CMOS data on a computer

Set Up

For this exercise, you will need an operational PC.

Exercise

In this lab, you will run the CMOS setup routine for your computer. One of the previously listed methods may work on your computer, or the correct command may be displayed during the boot process. Sometimes you’ll need to check your computer’s documentation to find the correct input to run the CMOS routine.

Running the CMOS Setup Routine

To run the CMOS setup routine,

  1. Boot the computer.

  2. Run the CMOS setup routine for your computer. As you work through it, answer the questions in the rest of this exercise.

  3. What type of BIOS is installed?

  4. What procedure is used to run the setup routine?

  5. Record the hard drive information in Table 6.5. If you can’t find the hard-drive information in the CMOS, it can often be obtained by pressing the Break key during the startup sequence. The information is often displayed for only a very short period of time, so you must act quickly.

    Table 6.5: Hard Drive Information

    Drive C:

    Drive D:

    Type Number

    ___________________

    ___________________

    Heads

    ___________________

    ___________________

    Cylinders

    ___________________

    ___________________

    Sectors

    ___________________

    ___________________

    Size

    ___________________

    ___________________

  6. Record the floppy-drive information.

  7. Record the date and time as displayed in the CMOS.

  8. Change the date and time to any value. Record the new date and time.

  9. Save the changes and exit the setup routine. Doing so reboots the computer.

  10. Run the setup routine again. Is the date displayed the date you entered? Y N

  11. Change the date and time to the correct values, save the changes, and exit the setup routine.




A+ Complete Lab Manual
A+ Complete Lab Manual
ISBN: 782128041
EAN: N/A
Year: 2003
Pages: 160

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