3.1.1.6 Lab – Investigate BIOS or UEFI Settings
Instructor Note: Red font color or gray highlights indicate text that appears in the Instructor copy only.
Introduction
In this lab, you will boot the computer, explore the firmware setup utility program, and change the boot order sequence.
Instructor Note: Before allowing a student to power on a computer, verify that all components are installed correctly.
If students are unable to find the key(s) to enter the firmware setup utility program, you can try the following popular keys: F1, F2, F8, F10, F12, ESC, DEL, CTRL-ALT-ESC, or CTRL-ALT-ENTER. Older motherboards may require additional research to determine the key(s) necessary to enter the BIOS setup utility program. In some cases, the key sequence will be displayed during POST.
Recommended Equipment
- Computer with or without operating system
- Motherboard manual
Instructions
Part 1: Enter BIOS or UEFI.
Step 1: Power on the computer.
a. Plug the power supply cable into an AC wall outlet.
b. If there is a power switch on the power supply, set the switch to “1” or “on”.
c. Turn on the computer with the power button on the front panel.
Note: If the computer beeps more than once, or if the power does not come on, notify your instructor.
Step 2: Enter the firmware setup program.
During POST, press the firmware setup key or key combination. The firmware setup utility program screen will appear.
Questions:
What is the key or combination of keys used to enter the firmware setup utility program?
Answers may vary.
Who manufactures the BIOS or UEFI system for your computer?
Answers may vary.
What is the BIOS or UEFI version?
Answers may vary.
Part 2: Explore the Settings.
Step 1: List the main menu options.
Question:
List the main menu options and describe what is monitored in each menu?
Answers may vary.
Step 2: Find the security settings.
Navigate through each screen to find the security settings.
Question:
What security settings and features are available?
Answers may vary.
Step 3: Find the CPU settings.
Navigate through each screen to find the CPU settings.
Questions:
What is the CPU speed?
Answers may vary.
What other information is listed for the CPU?
Answers may vary.
Step 4: Find the RAM settings.
Navigate through each screen to find the RAM settings.
Questions:
What is the RAM speed?
Answers may vary.
What other information is listed for the RAM?
Answers may vary.
Step 5: Find the hard drive settings.
Navigate through each screen to find the hard drive settings.
Questions:
What information is listed for the hard drive?
Answers may vary.
Step 6: Find the boot order sequence.
Navigate through each screen to find the boot order sequence.
Questions:
What is the first boot device in the boot order sequence?
Answers may vary.
How many additional devices can be assigned in the boot order sequence?
Answers may vary.
Step 7: Set the device boot order settings.
a. Ensure that the first boot order device is the optical drive.
b. Ensure that the second boot order device is the hard disk drive.
Questions:
Why would you change the first boot device to the optical drive?
Answers may vary.
What happens when the computer boots and the optical drive does not contain bootable media?
Answers may vary.
Step 8: Find the power management setup or ACPI screen.
Navigate through each screen to find the power management setup screen, or ACPI screen.
Question:
What power management settings are available?
Answers may vary.
Step 9: Find the PnP settings.
Navigate through each screen to find the PnP settings.
Question:
What PnP settings are available?
Answers may vary.
Step 10: Find the splash screen settings.
Navigate through each screen to find the splash screen settings.
Question:
What splash screen settings are available?
Answers may vary.
Step 11: Save and exit the setup utility program.
Save the new BIOS/UEFI settings and exit the setup utility program. The computer should restart automatically.
Note: An error message stating that an OS cannot be found (or a similar error) will appear on the screen after the computer boots. An operating system must now be installed to prevent this error. It is safe to turn off the computer at this time.
This lab is complete. Please have the instructor verify your work.