How to Enter BIOS

Level of difficulty: Intermediate

BIOS is also known as the Basic Input Output System and is stored in the motherboard, specifically in a memory chip. BIOS tells the computer to do several basic functions like keyboard control and booting. It is also used to detect and configure hardware attached to the CPU such as its floppy dive, optical drive, CPU, memory, and hard drive. Modern computers contain BIOS. It is also used to access computer systems regardless of whether the computer is running on Linux, UNIX, Windows Vista, or Windows XP. It functions outside of the environment of the Operating System since it is a part of the motherboard.

Materials Needed:
- Computer Motherboard
- Operating System
- keyboard
- mouse
- CPU
Step 1
Turn on the computer or reboot it if it is already on.
Step 2
Wait for a message saying 'Entering Set-up' after a few seconds once you have turned it on. The message may vary from PC to PC and you may also need to enter a key or a combination of keys to be able to enter BIOS. Usually, a function key such as F10 is used to be able to access it, but that still varies among computers. Sometimes, it may even be the DEL key or ESC key.
Step 3
Press the key or combination of keys instructed by the message to access BIOS. You may need to press it a number of times but do not press on it too many times and do not press it down because it may cause an error in the system or cause it to lock-up. In the event that happens, you may restart the PC and try once more.
Step 4
If a logo screen comes on such as one with Dell or HP instead of the display for the startup process, then you can check with the manufacturer of the PC or refer to the manual for instructions to turn that screen off in order to show the startup information.
Step 5
Before changing anything in BIOS, it is best to take note of all original settings so you can refer to it later if the PC needs to be reset.
Step 6
There are specific keys needed to be pressed depending on the brand of the computer. You can watch out for the info on the screen before the computer starts to enter BIOS or check with the manufacturer.