Physically Installing New Hardware

Power on & BIOS Set up

The final step to complete the installation of your new hardware is to replace the computer case cover, re-connect all external cables and hardware, then power on the PC.

The BIOS Set up program should also be run after power on to configure specific settings for you new hardware.

The following steps will ensure that you can easily identify any problems at system startup :-

• Replace computer case cover and secure with retaining screws.
• Connect all external cables and hardware such as monitor and keyboard.
• Power on the monitor first.
• Power on the system.
• Check for errors during POST routine
• Run BIOS Set Up program

Once powered on, the computer will start it's POST routine.

Normally the POST will carry out a video BIOS check, memory check and hardware report before continuing to load the Operating System.

Look at the monitor and listen for any error messages or beeps from the computer.
If there are any fatal errors detected during the POST you will hear several beeps from the system speaker.
Depending on the type of BIOS in your system, the number of beeps can help identify the problem that the POST routine has found.

Most BIOS manufacturers have error code listings on their websites which can all be found on the Tech Rescue BIOS datasheet.

Run the BIOS Set Up Program

Warning! - Always write down the existing BIOS settings before you change them!

Failure to do so may cause a critical error and make your system malfunction, or fail to start!

If you encounter problems after making a BIOS change, set it back to the previous setting and reboot.

During the POST routine there is usually a key which needs to be pressed to start the BIOS Set Up program. Depending on the make of your BIOS this will normally be one of the following keys F1, F10, Escape, Delete or Insert.
Sometimes a message appears on screen to tell you which key to press, otherwise check your motherboard manual or BIOS manufacturer website - Tech Rescue BIOS datasheet.

Once the Set Up program has started you can use it to enter specific settings for your new hardware.
Most current BIOS have an 'Auto-detect' setting for drives in which case you should not have to specifically set up the drive as the BIOS will ask the drive for the correct parameters. 

If you do have to set the parameters you should have the drive manufacturers specification at hand to set the drive up in the BIOS.