Step 14-How to Configure the BIOS

This article will cover the configure the BIOS tutorial.

It's time to make a couple of adjustments to configure the BIOS(basic input output system).

Make sure the monitor, keyboard and mouse are connected.

Turn on the computer and immediately press the the delete or F1 key. They are the two most common keys to access the configure BIOS screen.

Double check this with the motherboard documentation or if you're quick the the first screen that appears when you turn on the system has a prompt.

There are few settings in the BIOS that you need to make sure of before starting the Windows XP installation.

Once the computer is up and running you can make a number of advanced tweaks by following the motherboard manual's suggestions.

Most motherboard documentation will go through the BIOS item by item.

The first thing to set is the time and date if it's not already set.

The second thing we need to check is the CPU speed. This is listed under CPU Speed or something similar. Once you are in the menu set the CPU speed to automatic.

Now hit the escape key to return to the main menu. Make sure the computer is recognizing the hard drive and the CD or DVD. You will be using the CD or DVD drive to load Windows XP.

Hit the right hand arrow key and navigate over to the boot menu. What you need to do now is adjust the boot sequence to show the DVD burner or CD in the first position. This could be a tricky process.

Consult the MB manual to find out the keys to punch to change the boot sequence for the drives shown. Usually it's the + or - key or maybe the Page Up or Page Down keys. Once you have made this change save and exit! The computer will reboot and the changes you made are in effect. Once you have the software installed don't forget to place the hard drive back into the first boot priority position. If you leave the optical drive in the first boot position it will take your system longer to boot to Windows.