If you want to know more about PCs, then this site is most definitely for you! PC Techniccian's Rig is designed and created for people who want a thorough understanding of PC hardware and how their PC systems work. Each section fully explains common and not-so-common problems, what causes problems, and how to handle problems when they arise. You will gain, for example, an understanding of disk configuration and interfacing that can improve your diagnostics and troubleshooting skills. You'll develop a feel for what goes on in a system so you can rely on your own judgment and observations and not some table of canned troubleshooting steps.
PC Techniccian's Rig also doesn't ignore the less glamorous PC components. Every part of your PC plays a critical role in its stability and performance. Over the course of this site's pages, you'll find out exactly why your motherboard's chipset might just be the most important part of your PC and what can go wrong when you settle for a run-of-the-mill power supply that can't get enough juice to that monster processor you just bought. You'll also find in-depth coverage of technologies such as new processors, graphics, audio cards, PCI Express, DVD+/-RW drives, Serial ATA, USB 2.0, and moreit's all in here, right down to the guts-level analysis of your mouse and keyboard.
Most computer users think that fiddling with the insides of their PC is taboo. They fear that by removing the screws that hold the case on, they're crossing into forbidden territory. And even for those who know they can open the box and fix or upgrade their PC, analysis paralysis often stops them in their tracks:
Which upgrades offer the best bang for the buck? How do you pinpoint the faulty component that's making your system freeze? What about compatibility issues?
From the perspective of a computer technician or support person working in the industry, knowing how to upgrade and repair laptop computers gives you a significant edge over others in the industry who are afraid to open laptop systems. They can be daunting. Many of the laptops on the market today are held together by upwards of 100 screws, often consisting of several different types! They also often include many intricately assembled plastic parts that can easily break or be damaged if you don't take them apart properly.
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Resetting the BIOS
Unresponsive or unstable systems can often be rescued by resetting the firmware BIOS to its default configuration. The BIOS is based around a CMOS memory that stores system configuration data on an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory) flash memory module. The method for resetting the BIOS to default values differs with the motherboard model, but the basic premise remains the same. The electrical supply to the EEPROM, from the motherboard's onboard battery, must either be removed or shorted to clear the stored memory.
Most motherboards feature a CMOS clear jumper, while others require the user to hold a key during boot to reset BIOS values. If specific instructions are not available, simply removing the CMOS battery for 15 minutes can reset most motherboards. If that isn't successful, shorting the positive-to-negative posts of the battery interface socket with a wire jumper or paper clip may speed up erasure.
If the battery is soldered to the motherboard, it may be possible to drain it by attaching a resistor, with impedance under 100 ohms, between the positive and negative battery poles. Be careful, though: if the motherboard doesn't support battery recharging, this will render the system useless. A new battery will have to be soldered in place of the drained one.
Flash updating of the system BIOS can often restore the default configuration. The command to force such an update option varies by vendor, but most boards featuring popular Award or AMI BIOS routines can be forced to reinstate original CMOS values with a flash and reboot. Upgrading the BIOS can also prove beneficial, as the latest code usually includes compatibility and performance updates.
All user-defined settings are lost once the configuration is reset to factory defaults. Retain a hard-copy version of all BIOS, jumper, and dipswitch settings, as configured when the system is operating in a stable manner. The task of writing down each setting can be tedious, but this extra work ensures your ability to restore the system if it should fail. If you lack a backup list, most motherboard user manuals recommend BIOS settings for common configurations, and most BIOS Setup interfaces contain a Restore to BIOS Defaults option. Reset all motherboard jumpers and dipswitches to their default or recommended values before booting a reset system.
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