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www.mpl1.com, Motherboard Page
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What is a Mother Board?
In reality, the mother board or sometimes called the mainboard, is the guts to your computer.
It is the physical board that contains the CPU (Central Processing Unit), the BIOS, CMOS and hardware necessary to operate the computer. All your components are attached to in in one way or another.
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Common Motherboard problems.
Unlike most components of the computer, the motherboard can be tricky to diagnose. Problems can range from the computer not starting to erratic behavior. When checking for problems
always use the wall-to-component method of diagnostics. This is the oldest and still the best way to diagnose any computer problem. CAUTION:
Always make sure that your computer is plugged in, turned off, and you are grounded prior to opening the computer. Also, as you complete each step in the diagnostic process try starting the computer. At this point you are ready to open the computer.
CAUTION: be careful not to drop anything into the computer, bend any components, or touch anything you do not need to. Normally there will be four screws in the back of the
computer that you must remove, be careful not to remove the four screws that surround the fan, these are for the power supply, you may need to consult your users manual to find out how to remove the cover. Once you
have the cover removed, check the plug(s) from the power supply to the motherboard, make sure they/it are secure.
Once you have reached this point, and the computer still will not start the only option you have is to try replacing these components to find out if they are the problem. Remove all components including the modem card, sound card and any other component installed in slots on the motherboard. Leave the video card installed and try starting the computer. If the computer starts you know it is one of the components causing the problem, reinstall the components one and a time and try to start the computer each time. If non of this works, try installing a new or used video card. If this does not work, chances are that the problem is the motherboard and you will have to replace it.
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BIOS
Basic Input Output System. In relative terms, each motherboard is manufactured with software that actually teaches it.
It is important to understand that computers are literally stupid until you tell them that they exist and what they are capable of. These instructions are given each time the computer is started. CMOS is the software that tells a computer what it is and the BIOS is the software that tells it what it can do.
The BIOS is an interface that allows the computer settings and installed hardware to work with all the other motherboard components. It provides instructions to the computer for
hardware including FDD (floppy Drive Controllers), HDD (Hard Drive Controllers). It also instructs the PC on a number of other setting that can be edited by the user. Using the motherboard SETUP Software
allows a user to edit/change features that are supported by that protocolar motherboard.
When you install new hard drives, floppy drives, CD-Roms, or memory the BIOS needs to know it. Most newer motherboards will recognize the new install and require you to enter into the System SETUP (part of the BIOS) Screen to make the changes. You may also enter the BIOS yourself to make changes to enhance your computers reliability and speed. Check with your motherboard manufacturer prior to making any changes in the BIOS, you may cause problems if you make changes that are not supported. Most BIOSs Setup Screen have hot keys that can be used to gain access to them. If you watch your screen while the computer startup is in progress you may see text that has these instructions. Usually pressing the “F1”, or “DELETE” keys on the keyboard will allow you to enter the setup screen.
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CMOS
Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor.
Have you ever wondered why your computer has a battery? The CMOS RAM (Random Access Memory) maintains a small 64 byte of information to actually start the computer. It tells the computer what it is and gives it basic settings to get to the BIOS and perform the POST (Power On Self Test). The CMOS is maintained by power supplied on various forms of batteries. Older PC’s actually used AA batteries which worked fine until they leaked and caused damaged to the motherboard. Newer PC’s use some form of NiCad batteries that will not leak and will recharge while the computer is in use with an average life-span of about ten to twelve years. If you power up your computer and receive a message that your BIOS (SETUP) is incorrect its good indication that your CMOS battery is dead and will need to be replaced.
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PC Setup Password
Last year you decided to play with the password protection feature of your computer BIOS. Today you forgot the password and the note you wrote it on was just washed with your favorite shirt! Or, someone sold or gave you a used PC and when you ask them about the
password...they can’t remember.
Both of these incidents happen often and are extremely frustrating. Fear Not...help is on the way. Motherboard manufacturers are not cheap, but they
are smart. They are well aware of this dilemma and have created a fix for it.
First, you will need to open the PC case in order to disable the password.
REMEMBER: Power off the computer, unplug the power cord...and make sure you are grounded before proceeding. Static electricity to PC circuitry is like lightning to humans, one strike and your out! OK, you’ve been warned!
Next step is to remove the PC case cover. If you are not sure how to remove it check your owners manual or visit the manufacturer online and they should
have the procedures. Once you have the case removed you should be able to see the motherboard.
Peruse the motheroard looking for a switch or clip (jumper), protruding up from the motherboard. You should find several banks of one or both of these. Look for one that says something like PWD, PSWD, PSD or “duh” Password. With the computer off, gently pull out the jumber and place it to the side. Plug the computer back in and turn it on (you do not need to replace the case to do this). Enter the BIOS and make sure the password is disabled. Shut down the computer, replace the jumper then replace the case. That’s all there is to it. Also, while the case is off it’s a good idea to clean out the case with some canned air and check that all the cards are in tight.
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