How to get prepared for the inevitable in Windows XP - Part II

3. Identify your motherboard

a. The easiest case is, obviously, if you already know the exact model and type of your motherboard. If this is the case, then most probably you will read the rest of this step as a reference only. Beware, though, that one cannot simply rely on the purchase invoice in order to obtain this kind of information. For example, many motherboards undergo Revisions during their production phase; revisions that affect which are the applicable drivers and BIOS (as is shown in the following image for Microstar’s MS-6153VA) – and you might discover that you simply cannot retrieve this kind of information from your invoice.

b. Another apparent case, albeit not always so easy, is when your computer is a proprietary one [made by an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) such as Dell, HP, IBM, etc]. Most laptops fit in this category, too. In this case, the most important piece of information (and usually a sufficient one) is to know the manufacturer’s part number or model number for your computer. Typically, this part number corresponds to a specific configuration – and you don’t need to know anything more.

c. But what happens if your own case does not fall in either of the two previous categories? You’ll simply need to identify your motherboard – and this is not that hard, and it is surely worth it. The first thing to do is to carefully monitor the messages posted on the screen when your computer boots.

The first lines of text posted refer to your graphics card:


After that, the screen refreshes and starts posting information regarding your BIOS and your motherboard. Press the Pause key on your keyboard to stop the post process, so that you are able to write down the relevant information. After having finished, press any key in order for the boot procedure to continue.

d. If you do not see this posted information at all, but instead you view only a splash screen with a logo (like Intel’s or your PC manufacturer), then you have to get into the BIOS and change the setting which controls the splash screen. In order to get to your System Setup, you have to press a key or a combination of keys when your PC boots. If you do not know which these keys are for your computer, consult this post and the TSF Info Center. Once you get into the System Setup, navigate to the relevant setting and change it to Disable. Save the changes and exit (press Y at the dialog box); your PC will reboot, and this time you will be able to record the posted information.

e. If you do not see any kind of information that could be linked to your motherboard model, then write down everything that is posted (especially the part relating to your BIOS version on the bottom of your screen), and query help from the specific TSF Motherboards, Bios & CPU subforum. An additional resource for valuable BIOS references is the TSF Bios Center.

f. Alternatively, you might want to open your computer’s case and visually identify your motherboard. It is rather common that its model is printed on the board itself:

g. Aforementioned technique becomes particularly useful when multiple revisions of your motherboard exist – in this case a visual confirmation may assure you much better that you are aware of your exact model designation. For example, the following picture shows a motherboard that has printed Ver. 1 and V 2.0 printed on it – the bigger number is the valid one; so we are dealing here with the version 2.0 of this motherboard.

h. If nothing is printed on the board whatsoever, then look for anything that is printed on white and/or silver stickers which can usually be found on the side of the last expansion board slot to the left of the motherboard and/or on a chip located on the corner near that slot (this is actually the BIOS chip). Use this information to query help from the specific TSF Motherboards, Bios & CPU subforum.

i. If you are still unable to locate any useful codes to help you identify your motherboard, check out if it has an FCC ID number on the board/slot. If you successfully locate this number, then you can possibly use it to match it to its manufacturer’s data using the FCC data base at: http://www.fcc.gov/oet/fccid/help.html.

j. If all these fail, or you have a generic OEM board with no markings at all, then your last resort will, of course, be the TSF Motherboards, Bios & CPU subforum. In any case, the final outcome of this step is for you to successfully identify your motherboard for custom-built computers, or your model type for proprietary and portable ones.


4. Obtain all the documentation and software that relates to your PC

a. Having now a complete and accurate report of all the hardware that resides inside your computer, visit the site of your OEM and/or motherboard manufacturer and locate all the documentation (manuals, how-to’s, FAQs) and software (BIOS, drivers, utilities) that are applicable to your computer. Consult your System Information report to visit the sites of the OEMs of your peripherals (integrated or not), as well. Download all these in your computer and save them in optical media (CD-ROMs), which you will then place in the folder you’ve started maintaining.

b. Open the file that contains your motherboard manual, and print the section that describes the BIOS settings. Boot and enter the System Setup. Write down on this print-out, next to each setting, the current value set. This way you will have a handy overview of your working settings – something extremely useful if you are ever required to either clear the CMOS or update your BIOS. When you undertake such an endeavor, you will notice in the relevant documentation that you are advised to select the "Load Default (or Fail-Safe) Values" option. However, the default values suggested by the System Setup rarely correspond to your own specific configuration. So, instead of doing this, you will be able to do something far more appropriate, predictable and stable: you will immediately change the BIOS settings to the ones that correspond to your unique configuration. Moreover, this way you will be blessed with the positive side effect of learning what your System Setup includes and where each setting can be found. After having finished, select "Exit without saving" and press Y at the dialog box. Place this print-out in the folder you’ve started maintaining.

c. Do NOT launch a driver-update frenzy. By visiting all these sites you will become aware of driver or BIOS updates that could be applicable to your own computer, as well. However, your aim here is to get prepared and avoid mess-ups, not to cause them. If you have a normally-operating PC, there is no reason for you to update anything “just for the fun of it”. If, however, you have been experiencing issues, then you could evaluate the possibility of applying a relevant update; but I strongly advise you to do this in an orderly and methodic manner, probably after having posted a relevant thread in TSF and been given the recommendation to do so.

d. If your PC is a proprietary or portable computer for which the OEM does not provide any kind of downloads (asserting that users are fully covered by the Recovery discs they’ve provided them as part of the purchase), and you have not added any peripheral to your original configuration, and you already have those Recovery discs kept in a safe place - then you shouldn’t worry. If, however, aforementioned conditions are not all true, then you should locate and download everything that relates to retrofitted hardware. OEM Recovery media will be dealt with in an ensuing step of this procedure.


5. Buy an Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS)

a. It might seem out of context to some, to include this step as part of this process. However, there is no other single step that can so easily bring you to another level of operating smoothness; and without you having to even touch your computer. You do not need to invest heavily in a UPS (unless you really have to) – even a unit that can provide you with five minutes of uninterrupted power is adequate, compared to the option of having none at all. My personal recommendation will always be to buy a very good online UPS that can monitor everything, normalize your phone/data lines and shut down your PC when things go really astray – but you definitely don’t have to go that far. Read comparative tests (not all UPSs are created equal) and consult the TSF Hardware experts at the Other Hardware subforum to get solid advice on how to get the maximum value for your money and needs. You simply cannot afford not having a UPS.

b. You may have acted wisely and followed TSF’s exceptional Power Supply Information and Selection advisory – and now what? You’ve bought the optimum PSU and you simply leave it exposed in power fluctuations and outrages… So, as a matter of fact, you’ve set its course for an operating life much sorter of what it can actually deliver. Make the simple calculation and see from where the money for your UPS will come from…

c. Having a UPS is also a great way to avoid a lot of System or Windows problems. Numerous TSF trouble-threads are the result of interrupted power when a crucial operation was being performed or of a power outrage. Be prudent; direct yourself away from power-induced issues.

d. Finally, having a UPS is indispensable for performing various troubleshooting operations. Flashing (i.e. re-programming or updating) your BIOS, zeroing (i.e. low-formatting) your hard disc and installing (in either repair or clean mode) your Windows operating system, are definitely NOT actions that should be undertaken when there is a danger of power interruption – and the only thing that can prevent it is having a UPS. (A clarifying note regarding zeroing the hard disc: no home-spec UPS will provide enough power to let you finish this kind of operation; however, you will be granted the crucial time necessary for you to Cancel it from within the utility, thus ensuring that your hard disc remains operable and you can give it another try when the power gets back to normal.)

e. The following image highlights the features of a typical UPS (North-American models shown). Please keep in mind that a UPS can come in a variety of specifications and characteristics, which have to do with its specific mission and application. This image is given for illustrative purposes only - it is not implied that you have to buy a UPS that is like the ones pictured below. As it was already mentioned above, you will have to consult the TSF experts for a smart purchase decision, tailored to your individual needs.

f. Now it is a good idea to learn some UPS basics, as well. Of course every UPS is supplied with adequate documentation which you will need to read through, nevertheless it is important to always keep in mind the following:

• You will need to keep the UPS away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture, and usually in a temperature spectrum of 0-40°C (32-104°F).
• You will have to place your UPS at least 60cm (24in) away from your monitor.
• You will have to fully charge the UPS batteries before you use the unit for the first time (see the manual for the required time).
• You can place a UPS in various orientations, yet not all are allowed (check your documentation).
• All major UPS manufacturers provide UPS calculators in their sites, to help you match your power needs with a specific unit.
• The UPS outlets typically consist of two groups: "battery powered" and "surge only".
• Plug your computer and your monitor in battery-powered outlets.
• Plug your non-laser printer, your office fax and any non-critical external peripherals (e.g. speakers) in surge-only outlets.
  
  
• Do not plug your laser printer in any UPS outlet.
• If you wish to battery-power mission-critical devices (e.g. external disc/back-up), you have to take them into account in your calculations.
• If your UPS provides data-line protection (for LAN and/or Fax/Modem lines), it is a good idea to use it.