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--- userdoc:bios [2020/05/19 11:10] – created prall
+++ userdoc:bios [2020/05/19 11:39] (current) – prall
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-There are a wide range of system settings controlled by a PC's BIOS. These settings are typically accessed by pressing a specific key while the PC is booting (F2, F8, F12, DEL)
+There are a wide range of system settings controlled by a PC's BIOS. These settings are typically accessed by pressing a specific key while the PC is booting (F2, F8, F12, DEL) to access a text screen where you can view and change system settings. Changes are stored in non-volatile memory so they persist across restarts and even when power is off.
-One important setting available on most current PCs is a setting for what state to go into after power is cut off then restored. Having this option set to either "ON" or "Previous State" (i.e., come back on if the PC was on when the power was cut) can allow you to resume using the system remotely without needing physical access to press the power button.
+One important setting available on most current PCs is a setting for what state to go into after power is cut off then restored. Having this option set to either "ON" or "Previous State" (i.e., come back on if the PC was on when the power was cut) can allow you to resume using the system remotely without needing physical access to press the power button. When setting up a PC that you'd like to be able to access remotely, it's a good idea to set this to "On" or "Previous State."
-In the event you want to check or modify a BIOS setting without rebooting, or even from a remote session, some major vendors provide interfaces to access and update BIOS settings from the running Windows O/S without rebooting. (We're not aware of comparable tools for Linus or MacOS.) You may need administrator access to install and run these utilities.
+You can only access the BIOS text screen locally at the keyboard during restart, not remotely. In the event you want to check or modify a BIOS setting without rebooting, even from a remote session, some major vendors provide interfaces to access and update BIOS settings from the running Windows O/S without rebooting. (We're not aware of comparable tools for Linus or MacOS.)
+Please proceed carefully in attempting to modify any BIOS settings; read the vendor's instructions carefully. You may need administrator access to install and run these utilities. Also, if you have set a BIOS password, you will need to enter that to change BIOS settings. Some utilities may require you to set a BIOS password prior to making other changes. If you do so, please notify your supervisor of the BIOS password!
 This page has a broad selection of BIOS-related PowerShell commands specific to Dell, HP and Lenovo PCs:
 [[http://www.systanddeploy.com/2019/03/list-and-change-bios-settings-with.html|BIOS access in PowerShell]]
+If your PC was custom built from parts with a system board by Asus, MSI, or other brands, these steps would not apply. You could check the board vendor's website to see if they have a comparable utility.
 ===== Steps for checking and setting power state after power loss =====