Advanced Computer Repair I SS2 Computer Hardware & GSM Repair Lesson Note

Class: SS2

Subject: Computer Hardware and GSM Repair

Software vs. Hardware Repair

Sometimes, a computer is perfectly fine on the outside—the screen isn’t cracked, and the keyboard works—but it still won’t turn on or it keeps “freezing.” This is often a Software or Firmware problem.

Today, we are looking at two “Major Operations”:

1. BIOS Update: Fixing the computer’s “Subconscious” mind.
2. OS Reinstallation: Giving the computer a completely fresh “Personality.”

BIOS Update: The “First Breath”

BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System. It is a tiny piece of software stored on a small chip on the motherboard. It is the very first thing that “wakes up” when you press the power button.

• Why update it?: * To make the motherboard recognize a new, faster CPU.
  1. To fix bugs that make the computer crash or stay “Black.”
  2. To allow the computer to use newer, faster RAM.
• The Danger Zone: Updating the BIOS (often called “Flashing”) is risky. If the power goes out while the update is at 50%, the motherboard will “die” (become bricked) because it has forgotten how to wake up.

How to do it safely:

1. Check the Version: Type msinfo32 in Windows to see your current BIOS version.
2. Get the File: Download the exact update from the manufacturer’s website (HP, Dell, Lenovo).
3. Stay Powered: Always plug the laptop into a charger. Never do this on battery alone!
4. The Process: Most modern computers let you update directly from a USB drive inside the BIOS menu.

OS Reinstallation: The “Clean Slate”

The Operating System (OS)—usually Windows—is the “manager” of the computer. Over time, Windows gets “tired” because of viruses, junk files, and bad updates. Sometimes, the only way to make the computer fast again is to “Wipe it and Start over.”

The “Clean Install” Steps:

• Step A: The Backup: This is the most important part. Reinstalling the OS deletes EVERYTHING on the C: drive. Move your documents and photos to a flash drive or D: drive first.
• Step B: The Bootable Media: You need a USB flash drive (at least 8GB) with the Windows installer on it. You can create this using the “Media Creation Tool” from Microsoft.
• Step C: The Boot Menu: You must tell the computer to “Listen to the USB” instead of the Hard Drive. Usually, you tap F12, F9, or ESC as the computer is turning on.

Post-Installation: The “Finishing Touches“

After Windows is installed, the job isn’t finished! The computer is like a baby—it’s alive, but it doesn’t know how to do anything yet.

1. Drivers: You must install the “Drivers.” These are the instruction manuals that tell Windows how to use the specific Graphics Card, Wi-Fi, and Sound in that computer.
2. Windows Update: Let the computer connect to the internet to download the latest security “patches.”
3. Essential Apps: Install a browser (Chrome/Edge), an Office suite, and a PDF reader.

When to do which? (The Diagnostic Table)

Summary Checklist for Students

• BIOS = Firmware (Hard to change, stays on the motherboard).
• OS = Software (Easier to change, stays on the Hard Drive).
• The “Golden Rule”: Always check the health of the Hard Drive (HDD/SSD) before reinstalling the OS. If the drive is dying, a new OS won’t fix it!

Student Practical Activity

“Try to enter the BIOS of your computer today. Usually, you tap the F2 or DEL key repeatedly immediately after pressing the power button. Look around, but DO NOT change any settings unless your teacher tells you to. See if you can find the ‘BIOS Version’ and the ‘CPU Temperature’.”