• Enable USB ports in BIOS. What is BIOS and UEFI

    Let's look at this instruction on how to disable compatibility mode in the Windows operating system. A special compatibility mode allows you to run older programs on the new version of Windows.

    Many users use computer software whose latest releases were released quite a long time ago. It happens that the developer has stopped supporting the application, the program is not updated for some reason, and in the meantime a new version of the OS has been released. Until the transition to a new version of Windows, the program works and fully satisfies the user's needs.

    After installing a new version of Windows or after upgrading to Windows 10 from previous versions of Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, you find that some programs do not work on your computer. To run older applications that work normally in previous versions of the operating system, Windows compatibility mode is used.

    In some cases, the user needs to disable Windows Compatibility Mode. For example, a new version of the application has been released that supports a new version of Windows, or because this mode interferes with the operation of some programs.

    Sometimes, messages appear stating that the program is running in compatibility mode, so the user is faced with the question of how to disable this mode for an individual program or disable the mode altogether on the computer.

    There are two ways to disable Windows Program Compatibility Mode:

    • disable program compatibility mode
    • disable compatibility mode in Windows operating system

    In the first case, compatibility mode will be disabled for the individual program. In the second option, the system service responsible for program compatibility on the computer will be disabled.

    To disable Program Compatibility Mode in Windows, you can use several methods: from “Manage Services”, disable the “Program Compatibility Assistant Service”, disable it using the Local Group Policy Editor, or by disabling the service in the system configuration.

    How to disable compatibility mode for a specific program (method 1)

    To disable compatibility mode for a specific program, follow these steps:

    1. Right-click on the shortcut or program file. Select "Properties" from the context menu.
    2. In the Properties: Application Name window, open the Compatibility tab.
    3. In the “Compatibility Mode” section, uncheck the box next to “Run this program in compatibility mode for:”, and then click on the “OK” button.

    After this, the compatibility mode for this application will be turned off in the Windows operating system.

    Disabling the Compatibility Assistant service in the System Configuration application (method 2)

    The easiest way to disable the Program Compatibility Assistant service in Windows is to use the System Configuration program.

    Make the following settings:

    1. In the Windows search bar, enter the expression: “msconfig” (without quotes), and then run the system utility.
    2. In the System Configuration window, open the Services tab, find the Program Compatibility Assistant Service service.
    3. Uncheck the box next to “Program Compatibility Assistant Service”, click on the “Apply” and “OK” buttons (In Windows 7, the service is called “Program Compatibility Information”).

    1. Restart your computer.

    After the computer starts, the Program Compatibility Assistant service will be disabled in the Windows operating system.

    Stop the Program Compatibility Assistant service (3rd method)

    Another method is to disable the Compatibility Assistant service in local services in the Windows operating system.

    Configure the following settings:

    1. Press the “Win” + “R” keys on your keyboard at the same time.
    2. In the “Run” window, in the “Open” field, enter the expression “services.msc” (without quotes), and then click on the “OK” button to execute the command.
    3. In the Services window, double-click on the Program Compatibility Assistant service.

    1. In the “Properties: Program Compatibility Assistant Service (Local System)” window, in the “General” tab, click on the “Stop” button if the service is currently running.
    2. In the Startup Type setting, select Disabled and then click OK.

    Disabling the Compatibility Assistant in the Local Group Policy Editor (method 4)

    Users of the Windows operating system in editions: Pro, Enterprise, For educational institutions can use one more method using the Local Group Policy Editor.

    Go through the following steps:

    1. Type "gpedit.msc" (without quotes) into the Windows Search box, and then launch Local Group Policy Editor.
    2. In the “Local Computer Policy” setting, open the “User Configuration” section.
    3. Follow the path “Administrative Templates”, then “Windows Components”, find the “Application Compatibility” policy.
    4. Double-click on the “Disable Program Compatibility Assistant” option.

    1. In the Disable Program Compatibility Assistant window, select the Disabled option, and then click OK.

    Conclusion

    If necessary, the user can disable Windows Program Compatibility Mode for an individual program or disable the Program Compatibility Assistant service in the Windows operating system in three different ways.

    What is BIOS? BIOS (from the English basic input/output system - “basic input/output system”), BIOS is a set of firmware that implements an API for working with computer hardware and devices connected to it. You can find out more details.

    BIOS purpose:

    • providing an API for working with equipment;
    • equipment setup.
    And in Russian - to start the computer when it is turned on and load the operating system, no special software is required. It is stored in a chip on the motherboard. In older computers it is called BIOS (Basic Input / Output System). New models use the term firmware. Here the BIOS was replaced by UEFI (Unified Extensible Interface Firmware). However, despite everything, almost every desktop computer and laptop has a regular BIOS or UEFI emulation. This allows you to install it and run older operating systems.


    The range of settings available in the software is determined internally by the manufacturer. Laptops provide the most modest configuration options; computers for office tasks offer a little more. But with gaming PCs, you can change the configuration almost down to the smallest detail. The names in the settings, their location and model availability depend on the computer or motherboard manufacturer. So don’t necessarily look for your firmware with the same name, which you will find at the end of the article, but try to find entries that are close in meaning.

    Links in the firmware menu.

    To get to the BIOS or UEFI settings, you need to press a special key immediately after turning on the computer. On most computers, this is , or . The information that leads to the dongle configuration menu usually appears briefly on the welcome screen. BIOS support is intuitive. Use the arrow keys to move between the different options, and press to confirm your selection. After entering the required parameters, close the menu, click or , save the changes and restart the computer. Modern computers, particularly models with SSDs and Windows 8, work so fast that it is difficult to find the right moment to press the indicated button. It is much easier to call up the operating system menu. If your operating system is installed in UEFI mode, use the sidebar keys. Click Settings | Change settings | Basic. Then click Advanced Startup. To get to this menu in Windows 8.1, select Settings | Change settings | PC Updates and Recovery | Recovery. Start or restart your computer. From the next menu, select Troubleshoot | Additional options | UEFI firmware settings. Then initiate a reboot, and after a while you will see the firmware menu.
    If your Windows is installed in BIOS mode, you can solve the problem temporarily by connecting a keyboard to the PS/2 port.
    Additional information. To get to the firmware menu from a Linux environment installed in UEFI mode, simply specify the system settings in the Grub boot menu.

    Firmware update.

    The firmware on the motherboard may contain bugs that need to be removed with an update. However, this operation should only be performed when there are problems caused by the same software. For example. The motherboard does not support a certain type of memory or is not able to detect the new processor, you can look for a firmware update on the manufacturer's website. You must know your motherboard model and current BIOS version. Information can be obtained from Windows. The free CPU-Z program provides information about the motherboard - the manufacturer and model of the motherboard, as well as the preinstalled BIOS version.
    The old way of updating computer BIOS is using a DOS boot disk or a properly prepared flash drive. In the free downloads section on the manufacturer's website you will find detailed information on how to update the BIOS and DOS configuration. Typically, however, the manufacturer provides a tool that runs on Windows OS, which automatically fetches the proper update file and installs its contents. New computers are equipped with an update directly in the firmware menu. To update, you need to unpack the BIOS image on a flash drive (must be formatted in FAT16 or FAT32), open the BIOS menu, and from there begin the procedure for downloading the new version of the software.
    Additional information. For security reasons, you should have a copy of the current firmware version. If the system crashes, you can perform a rollback, that is, restore the previous state, having such a backup copy.

    Installing USB ports on internal software

    The USB standard is no longer associated with new technologies. Although it has been on the market for a long time, it still has some problems. One of them concerns a keyboard connected to the computer via a cable. Depending on the default settings in the keyboard firmware, the USB driver may be ready for use, but it loads only after the operating system. Generally, this does not have any impact on the day-to-day use of the computer. However, if you want to get to the menu by pressing the firmware button (see point 1) or emergency launch of the Linux environment in the boot menu, you will encounter a problem that can be solved by going to the Legacy USB Support or similar menu and setting it to Enabled.
    For users of motherboards and chipsets that support USB 3.0, there are even more pitfalls. For example, trying to install an operating system from a USB storage pocket will fail because you can't find the corresponding files on the USB drive. On some computers, USB 3.0 ports do not provide the expected performance. Before the operating system starts, all USB ports are usually in USB 2.0 mode. This also applies to USB 3.0 ports. Only after loading the operating system do they switch to effective USB 3.0 mode. Only then will you have higher port capacity.
    In the firmware menu of some motherboards, you can select USB mode when the computer boots and set if you want to switch to USB 3.0 mode. So look in the menu for the abbreviation of the USB name, as well as concepts such as xHCI (USB 3.0) and EHCI (USB 2.0), menu options XHCI Hand-off and EHCI Hand-off. They are used to transfer control of the USB ports to the operating system. EHCI Hand-off must be disabled because starting from Windows XP SP2 it can independently control USB 2.0 ports. In contrast, the xHCI Hand-off option is enabled by default on most computers. If problems occur, such as incorrect or inadequate operation of detection equipment, select different options.
    The same applies to the xHCI parameter. On some motherboards equipped with Intel Z77, H77, B75 and Q77, this is set to Smart Auto. When you boot your computer for the first time, USB 2.0 mode is enabled. Only the operating system enables USB 3.0 mode, but it is also available after a system restart. It seems especially useful to boot the operating system from a laptop drive that supports USB 3.0. If xHCI mode is set to Enable, the ports operate in USB 3.0 mode all the time. In this situation, the operating system must provide a suitable driver for the chipset to operate, because otherwise the computer cannot detect USB devices. If you install, you can select the desired mode for each USB port. Individual ports can be set to xHCI (USB 3.0) or conditional mode, EHCI (USB 2.0 enabled only when needed).
    The Ultra Fast option provides a quick start, but do not use the USB device before starting Windows.

    Speed ​​up your computer boot

    If you want to reduce boot time, turn off all restrictions in the firmware. In many older PCs, the BIOS initiates a memory test as soon as the computer is turned on. To speed up this process, find the Quick Boot or fast boot field, and set it to Enabled. This way you can speed up startup by up to 70 percent. Anyway, the components work reliably enough (memory modules for example), it only takes one test run.
    Optimal disk order will save you a few extra seconds. Each BIOS offers the ability to change the order in which drives are scanned for operating systems. Tailoring it to your needs can reduce startup time. Go to boot menu | Boot order and place the disk with the system partition first. From now on, your computer will boot from the hard drive without checking the CD / DVD drive for the presence of a CD with the operating system or in one of the USB ports with the corresponding system. This option can be found even in a laptop with a BIOS, but laptops mostly provide very modest resource options.
    Turn off unnecessary equipment. The increasing number of components in the next generation of motherboards increases boot times. Make sure that the disk has a second disk controller or an internal sound card; it will unnecessarily slow down the boot process. This way we limit unnecessary devices and/or controllers - even a SATA controller if it is not related to the operation of the hard drive. The corresponding settings can be found in the Peripherals menu or similar.
    Speed ​​up startup. Modern computers can work very quickly. The corresponding options are usually located in the BIOS Features and Fast Boot menus. When this feature is enabled, the firmware performs only the most critical initialization steps, reducing system startup time. The shortest loading time can be achieved by selecting Ultra Fast. Then the computer does not look for USB devices, and does not check if there are other operating system storage media. To undo changes to Windows 8 settings, use the UEFI firmware settings as described in section 1. On other systems, you need to temporarily connect the keyboard to the PS/2 or restore the installation status (see section 7).

    Differences between BIOS and UEFI

    On computers with Windows 8 pre-installed, UEFI is used instead of BIOS. At first glance you won't see the difference. To determine if your computer is running via UEFI, you need to run the diskmgmt.msc command and check the required partitions on the system drive. On a computer with UEFI, the partition occupies 100 MB and is called EFI System Partition. It is located in the boot manager, which allows you to boot the operating system.
    In modern computers, the unobtrusive interface is controlled using a mouse. However, some parameters are difficult to read, just like in the BIOS. The GUI should not be a UEFI showcase - elements of this type have been used previously. UEFI is only needed if the system disk size reaches or exceeds 3 terabytes (TB). UEFI only has a partition table available on GPT (GIIID Partition Table), which is able to resolve approx. 9.4 zettabytes (1 ZB = 1 billion TB). The BIOS can only address 2TB.
    UEFI software contains the well-known CSM (Compatibility Support Module) that powers the BIOS. This solution allows you to install older operating systems that do not support UEFI. In most configuration menus, you can enable or disable CSM.



    Optimal performance of SATA drives

    Modern hard drives support SATA Mode AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface). Although this mode does not significantly increase data transfer rates, it does provide features that can actually increase drive power. This includes, but is not limited to, Native Command Queuing (NCQ Native Command Queuing). Allows the disk to change the order in which operations (read/write) are performed so that it can process them faster than normal. If OnChip SATA or SATA Configuration Type is set to Enhanced or AHCI, the hard drive operates in AHCI mode. However, if it appears in the disabled option, or in compatibility mode, SATA is running in IDE mode, and therefore not at full capacity. Additionally, a RAID option is also at stake. In addition, after selecting a disk, NCQ technology is used. RAID used in conjunction with Intel chipsets such as the Z77, Z68 and H77 (and later) also provides the ability to use an SSD as a cache medium. This requires a special Intel AHCI/RAID (Intel Rapid Storage Technology) driver.
    Even if he doesn't intend to use the SSD for the same purposes yet, the RAID mode will allow him to switch to this mode at any time. In general, you cannot freely change the IDE mode to RAID or AHCI. In most cases, you will need to do this again to install Windows. Not a lot of work, but you can switch installed Windows 7 to AHCI mode. Go to the "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SYSTEM CurrentControlSet Services msahci" registry key and double-click the "Start" button in the right pane and set the value to 0 in the data. Then reboot the system and enable AHCI mode in BIOS.
    Overclocking settings in the firmware depend on the processor model. CPU Clock Ratio increases the processor clock speed regardless of the RAM frequency.

    Overclocking the processor and memory

    The firmware menu allows you to increase the clock speed of the processor and RAM to get better performance. However, at the same time there is a risk of overheating the components, which can lead to damage. Therefore, you must take care of proper cooling. On the other hand, it can reduce the rated frequency to reduce power consumption and noise. Intel and AMD offer processors designed for overclocking. At Intel, models are marked with the letter K (for example, Core i7-3930K). AMD offers CPU systems with variable multipliers. You will recognize them by the Black Edition label.
    In modern computers, you can set the frequency level using several parameters. You need to find the appropriate settings, for example, in the Ai Tweaker (Asus), M.I.T or Performance (Gigabyte) menu. The processor multiplier (CPU Clock Ratio) has a direct impact on the processor frequency by multiplying the system bus frequency (CPU Base Clock or Host Clock Value). This is the easiest way to overclock a processor, but requires a model with a variable multiplier.
    On other systems, you need to raise the CPU bus frequency, like Overclock RAM. The third parameter is the processor voltage (Vcore), the increase of which you must control so as not to destabilize the computer.
    Advanced users have another option to optimize their computer's performance. You can configure the RAM module temporary signal. Memory timing parameters determine the access time to memory cells, expressed as a number of cycles. The BIOS reads the default clock speed of the SPD-EPROM, which is located on the memory module. Access time in a sequence of numbers, for example. 4-4-4-4-12. The first four cycle numbers can be largely reduced by 1. However, you can further reduce the Row (Refresh) Cycle Time after increasing the FSB (system bus). A significant increase in performance results, in particular, from a reduction in the RAS to CAS Delay (tRCD) access time.

    Restore default settings

    Trying to apply different settings in the firmware may inadvertently destabilize the computer or cause unwanted side effects in its operation. Manufacturers have recognized this danger and have introduced a factory reset feature. Usually in the list called Load Optimal Settings, Load Defaults or a similar Save and Exit menu. When choosing, you need to check, if necessary, important parameters such as the order of checks for disks, USB and SATA settings (see section 5).
    And if you change the settings, you can even not boot the computer, restore the original state of a special button on the motherboard or using a jumper. The jumper must be described as CMOS Reset, CMOS Clear, or CCMOS. Its exact name and location on the disk is presented in the manual. To cancel changes to the settings, simply place a jumper on the indicated terminals and wait a few seconds. After removing the jumper, the computer boots with default settings. If the drive does not have a corresponding button or jumper, reset the firmware by removing the CMOS battery for about 5 minutes. Be sure to unplug the AC adapter from the electrical outlet first.

    In the last article we talked about that. And now I’ll tell you how to configure your computer’s BIOS to install Windows from a disk or flash drive.

    1. What is BIOS and UEFI

    Each motherboard has a special program for booting the computer and configuring the parameters of various devices. This program is flashed (programmed) into a special chip on the motherboard and is therefore called firmware.

    Previously, all motherboards had firmware called BIOS, which had a simple graphical interface with white letters on a blue background and was limited in functionality. For example, in the BIOS it was impossible to use the mouse, select a language, and there were no graphic elements (pictures) due to the limited capacity of the BIOS memory chip. Also, motherboards with BIOS did not support drives larger than 2 TB due to limitations of the old disk partitioning system (MBR).

    Nowadays, many motherboards have a new type of firmware called UEFI, which features an improved graphical interface using a beautiful background, hand-drawn buttons, the ability to select a language (including Russian) and some improvements. For example, support for a new type of disk partition (GPT), which allows the use of hard drives with a capacity of more than 2 TB.

    What type of firmware your motherboard has can be found in its manual, on the website of the motherboard or laptop manufacturer, and also visually when entering the Setup configuration program. The Setup program is also flashed into the motherboard and is used to change BIOS or UEFI settings.

    2. How to enter BIOS Setup

    To enter the Setup program, immediately after turning on the computer, press the “Delete” button on the keyboard. On some motherboards and laptops, the “F2”, “F10” or “Esc” keys are used for this. You can read which button to press in the messages that appear immediately after turning on the computer.

    In text form

    Graphically

    If you don’t have time to read, then press the “Pause” button on your keyboard to pause the download. You can continue loading by pressing any key. If you press the key designated to enter Setup, you will immediately be taken to the motherboard setup program.

    Classic BIOS

    UEFI interface

    3. Basics of working in Setup

    3.1. Control keys

    The Setup program is a set of various parameters grouped on separate tabs, depending on their purpose. On the right or below there will be a description of the keys with which all actions are performed.

    To navigate between tabs, you usually use the “right” and “left” arrows on the keyboard. To move between lines within one tab, use the down and up arrows.

    To change values, use the arrows to navigate to the required field, press the Enter key, and then use the arrows to select a new value from the drop-down menu. For this, the “+”, “-” or “Page Up”, “Page Down” keys can also be used.

    To return up a level or to the previous page, press the Esc key. The “Esc” key on one of the main tabs will mean exiting the BIOS without saving the settings, which you will need to confirm or refuse to exit.

    In the Setup program with the UEFI interface, you can perform all actions using the mouse.

    3.2. Saving settings

    This is a very important point. After making all the necessary settings, go to the “Exit” tab, select the “Exit and Save Changes” item using the arrows (“Exit and Save Changes”, the word order may be different), press “Enter” and confirm saving the settings by selecting the “OK” arrows or “Yes” and “Enter” again.

    You can save the settings much easier and faster by pressing the “F10” key on the keyboard and confirming your decision. This key works in many versions of BIOS, UEFI and is often indicated in tooltips (bottom or right).

    3.3. Cancel Settings

    If you accidentally changed something or are not sure about the correct settings, go to the “Exit” tab and select “Exit and Discard Changes” or press the “Esc” key until the message about exit without change settings and confirm the action (“OK” or “Yes”).

    3.4. Restoring settings

    To restore all settings to optimal defaults, go to the “Exit” tab and select “Load Setup Default”. After this, you can immediately change other settings or simply exit the BIOS and save the settings (“Exit and Save Changes” or “F10”).

    4. Download options

    Insert a bootable disk or flash drive into the computer on which you plan to install Windows. Now, in order to start installing Windows, you need to configure the BIOS (or UEFI) using the Setup program to boot from a disk or flash drive. You can also use the special boot menu of the motherboard (Boot Menu) for this. The last option is simpler and more convenient, but we will consider both methods.

    5. BIOS setup

    5.1. Changing boot priority

    Go to the "Boot" or "Download" tab.

    Install your DVD drive or flash drive first in boot device order.

    If you install Windows from a disk, then the first item is to select a device like “ATAPI CD-ROM”, a name indicating the manufacturer or model of the drive. For example, “CDROM:PM-HL-DT-STDVD-RAM GH22NP” (this is an LG DVD drive).

    If you plan to install Windows from a flash drive, then first choose something like “Removable Dev.” or the name of the flash drive indicating the manufacturer. For example, “USB: Patriot Memory” (this is a “PATRIOT” flash drive).
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    The second should be a hard drive, which is designated as “Hard Drive”, “HDD” or the interface to which it is connected, the manufacturer and model of the disk. For example, “SATA:3M-SAMSUNG HD502HJ” (this is a 500 GB Samsung hard drive with a SATA interface).

    Please note that in the “Boot” section there may be other items responsible for boot priority, such as “Hard Disk Drives” or “Removable Device Priority”.

    They also need to check that the DVD drive or flash drive comes first.

    If you have two hard drives, then the one on which you are installing the system should be higher. But in this case, I recommend disconnecting one of the disks to avoid confusion and possible errors in installing the system. It can be connected after installation.

    In the Setup program with the UEFI interface, everything is done similarly. Look for the “Boot” or “Download” section, find your DVD drive or flash drive there and move it to the very top of boot priority. Plus, you can use a mouse for this, which is easier and more convenient.

    5.2. SATA controller operating mode

    In principle, this is not so important, but many people are interested in this issue, so I decided to clarify it a little. SATA drives can operate in compatibility mode with older IDE drives and in the more modern AHCI mode. AHCI gives a small increase in hard disk performance when multiple simultaneous accesses are made to it. This mode of disk operation occurs mainly on servers and is practically useless for an ordinary home computer.

    When setting up the BIOS, it is possible to select the operating mode of the SATA controller.

    These settings may be located in different places and have slightly different names, but the principle is the same everywhere. You are offered IDE compatibility mode or the new AHCI mode.

    In general, IDE compatibility mode is recommended for Windows XP, since it does not natively have SATA drivers and simply will not see the hard drive, which will not allow Windows to be installed. Drivers can be built into the Windows installation distribution, but this makes no sense, since it will not affect the speed of operation and may add problems.

    There is an easier and more convenient way to boot from a DVD or flash drive for both BIOS and UEFI - boot using the “Boot Menu”.

    To call the boot menu, the “F8”, “F10”, “F11”, “F12” or “Esc” keys can be used. They can often be seen in prompts on the initial boot screen of your computer. You can also find out this information from the instructions, on the website of the motherboard or laptop manufacturer, by searching on the Internet, or at random.

    Immediately after turning on the computer, press and hold the “Boot Menu” key until the boot device selection menu appears.

    Use the down and up arrows to navigate to the DVD drive or flash drive and press Enter.
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    The advantages of this method are obvious - you don’t need to delve into the BIOS, you don’t need to return the BIOS settings later (although this is not always necessary), and it’s enough to call this menu just once, since after you start installing Windows, this will no longer be needed. Additionally, using the "Boot Menu" does not change the BIOS or UEFI settings.

    7. Download problems

    Friends, due to the fact that many people had problems loading when installing Windows and some wrote about it in the comments, I decided to make a separate section where I collected methods known to me to solve these problems.

    1. If the computer stops booting at the very beginning and asks you to press F1, after which it enters the BIOS, then you most likely either have a low battery on the motherboard (the timing may be off), problems with the processor cooler (failure, not connected there) or hard drive (errors in SMART).
    2. If, when you turn on your PC, the message “Reboot and Select proper Boot device or Insert Boot Media in selected Boot device and press a key” appears, this means that the boot area on the disk or flash drive is not found or is damaged. Try booting from the installation disk or flash drive using the Boot Menu (section 6 of the article), if that doesn’t help, make the bootable media again using the Windows USB/DVD Download Tool utility.
    3. If, after restarting the computer, the Windows installation starts from the beginning, then remove the boot disk or flash drive and restart the computer, the installation should continue from the hard drive.
    4. Disconnect all unnecessary USB devices (flash drive, 3G modem, smartphone, printer) from the computer. You only need to leave the mouse, keyboard, DVD or flash drive from which you are installing Windows.
    5. If you have several hard drives, then disconnect all drives from the motherboard except the one on which Windows will be installed.
    6. Reset BIOS settings to default (described in this article).
    7. If the installer does not see the disk or error 0x0000007B appears at the end, change the SATA controller mode in the BIOS from AHCI to IDE or vice versa.
    8. If every time you boot your computer or laptop enters the BIOS or opens the boot menu, then set the Boot Pop Menu option in the BIOS to Disable (if any).
    9. Disable Fast Boot in the Advanced section of the BIOS, and in the Boot section set the Launch CSM option to Enable (if available).
    10. In the Boot section of the BIOS, change the boot mode from EFI (UEFI) to Legacy (if available).
    11. Set the Secure Boot option in the BIOS to Disable (if available).
    12. Select the version of Windows you are installing in the BIOS (if any).
    13. If you have a laptop, one version of Windows is installed, but another is not, and the advice on setting up the BIOS did not help you, then contact support or the manufacturer’s forum. Updating the BIOS can also help, after which additional options may appear in it (sections 8-12).
    14. If possible, from a DVD, since there are many different problems with flash drives.
    15. Make from .
    16. Insert the flash drive into the USB 2.0 connector on the back of the computer (motherboard) or the USB 2.0 connector of the laptop. Booting from USB 3.0 does not always work.
    17. Try using the Boot Menu, as described in paragraph 6 of this article. This method is simpler and more reliable than setting boot priority in the BIOS and you can determine whether the computer sees your flash drive.
    18. An underscore on a black screen indicates that the computer freezes while accessing a flash drive or hard drive. If the download continues without a flash drive, then that’s definitely the problem.
    19. If the computer does not see the flash drive or does not want to boot from it, use a DVD or other flash drive for installation.
    20. If this is not possible, then change the type of flash drive from “removable media” to “hard disk” using the “BootIt Next Generation” utility, format it with the “HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool” utility and make it bootable again using “Windows USB/DVD Download Tool". You can download all these utilities below in the “Links” section.
    21. If the problem occurs after selecting the Windows installation partition, then use the tips for setting up the BIOS (sections 7-12). During installation, remove old partitions from the disk or do this using the Acronis Disk Director boot disk.
    22. If the installer reports that it cannot install Windows on the disk, then try running it or back.

    Let me remind you that to exit the BIOS and save the settings, use the F10 key.

    8. Links

    In the following articles we will look at how to install, and.

    Sandisk Cruzer
    Transcend JetFlash 790 8Gb
    Sandisk Cruzer

    If the USB ports on your PC are not working, and Windows settings and driver updates do not help, the controller may have been disabled in the BIOS. In this case, you will need to go to the configuration menu and turn everything back on.

    There are many different versions BIOS with its own interfaces and subtleties of operation. Also, a more modern complex can work on your computer - UEFI, which supports a full GUI interface. This article discusses the distributions that are most often installed on motherboards.

    Entering BIOS settings

    To start changing the configuration, you need to go to the corresponding menu. It can be opened while turning on the personal computer - before Windows starts loading from the hard drive.

    Turn on your PC. In case it is already running: reboot. Wait for the speaker to beep: a short, single beep indicates that all internal components necessary for the computer to function have been detected.

    Now you need to click hotkey to call the configuration. This must be done before changing the screen. If you don't have time and Windows starts loading, reboot. The keys depend on the model of the installed motherboard and the BIOS firmware version. You can find it in the user manual that came with the motherboard, on the manufacturer’s official website, or view on your PC screen when loading it:

    If you don't know the board model, it's okay. Just try pressing the following keys: Tab, Delete, Esc, F1, F2, F8, F10, F11, F12. One of them will definitely do.

    You don't have to try just 1 option at a time. You can quickly press all the buttons from the list without any problems. One of them will come up and launch the BIOS settings, and the rest will be ignored.

    Entering the BIOS/UEFI settings of the latest PCs

    Many modern computers boot up so quickly that you won't be able to access the keystrokes when you turn them on. This is also true for laptops. Therefore, the latest versions of Windows OS have acquired a new launch feature. Let's show it using Windows 8.1 as an example.

    Your computer or laptop will reboot into setup mode. After restarting your PC, you will also be able to select option to run from a USB drive or DVD.

    Menu navigation

    Almost all BIOS versions do not have a graphical interface. This means that you will have to work only using the keyboard, like in the Windows console. Navigation is carried out using the up-down and right-left arrows. To open any section, use the Enter key to go back - “Escape”. A small reminder of the keys used is always shown on the screen.

    Firmware complex UEFI installed on the most expensive and powerful motherboards. It supports more drivers and can use a mouse. Its interface will be familiar to users of Windows and other modern operating systems.

    Each version has its own interface and sets of options. Even the names of the same parameters may differ. The following article describes several popular BIOS releases.

    AMI BIOS

    A very common option that can be found on many modern computers. The main menu is divided into 2 parts: a list of categories and various actions, such as exit or save. You will be working on the left side.

    You need to go to the section called “ Integrated Peripherals" There is no Russian version of the interface, so all commands are only in English. Use the Down arrow to highlight this item and press Enter.

    Here you need to enable ( Enabled) 4 options:

    • USB EHCI controller– main controller. If the motherboard has version 3.0 ports, this item will be divided into 2 parts: “Controller” and “Controller 2.0”;
    • USB Keyboard Support– keyboard support;
    • USB Mouse Support– mouse support;
    • – work with external data storage: flash drives, disk drives, smartphones and digital cameras.

    In some older versions there are only 2 points " USB controller" And " Legacy USB storage support».

    When you're done with the settings, press the F10 key to save your changes and restart your computer.

    Phoenix AwardBIOS

    Another popular version that can often be found on modern laptops. It does not have a main page like AMI, but is equipped with convenient thematic bookmarks at the top. You can move between sections using the left and right arrows, and between items using the up and down arrows.

    Go to the section " Advanced» using the Right arrow. In it, find the category “ USB configuration" All items in this section must be moved to the position “ Enabled" In some versions the category " USB configuration" may be located in the " tab Peripherals" and not in "Advanced".

    To exit the menu, press F10 and confirm exit.

    AMI BIOS for Asus

    Version of AMI used on Asus laptops. Externally it is very similar to Phoenix - a similar bookmarks bar. Settings USB are in the section " Advanced" Go there, enable all options and exit using the F10 button.

    UEFI

    Contrary to popular belief, UEFI is not part of the BIOS. It can rather be called a more advanced, but less popular competitor. There are a large number of different versions, each with their own interfaces. However, here the controls are similar to the usual Windows, so you can easily find the options you need.

    Windows Settings

    If at the BIOS level all ports and controllers are enabled, but the USB ports still do not work, there may be a problem in the settings of your Windows system.

    First, just try disconnect and reconnect the device. This will check if the drivers are correct. If there's something wrong with them, Windows will try to reinstall them.

    If nothing happens when you reconnect, try turn on the controller in the Windows registry. To do this you need to do the following:


    Video: how to configure any BIOS to boot from a USB flash drive

    Replacing Legacy BIOS with Extensible Firmware Interface, better known as UEFI, was quick and painless. This is not surprising - a few seconds of starting a computer or laptop is a drop in the bucket of time that users spend working with applications in operating systems. They will talk about the start only if it does not take place. Let's look at the technologies that provide peace of mind to users: What ensures UEFI compatibility as older concepts are replaced by newer ones?

    Compatibility Technology

    With the advent of UEFI, the Option ROM program code (or in other words, the BIOS of peripheral devices) becomes the same artifact as the Legacy BIOS. So, VGA BIOS is being replaced by Graphics Output Protocol(GOP), and the built-in BIOS of other controllers is replaced by similar solutions from the UEFI world. But, unlike the system BIOS, low-level peripheral software is not under the control of computing platform manufacturers. This means that UEFI systems need to be compatible with legacy hardware.

    Technology is aimed at solving this problem Compatibility Support Module(CSM). Compatibility is the key concept here. How did the IT industry come to understand this process? Let's look at the Aptio Setup Utility from three years ago. Version v2.00 does not yet fully reflect all the compatibility details, where behind the menu bar EFI Optimized Boot the work of CSM modules is hidden.

    Fig 1

    Please note that the parameter Use Legacy Video for EFI OS not editable, unlike neighboring menu items Boot Option Retry And USB Boot Priority. In the absence of GOP-compatible video adapters on the Intel S1200BT server platform, VGA BIOS is used by default, serving on-board video on a discrete chip. Although such a hardware solution does not prevent the use of software code written according to the rules of the Graphics Output protocol.

    Launching the UEFI Shell in the list of available options seems to be a trend that is years ahead of its time. Unfortunately, for reasons still unknown, this particular functionality remains unclaimed by computer equipment manufacturers.


    Fig 2

    The new version of Aptio v2.10 installed on the ASUS Z87-K motherboard gives a more complete understanding of the functionality of the Compatibility Support Module. Enabling the Launch CSM menu option results in four additional options, each balancing UEFI innovation with Option ROM compatibility.


    Fig 3. Selecting devices to run the operating system: UEFI-compatible boot or using Option ROM

    Last squeak

    The most complete approach to compatibility management is demonstrated by American Megatrends, a developer of low-level software, in Aptio v2.15 (dating from last year adds drive:). This version of Setup Utility was found on the Tyan S7052 server board (unboxing shot in the title of the article).


    Fig 4

    The peripheral device control logic reflects all aspects of using CSM technology: a separate menu is allocated for video adapters, network Boot ROM and OpROM storage systems are in their places. All other PCI devices are placed in a separate menu, and the boot options filter, which regulates the startup order of operating systems, is located in the most visible place.

    Even after replacing the good old BIOS with the newfangled UEFI interface, the start of the operating system is still accompanied by a sound signal. Sort of like the latest squeak of low-level software. Well, tradition is tradition.

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