BIOS

BIOS refers to the software on most PCs that manages all of the hardware and startup functions. Typically a user is able to access the BIOS settings via a keypress during startup. Most PCs will identify which key to press on the boot screen.

Some common features in BIOS are the ability to activate/deactivate hardware, such as Wi-Fi (wireless networking), Ethernet (wired networking), Bluetooth, webcams, and HDD/SDD. There are also some special features. "USB BIOS Legacy Support" allows you to use USB devices like flash drives, keyboards and mice in older operating systems and for booting. (This is especially useful when installing an operating system from a flash drive.) "USB Wake from Sleep", when it does not interfere with an operating system, will allow your external devices to "wake" the system up from sleep mode. (i.e., a mouse click on an external mouse.)

Before Installation

Some keys are used more often that others. The Dell Mini 9 uses the "2" key for its BIOS access, while the Dell Mini 10v uses "F2". The one-time boot key for the Mini 9 is "0" (zero) while the Mini 10 is "F12".

Typically, keys relating to one-time boots and BIOS Setup are "F2", "F8", "F9", "F12", and "Delete".

For installation purposes, the following settings should be applied to the netbook before installation begins:

(The terms may differ between netbooks and BIOS revisions, but the concept is still the same.)

Remember to Save all settings before you exit. Most BIOS interfaces give you the option to save and continue tweaking or else save and exit the interface.

After Installation

Once installation is completed, you can adjust the BIOS settings as you see fit, but be careful of the following rules:

Some hardware configurations are not compatible with each other. Case in point, on the Dell Mini 9/Vostro A90 netbooks "USB Wake from Sleep" does not currently work properly with Mac OS X. Also, the Bluetooth modules that are available from Dell can cause a conflict with the "USB BIOS Legacy Support" feature, which will cause the system to hang during restart and freeze more often after sleep. The best case scenario is to leave "USB Wake from Sleep" disabled. If you have Bluetooth installed and enabled, make sure to disable "USB BIOS Legacy Support" after installation is complete.

USB Legacy Support is useful, but sometimes it can cause issues with sleep and wake functions. If you experience issues and have it enabled, disable the feature except for the instances when you need to boot from an external device.

USB Wake from Sleep is also hard to define. It should be enabled on a 10v after installation, but not always on a Mini 9.

You should always try different combinations of the BIOS settings to see what works best. For me, I have no Bluetooth in my 10v and both USB Legacy Support and Wake from Sleep are enabled without any issues. Not everyone has the same luck, so if sound and/or sleeping are not working try changing settings.

It is usually best to have the latest BIOS revision installed prior to installation. Check with the manufacturer's support page to find the latest BIOS update. (Most BIOS update software is Windows-only, but there are workarounds for other operating systems to be able to install the updates, usually using a DOS-based flash program loaded on a flash drive.)

Attention Dell Mini 10v owners: Previously it had been reported that the A06 BIOS was causing issues with installation. Recent changes in NetbookInstaller have resolved that issue, so it is now safe to proceed installing on a 10v with BIOS A06.

mechdrew BIOS Version 1.04

Last updated 27 December 2009.