How to Auto Detect BIOS

By Suvro Banerji

BIOS (Basic input/Output System) is a built-in program that lets you control and set up hardware connected to your computer. It also assists in loading your operating system. The "auto detect" feature in BIOS automatically detects the hard disks every time you boot up your computer. It detects all the settings for you. You can manually set auto detect for for all four IDE channels -- Primary Slave, Primary Master, Secondary Master and Secondary Slave.

Step 1

Restart your computer. Press "F2" key during startup to launch the BIOS menu. Certain computer manufacturers may use a different key to access BIOS. See Resources to find the access key for your computer.

Step 2

Use the arrow keys to select "Standard CMOS Settings." Press "Enter" key.

Step 3

Use the arrow keys to set "AUTO" for all four selections: Primary Master, Primary Slave, Secondary Master and Secondary Slave. Press "Enter" key once you set each of them to "AUTO" mode.

Step 4

Navigate back to the main BIOS menu. Locate the option that says "Auto Detect Drives." Press "Enter" key repeatedly until the detection for the drives have been completed.

Step 5

Use your arrow keys to select "Save Settings and Exit." This will reboot your computer.

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