Category: Geeks r Us
Hi All,
As the title says, I was wondering if there is any way to access the BIOS or UEFI settings with a screenreader? I know that JAWS or Window-eyes probably can't do that but since Narrator is Windows native screenreader, could it possibly do it? Although Narrator doesn't perform well when we serve the net or run application that are more complicated and it doesn't have the best response time, I figure that the BIOS settings should be simple enough for it to handle.
How about NVDA or any other screenreaders out there after some settings or changes were done to them?
Is there any special screenreader that can do that or is there some other ways that we can get screenreader access in the BIOS settings page that you guys know off?
All responses, advise or discussion are greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
up for this, I want to know too.
No, this isn't possible. Your UEFI or Bios is on a chip on your motherboard.
you're not loading your OS at that point, so the only way to make one
accessible would be to motivate manufacturers to build one with some kind of
speech support.
That's too bad. I do know that Windows screenreaders wouldn't work as it runs on Windows and in the UEFI or BIOS settings menu, Windows is not loaded. I was actually hoping that there is a specialised screenreader that is not Windows-based that could do that. Anyway, thanks for your reply!
Oh and regarding the part about motivating manufacturers to build speech support into their BIOS settings, I was wondering if there is a known manufacturer that already does so? Maybe a particular laptop brand or model or something similar to that? Thanks.
No one builds systems like this. It not be practical.
May I ask why you are after these settings specificly?
accessing the byos setting within screen reader is imposible. you have to have sited assistance with you.
Well, I am interested in this for a number of reasons. One of which is to run several diagnostic tests that the HP troubleshooting guide recommends. These tests are found in the UEFI settings.
I am using a HP Envy notebook. So, I have noticed some small issues cropping up. For example, a few days back, my battery gauge wasn't working properly. It shows my battery at 100 percent even after I have used it for quite a while.
Another problem is my DVD RW drive. It is now unable to read or even detect a dvd. It spins the disk for a while and it stops. I have tried to use DVDs, VCDs and CDs but they all don't work.
According to HP site, I should go to the UEFI seetings to run several tests to see if these devices, the battery and the dvd drive is working properly.
I must say, the battery issue is resolved now without me going into the UEFI settings menu to do a diagnostic test. However, the problem with the DVD drive still persist. I suspect it is an hardware issue but I want to make sure that that is the case before replacing the drive or sending it for repairs as I need it for school.
Another reason is that I wish to update my desktop to Windows 8. It is currently running Windows xp. I have downloaded the iso image and I have prepared an installation USB flash drive to install it. I can't use DVD because the DVD drive on the desktop is broken down too; My family got the desktop second-hand and it is quite old. I have to change the boot order to load from USB first in order for me to be able to install Windows 8.
So this are two reasons why I am interested in this. Does anyone have suggestions how I can do what I want to do without going through the BIOS settings? Are there any alternative ways for me to install Windows 8 on my desktop or fix the issue with my dvd drive? Thanks a lot for all the responses to my question.
You can go to the boot menu. but the boot menu is still need sited.
Oh, sure.
Simply download Windows 8.
After you have it downloaded, you can install it. Put the key in, use the key on the program you've purchased.
If you've not purchased it, do so online.
The key will come to you via email.
You'll need sighted assist to go from XP to Windows 8 however.
Run the text to be sure your XP computer can run Windows 8.
Microsoft has instructions that are easy to follow, and if you want all your programs and such that are compatible with Windows 8 to follow, you need a program.
I don't have that name handy, but I'll get it.
This program is also downloaded before you install Windows 8. It stores all usable stuff in a place on the drive. After you finish Windows 8, you can put all useble items back.
That you can do with a screen reader.
Now, on the drive. We already know it doesn't work, we just don't know why.
Go to HP's site and reinstall the drivers for it. You don't say what OS is on this machine.
The drivers can also be updated directly from the computer.
If you've got proper drivers installed, and the player still doesn't work, you can repair Windows to see if that fixes both battery and player issues.
You'll need sighted help, if you do the repair option.
Most times refreshing drivers will fix these issues. That you can do with a screen reader.
Last, you can buy a portable CD/DVD drive on EBay, or Amazon for under $20.
This drive is USB based.
Connect it to your desktop, or Laptop, and you've got a drive again.
Upgrading from XP to Windows 7. Same process for 8.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/help/upgrading-from-windows-xp-to-windows-7#T1=tab01
www.Laplink.com/PCmover
That program is superb for switching PC’s.
Hope this helps. Just how I'd go about things if I had it to do, but not the only method.
Hi Forereel,
Thanks for your helpful suggestions and the link that you posted. I have downloaded the Windows 8 installation file. Mine comes in an ISO image. How do I run this ISO image without burning it onto a DVD or a USB flash drive? That's the problem I am having right now. You mentioned that I will need sighted help to get from Windows XP to Windows 8. I was expecting that actually, as much as I would like to do it on my own. Can you please tell me which part of the upgrading process would I need the sighted help?
Regarding the dvd drive, my laptop is a HP Envy DV6, running Windows 8.1 64bit. I have read HP's help guide on fixing the dvd drive. I have tried updating the driver but it says my drivers are up to date. I uninstalled and reinstalled the drivers too but it didn't work. It seems that the laptop can't detect the dvd at all. Maybe I will try to repair Windows to see if it works. I did think of buying an external dvd drive but I would like to make sure that it is really not working and that it is not a software issue before getting any replacements for it.
Thanks again for your help and could you please advise me on how I can install Windows 8 on my desktop without using a USB flash drive or a dvd? As mentioned, I have the iso file for Windows 8 and the product key to register Windows once it is installed.
And now, I'm going to take a look at the link you've posted above.
Thanks.
Actually,
Being able to access the Bios without sighted assistance isn't impractical. Now, for speech, this would be more difficult to implement, but Linux can be installed without sighted assistance using a Braille display. Some people, like Hongsen here, might not always have access to sighted assistance.
Actually, I believe there is some sort of card, where you can use a different computer, and access the Bios remotely? If not, this seems like a practical solution to me. It's just something that blindness organizations such as the NFB aren't pushing, so nothing is being done in this area. Not impossible, I say.
From 7 to 8 is easy and you don't need to do anything but run the program.
Going from XP up, I'd need to check to see if this were possible.
Because you'll be needing sighted assistants anyway, loading it on to a thumb drive or something will not be an issue.
It is a program, so doesn't have to run on boot and a sighted person will be able to find the thumb drive with your guiding even if they know nothing about it.
Because you are coming from XP up, I would really check to make sure you can run 8.
After this, I'd get all the drivers and necessary things for it.
That program I told you about could make all of this easier. Read about it.
I will post again after checking some facts.
I've never gone from XP up, only from 7 up, and that is as easy as running the program, so you don't need a drive at all of any kind.
Also, how new is the laptop? If less then a year old, HP should support this issue?
If you go from Windows XP to Windows 7,
You will have to perform a completely clean installation, meaning installing it from scratch. this means, that you should perform a backup of your important documents, because you will lose them during the installation process.
The easiest way to install Windows 7 is to have the installation media DVD. You will need sighted assistance, and you will have to either press delete or F12 to access the Bios. Make sure under the boot menu, that CD drive is the first in the boot priority. Then, you should be able to run Win 7 fine.
Also, any computer that is core 2 duo should be able to run the operating system; so anything from 2006 should work.
There is also a talking installer for windows 7 as well. ask me here if you need more information on that.
Forereel,
Thanks for your advise. Yes, I took a look at the links and they are helpful. I do get a better idea of how it should be done but I think I will try to get some sighted help with it.
Regarding my laptop, I got it last March. The warranty period is over by now but I will bring it down to one of HP service centres to see if it can be fixed and how much is it going to cost.
Thanks.
hardyboy09,
Thanks for the instructions. I do know the steps you have outlined. What I hoped to do is to perform those steps without sighted help at all, hence my question on how I can access the BIOS without any sighted help. However, as mentioned above, I think I will try to get some sighted help. And if I am not wrong, I read somewhere that I could upgrade from XP to 8 without doing a clean install. I will still keep the files but the programs will be gone.
Socheat,
Haven't talked to you for quite a while... Anyway, Yeah, I know about the talking installer for Windows 7. I have heard that it should work for Windows other than 7 but once again, I need to boot from a USB flash drive or dvd which is once again, something that I would need to get sighted help to do. Thanks!
Also, I was wondering, do anyone know how programs downloaded from Dreamspark work? I must say that I got my Windows 8 from dreamspark. The FAQ mentioned that for Windows, I need to install it on a computer with an existing copy of Windows. So I was hoping, has anybody used products downloaded from Dreamspark before and is What I mentioned correct?
Thanks all!
You don't need a clean install, and in my opinion, it is easier to use the program suggested to move all your data.
When you install over existing Windows, you're settings and such are there if you desire.
From Windows 7 to 8, you are given the option to clean install, or keep your current settings.
That feature solves many problems.
Even from XP to 7, with the assist of a moving program, it was easier then a clean install, because drivers and such were updated accly as needed.
I still haven't figured out how to get around the drive issue.
But, if you were going from 7 to 8, you simply would run the program directly from your download. You'd not need a drive at all.
For that reason, downloaded Windows works easy.
I never used any media to upgrade, only the download.
I’ve done a bit or reading on upgrading from XP to Windows 8.1, and this page seems to give the best method.
Seems depending on the machine, and I stated this earlier, there are issues with it.
This method should cover them.
Now, I know you don’t have the drive working, so I’d run it from the installer and see how goes.
If you are going to be using this desktop lots, seems the addition of a new drive would be worth the money spent. Internal drives just aren’t that expensive, so I’d invest in that. Especially, if you are going to get your HP repaired.
You seem willing, so you could most likely install your new drive yourself.
When I install Windows 8, I was able to do about 90% of it, and if I could have gotten narrator running, possibly all, but on my machine, it just wouldn’t go.
From Windows 8 to 8.1 was a self-install. No help needed, but just in case, I ask my friend to sit with me while I did it, so that if I ran in to problems, she could simply read the screen and tell me why.
Anyway, here’s that article.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/upgrade-from-windows-vista-xp-tutorial
Good luck. You’ll get it done.
Thanks so much for your help with this issue. The desktop is a family computer, I only use it occasionally. My parents don't seem to find it important to update or get a new pc to replace it so I thought I would do it if it's not too difficult. Anyway, it is running very slowly so I was hoping the update would help. I think I will get someone to help me see as I do the update.
I updated my laptop from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1 for my laptop though I needed some sighted help as I wasn't able to launch Narrator. About the drive, I may just get an external drive to be shared between the laptop and desktop or something. In that case, I still need to change the boot order to boot from USB if I were to use a dvd but at least, I would have a functional dvd drive.
Thanks!
Windows 8 doesn't boot though. It is just like installing a program.
I know what you are thinking, but in this case no.
It was designed for tablets and computers both, so just installs.
The booting, or rebooting comes after the install is in progress.
Each computer will be different. From 8 to 8.1 should have been really smooth, in that you start the installer, allow the computer to restart as often as it needs, and when finished, your 8.1 simply works.
No need for any help.
That was my experience.
I did this on both my own machines. One had Windows 8 factory installed, accept, I upgraded it to the pro version and added the media center, no help required.
The other machine was updated from 7 to 8, then 8.1.
It also runs a pro version.
Let us know how you come out.
I do understand from XP to 8, but again, you shouldn't need a boot, just run the installer.
Now on that one, you'll need help.
Thanks.
Just to check, my Windows 8 installation comes in a ISO file. Is this correct or is there a .EXE one that I can download instead?However, in the ISO file, there is a file named setup.exe. I assume that I can just run this setup.exe to start the installation?
Thanks.
No. you'll need a dvd to burn the files in the Iso to the dvd
I don't know. I ordered mine from Microsoft, and they came exactly the same.
I ran the setup file.
The only reason I needed a copy was if I wanted it as a backup.
I didn't need it, because Microsoft keeps one on file for me anyway, due to my purchase.
I sign in to the store and can access it.
I orderd another directly from Dell, so received the DVD package. Never used it. I just ran the setup and used the key provided in the packaging.
Ok, thanks.
Hey all!
Just wanted to let all of you who have helped me know that I managed to install Windows 7 successfully. I know I mentioned that I wanted to install windows 8 but it was easier for me to install windows 7 because the guy who sold me the computer with Windows xp didn't configure some things correctly and for some reasons, that made it impossible for me to install Windows 8 with the installer because Windows wasn't able to get all the necessary updates to get Windows 8 installed. I needed a little help during the installation when the computer restarted but otherwise, it was fine. So, thanks so much to all of you who have provided me with suggestions and advices.
Ok, just to check, I used custom installation to install Windows 7. However, it seems that some files are not deleted. My hard drive is actually more filled up as compared to before I installed Windows 7. Is this normal? I was actually expecting it to have more free space as all my programs and files should be deleted. Windows 7 seems to be working fine though.
Thanks.
Hongsen
This is just a rough guess, or idea. I don’t know how Windows XP was installed.
Here is what I did, or experienced.
Microsoft says it takes about 1.5GB of space for Windows XP and 16 GB for Windows 7, provided it is the 32 bit version, or 20GB for the 64 bit version.
That would be one reason you have less hard drive space.
There are files left over after the install, so removing them will open up a bit of space. Run the disk cleanup utility for this, or C cleaner.
You could go look if you know what you can remove in the program files. They are found by clicking computer, then OS. That will clean up some more space.
Last, under the OS you might find an extra folder with old files. Again, is you know what you are looking at, remove that.
Sweet on your success. Goad to hear it went well.
Thanks for the suggestion. I ran CCleaner this morning and checked the clean old windows installation checkbox. It cleared about 40 gb of stuff out. It's working perfectly now.
Did you format the c drive when you reinstall windows? if you the program files for old windows would still be there.
If you don't format, the old program files would still be there, I meant to say.
He wouldn't have. He did a custom install.
Now, the files are gone though.
I should add, that there are still some things that could maybe be removed, but if not sure, I'd say it is better to leave well enough alone and enjoy it. Smile.
I think there is a folder called windows.old or something.
Accessibility is what we make it. It would be nice if all the electronics world had speech output, and A lady friend only recently introduced me to her talking IPhone 4. I went out and a Moto G that was a lot cheaper and still talks.
As for accessing BIOS chips with speech, there was a day, back in 1988, when I had a Phoenix BIOS chip in my old XT turbo. I also had a DOS 2.11 program that could access the BIOS using my internal card speech synthesizer. Alas, Windows based screen readers have taken away that level of independence. So, one must simply bite the bullet and find somebody sighted and reasonably competent to help with BIOS settings and Windows installations.
For example, a few months back, I got a neighbor teen $20. for an hours work. She helped me set up my home-assembled PC with Win 8.1. We had a few issues deciphering the new BIOS menus (Azrock), but it was cheaper than local computer stores, who wanted between $60 and $100 per hour.
@Sonarflash what did you need help with? I build all of my desktops & the setup is always doable without sight as is the build process.
Yes, Windows.old. I have done this several times. Go through that and get everything you want out of there first, then delete it. I always tell people to, because, as we say, you don't need that old document ... until an hour before the meeting you need to use it at. Please go through the old folder and check for your own personal stuff to make sure you don't lose anything. Documents are your own creation, media files are your own creation, the work of your mind and hands. And when gone, they're gone.
That, I didn't suggest, because he'd be best leaving it until he located it in the OS.
I don't want him cussing because he deleted that girls picture he wanted. Lol
Lol
Sonarflash, could you explain more about this internal card speech synthesizer? What kind of connection did it use, and what was the program that enabled you to access it in the bios? I wonder if this would work in MSDOS 7.1, or even one of the modern nonMS varieties (FreeDOS, Enhanced DR-DOS, etc), or if it was dependent on your actual chip? I know of the Spequaliser, but that was external and only worked on certain machines. I have never heard of this.
Sorry. That should have been written as Spequalizer. Regardless, those machine as old, even for me. Yours is as well, but there may be a chance that it can work on newer desktops. I'm not familiar with the ports and slots on the XT.