This article is suitable for those who at least have a little understanding of how the computer and its components are arranged, why we need BIOS at all, and how it is related to the motherboard, types of BIOS, types of motherboards, etc.
Otherwise, it is better to entrust the matter to a professional, so as not to make it worse, you probably have a friend who is better versed in this, or a master who can be contacted.
Introduction
BIOS problems arise for various reasons, it can be a failure during the firmware, a bad user, an error in the compatibility of the firmware file, the position of stars in the sky, etc.
So, in this article we will analyze in detail how to reset BIOS to factory settings, both hardware and software, as well as the causes of the problem. Consider the features of various BIOS, special software from manufacturers of motherboards, etc.
A little "anatomy" of the computer
A computer consists of many components:
- motherboard (this is important to us);
- CPU
- GPU
- RAM
- HDD
- cooling systems (active and passive);
- sound card;
- power supply unit;
- housing;
- and the periphery.
We are interested in the motherboard. There is a small chip on it. Depending on the manufacturer, it can be removable or mounted. We find a battery resembling a coin or tablet, and a jumper next to it. But next to it is a microchip, which looks like a 1x1 plate, it is possible that with a hologram it’s BIOS. It may be completely inaccessible, even for viewing.
In short, BIOS is what connects the device hardware to other devices connected to it. It is a system software.
Problems
For problems with BIOS, the most common malfunction that occurs is the inability to start the computer. Following her, judging by the statistics - a cyclic reboot.
Causes
Many of them are standard:
- an error occurred during the update;
- flasher error;
- BIOS version conflicting with the motherboard;
- when updating from under the system - a malfunction of the system or the influence of the antivirus;
- crooked hands of the user;
- flash error;
- voltage drops.
How to roll back BIOS with a hardware method
This is the most extreme case, and it is better to trust a professional. But if you decide on your own, stick to the following algorithm.
You need to remove the chip very carefully, otherwise you can damage the panel or the chip itself. It is better to use a device for removing microcircuits, but you can also carefully remove it with an awl.
Hot swap looks like this.
- Replace the damaged chip with another similar one. Take a similar motherboard, remove the BIOS chip from it and try to boot the computer. If it works, then the problem is in the firmware, and you can try to restore it.
- Take another motherboard with BIOS of the same size and type. It is better if it is a motherboard on the same chipset of the same manufacturer.
We act like this:
- prepare the flasher;
- provide free access to the panel for installing BIOS;
- remove from the BIOS panel and prepare for installation of a working microcircuit, previously tying it with threads;
- install the problem microchip, bring it in and carefully align it with the panel contacts, then press it with your fingers;
- turn on the computer and boot MS-DOS;
- after loading, quickly and accurately remove the BIOS, check if the computer is frozen;
- carefully install the problematic BIOS in the panel, check the performance of the computer;
- On the command line, start overwriting the BIOS (for errors, try other command line keys: AWDFLASH firmware file / py / wb / qi / f).
How to roll back BIOS programmatically
The algorithm is as follows.
- Alternatively, you can change the date, it can help with virus infection.
- There are many key combinations for entering BIOS: F1-F11, Fn + F1, Fn + Delete (Del) and others - depending on your device. The above are basic.
- It may be necessary to enter a password, then you need to go to the menu for changing the date and change it in any direction. Go out and save.
- Further through the system using the utility to restore to its original state: “Start” -> “standard utilities” -> system recovery utility.
- Choose a suitable date.
If you need to restore the original BIOS settings, then you need to go into it and set the factory parameters. The F9 key will set the default settings. If the hotkey doesn’t work, then look for something similar to Load defaults. If there is no password information, open the system unit and find a small battery, you need to remove it for 10-15 seconds - this will bring down all the settings.
Next, proceed as follows:
- create bootable media, place the flasher for BIOS and the BIOS itself there;
- reboot from the media (F9 - select this media);
- Then, through DOS, flash the motherboard.
How to roll back BIOS to a previous version on devices where access to BIOS is closed?
- Through the start menu or through "Run" (Win + R), enter the command: debug.
- Then write the following:
- for AMI BIOS: O 70 FF, then “Enter” and write: O 71 FF, press Enter again and end with Q. There is another option: rename the file downloaded from the site to amiboot.rom and transfer it to the root of the diskette. Insert the floppy disk into the drive of the turned off computer Press left Ctrl + Home and turn it on.
- With AWARD BIOS: O 70 17, O 73 17 and Q again. An additional option: place the flasher and BIOS files on a floppy disk (usually in one archive). Create a text document where the BIOS file name is specified with .bin permission. Rename the document to autoexec.bat. And we continue, as indicated above.
However, many manufacturers have other methods that make it easier to carry out an operation with BIOS.
How to roll back BIOS on ASUS
ASUS motherboards support USB flashback technology. Therefore, the algorithm is as follows.
- Download the BIOS file for your model, put it on a USB flash drive.
2. After downloading, you need to rename it to the model name, for example, Sabertooth X79 in SABERX79.ROM. The manufacturer’s website should have more detailed instructions.
3. Format the FAT32 flash drive, place the renamed BIOS on the flash drive, then connect it to the USB port with the inscription or pattern Flashback or ROG Connect. It is advisable to turn off the computer.
4. Turn on the computer using the BIOS button - hold for 3 seconds. When the indicator goes off, the firmware process will be completed.
Alternatively, you can try through a special program from the official website in the BIOS utilities tab.
How to roll back BIOS on an HP laptop
Everything is simpler here.
- On the turned off laptop, press Windows + B.
- While holding Windows + B, press the power button for 2-3 seconds, release the power button, but hold Windows + B or V until the BIOS update screen appears, or until a sound signal is heard.
How to roll back BIOS on Gigabyte
On these boards, failures are very rare. But still happen.
Causes:
- problem with the main chip;
- microcode is completely erased;
- damage to the contents of both chips.
Some motherboards may use spare flash memory as primary. Another group of boards can use the selected area on the HDD (hard disk). Recovery is automatic.
How to roll back BIOS to MSI
The recovery process is similar to the recovery process on ASUS.
- Place the BIOS on a USB flash drive, connect to a computer.
- Connect to the computer, hold down the power button for 4 seconds, hold down the combination of the left Ctrl + Home (or Alt + Ctrl + Home), turn on the computer. The indicator should light up.
BIOS recovery on laptops
It is made in the same way as on desktops. Transfer the downloaded file to a USB flash drive (Fat32 / 16) or disk. Then we place the device in the drive or connector of the disconnected laptop (it is desirable to disconnect from the network and remove the battery), then reconnect to the network and hold down the key combination.
Conclusion and afterword
So we figured out how the computer is arranged, how to reset the BIOS to factory settings, in the BIOS properties, device features from different manufacturers and recovery methods. And also we were convinced of the absence of differences in BIOS firmware on laptops and desktops. After some of the proposed manipulations, your computer will be required to work. If not, you will have to buy a new motherboard that will be compatible with your device.