The BIOS stands for "basic input / output system", the function of which is to identify, test and run the main components of a laptop or computer and the devices connected to them. BIOS versions may vary depending on the manufacturer of the device. In this article, we will describe in detail how to restore BIOS on a laptop.
What is BIOS and why is it needed
BIOS is software that is stored in a small memory chip located on the device’s motherboard. It is he who is responsible for testing all the equipment of the computer or laptop when it is turned on and is executed before launching the operating system itself. You may need to get into the device’s BIOS in order to make low-level device settings, which are available only in it.
You can also resort to it to change the start-up and computer settings and to resolve a number of problems. BIOS is a non-volatile program, so its settings are saved and restored even after turning off the power from the device. It stores instructions for the computer on how to perform a number of basic functions. BIOS is also used to identify and configure the hardware of a device, such as a processor, RAM, hard disk, drive, and so on.
Changing any settings in it may cause your device to stop starting correctly. Therefore, it is important to know how to restore BIOS on a laptop or computer to the factory settings, if you do not remember what you changed in it.
How to use BIOS
The basic I / O system contains several very important hardware configuration parameters that can be changed using the configuration utility. Here are just a few of the features you can do in most BIOS versions:
- Change boot order
- load default settings;
- change date and time;
- create BIOS password;
- Change the settings of your hard drives or drive;
- View the amount of installed RAM;
- change the frequency settings of RAM;
- view information about the installed processor and change its settings;
- view information about system voltages and change them;
- change fan speed settings;
- find out the temperature of the processor and the system in general;
- change the function of the power button or change the power settings.
These are just a few of the things you can do with the BIOS setup utility. Incorrect configuration of them can lead to the fact that the device will function incorrectly or even refuse to work. Therefore, it is very important to know how to restore the BIOS on a laptop to default after you change something in it.
What are the ways to restore BIOS on a laptop
Resetting BIOS settings can be either very simple or very complex. In some cases, you may even need to disassemble the device and specialized skills in soldering and repairing laptops. Therefore, if you are not confident in your abilities, do not understand the technique, it is best to contact certified specialists.
If for any reason you need to restore the settings of the basic I / O system, then you can do this in the following ways:
- restore factory settings directly in the software itself;
- perform a factory reset by removing the BIOS battery from the motherboard for a while;
- remove the appropriate memory chip from the device board and flash it on a special programmer.
Next, we will dwell on each of the methods in more detail and tell you when they need to be applied and how to restore BIOS on a laptop using them.
Restore factory settings in BIOS
Depending on the manufacturer of the laptop, the versions of the software used vary. Many leading manufacturers, such as Asus, Acer, Dell, HP, MSI, use their own BIOS, the methods of getting into which are different. If you have flown any BIOS settings on the laptop, you can usually restore them in it yourself. To debug device startup, follow the instructions:
- Turn on the laptop and note that when it starts, the BIOS screen saver appears on the screen, which tells you which function key should be pressed to access the program. Usually these can be F1, F2, F8, F10 or Del buttons, depending on the manufacturer of the device. Press and hold the desired key until the BIOS settings screen appears. If you missed the opportunity to press the button in time, the device will continue to load the operating system. Reboot the laptop and try again to get into the BIOS.
- After successfully entering the program settings, use the arrows and function keys to move through the menu. Find the option that will talk about resetting to factory default settings. Select it and confirm your action. To exit the BIOS, press the ESC key, saving all the changes made. You can also save the settings and exit the program by pressing the F10 button.
These manipulations should be enough if the settings of your BIOS have flown and need to be restored for the correct launch of the laptop and operating system. As we have already said, the basic input / output program may vary depending on the device manufacturer, therefore, we will consider examples of restoring settings from popular vendors.
How to restore BIOS on Asus laptop
In order to restore the factory settings on the Asus device, follow these steps:
- Turn on the laptop. As soon as the download starts or the Asus logo appears, press the F2 key. On some older laptop models, you may need to press the Del key - delete.
- Wait until the BIOS settings screen appears. If you are prompted for a password, enter it and press Enter. If you do not have time to press the F2 key, then turn off and turn on the device and do the steps from the first paragraph again.
- In order to restore BIOS to factory settings, press the F7 button.
- Save the configuration using the F10 button and exit the utility.
If your BIOS flashed, how to restore it on an Asus laptop, we described above. Also, if your BIOS is loaded on a laptop, you can independently flash it using the Asus proprietary utility to the version you need, which can be downloaded from the company's official website for your device. Remember that it is better to do this on a laptop that is connected to a charger, since you can not allow the laptop to turn off when performing this action.
How to restore BIOS on an HP laptop
To restore the settings on devices from the company Hewlett-Packard, you must follow all the same steps that we described above. The only thing worth noting may be the purpose of the buttons for both entering the BIOS directly and loading the factory configuration:
- We go into the program when the computer starts by pressing the corresponding function key or delete button.
- We do a factory reset. Usually, the purpose of various buttons for performing certain actions is described in the I / O program window.
- We save the configuration and exit the BIOS.
If after resetting the system the system still does not boot, then check the boot order in the program or contact a specialist who understands this issue.
Acer laptop - BIOS recovery
How to restore BIOS on an Acer laptop? Acer manufactures a huge range of different laptop models, whose motherboards also come with a basic I / O system. Changes in it can negatively affect the system, making it unstable or inoperative. Therefore, it is important to know how to restore BIOS settings on a laptop to factory defaults.
- Turn on or restart the device and wait until the Acer logo appears on the screen. This usually takes up to thirty seconds.
- Press the desired key on the keyboard to enter the BIOS settings. Buttons may vary on different models. In some cases, it is necessary to simultaneously press the function key with the modifier key Fn.
- Follow the instructions on the laptop screen to restore the factory settings. Use the arrow keys to get to the "Restore Defaults" option.
- Save all the changes made and exit BIOS.
Power Off Recovery
If in the BIOS setup utility itself there is no way to return to the factory configuration or it does not load itself, then you will have to disassemble the laptop to restore it. Since the BIOS is stored in ROM, it must have a constant power source to store information about the settings. Usually it is a CR2032 battery, as on the PC motherboard.
Therefore, to restore BIOS on a laptop, you need:
- Disconnect power from the laptop and get the battery out of it;
- Disassemble the laptop and remove the BIOS battery from the motherboard;
- Wait a while and insert it into place;
- Reassemble the laptop and try to turn it on.
After such a recovery, you will have to, among other things, set the date and time again in the laptop settings utility.
BIOS recovery on the programmer
If you couldn’t restore the device’s operability in the I / O system itself or after turning off the BIOS power, then you will have to solder the microcircuit and flash it on the special equipment with the necessary BIOS version. At home, it will be almost unrealistic for an ordinary user to do this, so it is best to contact trusted professionals.