On 27 Apr 99, at 8:58, Roberto Safora wrote:
> If you realized your BIOS has been destructed, any low risk chance that
> you start the pc with another BIOS, run the utility and when the utility
> is about to reprogram the BIOS, CAREFULLY make a HOT swap and insert the
> destructed one? All this with the power on and with the MOBO on a adequate
> surface, plastic tools, etc. Would it work.
The people I know who have attempted this have succeeded. (But read on....)
It does occur to me, though, in reading this public response (and half-a-
dozen private responses...), that I did not stress strongly enough that these
have generally been experienced techs or advanced hobbyists, comfortable with
anti-static and anti-shock precautions, and generally working on their own
machines whose loss, if it didn't work (and recall that these have already
been rendered inoperable by a virus or a mishap while flashing...), they were
prepared to write off as a learning experience.
If any of the readers of this list have the slightest doubt about whether
they're ready to try something like this, I'd have to say "Don't." I guess I
didn't make that clear enough in my original answer.
First choice is to contact the motherboard maker to obtain a new BIOS chip.
There may be a nominal charge for this; probably reduced or waived if you
send them the old one (although policies vary). There may be a shipping
delay involved. Some of you may prefer to have an expert or professional
remove the old and insert the new -- there *are* several things that can go
wrong, even with power off and precautions taken.
The "hot swap" option is really only for when you can't get a replacement,
can't afford one (although can you afford to replace the machine if it screws
up?), or can't wait for one -- AND you have a good one available on hand. On
reflection, I don't suppose *most* readers of this list are likely to be in
that situation.
David G
PCBUILD's List Owner's:
Bob Wright<[log in to unmask]>
Drew Dunn<[log in to unmask]>
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