Grains BIOS Repair
BIOS Upgrades
We can supply a Flash BIOS upgrade for most generic computers. If you have a spare BIOS chip programmed for your board, then you will never be stuck with a non booting machine if a Flash Update Fails to complete.
It is not recommended for users to update their machines BIOS unless absolutely necessary. If anything goes wrong during the update procedure then you are left with a non booting machine. Only update the BIOS if you have too.
We can supply BIOS Upgrades for some OEM machines, although you may have some issues with your restore disks. (restore disks wont work if you cannot restore the makers DMI information).
If you have an OEM machine, then the BIOS is best left alone. If you overwrite the entire BIOS, you may not be able to use your software restore disks as they simply wont work. This doesn't present a problem if you are using another operating system, i.e. not using the restore disks.
BIOS Updates
Motherboard makers often provide BIOS updates to address certain incompatibility issues that arise after they have released the boards for distribution. Updates are also released to support new devices and CPU's.
The top reasons for wanting to upgrade BIOS codes are CPU and hard drive support. Motherboard makers often add support for the latest CPU's and other devices in their new BIOS releases specifically to support new hardware that was not available when the board was first released.
Backup the BIOS
Always back up your BIOS before you try to upgrade it to a new version. Most flashing utilities give you the option to back up the old BIOS code before you flash the new code and it is advisable to do so. If you have any problems during the update procedure you may need to re flash your original BIOS code to the chip before you restart and if you don't have your code backed up it can sometimes present further problems.
Particular attention should be paid to model number and motherboard revision or version number, only use the correct version for your board.
DIY BIOS Upgrades
If all is running well, then the BIOS is best left alone, if you don't need to update then don't. If however you are determined to update the BIOS yourself, then pay attention to detail and be 100% certain you have the correct update for your machine. Any doubt and you must wait until you are sure you have the correct BIOS code. Always Back up your BIOS before you flash the new code, if things go wrong then you may need it.
Some motherboards have many different versions or revisions, and if yours is one of these then take extra care. Flash with the wrong code and your PC could refuse to boot, or develop other less drastic problems.
OEM Motherboards
These boards can leave you feeling very alone and un cared for to say the least. Most large computer manufacturers buy their motherboards from one of the well known makers. BIOS codes are adapted to incorporate there own company logos and branding, BIOS updates for these boards can be difficult to obtain Some OEM motherboards are stock boards sporting a different CMOS code, and can be updated using the original makers codes. If you have one of these you are lucky. Others are made specially for the PC manufacturer and do not have a generic equivalent on the market. The original makers of the board do not provide support for these boards, and are reluctant to give out any advice. Food for thought, most generic boards have numerous BIOS updates released compared to very few or even none for OEM boards.
Online Live Update Versus DOS Update
Always flash any motherboard BIOS with a DOS update utility, in preference to using the online live BIOS Updates. The reason for this is simple, the less programs you have running the more likely you are to have a successful update.
The online Live web updates are a comparatively new type of service, and there are lots of instances where manufacturers live updates have failed leaving large groups of very unhappy users. Luckily this doesn't happen very often and in most cases the live BIOS updates are successful.
If you do want to use the online live BIOS updates that makers are now offering then make sure your BIOS write protect is disabled, and you have shut down all unnecessary programs including anti virus and firewall, and keep your fingers crossed. You don't have to look far on the Internet to find many horror stories connected with the live BIOS updates.
BIOS Update Issues
In most cases BIOS updates provided on the motherboard makers web sites are reliable. However saying that I know that issues can arise and sometimes the codes provided by the makers are corrupt or incomplete and certainly not suitable for BIOS update or restoration.
Providing I have your chip in stock and a BIOS code is available, then I can supply a new BIOS chip for your motherboard. If you need me to flash a chip for you, please E-mail me the details of your Motherboard, i.e. Make, Model Number and Motherboard Revision or Version Number. I will also need the BIOS Chip Part Number from the Surface of the BIOS chip (EEPROM) on the motherboard. Remove the sticky label on the BIOS Chip to expose the Chip Number. If you are in any doubt about the revision or version number of your Motherboard, you are welcome to please post it in. The return postage will be higher, but at least I get the chance to install the correct BIOS code for you.