Learn how to fix a bricked BIOS after an update failure with these simple troubleshooting steps to restore your system.
Are you struggling with your computer after attempting a BIOS update? Whether
the update failed, or it completed but now your computer is unresponsive and
won’t boot, you've come to the right place. In this guide, we'll walk you
through the steps to resolve these issues and get your system back up and
running.
Why Are BIOS Updates So Critical?
You might have heard motherboard manufacturers warning against updating the BIOS unless absolutely necessary. This is because BIOS updates are crucial and can be risky. If something goes wrong during the update, such as a power failure or the computer shutting down unexpectedly, your motherboard can become "bricked." In other words, it will stop functioning entirely.
Think of the BIOS as the operating system for your motherboard. Without it, your computer won’t display anything on your screen. Fortunately, there are ways to reset and recover a bricked BIOS.
Common Issues with BIOS Updates
BIOS update failures can be incredibly frustrating, especially when your computer was functioning perfectly beforehand. If your system is unresponsive after a BIOS update, there are several steps you can take to fix it. However, it’s important to have a basic understanding of computer hardware to proceed with these solutions.
Steps to Recover or Reset Your BIOS
- Restart Your Computer Multiple Times
- Check for Dual BIOS
Many modern motherboards come with a dual BIOS setup. This means there is a primary BIOS and a backup BIOS. If the main BIOS becomes corrupted, your motherboard will automatically boot from the backup BIOS.
Although we won’t be focusing on dual BIOS recovery in this guide, it's good to be aware of this feature, as it can sometimes resolve the issue without further intervention.
- Remove and Reseat RAM Modules
If your BIOS update failed, it may prevent your system from posting. One common fix is to remove your RAM modules (DIMMs). Here's what you should do:
- Power down your system and open your case.
- If you have multiple RAM sticks, remove all but one.
- Try starting your computer with just one stick of RAM installed.
If the computer boots successfully, restore your BIOS by either using the backup BIOS or downloading the older BIOS version from the motherboard manufacturer’s website and flashing it via a USB drive.
If the system still doesn’t display anything, try inserting a different RAM stick or changing the RAM slots one by one until you get a display.
- Reset the CMOS
If reseating the RAM doesn’t work, the next step is to reset the CMOS. This will clear any corrupted BIOS settings and restore the default settings:
- Power down your system.
- Remove the CMOS battery from the motherboard (it looks like a small coin).
- Wait a few minutes, then reinsert the battery.
- Power on your system.
This should reset your BIOS to the default settings.
- Use the CMOS Jumper
If resetting the CMOS battery didn’t work, you can try using the CMOS jumper to force a factory reset. Here's how:
- Locate the CMOS jumper on your motherboard (refer to your motherboard’s manual if you’re unsure where it is).
- Use a screwdriver to short the two jumper pins.
- This will reset the BIOS to its factory settings.
- Last Resort: Short the Main BIOS IC
This is a very risky step and should be used only as a last resort. Shorting the Main BIOS IC could cause permanent damage to your motherboard and other components, so we don’t recommend this unless you're an experienced technician.
Conclusion
BIOS update failures can be frustrating, but there are several steps you can take to recover from a bricked BIOS. By following these instructions carefully, you should be able to reset or restore your BIOS and get your system back in working order.
We hope this guide helps you resolve your BIOS update issue and get your computer running smoothly again.
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