1/20/2021
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`BIOS Recovery | BIOS Repair
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`BIOS Repair
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`INFORMATION ABOUT PC BIOS AND WINDOWS SYSTEMS
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`BIOS Recovery
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`Recovering a damaged BIOS is simply a matter of replacing the missing or damaged code
`contained within the CMOS or EEPROM. Once the CMOS code has been replaced and the
`chip is placed back in its socket the machine should work normally.
`
`If you have a dead motherboard as a consequence of a failed flash or bad flash or have had
`a power failure during the update procedure. The first thing to do, is try any crisis recovery
`options available from the motherboard makers. Most manufacturers have a crisis recovery
`procedure to recover from a failed flash update.
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`Crisis Recovery
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`The crisis recovery process involves preparing a Bootable disk with the updated or backup
`BIOS code and also the correct flash utility, you may also need to create an auto exec file to
`run the flash program automatically when the machine boots. Some makers require you to
`press a certain combination of keys whilst the machine is booting.
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`Crisis recovery procedures differ a little between makers. For that reason you need to
`consult the crisis recovery information at your PC maker or motherboard makers web site
`and also read your manual. Also check your BIOS makers for any recovery options.
`These procedures only work if your board is able to read the floppy or CD-ROM on boot up.
`If you have a board that wont access the drives after a bad flash then you will probably need
`to reprogram the BIOS or CMOS chip using a programmer. Some boards have a boot block
`recovery jumper that can be used to restore your CMOS code.
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`bios-repair.co.uk/bios/bsrecover.htm
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`Patent Owner, Bot M8 LLC - Ex. 2030, p. 1
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`Flash Recovery
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`BIOS Recovery | BIOS Repair
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`Some motherboard makers incorporate a flash recovery jumper or boot block recovery
`jumper on their motherboards. This can often be used to recover from a bad or failed flash.
`On most machines a small segment of the flash ROM does not get overwritten when you
`perform a normal flash update. This small portion of code contains a basic boot block which
`can enable the machine to reload another BIOS from floppy disk and in some cases a CD-
`ROM or USB flash drive.
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`If you have a laptop or desktop without a floppy. You can either fit a floppy in the
`conventional manner or in some cases a USB floppy or CD-ROM can be used.
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`Before using our Soldered BIOS Service it is important that you check out all recovery
`options for your motherboard or laptop. You could restore your machine easily and without
`cost just by doing a little research on the Internet.
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`A visit to the makers web site is recommenced if you have a dead machine, and I would do
`this before anything else along with reading the manual.
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`SPI Flash-SPI Headers
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`The SPI Flash types are starting to make an appearance on modern PC motherboards. It is
`possible to program these devices by using the SPI header on the motherboard.
`Providing your programmer is capable of this type of programming then you shouldn’t have
`to much of a problem with these boards.
`You will have to get an ISP header for the programmer or improvise by making your own.
`Old PC Comm port or front panel connector wires are ideal for the task.
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`CMOS, BIOS, EEPROM
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`Besides the code being damaged or corrupted it is possible that an EEPROM or BIOS chip
`could have an internal fault. It does happen occasionally, and if this is the case then the
`EEPROM would need to be replaced to restore normal operation.
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`In most cases it is the contents of the chip that cause any problems, but the possibility of a
`faulty EEPROM should not be overlooked.
`Other Recovery Options
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`If you just suspect the BIOS code or CMOS is bad because you have a board that powers up
`but has no display then try this.
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`bios-repair.co.uk/bios/bsrecover.htm
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`Patent Owner, Bot M8 LLC - Ex. 2030, p. 2
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`BIOS Recovery | BIOS Repair
`1/20/2021
`Check CMOS Battery Voltage, sometimes a board will not boot if the battery is low. Remove
`all non essential hardware items, as any faulty items such as PCI cards and drives can also
`stop your machine from booting.
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`Check your board supports the CPU and memory size you are using, read the manual. Check
`any jumpers that may be on the motherboard.
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`If jumpers or switches are used to set the FSB speed then check they are set correctly. I have
`seen cases where the motherboard simply doesn’t support the processor being used check
`CPU support for your motherboard at your motherboard makers web site.
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`Switch the machine off and unplug from mains. Disconnect the power lead to your
`motherboard and clear CMOS. Normally there is a jumper on the motherboard somewhere
`for this, although some makers do not fit one at all. If you don’t have a clear CMOS Jumper
`you can try removing the CMOS battery for a few minutes whilst the machine is powered off.
`Sometimes this can be enough to restore normal operation. Try all BIOS recovery options for
`your board.
`CMOS Battery
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`Most computer’s will boot with a flat CMOS Battery, although they will loose there user
`settings within the CMOS. I have seen instances where some motherboards will not boot at
`all if the CMOS battery Voltage is low.
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`If you have a non booting board, this should be one of the first thing’s that you check, along
`with clearing the CMOS.
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`The nominal Voltage for the CMOS Battery is approximately 3.1 to 3.3 volts. If the Voltage is
`any lower than 2.8 Volts then the CMOS Battery should really be changed. The reason for this
`is that the battery will be approaching the end of its useable life span, and the voltage will
`drop rapidly.
`Removing the CMOS Battery can also clear the CMOS settings. With most desktop PCs
`removing the CMOS battery for a few minutes may also remove any BIOS Password.
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`There is another BIOS Recovery option if you have two identical boards. Hot Swapping can
`recover a chip in an emergency, but you will need to be careful. Do not use a different type
`of BIOS chip in your board as you may damage the board, they need to be the same.
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`bios-repair.co.uk/bios/bsrecover.htm
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`Patent Owner, Bot M8 LLC - Ex. 2030, p. 3
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`1/20/2021
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`BIOS Recovery | BIOS Repair
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`Patent Owner, Bot M8 LLC - Ex. 2030, p. 4
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