Solved Backing Up Bios

[Tim91]

Do you have to back up your Bios or anything before installing a new hard drive?

 

[Hipster Doofus]

Not necessary but it would not hurt especially if you don't know what the settings are. Talking about the actual bios settings not the firmware.

 

[scrooge]

Do you have to back up your Bios or anything before installing a new hard drive?

no ,
just shutdown your system and remove the power plug open your case and install your drive.

scrooge

 

[Tim91]

Where is bios information actually stored? Can a virus attack your bios? What are some situations in which you would even need to back up bios information?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

I believe BIOS info is stored on a chip on the motherboard.

You might want to back up the existing BIOS if you were changing (flashing) to a new BIOS--in case of a failure of some type.

There are BIOS viruses, but I'm not sure how common they are or how easily defended against.

 

[whs]

Yes there are known BIOS viruses. Here is a description on how to backup the BIOS http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/BIOS-Backup/41

 

[fireberd]

Depends on the PC or motherboard on whether a BIOS "backup" can be used. I have an Intel motherboard and there is a procedure to recover from a corrupted BIOS. But, on a Dell PC if the BIOS is corrupted the ONLY option is to replace the motherboard.

 

[smarteyeball]

. But, on a Dell PC if the BIOS is corrupted the ONLY option is to replace the motherboard.

Or more specifically, the ROM BIOS chip itself. But for the 'big' companies (and inexperienced local repairers) it's usually more 'cost effective/expedient' to replace the motherboard/mainboard.

What are some situations in which you would even need to back up bios information?

The aforementioned virus infections (although depending on the virus, re-flashing won't make a difference because some of the nasty ones either corrupt, or remain hidden in the boot sector of the ROM BIOS chip, either 'killing' the ROM BIOS on re-flash or re-infecting since the BIOS flash did not remove/overwrite the infected section)

A more realistic reason is when updating to a new, often 'beta' BIOS, that can cause more issues than it solves. In this case you want to be able to 'down grade' to a stabler version.

 

[fireberd]

Agreed it's the BIOS chip on a Dell motherboard, but where are you going to find a new Dell proprietary chip? and where are you going to find someone that has the equipment to properly work on a multi-layer printed circuit board? Without specialized equipment the board can be damaged trying to replace the chip. I know, I used to work in a NASA module repair depot where there was specialzed gear for working on printed circuit boards and restoring them to NASA specs.

 

[smarteyeball]

I figured that:

For the 'big' companies (and inexperienced local repairers) it's usually more 'cost effective/expedient' to replace the motherboard/mainboard.

Would have been generalized enough to illustrate a point without needing to delve into the intricacies involved.

Perhaps 'big' companies that have the ability, but opt not to due to cost effectiveness and 'local repairers that do not have the correct equipment, or those that do but are inexperienced' would have been more suitable.

and where are you going to find someone that has the equipment to properly work on a multi-layer printed circuit board?

NASA...

 

[rubyrubyroo]

yeah, I agree. Thats why it's funny (albeit sad) when someone always seems to point out that this new MOBO is fast and great & it has a removable chip! WOW that's great, unfortunately a new drop in replacement probably costs AT LEAST the price of the MOBO in the first place, just because they can charge that much for a ~10 cent chip! So consider them tethered, and copy it if you intend on flashing it (and maybe when you first get the system).



Mike

 

[Wishmaster]

I think more MOBO manufactures (even OEM builds) should use the dual/tripple bios with switches and at least 1 of them removable.

Its something many of us do not think much about, but if it ever becomes corrupt or something else happens ..

Flipping a switch to a secondary or third bios is much easier than a RMA.
As is a replaceable chip just in case of the worst.


You may never need them, but when you do .. you'll be glad you had them.

 

[fireberd]

Years ago, when computer boards were "repairable" the BIOS chip was on an IC socket, as were other chips such as the keyboard I/O chip. Easy to replace, if needed.

 

[Tim91]

Sweet!

 

[rubyrubyroo]

yep, still run across a replaceable IC from time to time ( and have a couple 386/486 SX/DX's sitting around, that work, w/ 'em. ) Nice if they were all ZIFS and could pick-up at the local walmant/walgreens, for a couple'a bucks, but not likely....

@ TIM91 - Thanks for ending the thread with the solved check! A rarity these days!

Mike

 

[profdlp]

There used to be a company that would send you a BIOS chip flashed to whatever BIOS you specified. I think they charged about $25 bucks for it. Of course, this was back when an "enthusiast" MB might cost you $85.