Grains BIOS Repair
Hot Swapping
Before you try this I would recommend you use our programming service in preference to trying this procedure, as it is possible to damage the board used for programming if great care is not taken. Use this procedure at your own risk
It helps if you have a suitable chip extractor to pull the flash ROM from its socket, which will make the process a lot easier. If you remove the chip in the good board and refit lightly, this will make the removal process a lot easier when you need to pull it.
The process involves booting the good working board into DOS using a clean boot disk. You then pull the good chip from the booted board and place it to one side. Pop in the corrupt BIOS chip and program with the correct BIOS code for your non working board. If you use a different type of board to perform the hot flash you will get a warning message stating that you have the wrong update, as long as the BIOS chips are the same type and number, you can ignore this warning and proceed with the update. If your utility will not flash try using Uniflash which is available on the Internet, a very useful tool, which can also be used to back up the BIOS code of most machines it works with AMI, Phoenix and Award BIOS types.
I don't recommend using Uniflash for normal BIOS updates as it gives no warning if using an incorrect code. For updating your BIOS use the recommenced utility provided by your motherboard maker.
This method can be successful if care is taken, but the boards need to be the same, or at least very similar and must use the same BIOS chip type. BIOS chips are not always interchangeable and if you try this on a board that doesn't use the same chip type and number then you could well end up with two dead motherboards.
When flash is complete power down the board and remove the newly flashed chip and place it back in to its original board, power up and all should be well. Have used this method when my son destroyed his PC playing with a virus many years ago and it worked for me at the time. I use a programmer nowadays and don't need to resort to such methods.
If you require me to prepare a chip for you I will need the chip number from the BIOS chip (EEPROM) on the motherboard. Remove the sticky label on the Chip to expose the Chip Number. If you are in any doubt about the Revision or Version number of your Motherboard or item, then please post it in. The return postage will be higher, but at least I get the chance to install the correct BIOS, and don't forget to insure your package too.
I will also sell the chips in an un programmed state, pre tested and erased, provided I have them in stock. If you require more than one item or service please e-mail for details.