The basic input/output system (BIOS) in a computer is usually stored on a non-volatile microchip called a BIOS chip, which is placed on the computer’s motherboard. This chip is an integral part of the proper functioning of the computer, and if it is corrupted or damaged, the computer may no longer boot. There are several ways to try to repair or deal with a corrupted or damaged chip, although they can be quite complicated. The motherboard chip is usually put in by the manufacturer, and the board’s documentation usually indicates what kind of BIOS program is on the chip.
A BIOS chip allows a computer to properly boot up the boot process.
A BIOS chip uses nonvolatile memory, which means that even when power is not supplied to the system, the data on the chip remains. This type of memory is also used for hard drives, but it is not used for random access memory (RAM) and is an integral part of how the chip works. When a computer first boots up, the chip executes the BIOS to properly start the computer boot process.
A computer motherboard.
The BIOS allows the hardware inside the computer to communicate and work together during startup. This means that when a computer boots, the BIOS allows information to be displayed on the monitor, allows the computer to recognize the keyboard for input or changes to BIOS settings, and communicates correctly with the computer’s hard drive. When this happens, the program passes control of all these systems to the operating system (OS) on the hard drive, and a full boot of the computer takes place.
If the BIOS chip on a computer’s motherboard is damaged or corrupted, this startup program will not be able to run properly and the computer will not boot. There are two basic ways to handle this type of situation: replace the BIOS program or replace the chip. Replacing or repairing the program involves a process called “flash” of the BIOS on the chip. Basically, this reinstalls the BIOS, which can be quite complex, and if an error occurs, it can render the chip useless.
Chip replacement can be done by replacing it with a new one or by replacing the motherboard. You can usually buy a new chip from the motherboard manufacturer, but connecting the chip to the board requires some basic computer engineering skills. Often it can be easier to just replace the motherboard inside the computer, and this can be used as an opportunity to upgrade the hardware to a more powerful board.
A screenshot of a BIOS setup screen.
