How to Determine if a BIOS Chip is Bad

There is a chip on the motherboard of all computers known as the BIOS chip. BIOS is an acronym that stands for the Basic Input and Output System that allows your computer to function properly. If you think about the BIOS in relation to your brain, its function is similar to the hypothalamus. If we did not have a hypothalamus, we would die. Similarly, if your computer does not have a BIOS chip, it will not work and in essence, be dead. BIOS chips are typically removable, so if something does go wrong and your BIOS gets fried, then you can replace it as long as you know what type of chip you have.

Turn the computer on.

Wait for the screen to load. If it loads properly, your BIOS chip is not bad. If it is stuck on the screen display with the type of computer you have, i.e. ASUS, eMachines, DELL, etc., proceed to the next step.

Reboot the computer. This will be a hard, or cold, boot. Hold in the power button until the screen on the monitor is black and the machine no longer is powered. Wait 30 seconds or more, and turn the computer back on.

Repeat step 1.

Replace the BIOS chip if the monitor is still stuck on the computer display.