How to Remove & Install BIOS
The Basic Input/Basic Output (BIOS) chip of your computer stores information necessary to start your computer. The rectangular chip removes in a simple fashion but requires great precision. If you bend any of the pins or sockets of the chip, you may cause the new BIOS chip to fail completely. Since BIOS chips are very specific, you must determine the exact model of your old chip before ordering a new BIOS chip.
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Instructions
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1
Turn your computer off by pressing and holding the power button. Remove the computer's AC adapter from the electrical outlet.
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2
Remove the screws from the case of your computer using a micro-screwdriver. Set the screws aside and slide a flat-head screwdriver between the pieces of casing.
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3
Pull the casing off your computer and set it aside. Locate your computer's motherboard, which contains all of the internal components. In most computers, the motherboard sits at the bottom of the tower.
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4
Locate the BIOS chip. The chip is black and rectangular with connectors on all four sides. The chip has either 32 or 28 pins and usually has a shiny sticker, in silver or gold, on the front.
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Slide a flat jeweler's screwdriver under the corner of the BIOS chip. Gently push the chip up to pry it off the connector. Repeat the process for the remaining corners. Make a note of the orientation of your chip. Most chips have a small notch that faces in a specific direction. Slide the jeweler's screwdriver under the center of the chip and push it upward to release the chip from its connectors. Grasp the chip and pull it directly upward. Do not bend any of the pins.
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Remove the shiny sticker with your finger and write down the number after the company logo. This is the model number of your BIOS chip. Purchase a new BIOS chip that is the exact same model.
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Unwrap your new BIOS chip and orient it in the same fashion as the original chip.
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Align the new BIOS chip with the sockets on the computer. Slide the chip downward, so that the pins of the BIOS chip slide into the sockets on the computer.
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9
Locate and remove the CMOS battery. Connect the terminals of the battery with a short wire to properly discharge electricity. Remove the wire and replace the battery.
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Reattach the casing on your computer and reconnect it to a power source.
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Tips & Warnings
In some cases, the BIOS chip is soldered to the computer and cannot be removed.
Do not attempt to operate your computer with the BIOS chip removed.
References
Resources
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