When a BIOS flash fails or when the BIOS code is otherwise corrupted, the computer will often fail its Power on self-test (POST). You will know if your flash is bad if:
The computer displays a blank screen and beeps upon startup
Some models will have the text "BIOS ROM checksum error" (meaning the BIOS code in the computer does not match what is supposed to be the BIOS code) displayed on the screen and may prompt the user to insert a floppy drive containing the BIOS code.
Some models have diagnostic indicator lights which, depending on which lights are on and which colors they display, indicate a successful or failed startup. If the computer fails the POST the lights will indicate the reason.
Please consult your model's manual to determine the model's
method of indicating a BIOS flash failure and how to recover from a
BIOS flash failure
Why did this happen?
Common reasons include:
Flashing with the wrong BIOS revision
Flash interrupted by power failure
Flash interrupted by premature shutoff of the computer
Flash interrupted by wrong flash program or unreliable flash program
Some viruses like CIH (also known as Chernobyl) flash the BIOS as a malicious payload. CIH, written in Taiwan in the 1990s and named after author CHEN Ing Hau, can maliciously flash the BIOS on some older computers to render the machine unusable.
Signs that you likely do not have a bad flash
The BIOS POST code, whether in indicator light form, beep code, or onscreen message does NOT match the code for a BIOS error or a BIOS ROM checksum error
The computer passes POST and starts normally or encounters an operating system-related problem
Steps to prevent a BIOS flash failure
Ensure your computer is connected to a battery backup UPS surge
protector. That way if the power fails, the computer will not shut off
prematurely.
Laptops should be plugged into AC power and fully charged before flashing begins. The laptops should be plugged into a UPS.
Ensure you are flashing the correct BIOS ROM. Newer models of
flash updates will automatically detect if the system has the right
configuration, but older flash updates will not.
Use your computer's serial number or service tag to confirm your computer's BIOS so you know which update is correct
Please read your BIOS update instructions carefully
When flashing older PCs, make sure you use the proper flash file AND the proper flash utility
Do not do *live* updates via internet. For Windows updating have
the whole BIOS update downloaded to the hard drive before running the
program
For older models of PCs it may be best to update via a bootable
floppy disk in DOS. With newer models updating via Windows is fine as
long as you terminate as many non-essential tasks and programs as
possible.
If the computer flash program indicates that the flash failed and
asks the user to try again, please do not turn off the computer. Keep
flashing until you get the computer properly flashed!
If you flash via floppy drive, ensure that you have a high
quality disk. If you flash via CD or flash drive ensure you have high
quality media.
Some companies offer BIOS-saving devices that "piggyback" onto
the BIOS chip in your PC. With these utilities, if the BIOS works at
the moment, the backup chip can store the current revision and can be
used to easily reflash if a BIOS flash fails
Please do not contract viruses that maliciously overwrite the BIOS. Use antivirus software and internet "street smarts" (i.e. not downloading untrustworthy software).
If you have a bad flash
Immediately consult your computer's manual
If your computer has a flash recovery method, read the instructions carefully.
Perform the recovery method, which usually involves inserting a
floppy drive, CD, or flash drive with the flash files and the flash
utility into the PC and reflashing
If your PC does not have a recovery method, call technical
support and determine how much a new BIOS chip is, if the chip is not
soldered in.
If the chip is soldered or if the chip costs relatively too much
money, it may be easier to simply buy a new computer. You may move all
hardware components from one machine to the other.
Here is a video from arximidisxeno of YouTube that shows a bad flash
