A player wants to update his gaming PC, but this has unexpected consequences. Because he hasn’t been able to use his computer for days. A BIOS update shouldn’t just be interrupted.
For many players, the “visit” to the PC’s BIOS is a horror scenario: a lot of settings and always the worry of breaking something in the end. One player wanted to “just” update his BIOS, but the update has been running for more than 4 days and there is no end in sight.
BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System and gives your built-in hardware instructions on how it should function. Without BIOS, your computer and many other devices won’t work.
Why did the player want to update his BIOS? The player reports that he read that there were several improvements with the new BIOS version. And since his BIOS is over 6 years old, he thought it was about time for an update. However, he now regrets that (via Reddit.com):
Why bother updating? BIOS from 2018 … I read on the site that there are some stability improvements in the newer BIOS versions and I thought, why not? Now I definitely regret it…
At least he has some luck in misfortune: He himself writes that it’s not his main PC, but just a model he has in the bedroom.
Interruption of a BIOS update can lead to a dead motherboard
Why doesn’t he just turn off the PC? The problem is the BIOS: If you turn off your computer during the BIOS update process, in most cases your motherboard is toast. In technical jargon, this is referred to as “bricked”: If the BIOS on the motherboard is damaged, data exchange between the devices does not occur, and the system cannot be booted.
Can a bricked motherboard be repaired? Whether a “bricked” motherboard can be repaired always depends on the condition of the device. If the flash chip of the motherboard is damaged, only replacing the chip helps. Otherwise, there are basically four options to restore a motherboard or the BIOS:
- BIOS recovery mode: Some motherboard models have a built-in recovery mode that allows you to restore the BIOS from a USB drive. It’s best to check the manual of your model for this.
- Using a “programmer”: Alternatively, you can use an external device to rewrite the BIOS. A detailed guide can be found on Hardareluxx.de, on how to use such a “programmer”. Usually, these devices cost between 10 and 20 Euros.
- Professional help: In some cases, repair shops can restore the BIOS with an external device, but this process is usually expensive.
- Dual BIOS: Some motherboards also offer a so-called “dual BIOS”: If you damage the first BIOS, you can switch to the second and try to restore the broken BIOS. You can then switch between the two with a physical switch.
What happens next? In the meantime, the player streamed a live broadcast of his update on YouTube, so people could watch the update of his computer. However, his PC monitor has now lost the signal. The BIOS update is probably still running in the background.
Normally, a BIOS update does not take several days, but usually only a few minutes, as only very small amounts of data are copied. Therefore, it is almost to be expected that something must have gone wrong somewhere during the update for it to take so long. Nevertheless, the user does not want to turn off his PC.
How did it end? The user has, however, reported a final time on Reddit with a new post, and the news is not good: He explained that his monitor had lost the signal and he could not restore it, no matter what he tried. So for him, the matter is concluded.
However, a few days ago he ordered a “programmer” and said that he might do an update again after he has gotten his motherboard working again.
A player proudly presents his new gaming setup. And the hardware is the best you can currently buy. Only with his gaming choice does he surprise many in the community. But he justifies himself that new games are coming soon: Player treats himself to a powerful gaming PC for 5,000 Euros after 17 years – Just to then play LoL with it
