[Solved] Bad flash recovery

Discussion in 'BIOS Mods' started by erfto1, Apr 2, 2024.

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  1. erfto1

    erfto1 MDL Novice

    Mar 12, 2023
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    #1 erfto1, Apr 2, 2024
    Last edited: Apr 2, 2024
    Laptop: Monster Abra A5 V15.7
    Bios: AMI Aptio V bios

    I've accidentally flashed the BIOS image to the entire chip instead of just the BIOS sector and now the laptop doesn't boot.

    I used intel FPT and didn't give the -bios option

    I have the bios files but how can i restore the other parts of the chip? I looked at the board and there are two chips, one is GD25B127DSIG and other is Winbond 25Q80EWNIG

    The GD one is most likely the bios chip
     
  2. Lutschpuppe

    Lutschpuppe MDL Senior Member

    Dec 23, 2014
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    Unfortunately you gave zero information about laptop model, bios type, what was modded,.....

    If the model doesn't have a recovery function, desolder the bios chip, read content w/ programmer and you/s.o. else have to reconstruct the complete bios. Keep in mind: Some data might be stored in bios- and ME-region (if present), thats why it is good to have a complete copy of SPI.
     
  3. erfto1

    erfto1 MDL Novice

    Mar 12, 2023
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    The laptop is a Monster brand which isn't known around the world so i thought it would be unnecessary, updated post with details.

    The bios chip is 16MB and the company gave me a 14MB bios file, i wonder if it would work if i flashed that?

    The other chip is 1MB

    Thanks.
     
  4. Lutschpuppe

    Lutschpuppe MDL Senior Member

    Dec 23, 2014
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    Maybe you overwrite the ME-region, if it is an Intel based machine.

    Was the flashfile delivered with flashing tool? Sometimes the ME isn't updated, flashfile is smaller and only bios-region will be updated.
     
  5. erfto1

    erfto1 MDL Novice

    Mar 12, 2023
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    Most likely that's true, afaik the ME region was locked anyways so that might be why its 14MB

    I'll try flashing with a programmer and write back if it succeeds.

    Thanks.
     
  6. erfto1

    erfto1 MDL Novice

    Mar 12, 2023
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    I found a full flash dump of an earlier model with exact same bios. Flashed it externally and now it works.
     
  7. Lutschpuppe

    Lutschpuppe MDL Senior Member

    Dec 23, 2014
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    Not a good idea: If you flashed a complete dump 1:1 to your machine, you get a pc with similar serial no. and MAC address.

    Better extract and transfer all individual data from defective dump to a working dump.....
     
  8. erfto1

    erfto1 MDL Novice

    Mar 12, 2023
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    Yes i replaced the bios with the original one, thanks for the info
    But i dont want to mess with the rest so ill leave it :nosweat:
     
  9. Lutschpuppe

    Lutschpuppe MDL Senior Member

    Dec 23, 2014
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    If you upload both files, i can try to merge both roms. Don't post it public, it may contain personal data and Windows MSDM-key.