Automatic Recovery (con't.)

A sample entry for those using Award's FLASH utility with a BIOS file named "backup.bin" would resemble this:

a: awd802.exe backup.bin /py /Sb /sn /cc /cp /cd /R

The above command forces a BIOS flash of "backup.bin", resets all configuration data to defaults, then reboots the system. Other command can be referenced by executing the command "awd802.exe /?" from the prompt. The approach for using flash utility from AMI or Phoenix is similar, but be sure to read the provided help information about each command line option before building the autoexec.bat entry. Create the text command entry, and then save to the file "autoexec.bat" in drive A: . This will load the command at floppy boot time, regardless of whether an ISA video card is available.

Conclusion

Regardless of the process utilized, each of these techniques has saved countless thousands of dollars for many people. Trying to order BIOS chips can prove a tedious and nerve wrecking, plus replacing an entire motherboard can prove rather costly to say the least. I personally have recovered several boards through these techniques, and thus have lowered my hardware replacement overhead while increasing positive response for my clients due to minimal repair times. Hopefully this guide will prove equally valuable for others as well.