On Fri, 21 Feb 2014 21:47:58 -0800 linx255@nym.hush.com wrote:
Hi, I am seeking an answer to an apparently obscure question. If I install coreboot on my BIOS (UEFI motherboard) and the computer fails to boot, can I reset the BIOS flash to its default image? I've read about possibly changing jumper positions or removing the BIOS battery, but I can't seem to establish if these are sure-fire ways of restoring the original BIOS flash image. I'd like to attempt to install coreboot on a motherboard that doesn't appear to be coreboot-supported, but only if I know I can completely undo this. Is the default BIOS flash image preserved somewhere on a ROM chip or can it only be restored with special equipment? I definitely do not want to end up with an unusable machine. Thanks!
Hi,
simple answer: no. The code in the flash chip does initialize the most basic functions of a mainboard. Without it there is no way to recover. Also, coreboot needs to be ported to unsupported boards, it is not generic enough to just be written to any board and just work (this is actually not coreboot's fault, but is a consequence of the hardware design of x86 computers). If your flash chip is socketed, the easiest and cheapest way is to get a spare chip and to use hot-swapping... but usually getting an external programmer makes more sense.