How to Reprogram a BIOS Chip (5 Steps)

By TS Jordan

i Thinkstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images

A BIOS chip is a piece of Read-Only Memory (ROM), located on the surface of your motherboard, which contains the information necessary to boot up your computer. Reprogramming a BIOS chip means changing its settings, which can be accomplished by accessing the BIOS utility. Remember that certain BIOS changes can undermine the stability of your system, so be careful when reprogramming your BIOS chip.

Step 1

Reboot your computer. This is necessary, as entering the BIOS utility requires that you be outside of your normal operating system.

Step 2

Press the key indicated during the startup messages to enter the BIOS. This is traditionally either the "Esc" or one of the "F" keys, but it can be anything, so pay attention to the screen as your computer loads up.

Step 3

Navigate through the BIOS menu screens, using the arrow keys. Consult your computer operating manual to determine which menu contains the setting that you wish to reprogram.

Step 4

Highlight the setting to be reprogrammed with the arrow keys and press "Enter". This will display a list of valid settings for the particular option. Highlight the option that you wish to select and press "Enter" again.

Step 5

Exit BIOS when done making your changes by pressing the "Esc" key. Press "Y" to save and confirm your changes.

References

Writer Bio