Bios Chips

[Mist]

I apologise if this is in the wrong place, but I'm not sure where to ask this so..............

Would anyone know if a virus or similar could infect an actual physical bios chip?

I mean in the sense that it could actually reprogram it, or at least affect the chip in the same way as flashing would do?

TIA.

Michael.

 

[redbeard1]

There was at least one virus that could attack certain motherboards and destroy the bios.

 

[Zepper]

Yes, Chernobyl did that. And I think one of the new nasties floating around is supposed to be capable of it, but I have no personal experience with the new one. The Flash ROM chips are supposed to be write-protectable, but I haven't seen a mobo that implements the jumper- the best they have are the mobos with dual BIOSes, so if one gets creamed, you have the other for backup. You can buy a similar add-on for those mobos that don't come with duals.
.bh.

 

[Mist]

Thank you all for your replies.

I know these are strictly moderated boards, so I didn't want to make a long post only to find it was in the wrong place.

If this is indeed the correct place, then I'll explain the reason for my question in detail.

Thanks again.

Michael.

 

[Zepper]

Well, if it's a technical question about mobo technology, then it belongs in the Mobo section . If your system is acting flaky or down and you are seeking a solution, then this is the right section.
.bh.