badBIOS Recovery Guide

TL;DR

Your computer is stuck in a boot loop due to badBIOS. This guide helps you recover it using a USB drive and the official Intel Flash Programming Tool (FPT). Warning: Incorrect use can brick your motherboard. Proceed carefully.

What You’ll Need

• A working computer with internet access
• A USB flash drive (at least 1GB)
• The correct BIOS file for your motherboard model – download from the manufacturer’s website.
• Intel Flash Programming Tool (FPT). Download from Intel’s website or a trusted source.

Step-by-Step Recovery

1. Identify Your Motherboard Model: This is crucial! Check the motherboard itself, your computer’s documentation, or use system information tools if possible (before badBIOS completely locks things down).
2. Download the Correct BIOS File: Go to your motherboard manufacturer’s website. Find the support section for your exact model and download the latest BIOS file. Make sure it matches your revision number if applicable.
3. Download Intel Flash Programming Tool (FPT): Search online for “Intel FPT” and download from a reputable source, such as Intel’s official website or a trusted hardware forum. Choose the version compatible with your operating system.
4. Prepare the USB Drive:
   • Format the USB drive to FAT32.
   • Extract the contents of the FPT archive onto the root of the USB drive.
   • Copy the downloaded BIOS file (the .bin or similar extension) onto the same USB drive.
5. Boot into a Command Prompt: You’ll need to access a command prompt environment.
   • If you can boot into Windows Recovery Environment, choose “Troubleshoot” -> “Advanced options” -> “Command Prompt”.
   • Alternatively, use a bootable USB drive with a minimal operating system (like FreeDOS) if Windows is inaccessible.
6. Run FPT to Flash the BIOS: This is the most important step.

   fpt -g flash .bin

   Replace <bios_filename>.bin with the actual name of your downloaded BIOS file.

7. Monitor the Flashing Process: FPT will display progress information on the screen. Do not interrupt this process! A power failure or interruption can permanently damage your motherboard.
8. Verify the Flash (Optional): Some motherboards support verification after flashing. Check the FPT documentation for specific commands.

   fpt -v .bin

9. Reboot Your Computer: Once the flash is complete, remove the USB drive and reboot your computer. The BIOS should now be updated. You may need to enter the BIOS setup (usually by pressing Del, F2, or another key during startup) to configure settings.

Troubleshooting

• FPT Doesn’t Recognize Your Motherboard: Ensure you have the correct version of FPT for your chipset. Try running FPT as administrator.
• Flash Fails with an Error: Double-check that you downloaded the correct BIOS file for your motherboard model and revision. Make sure the USB drive is properly formatted and connected.
• Computer Still Doesn’t Boot: In rare cases, a corrupted BIOS flash can leave the motherboard unrecoverable. Contact the manufacturer’s support or consider professional repair services.

Important Notes

• This guide is for informational purposes only. We are not responsible for any damage caused to your hardware.
• Always back up your existing BIOS if possible before attempting a flash.
• If you’re unsure about any step, seek help from a qualified technician.