SomeMSI BIOS update methodslike Live Update, are notorious for causing failed updates. If you’re in a similar spot and are worried that you’vebricked your motherboard, your next step should be to attempt BIOS recovery.
Most boards in MSI’s current lineup have aBIOS Flashbackport that lets you reflash the BIOS even if the system doesn’t boot. Some boards also come with two BIOS chips (Dual BIOS). In this case, you canuse the backup BIOSto recover your main chip.
Besides these, there are some niche methods like usingBIOS reprogrammer chipsor ones applicable to older systems likereplacing the BIOS chip. I’ll cover all such methods to help you recover your MSI BIOS with this article.
Try Clearing the CMOS
If your boot issues are related to BIOS settings like overclocks rather than a failed update, simplyresetting the BIOS configsto default should get your system working again. you may clear the CMOS (which stores the BIOS settings) to do this.
Shut down your system and unplug the power cable. Press the power button for a few seconds to drain the capacitors. Then, use your preferred method to clear the CMOS.
High-end MSI boards provide aClear CMOSbutton for conveniently resetting the BIOS. Assuming your board supports it, look for the Clear CMOS button on your motherboard. It’s usually located on the I/O Panel. If you may’t find it, you can check your user manual.
After you find it, ensure you’ve powered off your system as instructed above. Then, press this button, wait for a minute or so, and turn on your PC.
The classic way to clear the CMOS is by removing its power supply, i.e., the CMOS battery.
Ensure your system is powered off as instructed earlier. Then, press the lock on the CMOS battery slot topop out the battery. Some boards may use a detachable cable instead that you may disconnect to remove the battery.
Wait for a few minutes, then reinsert the battery. Reconnect everything else as well, and attempt to power on your PC.
Your board should also have pins that you may short to clear the CMOS. These will be named along the lines of CLR, CLEARCMOS, JBAT1, BIOS CONFIG, and so on. ensure to check your manual and identify the correct pins to short, as you could damage your board altogether by shorting random pins.
After you’ve located the pins on the motherboard, use a metal object like a screwdriver to connect the pins for a few seconds.
Use USB BIOS Flashback
BIOS Flashbackis the standard BIOS failsafe feature on most modern motherboards, and this is true for MSI boards as well. You need to be aware of a few things when using BIOS Flashback:
