Author Topic: virus kills rob's computer (Read 427 times)

zapkin · « **on:** August 31, 2001, 11:11:00 AM »

i believe my gateway was killed by something similar to the Chernobyl virus. Whatever it was seems to have overwritten some of the flash bios and now the computer is an elaborate paperweight. Can the chip be replaced? and if so...where can i get it??

anyone know???

batdog · « **Reply #1 on:** August 31, 2001, 11:29:00 AM »

Post this in tech help. You'll get the PC gurus posting

xBAT

Kratzer · « **Reply #2 on:** August 31, 2001, 11:30:00 AM »

If you can boot a floppy, you can probably try to reflash the BIOS. Go to the Gateway site, and look for support for your computer model - find out the motherboard, and find the flash. Make sure you read all the instructions so it works.

If not, you are probably out of luck and will need a new board.

Tac · « **Reply #3 on:** August 31, 2001, 01:23:00 PM »

remove the CMOS battery in the motherboard for about 10 minutes, then put it back in and reboot.

If it doesnt work , get the latest bios from the GW site and flash it. Read instructions.

And when you call GW tech support do NOT tell them it was a virus. Just ask them to walk you through flashing the bios.

If you say VIRUS they will put you through a pay-by minute tech support.

Tac
-Ex Gateway Tech-

qts · « **Reply #4 on:** August 31, 2001, 01:25:00 PM »

Please describe *exactly* what happens when you switch the machine on. Does it bleep? If so, how many times? Do you see anything on screen? If so, what?

If your BIOS has been flashed, your only options are to call Gateway and see if they'll sell you a new BIOS EEPROM or get a new motherboard.

Kratzer · « **Reply #5 on:** August 31, 2001, 02:32:00 PM »

Better yet, if it is under warranty, call gateway and say the computer stopped working. You will have to sit on the phone for a while and have them walk you through some crap, but once that is done, they'll send you a new board.

And Tac is right. Don't say virus.

Gunthr · « **Reply #6 on:** August 31, 2001, 02:38:00 PM »

Zapkin: You can get a new bios chip here:http://www.badflash.com/

Tuomio · « **Reply #7 on:** August 31, 2001, 05:54:00 PM »

If it still has warranty left, take it back to store and pretend, that you dont know nothing about computers.

If not, then take that reflecting tape away from the bios chip and expose it to direct sunlight for few mins. Then put the tape back. UV light erases the flash memory, when tape is removed.
This should correct the problem. If it doesent, then you can buy new bios chip from the link already mentioned. BE SURE, THAT THE PROBLEM IS IN THE BIOS, NOT IN OTHER HARDWARE. Remove all cards from your MB and check EVERY jumper and wire.If power doesent turn on, then you have prolly shortcircuit or similar in the wiring.

zapkin · « **Reply #8 on:** September 02, 2001, 10:14:00 AM »

I downloaded the bios and tried to flash it. The floppy drive just grinds and grinds. I tried several floppies (with bios flash on them) to see if i had chosen a bad floppy. Flash doesnt work. I think I read that sometimes the virus destroys the part of bios that allows for reflashing. No warranty left on the machine. I guess I am going to buy a new bios chip and pop it in the motherboard (it is a socketed chip). I think I know who sent me this virus...but the bastich is 5000 miles away. Anyone know of a good (and cheap) hitman in the UK????

BTW thanks for the help and links

Fishu · « **Reply #9 on:** September 02, 2001, 12:17:00 PM »

Zapkin,

Never ever run any files that you can't be certain of being harmless.
This goes specially for files sent by e-mail.

I suggest you use next time virus program to check at least new file before running them and peridiocally running full scan of system. (virus scannes that are always active, might worse game performance)

F-Prot for Windows and DOS: http://www.frisk.is/f-prot/