Bios Modding


The EnergyStar pic in the BIOS is in a proprietary format (.EPA). We'll create a regular BMP file, and convert it to EPA format. These are the tools you'll need:
CBROM 2.0 or higher, BMP to EPA, A fresh copy of your BIOS and a Compatible version of AWDFLASH for your board

(Probably on the motherboard CD)

Step 1:

Create a 1-bit (black and white) image that's 136x84 pixels in paint as anti aliasing has to be off.

Step 2:

Add a logo of your choice - white only at the moment

Step 3:

Use a freeware version of BMP2EPA ( you can use the windows or dos version) and load the bitmap, if it is wrong size or format, it will lt u know

Step 4:

Then add colour

Step 5:

Now that we have our EPA image, we'll have to replace the existing one in your BIOS file. This is where CBROM comes in. Here’s the command:

cbrom kt7_ul.bin /epa newpic.epa

Substitute for the name of your BIOS file.

Step 6:

Now comes time to flash your system BIOS with the new file. You'll want to backup your BIOS. If anything happens and the new BIOS doesn't work properly, we'll use the old BIOS file to re-flash it. Most Award BIOSes nowadays have a chunk of code that acts as a failsafe if the BIOS is corrupted. It only has support for very minimal hardware (floppy drive and ISA video card), but it'll help you get your old BIOS back. I suggest making a bootable floppy with awdflash and your old BIOS image on it. You don't need a CONFIG.SYS, but create an AUTOEXEC.BAT file and include this one line:

awdflash oldbios.bin /py /sn

This will automatically replace the current BIOS with the one specified. Another way (in case the failsafe is also corrupted), is to get an extra BIOS chip from your motherboard manufacturer. Most will charge a nominal fee (around $15US) and will send you a chip in the mail. If something ever happens to your BIOS and you can't boot at all, you can yank the old chip off the board and use the new one in it's place. Lets get down to it:

awdflash kt7_ul.bin
Again, substitute for your BIOS file.

Step 7:

At this point, AWDFLASH will load and ask if you want to save the old BIOS. If you haven't created a rescue disk already, choose yes, then no when it asks you if you want to program the BIOS. Create the disk and go back into AWDFLASH.
Otherwise, hit no to save the old file, and yes to continue. It'll take 5-15 seconds to write and verify the new BIOS. Don't worry if it skips a chunk.

When it's completed, Hit F1 or Hit the reset button on your PC. With a little luck, she'll come on no problem with your new logo!

BMPtoEPA DOS version
BMPtoEPA Windows version
CBRom (2.01a)
You will need to get your own AWDFLASH as it is different from mobo to mobo

By GT3 God