Solved! Can I replace Aptio 4 BIOS with Aptio V?

[Mugsy]

I have a touch screen tablet with AMI Aptio 4 BIOS which has no touch screen support.

I'd like to replace it with AMI's Aptio V BIOS which does. Would this even work? There is nothing to indicate the installed BIOS was customized specifically for this computer.

The tablet is a discontinued "BestBuy" Win-10 unit with no BIOS updates for download and minimal support (and out of warranty.)

 

[Prostar Computer]

I don't think you can mix and match the utility with the underlying firmware. I'd be interested to see if someone can do such a mod, it just seems unlikely.

 

[Mugsy]

I don't think you can mix and match the utility with the underlying firmware. I'd be interested to see if someone can do such a mod, it just seems unlikely.

Thanks for the reply, but I'm not sure what you mean by "utility"?

Is every BIOS customized for the hardware it's installed to, or is it generic?

 

[Prostar Computer]

Thanks for the reply, but I'm not sure what you mean by "utility"?

Is every BIOS customized for the hardware it's installed to, or is it generic?

My pleasure. The Aptio 4/V you're referring to is just the interface you use to make certain changes. The underlying code that actually drives all of those features (among others) is the firmware, which is specific to the hardware. Unlike uninstalling a Windows program and installing another, the Aptio BIOS utility can't be replaced as easily.

 

[Mugsy]

the Aptio BIOS utility can't be replaced as easily.

I'm still not sure what you are referring to when you say "utility".

Are you referring to the BIOS interface... which in this case looks like this:

If all this is is an "interface" (ie: "shell"), I should be able to replace it, no?

PS: NOT a screenshot from *my* computer.

 

[Alabalcho]

If you have "touch screen tablet" and it works, why you want to mess with bios updates?
If all you need is access to bios using touch screen - connect a keyboard.

 

[Mugsy]

If you have "touch screen tablet" and it works, why you want to mess with bios updates?
If all you need is access to bios using touch screen - connect a keyboard.

Short answer: It doesn't work.

Specifically, it no longer recognizes the keyboard. 😀

 

[Alabalcho]

It does not recognize its own keyboard, or any USB keyboard?

 

[Mugsy]

It does not recognize its own keyboard, or any USB keyboard?

I've been trying to avoid going into the lengthy details, but to suffice, I inadvertently disabled the USB controller in BIOS, then in an attempt to get it back, accidentally ended up loosing access to Windows (by way of a Boot Loader menu that needs keyboard input.) 🙁

It's a tablet, not a laptop. With detachable keyboard (that uses a USB based interface.)

 

[Prostar Computer]

the Aptio BIOS utility can't be replaced as easily.

I'm still not sure what you are referring to when you say "utility".

Are you referring to the BIOS interface... which in this case looks like this:

If all this is is an "interface" (ie: "shell"), I should be able to replace it, no?

PS: NOT a screenshot from *my* computer.

That screenshot is the utility/interface I'm referring to, and no, it's not easily replaceable. It's tied in with the rest of the computer's firmware.

 

[Alabalcho]

So, if you've disabled USB interface, you've cut all means to communicate with it. Even if you were able to find an original (or replacement) BIOS, you won't be able to boot off USB in order to update the BIOS...

It seems an open-heart surgery (hoping you can clear the BIOS settings) is the only way to go. During the surgery - notice what kind of storage is used. If it is removable (miniPCI, M.2, SSD), you might be able to (temporary) substitute it with BIOS update routine.

 

[Mugsy]

So, if you've disabled USB interface, you've cut all means to communicate with it. Even if you were able to find an original (or replacement) BIOS, you won't be able to boot off USB in order to update the BIOS...

It seems an open-heart surgery (hoping you can clear the BIOS settings) is the only way to go.

Thx for the reply.

I already tried various methods to physically clear the bios settings based on information found scattered around the four corners of the Internet. Nothing worked. I'm down to my last option:

Using the method seen in this video, I am going to attempt to reflash the BIOS with a duplicate copy from a duplicate tablet. I bought a used working Insignia Flex Win-10 tablet identical to mine on eBay for $50.

I'll backup the BIOS on the working tablet (settings & all) to a file, then attempt to overwrite the Bios of my current disabled tablet using the procedure in the video (also having just purchased the necessary eeprom programmer on eBay for $10.)

If it works, I'll have two working tablets and can just sell one on eBay to recoup some of my losses. If it doesn't work, I'll still have one working tablet.

Wish me luck. (The chip programming hardware won't arrive from China for at least a month.)

 

[Alabalcho]

Don't forget to report back with the results!

Can you PM me where you've bought the programmer?