The most recent BIOS is BAD - how do I clear it out and install an older or the previous BIOS?

How can I roll back or wipe out the current BIOS in this Acer?

I updated the Acer Switch Alpha 12 BIOS from 1.01 to the most recent 1.06. Before updating, the Acer would boot pretty darned quickly. Love those SSDs! However, it takes 20 minutes to process the BIOS now.

While the Acer eventually boots back into Windows and everything seems to work ok in Windows, it takes 20 minutes for the Acer logo to disappear and ONLY then, after those 20 minutes, will the Acer logo go away and the Windows sign-in screen appears.

So I'd like to either go back to 1.01 or try any of the other BIOs options (1.02, 1.03, 1.04 - - 1.05 is not there and I see comments that it was buggy) or even try re-flashing 1.06. It's been around for some time and I don't see any complaints about it.

HELP!!!

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MaClane

Good afternoon Bardi !

What was the need to update Bios?

Bios updates are extremely risky and only recommended in specific cases such as serious system errors, serious hardware incompatibilities, or security patch updates.
It is not like system driver updates.

Otherwise this is a process that should be avoided if the equipment is working properly.

In the case now, it would be necessary a downgrade of Bios, which is a much more risky process and that can condemn the equipanto at the time if there is an error during the process.

Bardi

I do not know haw to downgrade the BIOS. Attempting any BIOS flashing, since 1.06 was flashed, results in an error message that the "new" BIOS is older than the one installed, then the BIOS program closes. I don't know how to get around this. I've tried all available BIOS files from the Acer Support site, 1.02, 1.03, 1.04, and 1.06.

Some programs are not working properly, such as DOS Xcopy and MS Word.

MaClane

I will ask a colleague to guide you through the process.

@egydiocoelho , please advise the user to perform a Bios downgrade.
Read his post above!

nahian

following the post

Commodore_1995#

Hello @Bardi! You had informed, that reinstalling windows, had solved the problem! Is the problem still occurring? Also, I'm looking for the downgrade process for this template!

Bardi

I have not received any information about the downgrade process.

On desktop PCs, it's possible to reset the CMOS (BIOS) to factory settings, but that's done by opening the case and moving a jumper on the motherboard.

I wish the firmware would permit downgrading the BIOS.

Please let me know if you find out anything else about downgrading the BIOS on the Acer Switch Alpha 12.

Kindest regards,
Bardi

Commodore_1995#

The downgrade process is very risky! But it should be a process similar to this user: https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/642256/#Comment_642256

Send a private message to it!

Bardi

egydiocoelho said:

The downgrade process is very risky! But it should be a process similar to this user: https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/642256/#Comment_642256
Send a private message to it!

That link has a file removed by Acer: [Post edited to remove inappropriate or personal content -Acer-Manny]

Commodore_1995#

That's why I told you to contact the user! However, this downgrade is not exactly for your model and may not work!

Bardi

I would like to be able to downgrade the BIOS but, since it seems to be working now, I don't need to.

However, I'm not keen on recommending sealed Acer products. I was told they would "service" the laptop to restore a working BIOS for $450. They have the control to stipulate that BIOS flashing not be locked into "forward only" upgrades.

I thank you again for following up with me.

MaClane

Good afternoon !

Acer as well as all other producers do not develop the Bios of their handsets.
This "control" for downgrade does not exist.
By default, no Bios developer activates downgrade options since the procedure is riskier than the upgrade.
In most cases they launch upgrade options to correct some serious error, but never the other way around.
Then the process is carried out at your own risk.

Pengsp

It is not true. You can downgrade the BIOS. I searched Google and there are some info about it. Basically, you need to extract the compressed BIOS files, edit configuration file, run the uncompressed bios update. I can’t remember where I saved the exact details but it can be done easily. I did on my Switch 7. Acer service is not very helpful. They just want to charge a service fee. Do some Google.

Pengsp

Take note: flashing BIOS is risky and could damage your unit.

Commodore_1995#

@Pengsp Yes, it is possible to downgrade the bios! However, this process of changing the platform.ini file may be different in its model! The modification you've made to your template will probably not work on another model since the bios files are different!

Pengsp

Download the selected Bio version, use "7-zip" to extract the compressed exe file, look in the folder for platform.ini, read line by line; just a simple change Flag= 0 or 1. platform.ini is just a generic configuration file and by changing from the supplied version. (Note: use Notepad or other text editor to modify) The risk of mistake is low. Acer uses "Insyde H2OFFT" Bios provider, confirmed Switch 12 & 7, most likely other model as well. Google for Insyde H2OFFT manual and read, read and read again. It is not not that complex. I flashed my Switch 7 upgrade/ downgrade without problem, only make sure power is not interrupted. $450 to restore Bios is way overpriced, the same recovering Bios password is $80. For those with wrong password, do check FN key pressed. Most likely due to FN key. Don't mess with Bios (upgrade/downgrade) if you don't know what are it benefits.

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