Pitfalls in PC BIOS Checks

Testing without rebooting (over a network)

• Manufacturers tweak effect

  • Serial number recognition schemes don’t work

• Different BIOS code may be executed when rebooting than when power is left on over turn of century

  • Schemes that check RTC functionality don’t work

• Calculating CRCs on the BIOS chip works sometimes (but gives limited information)

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