Flash+BIOS

=Flash the InsydeH2O BIOS on the Cr-48=

====The InsydeH2O BIOS will make your Cr-48 function like a standard Intel-based laptop, allowing you to install a wide variety of operating systems including Windows and various flavors of Linux.====

Please note that EVERY step is critical and skipping ahead could render your computer unusable. Also, this guide ONLY applies to the Cr-48 and is WILL NOT work with any other Chromebook.

 * 1) ====**CRITICAL FIRST STEP**: Open the computer and disable the BIOS protection using the instructions here====
 * If you skipped this step and are now stuck at the "Chrome OS is missing or damaged" screen, see this guide for a solution
 * 1) ====Set your Cr-48 to Developer Mode using the instructions here====
 * 2) ====Create a Chrome OS recovery drive using the instructions here====
 * 3) ====Log in to Chrome OS and press **ctrl + alt + →** (→ is the forward arrow where the F2 key would normally be)====
 * 4) ====Type chronos and press **enter**====
 * 5) ====Type sudo su and press **enter**====
 * 6) ====Type flashrom -r backup.bin and press **enter**====
 * 7) ====Type cp backup.bin /home/chronos/user/Downloads and press **enter**====
 * 8) ====Press **ctrl + alt + ←** (the ← is the back arrow where the F1 key would normally be) to return to the normal Chrome OS interface====
 * 9) ====Go to Gmail (or whatever email you use) and compose a new message addressed to yourself====
 * 10) ====Select "Choose a File to attach," select the folder "File Shelf," select the file backup.bin and click "Open"====
 * 11) ====Send the message. Keep this message safe - you'll need it if you want to restore your Cr-48 to its original state.====
 * 12) ====Download the InsydeH2O BIOS for the Cr-48 here: [[file:cr-48/cr48.bin.tar.gz|cr48.bin.tar.gz]]====
 * 13) ====Press **ctrl + alt + →** (F2)====
 * 14) ====Type tar -xvzf /home/chronos/user/Downloads/cr48.bin.tar.gz -C /home/chronos and press **enter**====
 * 15) ====Type flashrom -w /home/chronos/cr48.bin and press **enter**====
 * 16) ====Ignore any SPI erase errors. You will see a confirmation message after the system verifies that the BIOS has been flashed correctly.====
 * 17) ====Shut down the computer.====
 * 18) ====Restart the computer and immediately press the → key (F2) to modify the settings of the new BIOS.====

Original source of Cr-48 InsydeH2O BIOS: @http://www.mustangevolution.com/forum/f99/t284626/ Discussion thread on ubuntuforums.org: https://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1641911&page=40&p=10299420#post10299420

=Restore the Original Cr-48 BIOS=

If you do not have a backup your original BIOS you can flash a "stock" BIOS

 * A stock BIOS image for FISH models is available here: [[file:cr-48/fishstock.bin|fishstock.bin]]
 * A stock BIOS image for PONY models is available here: [[file:cr-48/ponystock.bin|ponystock.bin]]

Note that a stock BIOS will not contain certain information specific to your Cr-48 such as the serial number. For most users this will not present a problem.

 * 1) ====On another computer (or on your Cr-48 if you have installed Windows), download Ubuntu 11.04 here: []====
 * 2) ====Follow the instructions to create a bootable USB here: @http://www.ubuntu.com/download/help/create-a-usb-stick-on-windows ====
 * 3) ====Boot your Cr-48 into Ubuntu from the USB and launch **Ubuntu Software Center** ====
 * 4) ====Install the application called **flashrom** ====
 * 5) ====Copy the backup of your original BIOS (or the stock BIOS) to your home directory====
 * 6) ====Open a terminal window and type sudo flashrom -w backup.bin and press **enter** (If you are using one of the stock BIOS images, replace backup.bin with either fishstock.bin or ponystock.bin ) ====
 * **flashrom** may require additional text as a safeguard against "bricking" your computer.
 * If prompted to do so, modify the command in step 6 to read sudo flashrom -w backup.bin -p internal:laptop=force_I_want_a_brick
 * 1) ====Ignore any SPI erase errors. You will see a confirmation message after the system verifies that the BIOS has been flashed correctly.====
 * 2) ====Shut down the computer.====
 * 3) ====Recover the Chrome OS using the guide here====

Source: []