ASD - Override file version = Base_?

[smiba]

Hey everyone,

I have a Macbook Pro 15" (Mid 2012) over here that came in with the message "Sometimes doesn't show display, PRAM reset has helped a couple of times.". No idea if no display refers to no backlight, no video or just not booting at all.

I can't get these issues to show up as after 10 times fully power cycling the machine the display is still functioning, but the system had no serial programmed into its bios and its Override file version is reporting back as "Base_" in ASD EFI and ASD OS gives me "no override file detected, please flash before running diagnostics." on the startup.

Obviously this is not normal, I was wondering how to restore this (other then getting a bios dump online and flashing back that one) what caused this and if this can be (one of the) reason(s) why this system isn't working fully alright? What is the purpose of the Override file version?
ME is reporting as present but if the BIOS got damaged I woudn't be surprised its messed up as well
I already flashed the serial number back on the machine with BBS v1.1.

Cheers

 

[Gurmon]

The SPI ROM has been tampered with. Flash the bios. You may need a clean ME, since the original may be lost.

 

[smiba]

Alright was planning on doing so anyway. If I'm at it I'll just move in a clean ME for good measure

Any idea what the purpose of the Override file is? Not really related to the solution but I'm always interested in knowing the mechanics behind something

 

[Gurmon]

No idea what it means.

However it usually occurs after serial numbers are changed.

 

[dukefawks]

ROM was messed with or got corrupted, the error pertains to the bit that has the serial number not the ME. If the chipset test passes then do not touch the ME!
The intermittent video is probably the standard U8900 issue.

 

[smiba]

U8900 had pretty crusty looking connections, resoldered them nicely with new leaded solder. Tested the External GPU with ASD OS 3S156 with no issues so I think the display issues should be resolved.

I ordered a SOIC8 Adapter from a European seller so I can easily modify the SPI ROM, usually I de-solder them as they're flat SMD packages. There is no big rush behind this repair so lets do it cleanly
Will report back

 

[dukefawks]

If ASD passes the chipset test do not mess with it further. The serial number area does not affect operation and fixing it can only done by transplanting a complete override file including serial number from another machine. Editing the serial number on a dump will cause the override error again.

 

[smiba]

Alright got it, ASD fully passes on all chipset related tests. The system will work OK without the override file? I have no idea what its purpose is

 

[dukefawks]

Serial number stuff, iCloud weirdness and such. Just leave it. Does the machine report a serail number in OSX?

 

[smiba]

The system originally didn't show a serial number, but writing the one on the casing to the SPI ROM with BBS v1.1 made it appear.