Downloaded virus via AIM ==> Motherboard Failure?

[merlink]

My girlfriend (novice computer user), got an IM from a friend with a link saying "Check this out", subsequently, she clicked the link, downloaded to "AOL Gallery" software (or whatever it claimed to be), and ran the program, upon which, the virus was distributed to everyone on her buddylist.

We pulled the network cable, and in thinking that this was a semi-harmless virus, and merely a worm, I had her shut off the computer.

This is where the problem occurs, it seems the worm/virus SOMEHOW deleted the motherboards' BIOS 64k memory block, as it beeps 3 times...3 times...3 times... and according to most motherboard manuals, this is a base 64k memory error.

However, I can't find a manual specific to her motherboard (ASRock K7VM).

Anyone have a clue?

Replacing the motherboard isn't too tough, but on the otherhand, after its replaced and the system is rebooted, the same thing will most likely happen to the next board.

Any chance this is a freak coincidence of system failure after installing a virus, and the virus may not be the cause? I find this hard to believe, but I didn't know that virusses could affect THAT much below the boot block on the harddrive.

Thanks,
Merlin