can the BIOS be changed from Linux? - failed overclocking with new computer

[Gabor Szabo]

I just bought a new computer, install Ubuntu 9.10 beta (not the RC as
it was not out yet)
and after I try to reboot, the computer does not even reach the BIOS
boot sequence.
(blank screen).
After letting it rest for some time I can turn it on, then it gets to
the BIOS boot and displays the
following error:

Warning!!! The previous overclocking had failed, and system will
restore its default setting.
Press any key to continue...

Pressing a key makes it boot but the happens again after one or two bootings.

Oh, an *I* have not touched the BIOS and *I* did not configure overclocking.

I already took the computer back once and they told me about some rare
thing that happens
only once every 2 years that the BIOS is flips.
I think they just either did not configure it well or for some reason
it gets broken after the first boot.
Or something is broken or incompatible in the hardware.


The question if Linux might change the BIOS or cause this problem?
If not, what do you think could be the reason and the fix?

Here are the details of the computer (from the order form) just in
case someone can see
some parts that do not work well with Linux or with each other.

CPU: Q8200 2.33 Gh 4MB Core 2 Quad
mother board: G41M-E43 DDR3 HDMI MSI
screen card: Nvidia GeForce 9400Gt 512MB P.P.View
HD: 500 Gb SATA2 16 Mb Hitachi
Memory: CL7 DBT GEIL 2x2Gb (4Gb) DDR3 1066 Mhz
DVD: GH22NS SATA LG DVDX22 DL
power: 350W FAN 12 CM Power man



Gabor
ps, search for the warning message turned up a number of reports, (with windows)
that indicate either broken mother board or incorrect BIOS configuration but I'd
like to get your opinion too.