Is it possible to use a BIOS for one mobo for another (that is similar to yours)?

[rockinup1231]

Last month, early last month. I upgraded my old BIOS on a Gateway P5-200 Multimedia MMX. The mobo is a LM430TX, and the old BIOS was a 1995 version. After checking compatibility, I downloaded a 1998 (give or take a year) version BIOS for my system after the change, I changed my settings on the BIOS so they were like my settings I had before. Well, I started my system, it started like it should, but when it got to where Windows (I have Win2000 Pro.) was supposed to start, It would go blank, as if it froze or something.

Upon further inspection, I found that the computers other functions, such as using a CD-ROM, floppy, and the like still functioned properly. And even more interesting, it, with the proper disc, could boot Windows from a CD-ROM.

I have a theory, if erased the hard drive, and tried to install other versions of windows, the system may accept it, and run windows from the hard drive. But, before attempting such a thing, I need advise from people who know more about this sort of thing than I.

I am fed up with not having my computer, and having to go to the library, my friends house, and even school to access the internet , and to do other things I could do at home better.

My system specs.

Mobo: LM430TX

Hard Drives:Western Digital Protage WD 100; 9.53 GB, and Western Digital Caviar 280; 85.3 MB (Yes, megabytes)

RAM:Kingston Value RAM, PC-100 (don't know how much memory it holds), and a mystery brand PC-100 (also, another one I don't how much memory it holds)

Windows version: Windows 2000 Professional

P.S. I am going to get a new mobo, so it what I need doesn't have to last forever.

Thank You

[Sterling_Aug]

Sounds like you had a bad BIOS flash. Have you tried flashing it again?

[rockinup1231]

Yes, with the same BIOS, I had the same problem. I would have backed up the old one, but I don't know how to do that, or if it's even possible. I don't know where to find the old one, so that is something I do not have as an option, unless someone knows where I can find. I already tried gateway.

[Bigjakkstaffa]

I doubt it.

What you can do IIRC is take a BIOS chip from another board and (As long as its the same type of chip) insert it into the motherboard, then flash the appropriate BIOS for the new board onto that chip.

--Jakk:t

[Sterling_Aug]

We need more details.

I would start looking for your BIOS here:

http://www.wimsbios.com


Make sure you flash with an EXACT MATCH. Close does not cut it with a BIOS flash. You can easily destroy the mobo with a bad flash. You would need to replace the BIOS chip with another one if you use the wrong BIOS code to flash yours with. I have only had one fail out of dozens and dozens of BIOS flashes, but that one customer was ticked off that he had to replace his mobo.

[Midknyte]

Stop making threads about the same subject.

You cannot flash a bios of a SIMILAR board. it has to be the exact same one.

[Sterling_Aug]

If you did not save the old BIOS, then you are left with buying a new system board.

While you are at it, buy a new CPU, new RAM, and new mobo and get an upgrade out of this mess.


There is nothing left to discuss about this. Learn from your mistakes.