How do you flash the Bios

[cal]

I want to try and flash the Bios as a last ditch effort to fix the problem I have,
see my thread
"problem with new system hanging help"

Can some one tell me how?

[alx098]

Here is the link to a detailed description on how to fash it - http://www.sysopt.com/forum/Forum3/HTML/003026.html

[Axel]

Depending on the motherboard, you may also have to move the BIOS jumper to the FLASH position. On ASUS mobo's, you move the jumper, flash the bios, and then move the jumper back to normal read mode.

Your motherboard manual ( download the one for your board if you didn't get one ) should have relatively complete instructions.

Don't be in a hurry and gather all of your device driver disks before you start, as a BIOS flash can sometimes cause windows to redetect all your hardware. Last time I did it, I had all my drivers handy and it took me about 3 hours from start to finish to get everything working again. I did mine for Y2K reasons and got a few more benefits thrown in.

I've also found it's a REALLY great idea to put both the new and the old BIOS files on a boot floppy as well as in your HD in a new directory called BIOS so that you can easily find what you need should you find you have to back out or re-flash.

If it keeps messing up on you, however, you might have a bad CMOS battery. An easy thing to replace if you don't mind setting up your CMOS again.

[BC]

P.S. You might want to close all the windows before you flash your BIOS http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif
Not MSWindows real windows.

[Pantion]

Get the bios file from here and there instructions on flashing it:
http://www.ping.be/bios/

Also here is the process (got from www.tekram.com): (http://www.tekram.com):)

Flash BIOS Upgrade Instructions - Mainboards

Doc Number: 98030089___Last Revision: 08/06/98___Category: Mainboards

Updating the Award BIOS Code is made easy with the AWDFLASH Utility. Since your mainboard features FLASH BIOS, it is not necessary to change the actual BIOS chip in order to upgrade the System BIOS. The user can simply re-program the old BIOS using the AWDFLASH Utility as follows:

* Memory Managers like HIMEM.SYS and EMM386.EXE must NOT be loaded when running AWDFLASH.EXE.

1. First, boot the system with DOS or to "Safe Mode" under Windows 95. If you are booting DOS from a hard drive or floppy disk, press [F5] when the message "Starting MS-DOS" appears on the screen. If you are booting Windows 95, press the [F8] key, and select the "Safe mode command prompt" option. This will assure that the system is running in "real mode" with no device drivers loaded. This is the only correct way to run the AWDFLASH Utility program.

2. There are (2) important files needed to re-program the BIOS. The first is "AWDFLASH.EXE" which is the FLASH BIOS Programming Utility. The second file needed is the updated "BIN" file which contains the actual BIOS code. This file will have the extension [.bin], such as "P5TB4106.BIN". Make sure these files are on the diskette or hard drive in the same directory.

3. Start the AWDFLASH Utility by changing to the directory where the two required files exist and typing AWDFLASH followed by a SPACE and the name of the file, then hit the ENTER key. An example is shown below:

AWDFLASH P5TB4106.BIN [ENTER]

4. The AWDFLASH Utility Screen appears. If AWDFLASH was started without the name of the BIOS file on the command line, you will be asked for the file name to program. Type in the name of the new BIOS (.bin) file and hit [ENTER].

5. The program will then ask if you want to backup the old BIOS. This is recommended in case there are any problems with the new ".bin" file. Enter the name of the new backup file (such as "backup.bin") and press [ENTER].

6. At this time the system will prompt you for final confirmation before beginning programming. The Utility can be aborted at this time by hitting "n". To begin programming, hit "y".

7. When the Flash programming starts, a bar indicator will show the progress of the programming operation. After successful completion, hit the reset button or power off the computer.

8. Upon rebooting, enter the CMOS and choose the item "Load Setup Defaults". Save the changes then reboot. This is to insure the BIOS is properly reset. Problems writing to the floppy or other strange errors could result if this step is ignored.

RECOVERY PROCEDURES

If something should go wrong during FLASH PROGRAMMING - the system is powered down too soon, etc. - the system will not show video when it is rebooted. If this happens, listen to see if any beeps occur when the system is powered on. If beeping is heard, the system should be recoverable, if no beeping is heard - assuming the speaker is working correctly - the system is probably not recoverable. To recover the system:

1. Create a bootable floppy

2. Create an AUTOEXEC.BAT on the floppy with a line such as the following:
AWDFLASH P5T30B4109.BIN (Substitute the correct BIOS or "bin" file for the mainboard you are using.)

3. Reboot the system. The system should read the floppy and reboot automatically after it has recovered the BIOS.

In the event that recovery procedures are not successful, a new BIOS chip will be required.

[cal]

Thanks for your help

Cal