Award Bios Flash

[grandslammer]

Hi all!

The person is the following thread (I think) needs to flash his bios...
http://www.sysopt.com/forum/Forum2/HTML/004112.html

I run an Award bios. I have a DFI p5bv3+ motherboard, and have flashed mine without a problem. Now, he doesn't know the manufacturer of his board, but we both have a VIA chipset.

My question is, can he use my flash, since we both have award bios? I told him I'd send him a copy of the awdflash and the corresponding .bin file.

Any input here would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Mike P.



[This message has been edited by grandslammer (edited 01-06-2000).]

[Axel]

Nope nope nope nope - DON'T use the same flash file unless you have exactly the same board.

You've got to identify his board to an exact make & model and then locate the correct documented file.

Does his system still boot?

If so - what's the BIOS ID string that shows up right after the thing posts and tests the RAM - it'll be at the bottom left, typically, - use the <pause> key to halt the boot so you can write it down - it'll look something like this:

11/12/96 - ix430vx - 2pa345m6 - 00

Also - check the BIOS chip for a serial number - that may help -

Typically, near the center of the face of the board ( side with the PCI slots ), there will be white block letters and numbers larger than anything else written on the board that will help id the board.

Lastly, - if you are feeling energetic and lucky, take the motherboard out completely and check the back of the board for an FCC ID sticker.

Get all o that info and come back to us and we'll help you get a positive ID on the board.

HOWEVER - if you really MUST try to flash his system, make ABSOLUTELY sure you save the old BIOS file both on his hard drive and on a verified good BOOT floppy during the process so you have a chance of backing out back to what he has now.

I've seen extremely few BIOS files that could be used on more than one board. Typically, BIOS files are written by the manufacturer starting from an AWARD or AMI bios file, then customized for the board and the specific chip set on that board. They, as a rule of thumb, don't transfer from boards to board.

[BBA]

Listen to what AXEL says! It is gospel!

The wrong bios is a quick and sure death to an otherwise useful motherboard.

[grandslammer]

Yeah, I told him tohold off until I verified this. Thanks, I'll forwardthe info to him.

Aactually, I'm sure he read this post, but i'll sen it to him anyway.

Thank you so much!

Mike