HP XL756 (Mercury MB) won't flash...

[ajdurkin]

Hello,

I am having massive problems with WIN 2000 on a HP computer (HP XL756, BIOS Software Build ID: Mercury-G 2.30.86; Phoenix 4.0 v6.1.1) and no one can help (Microsoft, HP). Installed all the latest drivers but still lock. Thought I'd update the BIOS to eliminate that from the potential problem list. Tried the PHLASH update from the HP website but during the flash I received a message that the update could not proceed due to an incompatible bios number (version?). I don't want to force the switches and trash my bios and have to replace the motherboard. Any help with the flash would be appreciated.

AJDurkin

[Explorer]

Did you upgrade this computer from a supplied Windows ME to Windows 2000 after purchase? HP has a long page here, http://www.hp.com/cgi-bin/cposupport/get_doc.pl?SNI=hppavilion21035&LC=personal_computing&Tfile=bph06494 detailing all the reasons why you shouldn't do it. And a long list of problems you'll have, things that won't work, etc.

Because the motherboard uses onboard video, and the BIOS update is going to change things within the video chips drivers, that may be the source of your BIOS flash problem. Assuming you've downloaded the correct BIOS update.

I've worked on a lot of computers over the years and never had much success taking HPs and Compaqs too far from their original installed operating systems. Win95 to 98 would work OK, 98 to ME seems alright, but W2K is so different the hardware, software, and drivers just don't seem to be able to handle it reliably.

[ajdurkin]

Thanks, Explorer

Have had a universal response: onboard bios is dangerous to flash and then the HP (ASUS MEW-AM) mobo probably won't handle w2k anyway. Back to 98!