BIOS Flashing

[killswitch83]

Ok, in case if you haven't heard by now, in order to utilize dual core processors on boards manufactured before they were released, you have to have a BIOS update. It should be noted at this point that you should also have a way of recovering your BIOS should something go wrong......HardwareLogic is in no way responsible for whatever damage you may do to your system or inoperability of your motherboard after this procedure is finished!!!!!!!!!!! Well, here's the way to do it in DOS:

1. Download the most current BIOS file for your motherboard (also note on some motherboards there can be more than one version of a motherboard, thus you must look on your motherboard for the version......for example, on the MSI KT6V-LSR, the version is in between the first and second PCI slot)....the version is also very important in that with what I mentioned before about different versions of the same motherboard, they can utilize different BIOS chips (one version can use Award Phoenix, and another can use AMI, make sure you know which chip you have!!); and yet another note, if it's a ZIP file, unzip it to a location you know where you'll be able to find it (I like to put the unzipped files in a folder in the C:/ directory, or just put both the files in the C:/ directory, whichever is easier for you)

2. Make sure you have a boot disk made.....pop it in the floppy drive and restart your computer.

3. When you get to the A:/ prompt, change over to the C:/ prompt (just type C: at the A:/ prompt)

4. at the C:/ prompt, to initiate the BIOS flashing, just type the name of the loader (which is a .exe file usually) and the BIOS file (a .bin file) as an argument.

here's an example:

C:/loader.exe bios.bin

Where loader is the loader file (.exe file) and bios is the BIOS file (.bin file)....you'll want to type it in exactly that order, or it won't work, and you'll just get the standard bad command error.

5. at this point, the loader will come up and some ask you a couple of questions before initializing installation (version of motherboard usually, for example).....after answering the question(s) if any, the loader will flash your BIOS (erase the current BIOS file on the chip), and after which it will begin to install the .bin (BIOS) file....If it is unsuccessful, as noted above, make absolutely sure you can access a copy of your old BIOS, otherwise you will be stuck with a worthless motherboard unless you have another system on which you can download the original BIOS version.

6. If flashing is successful, you will be prompted to restart your computer, and afterwards should be able to access your new BIOS version. Make sure to set the time, all of your settings (CPU frequency, vcore, memory timings, etc.....or you could just use the default and work your way up if you feel uncertain this version will work the same as your last version, I recommend using default settings and redoing your settings here), save them, and exit.

remember, this is a quick reference on flashing, and there are different ways of doing it. For example, using WinFlash is perhaps the easiest way to do this process, and I would recommend it over DOS if you're not too familiar with using DOS. This makes BIOS-flashing a snap as you can do it in Windows and you have a GUI to work with, rather than just command-line prompts. It has its risks as well, just like DOS-flashing (corrupt BIOS or loader file, for the most part). If you need any more information, just PM me and I will try to give you some help as I am able to. Good luck and congrats in advance on flashing your BIOS. :D

[JCLW]

I'm not sure if you're using a different style/template, but the yellow is unreadable against the default background colour.


Just wanted to add that with newer Asus boards, you only have to put the BIOS file you want on a CD or a floppy. Then reboot your computer and hit [Ctrl]+[F2] a few times when your "Hit Del to enter setup" type prompt appears. The motherboard will automatically search the floppy and then the CD(s) for a valid BIOS file, and flash it.

This will usually work if you've somehow managed to put your computer in an unbootable state, as well.

[gvblake22]

Originally Posted by JCLW

I'm not sure if you're using a different style/template, but the yellow is unreadable against the default background colour.

Fixed. Sorry for the unreadability, I could see it. Color was actually green.

[Capper]

no goofball...it was yellow, I changed it to green, then you changed it to black

[killswitch83]

Originally Posted by JCLW

I'm not sure if you're using a different style/template, but the yellow is unreadable against the default background colour.


Just wanted to add that with newer Asus boards, you only have to put the BIOS file you want on a CD or a floppy. Then reboot your computer and hit [Ctrl]+[F2] a few times when your "Hit Del to enter setup" type prompt appears. The motherboard will automatically search the floppy and then the CD(s) for a valid BIOS file, and flash it.

This will usually work if you've somehow managed to put your computer in an unbootable state, as well.

yeah, my bad. I originally had it in yellow, but then switched it to green when I found that Rich changed the layout on me, lol. Yeah, this guide was meant primarily as a general flashing guide, and each mobo has its thing. Personally, after giving WinFlash a chance I was quite fond of it, as you could manage everything in Windows and finish updating the BIOS by rebooting. Thanks for the addition though, and if anyone else wants to add specifics for their mobo, they are more than welcome to do so! :D

[killswitch83]

Originally Posted by Capper

no goofball...it was yellow, I changed it to green, then you changed it to black

oops, I thought I changed it....I'm flakin out man!!!!! lol

[gvblake22]

Originally Posted by Capper

no goofball...it was yellow, I changed it to green, then you changed it to black

AAAHHH, gotchya. Sorry about that :roll: