Flashed Bios for 80GB HD Problems

I put a new Western Digital 80GB HD on my son's computer. He has a DFI P2XBL Rev D.1 MOBO and Win98SE. I was able to install the HD, but found that though the install listed it as 80GB, my son was only able to use less than 2GB. I realized that I never flashed the bios for more than 37GB HDs, so did it. I went into DOS then typed in A:\> Awdflash pde1102.bin /Sn /Py. The computer went through the flash process, then everything went black. Since then, I have been unable to see anything on the monitor. I was unable to restart using ctrl alt delete. Holding in the On button doesn't turn it off, unless I press the reset button first. Please guide me through what I need to do to get this computer up and running again.
Thank you,
Barry

 

Probably your first mistake.

You can try clearing CMOS - remove ATX power header from the Mobo, jumper CMOS header pinouts to 2&3, wait 5-10 seconds, rejumper back to 1&2, reconnect ATX power header and try to boot - if you can boot, jump on that del key and reset BIOS to setup defaults, F10 out and see what happens. Unfortunately, I think you are already hosed - in which case, contact Jack@BadFlash.com or visit Your Salvation Might I ask where you got those instructions and the switches? How did you make your boot disk or did you? You typed that all in one line?

 

I got the bios flashing directions from the DFI website: http://www.dfi.com/support1/bioshelp.htm . I got the bios changes from their site also. I typed it all on one line after restarting in DOS mode. Clearing the CMOS didn't change anything. Any other suggestions that I could try before buying the program from Your Salvation?

 

OUCH!
Might be time to rip out the CMOS chip, send it to the local DFI office and get a new one.

On a bright note... you can be a shining example for Totallyfree

Got my fingers crossed for you.

 

Rockster2U,
The command is correct, if he followed these directions and had the correct bios. I wonder if that's the correct bios? The most recent looks like it may be PBBZK.bin or pdf0613.bin instead. Depends on if the mobo is P2XBL/D or P2XBL R D in the table? He downloaded one I can't find.

I would use /Sy rather than /Sn so that the old bios is saved for flashing back if the new isn't satifactory.

I don't see what damage could be done by flashing another bios. He could still follow your other suggestions.

 

Sparrow - Too many Grain Belts or Hamms? Who's Matt?

 

You ar right! It's too late for me to be up, I guess. Forgot he probably can't flash another bios if he can't get it to post, too. Back to bed. Couldn't fall asleep on that one.

 

Barry, if you are certain that it was the correct BIOS flash, then before looking for a replacement for the CMOS chip, you may wish to try another video card (and monitor wouldn't hurt), just in case one of those may be having trouble with the new BIOS.

Matt
Sparrow, should have I responded earlier? ...uh-oh!...deja vu!

 

mattman:
I thought you were the one being referenced but since you weren't in the thread, I was concerned that Sparrow was drinking beer under Minnehaha falls after a long day rollerblading around Lake Harriet.

 

How about a new mobo?

In the light of day, it seems to me that if it won't boot so it's impossible to flash another bios (if the first was incorrect?) then I'd opt fot a new mobo, which can't be much more expensive that the bios chip.

 

A question for learning. And things I have run into.

Why does the BIOS need to be flashed so it will except an 80gig HD ?

I have a WD 80gig that has been in three ( 3 ) different machines and have had no problems.

Would the cable and position on the cable have anything to do with things ?

I know that the newer and larger drives do need an 80 wire cable. Even though there are only 40 pins. And with some machines the position on the cable into which the HD is connected makes a difference.

BillyBob

 

Some older systems won't recognize full Capacity.

Thats why some disc mfg's put out all that overlay garbage - to "fool" the BIOS into accepting larger drives. Sometimes that was the only way to make a "too large" drive work, but it sure plays havoc with most normal drive tools.

 

It's been 2 days. Any progress?

 

I've decided that it isn't worth the $25 to fix the bios, so decided to finish upgrading his computer now. I didn't want to put any more money into a Pentium II system. I guess he can use the old mobo to hold his door open.
Thanks for the help,
Barry

 

Sorry to hear that, some kids don't like keeping their door open.