To Flash or not flash?

When I bought my Aptiva in 1999, I was sure to uncheck any registration or updates boxes during setup. So after getting a few drivers for my 2170, I found a BIOS update. So I downloaded it and put it on a Zip disk as my floppy drive was dead. But then I read some horror stories about how some people messed up their BIOS so then I preceeded to check if it was the right BIOS update. But then I couldn't find it on the IBM site. I'm considering getting the update as 50% of the time, windows bluescreens when I insert a USB dongle. So has anyone seen the BIOS update for the Aptiva 2170-275 as i'm afraid I might nuke my trusty e-mail/broswing computer.

I learned the board IBM put in was an Acer V75M mobo but I think that update might ruin the BIOS but atleast remove the IBM logo.

 

First off I wouldn't try to flash a bios from anything but a floppy!!!!

Before I tried any kind of flash I would check with the aptiva site to check for board driver updates. Look for usb driver updates first. Even though I break this rule often I would have to say that unless you're a tinkerer don't flash until you've rulled out drivers.

Jay

 

I agree that flashing should be done from a floppy; you can buy a new floppy drive for under $20. However, if you feel like living dangerously, here's a description of flashing with CD-ROM!

 

I could not find a BIOS upgrade on the IBM site, so I take it that you are thinking of flashing an Acer BIOS. IT IS HIGHLY UNLIKELY TO WORK!!...and yes, you will probably make it unworkable or if it does work, it won't work properly. The Proprietry brands (IBM, HP, Compaq etc) use different CMOS chips to the manufacturer's models (usually cut-down versions) and you cannot "cross-flash ".

Suggest you go to Device Manager and "remove" the USB Controller. That may reload the drivers (when you reboot).

The motherboard has a SiS 530 chipset. Go to the SiS website and see what updates are available for your chipset.

Again, I definitely would not flash the BIOS unless it was a flash from IBM. The BIOS programs (EEPROM) are made so that cross-flashing will not (or should not) work.

If you are trying to run Win XP, that may be the cause. IBM do not specify that Win XP is supported, ME and 2000 are the latest drivers.

I go out to make coffee after pressing the power button. Press the key to see "configuation" (Esc?), it may be more interesting

Matt

 

K6-2 475MHz (I wish I could overclock stupid IBM board)
64MB RAM After some thought, upgrading to 256 is pointless
Windows 98 First Edition (There's a second edition? )

Yes, when I searched my model number, it came up with a few updates but none for USB or BIOS. I've gotten the SiS 530 driver a long time ago. ironically, I remember seeing the BIOS flashing instructions and download on their page.............

I tried using the "update" software and it came up with no server found so that's down.

I don't want to really buy second edition as this is just a general e-mail/web browsing, plenty fast for this purpose. My floppy drive really is dead. The LED blinks, so power's there but the drive simply can't be written to. (Yes, I've clicked the tab) It started about 5 years ago when a word document on a floppy "corrupted ". But apparently, I could read a perfect file using my firiend's computer. My zip drive is an 100MB IDE so I should be able to boot off it.

 

Win 98 1st ed???????? I'm surprised the thing runs at all!! (said tongue in cheek)

I don't think that you've actually mentioned the device your trying to connect via USB. If you still have the box does it support 1st ed win98? There are a LOT of devices that will have problems with 1st ed but be fine with 2nd ed.

Knows he'll get yelled at for saying this...

If you ever upgrade your windows don't waste your money on XP. Tried it and went straight back to win 2000.

Jay

 

With Win98, I only connect USB devices when the power is off.

I think Win 98FE is pretty much the same as Win 98SE if you have all the relevant updates.

IBMs are pretty stingy with their power supplies. If you have added much extra hardware, you may be reaching it's limit. Check your power requirements against the PSU rating. http://www.jscustompcs.com/power_supply/
If you know someone with a self-powered USB hub, you could try that.

I have had some trouble with USB on Win 98SE, it always came back to drivers. I would still update the chipset drivers (even to reload/reinstall the same version). Did you try removing the USB controller?

I recently installed an MP3 player for my daughter. The drivers just crashed the computer. I e-mailed the manufacturer and said I could not find any updated drivers on their website. They directed me to the drivers of a different manufacturer (probably the OEM) and now it works fine (??)

Matt

 

If the update software comes up with a server not found I would figure the system is no longer supported. I know of a site where you could very likely find drivers but I'm kinda leary of putting it up as it could be considered as advertising for them.

As soon/if a 'power that be' says it's OK to put it up I will. If you do much driver searching you probably already have it in your favorites anyway.

Jay

 

I'd like to correct what I said above re: flashing; I now think you can flash your bios with anything you can boot with.

Always learning!

 

If your system is no longer supported by the manufactuter you may very well find more current drivers for USB, etc. at Driver's Guide

To do a driver search there you need to know the model number at least. Best bet is if you can see the FCC ID number on the mother board.

 

If your concern is using USB, why not install a USB PCI card - has an onboard bios add'n and usually comes with its own drivers. We've had success with those in win98.