Can't Flash BIOS

Sparrow suggested I flash the BIOS from ECS which is SUPPOSED to correct the CMOS error... (see here)

I have tried. I printed out the instructions, and followed them exactly. I made a bootable floppy, copied the downloads to it, at tha a prompt, I typed in the file name- and immediately I get recognition of the file, then error code 2, all the text on the screen turns red, and it says "file not found ". HUH???

I tried the WinFlash utility that came with the mobo cd, but it keeps "encountering an error and has to close ". I have RTFM, and find no reference to my motherboard having flash protection (BIOS protection jumper). I'm stumped, guys. Anyone with a flash of brilliance is invited to help out, here. If the flash would work, I might be free of the CMOS irritation forever!

But, at least I haven't damaged anything, yet!


Johanna

 

Just did a quick read from your first link, ECS. I'm not sure you want to be trying Winflash in conjunction with what you posted. My suggestion would be to follow the directions they've given you. Download the zipped bios file and extract it to a floppy (unzip it) along with a copy of the AMI flash utility they have made available (aminfxxx.exe). As far as your boot files which should go on the floppy first, I've never found anything better than Dr. DOS - available here - http://smokeping.planetmirror.com/pub/abit/download/utilities/drdos/drdflash.exe

Download this to your hard drive, then insert a blank formatted floppy and run Dr. Dos Flash utility (drdflash.exe) - it will make the boot floppy for you. Then add the above referenced files (extracted BIOS and aminfxxx.exe) as previously instructed. Turn off your computer and reboot from the floppy - then follow ECS directions.

Thats about all there is. Still think you should consider a soldering iron (not a gun) with that resistor and a dash of courage.

Good luck, but per the ECS documentation, a Bios flash isn't going to fix your problem - the resistor will. Regardless, an updated BIOS won't hurt you as long as you don't mess it up. Should you muck it up - contact jack@badflash.com

 

Hi Johanna,

"I have tried. I printed out the instructions "

I agree that winflash is not the way to go, unless your manual insists. I personally would not complicate things with Dr. Dos either, unless you find that Dr. dos KNOWS your mobo.

I can't find an english manual online; can you direct me, or print the instructions you have here? Or if you wish, email them. Your manual must have a discussion of the procedure also.

The downloads consist of only the bios and the flash utility. It may be necessary (or at least worthwhile) to make a batch file to do the process automatically. Your bootable floppy must have nothing but the OS and the downloads on it; just format /s would do.

I think you need to give us more specifics.

BTW, the k7s5a021029tsd.exe file is not the bios; it's a self-extracting zip that contains the bios. I'm sure you know that, but ....

 

Rockster
Correct. WinFlash didn't work anyway. The problem is that the manual and the website explain how to flash BIOS using Windows 98, not XP.

In XP a right click will allow you to "format" a floppy, and give you the option to make an MS DOS boot disk. The Win 98 instructions tell you to "copy system files ", and to do a quick format. The first time I made a floppy, I checked the quick format, and then when I checked make an MS boot disk, that option greyed out. That should have been a clue. The second floppy I made just had the MS DOS boot files and the extracted downloads from ECS. I am pleased to report the flash went well. I got creative using the dos prompts, and it did its thing and rebooted.

I agree, the flash isn't going to fix my problem.

Nah, I'm building a new one... I'm only playing with this one! You never did say whether you liked lasagna?

Johanna

 

In total disagreement with Sparrows opinion of Dr DOS but this board is a place for different opinions.

Steak and potato type that has converted to Louisiana cooking, but Lasagna sounds like a good change of pace. Unfortunately, won't be back through DeKalb landscape until fall at the earliest.

 

I counted 17 BIOS revisions in 15 months for that mobo; that must be a record.

Fortunately, Johanna's difficulty seems to have been with DOS, not realizing how simple it is to create a clean boot disk. Maybe cried "help" too soon?

I have nothing against Dr. Dos, and did not say I did. I simply said that, IMHO, bringing it up clouds the issue - read is not helpful to someone trying to learn a new technique which, as I have said, should be a no-brainer.

 

Sparrow,

Yep. That's what I did. I don't know beans about DOS. But I did get my BIOS flashed to the latest update, successfully, thanks to you and Rockster, and some patience.

Thank you!
Johanna