8K7A-Cannot Flash BIOS!!!

[ModelM]

I'm builidng a new system with the 8k7A. I decided to flash my bios when I found that whenever I went into PC Health Status in the BIOS, the computer would lockup. Also, since I have the Duron based on the Morgan core, I could get support for the SSE instructions. Anyway, I download the BIOS from Epox's site, and installed the BIOS using alt+f2. However, there were red blocks all over the place, indicating a write failed. Now, when I turn on the computer it says "BIOS Checksum Error." Then it asks me to supply a disk with awdflash.exe on it. After I insert the disk, the computer executes awdflash, but then locks up in "Programming Flash Memory".

What could be wrong?

Thanks!

 

[Gene396]

Have built two 8K7As. Both came with a July bios date and updated to 10-12-01. Download bios flash "exe" file to your hardrive. Execute file which will unzip file. Read readme file as it will give you directions. All you do is put these files on a bootable floppy that has nothing except necessary boot files. Boot floppy and execute "update" file. That is about all there is to it. Have not tried the "Alt + F2" so can not comment on it. If this does not work; you might have to clear CMOS on jumper JP1; see on page 3-5. I have never done this and will not comment on it. Good luck.

Gene396

 

[HardwareAddicted]

Yep....I'll second that one.

I just flashed my 8K7A yesterday to the newest bios.

After downloading it to floppy, I opened it and extracted it to the same floppy.

Boot to A:\ and just type "update" and sit back and watch the show.

That was it for me anyway....good luck man

~ Mark

 

[ModelM]

Well, after resetting the BIOS, the system no longer froze. However, I am still not able to update the BIOS. I was able to reinstall the July BIOS which I downloaded from epox's site. I tried HardwareAddict suggestion and I used the 'update' program from a bootable floppy disk. Running update doesn't work. I get write failed for all of the BIOS's on epox's site except for the July one! This is really strange! I'm also having another problem with this board that I forgot to mention. I cannot start the computer with the CPU fan connected to the motherboard's fan header. If I connect it, the fan turns on, but I get no post and the FF code.

 

[Gene396]

Sounds to me like it is RMA time. If you can not get RMA; suggest contacting EPox and requesting a new Bios chip. These are good boards and I highly recomend them and would not hesitate to purchase another one.

What do you think HardwareAddicted??

Again, Good Luck!!

Gene396

 

[HardwareAddicted]

Well again I must agree with Gene....This sound like RMA time to me.

And an added bonus to you if you can get a new bios chip sent to you,
is that I would be easy for them to do, and it would already have the latest bios for your MB.

On the fan / MB issue, it seems possible that the fan may not be spinning fast enough to detect or a bad RPM sensor wire.
I would think that this would cause your system to not power up as to protect the CPU.

(We all have heard that without a heatsink/fan, you will have about 8 seconds to toast your CPU.)

In this case, you have the heatsink, but the MB may see that you have a fan plugged in, but not seeing any RPMs and won't boot.

Of course, this too may be fixed in a newer bios sorry, but if you want, I could simulate this for you on my system.

I have the latest bios though, but it would be ok with me to flash to your version, then go back being as I am not having any problems.

Although this may all be of no use at all, because I think you will be getting a new chip flashed anyway

I hope this helps some....and let me know how this works out.

I have never used Epox support, and I would like to know.

Good luck

~ HardwareAddicted

 

[ModelM]

Thanks HardwareAddict! The fan was spinning too low. I have the Enermax manually controlable fan on my alpha 8045, I guess I had it set too low.
I will contact Epox support, but they require that I have the serial number. The manual says that the number is located at the edge of the board near the PCI slots, but I cannot find it for the life of me! Any help would be appreciated.

 

[HardwareAddicted]

I will look for you and try to explain where I found mine.

I'm glad you found the slow fan problem

I will post soon...

~ HardwareAddicted

 

[Gene396]

I looked for the serial #. Probably the only way to see it is to remove devices from IDE slots. I didn't do that as every time I make a change; have to spend at least 1/2 hour trouble shooting and reseating devices. I did note that they suggested you write down serial # before installing. Also, it could be on the back side. I started to suggest that you replace fan, but thought that since you have a bios problem, it might be cleared up with replacement. At least you have solved the fan problem. Let us know how things turn out. Again, Good Luck!!

Gene

 

[ModelM]

Well, I used a number I found on the motherboard, however, I'm still not sure if it's the serial number or not. Anyway, here is the reply I got from epox tech support.

Dear User,
Possible, However, if you are having difficulty flashing your bios. We can
offer to reprogarm your bios chip for you free. Just simply remove the bios
chip carefully from your board and sent it to our US branch office
ASPS.Sent the chip attn: to tech. support, to ,
Epox Inc.
531 E.Jamie Ave.
La Habra, CA. 90631-6842

And the message I sent:

I made a MS-DOS boot disk from the utility in Windows XP. I then
extracted the files for the 10/17/2001 BIOS to the floppy. I rebooted and
used the 'update' command. The output to the screen showed some red
squares, indicating a write failed. I was able to reinstate the 07/11/2001
BIOS. I tried every BIOS on the EPOX site, the only one that flashes
successfully is the 07/11/2001. Perhaps I have a defective BIOS chip?

I'm a bit disappointed in epox. How am I supposed to use my computer if the BIOS chip is not installed?
I think they should have offered to send me a chip. I told them how I felt, we'll see what happens...

 

[ModelM]

Good news!... I told the tech support people that I needed my computer for work and I can't afford to have it down any longer. They agreed to send me a new BIOS chip. However, they did ask that I send my old chip back.

 

[Gene396]

Since they are going to replace bios chip; are they going to send you a "chip puller?" On page D1 of manual they state that a puller is necessary. They are the one who sent out a faulty chip. Are they so cheap that they will not send a puller to do the job properly?

Just had to add this comment. I hope that they do; as my board is one of the best I have ever had. Only excedded by an Intel board with a 133 that is still operating great as a loan to one of my less affluent friends.

Again, hope that you get a great board up and running soon.

Gene

 

[ModelM]

No they wouldn't send me the chip puller. However, I can get it from radioshack for $9 i think. Which is about what it would cost me to RMA the board. However, this way my computer won't be down.

 

[ModelM]

Just to let everyone know, I received a new BIOS chip from EPOX, and installed it.
This one works fine. I was able to flash it, but I really didn't have to since the chip already had the latest BIOS.

 

[Gene396]

ModelM Let us know how the system works. I feel very sure that you will be very pleased with it, as I am mine!!

Gene

 

[ModelM]

It's working quite nicely... so far everything is running quite smoothly!