Argh! BIOS flash gone wrong . . .

[XMan]

I'm not sure what exactly happend. I have an Epox 4G4A+, and it must be psychic or something and know that I was thinking of upgrading it.

I tried to flash to the newest BIOS to see if it supported HyperThreading. I used the Alt-F2 method rather than using a boot disk . . . probably my problem, I don't know. But something happened when the BIOS flash completed, and it rebooted, like it normally does.

Now, however, it gives me a "BIOS checksum error", then asks for a system disk. I stuck the disk with the BIOS .bin file into the drive, and it loads AWDFLASH, then tries to flash the BIOS.

After a moment I get the following error message:

"SST 49LF004A /3.3V

The program file's BIOS-string does not match your system!"

I did some searching on the 'net for this, and I found some mention of using a /nbl on the .exe, but I'm not sure exactly how to do this. I have minimal keyboard input. I've tried editing the .bat files included in the BIOS flash file, but to no avail.

I've tried multiple BIOS', including the one I had when I tried to flash it, and that doesn't work, either. Each BIOS file I try gives me the error.

I set the reset CMOS jumper, unplugged the power, and let it sit for half an hour - same problem.

Any ideas? I've got a chip puller, so I'd have no problem pulling the BIOS chip out if I had to, but obviously I'd like to be able to rectify the situation tonight or tomorrow.

Thanks for any input.

 

[BigRigDriver]

Have you loaded Bios defaults after the flash?

 

[XMan]

Originally posted by: BigRigDriver
Have you loaded Bios defaults after the flash?

I can't even get to the POST screen.

 

[XMan]

Anybody?

 

[LastRide]

When you did Alt-F2 your suppose to have the floppy disk "IN" your floppy drive.Going by what you said you never had the disk in and just hit ALT-F2 and then put the disk in after.All you have to do is put the new bios in the floppy disk "unzipped" and hit alt-f2 at startup and it will do the rest.When it finnishes and reboots go into bios and hit optimized default save and exit.You can go back in the bios to adjust your settings.NEVER FLASH WHILE OVERCLOCKED.You don't have to make the floppy bootable.

 

[XMan]

I did have the floppy in the drive when I did the Alt-F2.

For the second time, the computer does not POST. I never reach the splash screen declaring memory size, processor speed, etc. It immediately says "BIOS ROM Checksum error, please insert system disk." At that time if I insert a disk with awdflash.exe and the bios .bin file on it, it will load Award Flash and attempt to flash the BIOS. It's at that point that it gives me the error about my BIOS-lock string not being compatible.

 

[Shimmishim]

have you tried clearing the cmos? that worked for me after i almost killed my 8rda+

 

[XMan]

You know . . . I appreciate the attempts by people to help, but sometimes it gets very frustrating around here. (I fixed the problem, BTW, by taking the board back to Fry's and exchanging it. Kudos to Fry's for letting me exchange a six-month old motherboard with zero hassles.)

Back to my rant . . . if you're going to take the time to try and help someone, it's a good idea to read their entire post. For me, I know when I'm looking for help, I sit around and refresh the thread 3-4 times a minute. So my heart leaps when somebody replies, because, hey!, that could be the answer.

First two replies are perfect examples, as is the third . . .

"have you tried clearing the cmos? that worked for me after i almost killed my 8rda+ "

Original post: "I set the reset CMOS jumper, unplugged the power, and let it sit for half an hour - same problem."

Please, folks, read!

 

[clicknext]

Well, I was going to tell you to contact your motherboard company about getting them to reflash your cmos chip for you.

 

[ZimZum]

http://www.badflash.com/