BIOS flash how-to

[Modular]

I've got some decent computer building/tweaking experience, but believe it or not, I've never had to flash a BIOS. I have an idea of how to do it, but I have some questions.

First: if someone can provide a link to a walkthrough that they recommend, that would be great.

Second: Should I install Windows, all updates and service packs, and anti-virus and Firewall programs before I flash? I was thinking about using the MSI Windows flash utility to flash the board, but I've read some bad things about it.

Here's the MSI MOBO I picked up and here's the link to the product support page for the MOBO.

The MOBO is an OEM that has some Fujitsu/Siemens BIOS on it that is apparently watered down. So I want to update it to the current BIOS that are listed on the MSI link.

Thanks for any help.

 

[imported_Husky55]

The best and safest way to upgrade your bios is through DOS. If you have a floppy disk drive then use it. Some newer boards allowed use of USB flash drive instead of the floppy.

I would NOT recommend the Winflash method as problems were reported.


However some have used Winflash with no problem.

 

[lupi]

Originally posted by: Husky55
The best and safest way to upgrade your bios is through DOS. If you have a floppy disk drive then use it. Some newer boards allowed use of USB flash drive instead of the floppy.

I would NOT recommend the Winflash method as problems were reported.


However some have used Winflash with no problem.

I've flashed via Nvidia's utility 3 times on my board, never had a problem.

 

[tcsenter]

Any time you update flash EEPROM there is a risk, but there is risk and then there is risk. Win-based flash methods are more risky than Ye Ole DOS method. I particularly don't trust MSI's LiveUpdate.

Download the BIOS update from MSI:

http://us2.msi.com.tw/support/bos_exe/mbd_bios/7125v1D.zip

Extract the contents to any temp folder. There you will see 'How to Flash' in Word .doc but don't bother with it. These instructions are needlessly convoluted in spite of protest from me with the authors (from MSI Forums). There is some irrational fear of using a floppy disk at MSI Forums for some unsubstantiated reason.

If you have a floppy drive, format a floppy diskette, download and run this self-extracting image (self-verifying):

http://s89934018.onlinehome.us/BIOS/bootflash.exe

This is your pure DOS boot diskette. Copy the flash executable (AWFL855A.EXE) and BIOS ROM file (W7125NMS.1D0) to the diskette. Change the BIOS file extension to .BIN instead of .1D0.

Boot the PC from the floppy, at the A: prompt enter:

AWFL855A W7125NMS.BIN /py/sn/cd/cp/cc

You can copy and paste this exactly as shown into a text file (e.g. Notepad), then rename AUTOEXEC.BAT and copy it to the diskette to automate the flash process without having to type anything.

Watch the fireworks, in a manner of speaking. When update is complete, follow the prompt to exit to DOS. Eject the diskette and power-off or reboot. At POST, you will recieve a BIOS/CMOS checksum error, this is perfectly normal. Press DEL to enter Setup. Go through the BIOS options and tailor to your preference/needs, Save Changes and Exit.

You're done. The next boot should proceed without the checksum error.

Second: Should I install Windows, all updates and service packs, and anti-virus and Firewall programs before I flash?

Update BIOS first, then test your hardware (e.g. Memtest86), then install Windows and all that.

 

[AstroDogg]

I have Always used a floppy to flash my bios without a problem I have used live update a few times but would rather do it from a floppy. I have also done it with the vitual boot drive method and find it very complicated for most users compared to the floppy method.
I never found the need to run the switches, but it all comes out the same.
Yes I agree It is better to update your bios first which makes both MSI's preferences impossible.

 

[Modular]

tcsenter: That is an amazingly detailed and useful response. Thank you so much.

I'm convinced to use the floppy update. My wife's old PC has a floppy drive in it that I've used before, so I know it works.

Originally posted by: tcsenter
AWFL855A W7125NMS.BIN /py/sn/cd/cp/cc

There's supposed to be a "space" between the end of the *.BIN* extension and the /py extension correct? I think I'd rather do the copy/paste into the autoexec, but I'm not sure where I would find it. Is it in the bootflash setup?


A few more questions:
First: I'm not sure I have any new 1.44" disks laying around, I have some old ones, but I don't want to take the risk and fry my board because I didn't buy some new media for the flash. Do you recommend I get new floppies for this?


Second (And slightly OT):
I've tried to make a bootable disk for memtest86 before, but I've never had any luck. Does anyone have a good *free* program that can make a bootable CD image?

 

[tcsenter]

There's supposed to be a "space" between the end of the *.BIN* extension and the /py extension correct? I think I'd rather do the copy/paste into the autoexec, but I'm not sure where I would find it. Is it in the bootflash setup?

Open Notepad, paste it there, then save it as AUTOEXEC.BAT. Yes there is a space after .BIN.

First: I'm not sure I have any new 1.44" disks laying around, I have some old ones, but I don't want to take the risk and fry my board because I didn't buy some new media for the flash. Do you recommend I get new floppies for this?

Not unless your disks have been exposed to heat (light) or other damaging things. Format the diskette in Windows, uncheck the 'quick format' option to do a full format. The diskette creator will verify the contents when written. To verify the BIOS file and flash utility when copying to the diskette, use XCOPY from Command Prompt with the /V switch (Start > Run > type CMD):

XCOPY C:\<....>\W7125NMS.BIN A:\ /V
XCOPY C:\<....>\AWFL855A.EXE A:\ /V

Where C:\<....>\ is the path to these files (e.g. C:\TEMP\) and A:\ is the floppy drive.

In addition, the BIOS file has a built-in checksum that will be verified by the flash utility.

I've tried to make a bootable disk for memtest86 before, but I've never had any luck. Does anyone have a good *free* program that can make a bootable CD image?

What CD burning program do you have?

 

[Modular]

First off, let me apologize. After reading your post I have more questions.

<----super no0b @ this.

Open Notepad, paste it there, then save it as AUTOEXEC.BAT

Alright. So I'm going to name the file AUTOEXEC.BAT and then copy it to my floppy disk with the FLASH .exe and the BIOS ROM file, right?

I don't need to change the extension of the Notepad file to .BAT do I?

I just need to name the file AUTOEXEC.BAT

To verify the BIOS file and flash utility when copying to the diskette, use XCOPY from Command Prompt with the /V switch (Start > Run > type CMD):

This isn't necessary because the diskette creator will verify the contents, correct? I will do this step if you recommend it though.

What CD burning program do you

I have an OEM version of Sonic right now. It has alot of the features blocked out.


Sorry for all the questions, I just like to know everything and have the steps ordered out really well when I do stuff like this for the first time. I appreciate your time and help.

 

[tcsenter]

I don't need to change the extension of the Notepad file to .BAT...I just need to name the file AUTOEXEC.BAT?

Huh? What's the difference? The file should be named AUTOEXEC.BAT. However you want to get it there, saving the file as AUTOEXEC.BAT, saving it as a .txt file then renaming it, which ever.

This isn't necessary because the diskette creator will verify the contents, correct? I will do this step if you recommend it though.

The diskette creator will only verify its own contents, the system boot files. You have to copy the flash utility and BIOS file after the diskette is created. The XCOPY method will verify those as they are written to the diskette.

I have an OEM version of Sonic right now. It has alot of the features blocked out.

Use a free ISO burner:

Active@ ISO Burner 1.1

ISO Recorder V2 *only for Windows XP SP2 (doesn't work with SP1 or earlier)

 

[AstroDogg]

Originally posted by: Modular
I've got some decent computer building/tweaking experience, but believe it or not,

You know what I believe is you have never touched a computer before in your life. No sense lying to us. Rather have you be uneducated in the matter than a lier.

Just copy the files to the floppy by draging and dropping them. Forget the xcopy method in your case as it just confuses you. Verifcation is just a safegaurd. The system never makes a mistake on such a simple task anyway. If you have pop in your floppy or been walking on them for the last six years then buy new ones otherwise a floppy is a floppy erase it and reuse it as many times as your little heart desires.

Forget the autoexe.bat too. Just manually enter the command when you boot the system from the floppy.

Lets not complicate things anyfurther just do the process from a floppy don't worrie about making a boot cd until after you have successfully flashed a bios before.

 

[Modular]

Originally posted by: AstroDogg

Originally posted by: Modular
I've got some decent computer building/tweaking experience, but believe it or not,

You know what I believe is you have never touched a computer before in your life. No sense lying to us. Rather have you be uneducated in the matter than a lier.

Are all your posts just as useless? I believe I stated that I was uneductated in spite of my experience, hence the reason for my post.

I've got everything that was told to me by useful members of this forum down and ready to go once the motherboard comes in. I'll be using the AUTOEXEC.BAT and the XCOPY method that originally confused me. Although, I guess that was the one useful thing that you posted: not having to run XCOPY for verification on such a small file would make sense, but I'd rather be safe than sorry when it comes to a BIOS flash.


This forum is about learning, not berating, take your trolling elsewhere.

 

[tcsenter]

If you want to take the easy route, I have created the entire update disk for you:

http://s89934018.onlinehome.us/MS7125v1D.exe

Run to create floppy, boot the PC from floppy, BIOS will automatically update.

 

[Modular]

Very cool man, thanks.

BIOS flashed and all went well. I really appreciate all the help.