Have a HUGE GA-8SRX problem

[Joemonkey]

I updated this to the newest bios, f9a i think it is... kept coming up with a checksum error, so i tried to use the "dual bios" feature and use the last BIOS I had.

After trying that, it STILL gave me a checksum error, but the whole time it would allow me to boot into windows. So, I used the BIOS utility on the CD that updates the BIOS in windows (i know i know, updating the BIOS in windows = bad news, but i figured, what the hell? trust bleeding edge technology for once) and flashed it back to the f6 BIOS that had been working fine prior to the f9a BIOS. When I rebooted windows, the computer gave me NOTHING. It seemed like it was posting, but it gave me no beeps or video at ALL.

I've tried taking the battery out for about 20 minutes, unplugging it, and pressing power to discharge the capacitors, no dice.

I've tried holding down delete, insert, F6, and just about any other button on the keyboard while it was booting, and nothing happened... just a blank screen.

I even took out the RAM to see what would happen, and the same stuff happened... didn't even get the "bad/no RAM" beep.

Anyone have any ideas on how to get this thing to boot? I would really hate to RMA the thing... the BIOS chips soldered directly to the board, so it wouldn't be as simple as changing a chip... help!

 

[jiffylube1024]

I only have one thing to say: updating the BIOS in Windows = bad news.

I'm not sure how that dualbios thing works, but doesn't it allow you to boot from another working BIOS? So if you screwed your main one you can boot from the other? If not, then I'm not sure what to do in your case. A RMA may be required, but hopefully someone else can come up with a better suggestion.

 

[Buz2b]

New board=RMA. Refurb or not in warranty=Badflash.com. I think you may have managed to screw both BIOS options. I had a friend do this once. (Yeah, he tried the windows boot flash also ) He "fixed" his trouble with badflash. Faster turn-around time than RMA so he was happy.

 

[Joemonkey]

OK so looks like I'm going to have to RMA this thing. I bought it April 1st from mwave, and it's a retail board. So do I contact mwave tech support or customer service? Or do I contact gigabyte directly? I've never had to RMA anything before, so this doesn't look like its going to be fun.

 

[Buz2b]

Start with the retailer first; in this case, mwave customer service. If you are beyond what they will cover then they will refer you to Gigabyte, but be stubborn and try to insist that they do the return/exchange if possible. I don't know if I would "volunteer" the full facts about frying your BIOS either. Simply stating that the board started showing CMOS errors and now won't boot should be fine. Not technically a lie, just a bit short on history. Also tell them you have spent a considerable amount of time troubleshooting and do not want to spend more time. Sometimes you need to be firm in what you want. Good luck!

 

[kcbass]

Why is flashing a BIOS in windows so bad? I realize you guys are talking about a gigabyte board, but i've been running the msi k7t-turbo r now for about a year, and every few weeks i flash my bios using windows and their livebios flash utility. It's the best little program i've ever run before...

 

[Buz2b]

<< Why is flashing a BIOS in windows so bad? >>

You need to play the Lotto more cause you are darned lucky. Yes, the window BIOS flash can work most of the time but I haven't seen one board manufacturer that has gotten it right yet. At least not on a consistant basis. Most folks just do not want to take a chance with an already "shakey" procedure. BTW, why in the heck do you upgrade every few weeks. First, they do not release new BIOS files that often and second, chances are you do not need or will not gain a darned thing by doing so. That is just plain silly. Hey, but whateve floats your boat.

 

[ahsia]

<< Why is flashing a BIOS in windows so bad? I realize you guys are talking about a gigabyte board, but i've been running the msi k7t-turbo r now for about a year, and every few weeks i flash my bios using windows and their livebios flash utility. It's the best little program i've ever run before... >>



I dunno. I have never felt comfortable flashing my BIOS through Windows. I worry even when I flash the BIOS through DOS, since one the BIOS update fails, the motherboard as good as dead. I have never had a problem going through DOS, so if it ain't broke, why fix it?

You might want to post this 8SRX problem on the
ASUSBoards forum here, this guy named Prometheus is the expert on 8SRX, maybe he can give some help on this.

Good luck!