BIOS flash mistake

[Aurum]

I went to ASUS web page to find a bios update. The version I had was 1006, so I decided the 1007 was just a regular update. I flashed using AFlash and upon reboot the computer would not boot. Something about a promise100 controller missing. So I took the EEPROM of the MB and took it to our engineering school. I used an EEPROM program called ACCESS to flash back to 1006. What a mistake that was. Lesson: there are many different revisions of the ASUS CUBX board!

 

[Skynet]

And of course the moral of the story is BE CAREFUL when you flash any mobo mojo! If you have a UPS use it. God help you if the power fails in the middle of a flash procedure. I think all mobo's should have a backup bios.

 

[Guest]

Bios flashing, dangerous... yet... fun.
At the very least helpful.
But an important note: If you aren't having any troubles with the MB and the new BIOS has no extra features you desire, you're better off not risking it.

The Jolly Wizened Oaf!

 

[uncoando]

I think you were alright, just had to reload the promise controller drivers (promise also has a separate BIOS).
In the BIOS, you would select 'addon bootable card' as first boot device...

<b><font color=blue>Brainy Sturgeon</b></font color=blue>

 

[Guest]

You should have done the back up, it usually prompts you!!

Good luck.

 

[Guest]

The backup proceedure backs up the current BIOS to a file on your floppy. This is useful only if after the proceedure you want to change back.

You cannot rely on this proceedure because the system must still be able to boot.

I think its a good idea to switch to fail-safe settings in the BIOS unless you're sure that your system is 100% stable in DOS.

I've never had any problems flashing the BIOS of any device and no one I know has but still, horror stories are still out there so..

If it ain't broke don't flash it!

 

[Guest]

Also make Sure you use a new floppy. The most stupid thing I ever did was to flash from an old floppy; which would not read.Sounds like common sense but you don't always think.

 

[Aurum]

The computer was not able to POST, so my only recourse was to take the EEPROM off the MB and flash using the external hardware at my EE dept. Thank god I have that resource! My only problem is now that now it is unable to update the ESCD. What are your suggestions?

 

[Guest]

Thats very odd. I've not encountered this problem before. If I were you I'd remove the CMOS battery for an hour to properly clear that completely. No joy there then flash the BIOS with the correct revision.

Failing that if you suspect the BIOS chip itself not liking the recent events you could send an email to Asus support stating the PCB revision, BIOS version etc asking to buy a BIOS chip.

I know Supermicro support this action, hopefully you'll have luck with Asus should you go down that route.