Help, msi bios not functioning properly.

[1futuremarine1]

So yesterday, I decided would be a good time to update all my computer drivers and utilities and what not.
I got my graphics card driver. Then I got my msi motherboards drivers, but I didn't know wether I was installing the correctly manually. So instead of hoping,I downloaded the "msi live update 5" application from the official msi website.
I belived this would help me keep my motherboard drivers up to date like any good computer user should.

So I ran the application and I scanned my system to see if I was missing any drivers. The msi live updater 5 found 13 drivers and utilities that were out dated, and game me the updated drivers if Iwanted to install them.
The updater said my bios was out of date (not sure what version I had), and recommended I installed "bios 1.h".
So I clicked the "download and install" button.
It finished downloading, and I decided it would be a good time to restar the computer to let the new settings do their things.
However, when I restarted the computer, the computer turned on normally, but I couldn't access my bios. Everything else was funtioning. I could log in, go on the internet ect..
But I simply couldn't access my bios.

Then I read on the msi website, in small letters 'we do not recommend you update your bios through the live updater", (alittle to late msi don't ya think lol).
Everywhere I read on the internet says you have to "flash" the bios, and that you shouldn't update the bios through the updater ect...

But now I have no idea what to do. I tried going onto the msi website and manually installing another bios version, but it comes up as a winrar archive. When I trie to access the "application .exe" an error pops up.
I am sincerly scared that I just screwed up badly.
What should I do to restore my bios?

My specs:
Motherboard/Mainboard: Msi P67A-GD65(B3)
Cpu: Intel i5 2500k (overclocked to 4.0)
PSU: Cooler Master Silent Pro 850W
Graphics card: msi Gtx 560ti twin frozer II
Operating System: Windows 7 Home premium

Please, I need help. I have no idea what flashing is, and I can't seem to fix this problem on my own and I don't want to do anything other than the basics because I fear I'll just do more harm then good until I get some advice.

 

[treefrog07]

You didn't identify your motherboard model, but MSI has instructions for downloading and flashing its BIOS; here is an example.

 

[1futuremarine1]

I believe I did at my specs.
Or are you speaking of something else?

 

[carltonje]

download the zip file from here http://www.msi.com/product/mb/P67A-GD65--B3-.html#/?div=BIOS then unzip and follow the directions. I am a msi fanboy but as far as live update its not on any of my five msi systems. its a great idea but has bugs so manuall update things is the way to go.

 

[1futuremarine1]

Also, I did try to manually install/flash a bios version.
But when trying to access the application "exe" I keep getting an error saying


"Cannot execute "C/users/Michael/appdata/local/Temp/rar$EX24.824\7681v1H\AFUDE238"

Also, I can't access the other documents in the compressed folder .

 

[treefrog07]

I believe I did at my specs.
Or are you speaking of something else?

Yes, you did, sorry I missed it.

 

[treefrog07]

You may need a program to unzip the file. Wikipedia has a comparison (including free and for sale here). Get one that you think you'll like and download, and install it to access the folders and files in the compressed folder.

 

[1futuremarine1]

I'm sorry, if i am being a real noob at this.
But, I already have winrar and 7zip.
I can get into the compressed folderfine, but all the files in it give me errors, or the computer simply says it doesn't know how to open such files.

 

[1futuremarine1]

So I now tried to save the file, then search for the file manually.
I found the file, and double clicked on the application, but then it game me the error
"This version of this file is not compatible with your windows operating system, identify what your windows operating system is (34 bit or 64bit) and download the version of the file that is compatible for your operating system"

 

[1futuremarine1]

I can't seem to figure out why i can't install another bio version manually.
Every time I download one of the versions and tried to activate it, I keep getting errors, like the Operating system error or "error cannot access ect..".
That's especially worry-some to me, because I am almost certain that bios updates, don't care what operating system/bit you have.
And I can't find any "bios" updates, for 64bit OR 34 bit, probably because that bits don't affect the bios.


I really hope I didn't single handedly destroy my computer with the live updater 5.

 

[1futuremarine1]

Does no one know why my manual install won't work?
Am I doing something wrong, or what?

 

[1futuremarine1]

I was finally able to open the "how to flash bios" file in the compressed Bios folder.
By right clicking the file and clicking on the "view file", I still can't open it, but I guess I don't need to now
Part a:
It says I need to extract files to a bootable "floppy" OR abootable "usb" device.
(Since I don't have a floppy, I'll have to go the USB bootable device route)

Part A: "reflash Bios byusb disk under DOS mode procedure (what does this mean?)
Part 1: Download the bios that matches your motherboard AND version number
Part 2:Then I need to startup my computer by the "usb" bootable device.
Part 3: Extract Bios archive you have downloaded by double clicking to bootable "usb" device
Part 4: Boot system from USB device
Part 5: When you get the DOS promt, type the following sequence
(assuming USB Flash drive uses F: / (F Prompt)
F:>cd<space> XXXXVXX(document name) <enter>
F:\XXXXVXX>afud4234<space>AXXXXIMS.XXX(bios name) <enter>"
Part 6: Reboot system when prompted.

So, I am officially confused,can someone help guide me through this process of manually uploading a bios?

 

[tylradm5]

I have the exact same problem as you, I updated with the updater and now I can't get into bios either. Also when I try to start the exe in the manual flash I get the same error. What I have decided to do if I can't figure anything else out is to wait for a new bios version and let the updater do its thing again and hope it works this time. I'll let you know if I find out anything.

 

[tylradm5]

I have successfully been able to access the bios. If you are having the same problem as me you would notice that whenever you hit your del key to enter bios during the initializing usb screen it would hang and nothing would happen. What I did is I started tapping del immediately after I turn on my computer. It seems to completely bypass the initializing screen and goes straight to the bios. hope this helps you out. 😀

 

[1futuremarine1]

Sadly, it does not appear to work.
But I'll keep trying.

I'm just a little confused at how sensitive Bios really is (everywhere I look, it is just recommended to not touch or upgrade the bios if it is working fine, sadly I got this information one click too late).
I hope someone can help guide me through the bios install process, cause i have no idea what it is talking about lol.

 

[treefrog07]

Sorry about not getting back sooner, I had to backup a failing laptop HDD for my daughter.

First you have to make a bootable USB stick, then you extract the files in the zip files you downloaded onto the stick. I use the HP Drive Key Boot Utility to make a USB stick bootable. Download, install, and run it with a USB stick attached. Follow the instructions and at completion, your USB stick will be bootable. Leave the stick in the port.

Now, you can extract the files in the zip file you already downloaded. Extract them to the USB stick. Leave the stick in the port.

Shutdown and restart your system. You will have to either change the BIOS settings so the system will boot to the USB stick, or your BIOS may have a feature that will allow you press a key during POST that will allow you select a boot drive other than your default boot drive. If you have to change the boot order in the BIOS, save and exit the new setting.

Your system will now boot to the USB stick. After POST it will boot to a DOS-type screen.

We are now at the Part 5 you posted above:

When you get the DOS prompt, type the following sequence

(assuming USB Flash drive uses F: / (F Prompt)

F:>cd<space> XXXXVXX(document name) <enter>

F:\XXXXVXX>afud4234<space>AXXXXIMS.XXX(bios name) <enter>"

Part 6: Reboot system when prompted.

Note: Do NOT power-off the system while it is flashing the BIOS. Let it run until you get the message to reboot. If the system powers-off during the flashing, your system will not run again until you have replaced the BIOS chip with a working one, or you have taken it to shop with the equipment to re-program the chip.

 

[1futuremarine1]

Ah, thank you very much, I will try this later today or tomorrow morning.
But I do have a few questions.
Specifically part 5.
Am i supposed to fillout this?
F:>cd<space> XXXXVXX(document name) <enter>

F:\XXXXVXX>afud4234<space>AXXXXIMS.XXX(bios name) <enter>"

Or do I leave it as such? (I have a feeling I am supposed to fill out the biosname, and document name, I have no idea what else is supposed to go in the spots such as the xxxs and the document name ect...)

 

[treefrog07]

Ah, thank you very much, I will try this later today or tomorrow morning.
But I do have a few questions.
Specifically part 5.
Am i supposed to fillout this? Yes

It is in DOS syntax
F:>cd<space> XXXXVXX(document name) <enter>
After you type cd, press the space bar once. Replace the V's and V with your document name and press the enter key


F:\XXXXVXX>afud4234<space>AXXXXIMS.XXX(bios name) <enter>"
replace the X's and V with the document name, then enter the character > followed by afud4234 then press the space bar once, enter the > character again, type the BIOS Name, and press the enter key

Or do I leave it as such? (I have a feeling I am supposed to fill out the biosname, and document name, I have no idea what else is supposed to go in the spots such as the xxxs and the document name ect...)

See red font above.

This is a whole lot easier to do than to type. If you get it wrong, nothing bad will happen, you'll get another DOS prompt, and you can try again. You must enter the characters and spacing exactly, or you'll end up back at the DOS prompt. Take your time.

 

[1futuremarine1]

Ah thank you, i believe I am almost ready.
Although I do have one more nooby question.
When you say, "the document name", do you mean the document that is storing my new bios version that is on my bootable uUSB?
If not, what do you mean?
(Sorry for all the questions, just kinda of a noob at Bios)

 

[treefrog07]

Document name is MSI's terminology, so it is either:

7681v1H or

E7681v1x.txt

Since the DOS function cd, is to change directory try the 768v1H first.
The .txt file in that folder describes the changes in this BIOS update.

Do not power-off the machine while the BIOS is flashing, wait until it tells you it is OK to shut down.

 

[1futuremarine1]

Yikes, I was hoping to do the whole flashing process tomorrow morning but, as I was looking for some last minute checking on the internet, some people say that you can't flash/update your bios if you can't access your bios to set your primary "boot" to a USB drive, and not the hard drive. Then you can't actually flash/update your bios.
Is this true, or am I miss reading?

I should also note, my computer now has succumbed to the BIOS's injuries and wounds, and my comp won't start, it will only reach this "repair" mode screen.
I kinda expected this, so no worries on my part. Although again, not sure if that affects anything, does it?

Either way, I still plan on doing it tomorrow, but doing some last minute checks.

 

[treefrog07]

To reflash your BIOS, you will need the system to POST and then boot to a USB stick with the BIOS data/files. If you cannot boot to the USB stick, then it gets a little more complicated.

First, reset the BIOS. See page 2-20 of your manual to see how to clear the BIOS data. Be sure the system is unplugged from the wall socket. After you remove and replace the jumper, plug in the power cord, plug-in the USB stick to a USB port. Start the system. If your BIOS allows the system to start POST, press the key to enter the BIOS and set the USB stick as the first boot device. Save and exit the BIOS. The system will restart, POST, and boot to the USB stick. If you have already loaded the bootable USB stick with the BIOS files, it will open a screen that will allow you select Flash the BIOS.

If you have already tried resetting the BIOS and your BIOS is still not functioning, you still have options.

Get the BIOS flashed by a vendor.
I cannot determine from the available pics of your board whether or not the BIOS chip is replaceable or hard-wired to the board.
-- If the BIOS chip is hard-wired to the board and not-removable, you will have to send/take the board to a shop that has the equipment to reflash the BIOS.
-- If the chip is removable, you can 1) remove it and send it to a vendor who can reflash it or 2) order a new, pre-flashed chip from a vendor.

I fried an X48 BIOS and got great service from Badflash.com. For about $30, I got a new pre-flashed BIOS chip. I had to send the current BIOS flash files (or a link to it, I cannot remember). It took about a week for the vendor to flash the chip and mail it to me. I then used that chip to run the system, and later "Hot-flashed" the old chip with the new BIOS. It sounded scary as you-know-what, but it wasn't too hard, and it worked, so I still have the "spare" chip. You can read the procedure at overclockers. com.

 

[1futuremarine1]

Well I am one sad camper lol.

I cannot access my BIOS 9after resetting CMOS with jumpers and battery polarity) AND I believe my BIOS chip is soldered on.
Luckily, this is what happens when you inform yourself on the situation BEFORE you make matters worse.
I now have to look around for a shop or a MSI service that will help me reflash my bios.
Although I do have slight hopes though, from what I have read the reason most motherboard companies are changing to soldered bios's, is because they are actually easier and cheaper to reflash for the company (obviously a lot harder for the average computer user).
A couple people said they got their reflashed by their motherboard company for just $30.
But of course, gotta do more research before coming to any conslusions.
And on the bright side, I have got my computer functioning for now. So I am not in too much of a hurry.
If worse comes to worse, i'll just have to save up for a new mobo.

Thank you tree frog so much, you have been very informative and I have learned so much from this experience that I believe it MIGHT just be worth it, lol.
Again, thank you.

 

[treefrog07]

I'm glad the system is working. You will be amazed when you realize how much you have learned!

You're welcome. Most of what we discussed I learned the hard way, too. At least my BIOS chip was removable.

 

[sgtkeebler]

I had the same problem. I just had to short out the CMOS. look in your mobo manual for where the cmos is located. Once I shorted out mine everything started working good again.