IS IT TRUE ????

Could flashing of BIOS render the motherboard useless. This is what I read Zdnet.com discussions.

I am looking for a valid guide-line from your experience because I was just about to go ahead with the upgrading the BIOS of my CUSL2 motherboard (from BIOS version 1001.a to the latest BIOS 1003.a).

The reason for me to upgrade as above is because the Hardware Monitor on the mobo is showing unacceptable variation in two of the leads -
+12v to +10.6
-12v to -8.90 although on checking with voltmeter the leads
showed correct voltage output.

Every time I boot the PC, I have to press F1 to continue.

Shall be grateful for your input.

http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/frown.gif

Yes, a bad flash can render the motherboard useless, especially with a soldered-in BIOS. Replacement BIOS' are usually available for socketed chips. Check Google (http://www.google.com) with a search string of bios flash risk and you'll see a lot of links about it.

Does the BIOS upgrade specifically say it will fix the problem? No point in trying it unless it does.

Can the monitor be disabled in BIOS? Maybe you could do without it. Does the monitoring software see the same readings?

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reido@my-deja.com

Friends don't let friends load Windows ME

Just a note further to Reid's comments (with which I agree):

I've flashed 3 ASUS motherboards without a problem. You should make *absolutely* sure you have the correct flashing utility for your board, and the correct new BIOS. When flashing you should first use the flash utility to backup your current BIOS. After flashing to the new BIOS you should get a message "Flash successful". If you do *not* get this message you can re-run the flash utility and re-flash to the old BIOS. It is vitally important that you do *not* try to reboot the machine unless you receive the "Flash successful" message. That is where you get into big problems.

I'm pretty sure that your board has a replaceable BIOS chip. If you really mess up Asus will send you a replacement (if you live in the US) for something like $15. Their support site has information about this.

[Later] I just noticed you are in India so you won't be able to get a new BIOS from Asus. I think it is d*mned inconsiderate of Asus to have this policy.

[This message has been edited by sleddog (edited 01-22-2001).]

I have flashed BIOS' on three different brands and all worked well. With Sleddog's advice, you'll likely have no problem.

There is a recovery method for Award BIOS' that I have read about:

"BIOS flash failed

If you have access to an old un-accelerated ISA video card, you might be able to recover your BIOS. Remove all cards and drives from your system, except for the ISA video card and the floppy drive. Then try to boot from a system disk (a bootable floppy with only the flash programs and corresponding BIOS binary). If you are able to boot to the floppy, flash your BIOS again."

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reido@my-deja.com

Friends don't let friends load Windows ME

Nothing much to add, but I wanted to repeat and strongly stress sleddog's warning:

DO NOT reboot the machine or shut down the power until you get a good flash. If you do you have a BIG problem, and very possibly an expensive paperweight.

Reid is also correct, using an ISA video card can sometimes help recover from a bad flash.

Bad Flash (http://badflash.com/) has some very good info concerning BIOS upgrades. Check it out before you try it. Make sure and chack the "What to do Before You Flash" link. (I think that's what it's called...)

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If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you!
Note: Please post your questions on the forums, not in my email.

Computer Information Links (http://www.geocities.com/paleopete/)

Many thank to all of you for your very instructive
inputs.

I have successfully Flashed the BIOS of my CUSL2 mobo
to the latest version. This I did in response to ASUSTek
advise to me in reply to my query to them, which was -

* I BUILT MY NEW PC WITH CUSL2 motherboard, PIII 800EB
processor, CORSAIR PC133 128MB CAS-2 memory & IBM's
75GXP Deskstar Hard Drive.

BUT IT DID NOT SOLVE MY PROBLEM...........which are -

* On booting the screen showed "HARDWARE MONITOR FOUND
ERROR - ENTER POWER MANAGEMENT SETUP FOR DETAILS
Press F1 to continue.

* POWER MANAGEMENT SETUP HIGHLIGHTED IN RED VARIATION
IN TWO OF THE LEADS AS UNDER -
instead of -12V showed - 8.43
instead of +12V showed -10.23

Now I seek your advise on the following -

1. The Distributor of ASUS here is refusing
to replace it, but they said they will
repair it.I cannot imagine if they are
competent to repair a sensitive hardware like
motherboard.

Q1. Do the dealers internationally replace the motherboard.
I believe under warranty ASUS have a moral obligation to
replace a defective motherboard.

Q2. If I change the Setup to "IGNORE" to avoid pressing F1
every time, COULD THE VOLTAGE VARIATION DAMAGE/KILL OTHER
COMPONENTS eg memory, hard disk drive or any other card?

Please post your most considered views.

QUEST



repair such an sensitive hardware

Couldn't that be a faulty power supply as well?

Thanks Gaidal.

I did check the power supply voltage of all the leads.
Also connected the motherboard to two different brands
of SMPS (power supply). With all three the variation
shown in the voltage was same.