BIOS problem

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McDermotts

Guest
I know this is off subject for this group, but have gotten great info here
before and hoping for some help. Please excuse if not proper ettiquette.

I have an old AOpen AX6BC motherboard. Per AOpens advise, I tried to install
BIOS update so the system would recognize the larger drive I added to the
system.

During the update process, something went wrong and a message flashed that
said "UNKNOWN FLASH TYPE".

Since then, the system will not even boot and no monitor. If I turn it on
with the floppy containing the BIOS file in the drive it tries to read for a
while and then stops. Same thing if I power on with a startup floppy in
drive a. Also, if I power with either one of these disks, if I hit any key
on keyboard it tries to read from a drive for a few seconds.

If I power on w/out a floppy, it makes a quick two tone noise, then stops.

I'd be very happy at this point just to get a functioining machine!! I've
been told there's nothing that can be done, the mobo is ruined, I've been
told it's easy to fix, and everything in between.

I read somewhere that there may be a removable jumper on the motherboard
that if pulled will go back to the original bios.

Any advise or point in right direction greatly appreciated, Todd McD
 
Re: BIOS problem

"McDermotts" <jmcderm3@tampabay.rr.com> wrote in message
news:uB6irBt5HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>I know this is off subject for this group, but have gotten great info here
> before and hoping for some help. Please excuse if not proper ettiquette.
>
> I have an old AOpen AX6BC motherboard. Per AOpens advise, I tried to
> install
> BIOS update so the system would recognize the larger drive I added to the
> system.
>
> During the update process, something went wrong and a message flashed that
> said "UNKNOWN FLASH TYPE".
>
> Since then, the system will not even boot and no monitor. If I turn it on
> with the floppy containing the BIOS file in the drive it tries to read for
> a
> while and then stops. Same thing if I power on with a startup floppy in
> drive a. Also, if I power with either one of these disks, if I hit any key
> on keyboard it tries to read from a drive for a few seconds.
>
> If I power on w/out a floppy, it makes a quick two tone noise, then stops.
>
> I'd be very happy at this point just to get a functioining machine!! I've
> been told there's nothing that can be done, the mobo is ruined, I've been
> told it's easy to fix, and everything in between.
>
> I read somewhere that there may be a removable jumper on the motherboard
> that if pulled will go back to the original bios.
>
> Any advise or point in right direction greatly appreciated, Todd McD
>
>

A jumper on the motherboard for resetting the cmos, or, removing the cmos
battery momentarily, does not restore a botched bios flash. Rather, it
clears the cmos located on the motherboard elsewhere. The bios and cmos are
2 different entities. Similar to boot media AND ram. In that analogy, the
boot media is corrupted. And, you're resetting the RAM to fix it.

Guessing you're using an Award bios software. Or, possibly, Phoenix. The
first question that hits me is how it became corrupted. Some common bios
update errors are: the bin file was not expanded from the orginal downloaded
update file, the bios update was not appropriate for the motherboard bios,
memory manager loaded, I/O error during bios update, electrical supply
glitch during update, turning off or rebooting the PC before the update is
finished, failure to clear cmos prior after update (which may fix it all
after a reboot).

Assuming all the common problems have been addressed, the most common way to
fix a botched bios update is replace the bios chip. Some can be purchased,
pre-flashed. This is of course is assuming its not soldered in place.
Rather, has a chip socket.
Dave
 
Re: BIOS problem

I am glad you are back here again Lil' Dave. Thanks for returning and I
really appreciate your feedback especially when it comes to hardware issues
where my knowledge is really limited.

"Lil' Dave" wrote:

> "McDermotts" <jmcderm3@tampabay.rr.com> wrote in message
> news:uB6irBt5HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
> >I know this is off subject for this group, but have gotten great info here
> > before and hoping for some help. Please excuse if not proper ettiquette.
> >
> > I have an old AOpen AX6BC motherboard. Per AOpens advise, I tried to
> > install
> > BIOS update so the system would recognize the larger drive I added to the
> > system.
> >
> > During the update process, something went wrong and a message flashed that
> > said "UNKNOWN FLASH TYPE".
> >
> > Since then, the system will not even boot and no monitor. If I turn it on
> > with the floppy containing the BIOS file in the drive it tries to read for
> > a
> > while and then stops. Same thing if I power on with a startup floppy in
> > drive a. Also, if I power with either one of these disks, if I hit any key
> > on keyboard it tries to read from a drive for a few seconds.
> >
> > If I power on w/out a floppy, it makes a quick two tone noise, then stops.
> >
> > I'd be very happy at this point just to get a functioining machine!! I've
> > been told there's nothing that can be done, the mobo is ruined, I've been
> > told it's easy to fix, and everything in between.
> >
> > I read somewhere that there may be a removable jumper on the motherboard
> > that if pulled will go back to the original bios.
> >
> > Any advise or point in right direction greatly appreciated, Todd McD
> >
> >
>
> A jumper on the motherboard for resetting the cmos, or, removing the cmos
> battery momentarily, does not restore a botched bios flash. Rather, it
> clears the cmos located on the motherboard elsewhere. The bios and cmos are
> 2 different entities. Similar to boot media AND ram. In that analogy, the
> boot media is corrupted. And, you're resetting the RAM to fix it.
>
> Guessing you're using an Award bios software. Or, possibly, Phoenix. The
> first question that hits me is how it became corrupted. Some common bios
> update errors are: the bin file was not expanded from the orginal downloaded
> update file, the bios update was not appropriate for the motherboard bios,
> memory manager loaded, I/O error during bios update, electrical supply
> glitch during update, turning off or rebooting the PC before the update is
> finished, failure to clear cmos prior after update (which may fix it all
> after a reboot).
>
> Assuming all the common problems have been addressed, the most common way to
> fix a botched bios update is replace the bios chip. Some can be purchased,
> pre-flashed. This is of course is assuming its not soldered in place.
> Rather, has a chip socket.
> Dave
>
>
>
 
Re: BIOS problem

Lil' Dave wrote:
> "McDermotts" <jmcderm3@tampabay.rr.com> wrote in message
> news:uB6irBt5HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>> I know this is off subject for this group, but have gotten great
>> info here before and hoping for some help. Please excuse if not
>> proper ettiquette.
>>
>> I have an old AOpen AX6BC motherboard. Per AOpens advise, I tried to
>> install
>> BIOS update so the system would recognize the larger drive I added
>> to the system.
>>
>> During the update process, something went wrong and a message
>> flashed that said "UNKNOWN FLASH TYPE".
>>
>> Since then, the system will not even boot and no monitor. If I turn
>> it on with the floppy containing the BIOS file in the drive it tries
>> to read for a
>> while and then stops. Same thing if I power on with a startup floppy
>> in drive a. Also, if I power with either one of these disks, if I
>> hit any key on keyboard it tries to read from a drive for a few
>> seconds.
>>
>> If I power on w/out a floppy, it makes a quick two tone noise, then
>> stops.
>>
>> I'd be very happy at this point just to get a functioining machine!!
>> I've been told there's nothing that can be done, the mobo is ruined,
>> I've been told it's easy to fix, and everything in between.
>>
>> I read somewhere that there may be a removable jumper on the
>> motherboard that if pulled will go back to the original bios.
>>
>> Any advise or point in right direction greatly appreciated, Todd McD


Beep codes:
http://usa.aopen.com/news_detail.aspx?auno=7146&ntype=Tech. FAQ&support=Y

Check out this page : http://www.overclockers.com/articles30/

It sounds like:
"AOpen has a nice feature to make BIOS upgrades easier - the download file
for BIOS upgrades contains both the BIOS file and flashing program, so all
you do is download one file, save it to a bootable floppy and boot the
system with it. Nice. It also looks like if the BIOS upgrade fails, you can
use a PCI VGA card to reboot and flash again, a really great feature for
paranoid BIOS flashers. "
Perhaps you have the wrong BIOS for the version of AOpen AX6BC that you have
(there are six of them).
Look for the VERSION # of your board. VERY important.
The version number should be on the motherboard somewhere, possibly on a
sticker.
Try holding down the Home key upon booting as this will set the BIOS to
Default, however it will not correct a bad flash.

> A jumper on the motherboard for resetting the cmos, or, removing the
> cmos battery momentarily, does not restore a botched bios flash.
> Rather, it clears the cmos located on the motherboard elsewhere. The
> bios and cmos are 2 different entities. Similar to boot media AND
> ram. In that analogy, the boot media is corrupted. And, you're
> resetting the RAM to fix it.
>
> Guessing you're using an Award bios software. Or, possibly, Phoenix.
> The first question that hits me is how it became corrupted. Some
> common bios update errors are: the bin file was not expanded from the
> orginal downloaded update file, the bios update was not appropriate
> for the motherboard bios, memory manager loaded, I/O error during
> bios update, electrical supply glitch during update, turning off or
> rebooting the PC before the update is finished, failure to clear cmos
> prior after update (which may fix it all after a reboot).
>
> Assuming all the common problems have been addressed, the most common
> way to fix a botched bios update is replace the bios chip. Some can
> be purchased, pre-flashed. This is of course is assuming its not
> soldered in place. Rather, has a chip socket.
> Dave

I just added a little to your post above.
 
Re: BIOS problem

Buffalo wrote:
> Lil' Dave wrote:
>> "McDermotts" <jmcderm3@tampabay.rr.com> wrote in message
>> news:uB6irBt5HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>> I know this is off subject for this group, but have gotten great
>>> info here before and hoping for some help. Please excuse if not
>>> proper ettiquette.
>>>
>>> I have an old AOpen AX6BC motherboard. Per AOpens advise, I tried to
>>> install
>>> BIOS update so the system would recognize the larger drive I added
>>> to the system.
>>>
>>> During the update process, something went wrong and a message
>>> flashed that said "UNKNOWN FLASH TYPE".
>>>
>>> Since then, the system will not even boot and no monitor. If I turn
>>> it on with the floppy containing the BIOS file in the drive it tries
>>> to read for a
>>> while and then stops. Same thing if I power on with a startup floppy
>>> in drive a. Also, if I power with either one of these disks, if I
>>> hit any key on keyboard it tries to read from a drive for a few
>>> seconds.
>>>
>>> If I power on w/out a floppy, it makes a quick two tone noise, then
>>> stops.
>>>
>>> I'd be very happy at this point just to get a functioining machine!!
>>> I've been told there's nothing that can be done, the mobo is ruined,
>>> I've been told it's easy to fix, and everything in between.
>>>
>>> I read somewhere that there may be a removable jumper on the
>>> motherboard that if pulled will go back to the original bios.
>>>
>>> Any advise or point in right direction greatly appreciated, Todd McD
>
>
> Beep codes:
>
http://usa.aopen.com/news_detail.aspx?auno=7146&ntype=Tech. FAQ&support=Y
>
> Check out this page : http://www.overclockers.com/articles30/
>
> It sounds like:
> "AOpen has a nice feature to make BIOS upgrades easier - the download
> file for BIOS upgrades contains both the BIOS file and flashing
> program, so all you do is download one file, save it to a bootable
> floppy and boot the system with it. Nice. It also looks like if the
> BIOS upgrade fails, you can use a PCI VGA card to reboot and flash
> again, a really great feature for paranoid BIOS flashers. "
> Perhaps you have the wrong BIOS for the version of AOpen AX6BC that
> you have (there are six of them).
> Look for the VERSION # of your board. VERY important.
> The version number should be on the motherboard somewhere, possibly
> on a sticker.
> Try holding down the Home key upon booting as this will set the BIOS
> to Default, however it will not correct a bad flash.
>
I believe that the version number is printed on the MB between the PCI and
AGP slots towards the connector side of the MB.
 
Re: BIOS problem

Well, flashing a BIOS is not for the faint of heart. <wink>

"Buffalo" wrote:

> Buffalo wrote:
> > Lil' Dave wrote:
> >> "McDermotts" <jmcderm3@tampabay.rr.com> wrote in message
> >> news:uB6irBt5HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
> >>> I know this is off subject for this group, but have gotten great
> >>> info here before and hoping for some help. Please excuse if not
> >>> proper ettiquette.
> >>>
> >>> I have an old AOpen AX6BC motherboard. Per AOpens advise, I tried to
> >>> install
> >>> BIOS update so the system would recognize the larger drive I added
> >>> to the system.
> >>>
> >>> During the update process, something went wrong and a message
> >>> flashed that said "UNKNOWN FLASH TYPE".
> >>>
> >>> Since then, the system will not even boot and no monitor. If I turn
> >>> it on with the floppy containing the BIOS file in the drive it tries
> >>> to read for a
> >>> while and then stops. Same thing if I power on with a startup floppy
> >>> in drive a. Also, if I power with either one of these disks, if I
> >>> hit any key on keyboard it tries to read from a drive for a few
> >>> seconds.
> >>>
> >>> If I power on w/out a floppy, it makes a quick two tone noise, then
> >>> stops.
> >>>
> >>> I'd be very happy at this point just to get a functioining machine!!
> >>> I've been told there's nothing that can be done, the mobo is ruined,
> >>> I've been told it's easy to fix, and everything in between.
> >>>
> >>> I read somewhere that there may be a removable jumper on the
> >>> motherboard that if pulled will go back to the original bios.
> >>>
> >>> Any advise or point in right direction greatly appreciated, Todd McD
> >
> >
> > Beep codes:
> >
> http://usa.aopen.com/news_detail.aspx?auno=7146&ntype=Tech. FAQ&support=Y
> >
> > Check out this page : http://www.overclockers.com/articles30/
> >
> > It sounds like:
> > "AOpen has a nice feature to make BIOS upgrades easier - the download
> > file for BIOS upgrades contains both the BIOS file and flashing
> > program, so all you do is download one file, save it to a bootable
> > floppy and boot the system with it. Nice. It also looks like if the
> > BIOS upgrade fails, you can use a PCI VGA card to reboot and flash
> > again, a really great feature for paranoid BIOS flashers. "
> > Perhaps you have the wrong BIOS for the version of AOpen AX6BC that
> > you have (there are six of them).
> > Look for the VERSION # of your board. VERY important.
> > The version number should be on the motherboard somewhere, possibly
> > on a sticker.
> > Try holding down the Home key upon booting as this will set the BIOS
> > to Default, however it will not correct a bad flash.
> >
> I believe that the version number is printed on the MB between the PCI and
> AGP slots towards the connector side of the MB.
>
>
>
 
Re: BIOS problem

"Buffalo" <Eric@nada.com.invalid> wrote in message
news:wJudnTZISPI2_E3bnZ2dnUVZ_ternZ2d@comcast.com...
> Lil' Dave wrote:
>> "McDermotts" <jmcderm3@tampabay.rr.com> wrote in message
>> news:uB6irBt5HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>> I know this is off subject for this group, but have gotten great
>>> info here before and hoping for some help. Please excuse if not
>>> proper ettiquette.
>>>
>>> I have an old AOpen AX6BC motherboard. Per AOpens advise, I tried to
>>> install
>>> BIOS update so the system would recognize the larger drive I added
>>> to the system.
>>>
>>> During the update process, something went wrong and a message
>>> flashed that said "UNKNOWN FLASH TYPE".
>>>
>>> Since then, the system will not even boot and no monitor. If I turn
>>> it on with the floppy containing the BIOS file in the drive it tries
>>> to read for a
>>> while and then stops. Same thing if I power on with a startup floppy
>>> in drive a. Also, if I power with either one of these disks, if I
>>> hit any key on keyboard it tries to read from a drive for a few
>>> seconds.
>>>
>>> If I power on w/out a floppy, it makes a quick two tone noise, then
>>> stops.
>>>
>>> I'd be very happy at this point just to get a functioining machine!!
>>> I've been told there's nothing that can be done, the mobo is ruined,
>>> I've been told it's easy to fix, and everything in between.
>>>
>>> I read somewhere that there may be a removable jumper on the
>>> motherboard that if pulled will go back to the original bios.
>>>
>>> Any advise or point in right direction greatly appreciated, Todd McD
>
>
> Beep codes:
> http://usa.aopen.com/news_detail.aspx?auno=7146&ntype=Tech. FAQ&support=Y
>
> Check out this page : http://www.overclockers.com/articles30/
>
> It sounds like:
> "AOpen has a nice feature to make BIOS upgrades easier - the download file
> for BIOS upgrades contains both the BIOS file and flashing program, so all
> you do is download one file, save it to a bootable floppy and boot the
> system with it. Nice. It also looks like if the BIOS upgrade fails, you
> can
> use a PCI VGA card to reboot and flash again, a really great feature for
> paranoid BIOS flashers. "
> Perhaps you have the wrong BIOS for the version of AOpen AX6BC that you
> have
> (there are six of them).
> Look for the VERSION # of your board. VERY important.
> The version number should be on the motherboard somewhere, possibly on a
> sticker.
> Try holding down the Home key upon booting as this will set the BIOS to
> Default, however it will not correct a bad flash.
>
>> A jumper on the motherboard for resetting the cmos, or, removing the
>> cmos battery momentarily, does not restore a botched bios flash.
>> Rather, it clears the cmos located on the motherboard elsewhere. The
>> bios and cmos are 2 different entities. Similar to boot media AND
>> ram. In that analogy, the boot media is corrupted. And, you're
>> resetting the RAM to fix it.
>>
>> Guessing you're using an Award bios software. Or, possibly, Phoenix.
>> The first question that hits me is how it became corrupted. Some
>> common bios update errors are: the bin file was not expanded from the
>> orginal downloaded update file, the bios update was not appropriate
>> for the motherboard bios, memory manager loaded, I/O error during
>> bios update, electrical supply glitch during update, turning off or
>> rebooting the PC before the update is finished, failure to clear cmos
>> prior after update (which may fix it all after a reboot).
>>
>> Assuming all the common problems have been addressed, the most common
>> way to fix a botched bios update is replace the bios chip. Some can
>> be purchased, pre-flashed. This is of course is assuming its not
>> soldered in place. Rather, has a chip socket.
>> Dave
>
> I just added a little to your post above.
>
>
>
>

OP is probably overloaded with information now. Guess I'll drive that nail
home with more.

If you don't want to buy a new bios chip (preloaded with a good bios),
there's another way assuming the onboard bios chip is removable and in good
condition. Basically, you have to find a motherboard with same bios on some
other PC. Remove that bios chip, then loosely insert back into the
motherboard. Leave the PC's cover off. Boot using the boot floppy with the
bios flash program and its bin file. Don't start the bios upgrade yet, stay
in msdos. Carefully remove the onboard bios chip, and insert your bios chip
in the socket. Flash it. Turn off the PC. Remove your bios chip, and
properly insert the original back in. Place the flashed bios chip into your
PC. Clear the cmos.
Dave
 
Re: BIOS problem

OMG! Don't think I'd want to try that one!

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS-MVP Shell/User
www.grystmill.com

"Lil' Dave" <spamyourself@virus.net> wrote in message
news:%233zSVb55HHA.536@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> "Buffalo" <Eric@nada.com.invalid> wrote in message
> news:wJudnTZISPI2_E3bnZ2dnUVZ_ternZ2d@comcast.com...
>> Lil' Dave wrote:
>>> "McDermotts" <jmcderm3@tampabay.rr.com> wrote in message
>>> news:uB6irBt5HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>>> I know this is off subject for this group, but have gotten great
>>>> info here before and hoping for some help. Please excuse if not
>>>> proper ettiquette.
>>>>
>>>> I have an old AOpen AX6BC motherboard. Per AOpens advise, I tried to
>>>> install
>>>> BIOS update so the system would recognize the larger drive I added
>>>> to the system.
>>>>
>>>> During the update process, something went wrong and a message
>>>> flashed that said "UNKNOWN FLASH TYPE".
>>>>
>>>> Since then, the system will not even boot and no monitor. If I turn
>>>> it on with the floppy containing the BIOS file in the drive it tries
>>>> to read for a
>>>> while and then stops. Same thing if I power on with a startup floppy
>>>> in drive a. Also, if I power with either one of these disks, if I
>>>> hit any key on keyboard it tries to read from a drive for a few
>>>> seconds.
>>>>
>>>> If I power on w/out a floppy, it makes a quick two tone noise, then
>>>> stops.
>>>>
>>>> I'd be very happy at this point just to get a functioining machine!!
>>>> I've been told there's nothing that can be done, the mobo is ruined,
>>>> I've been told it's easy to fix, and everything in between.
>>>>
>>>> I read somewhere that there may be a removable jumper on the
>>>> motherboard that if pulled will go back to the original bios.
>>>>
>>>> Any advise or point in right direction greatly appreciated, Todd McD
>>
>>
>> Beep codes:
>> http://usa.aopen.com/news_detail.aspx?auno=7146&ntype=Tech. FAQ&support=Y
>>
>> Check out this page : http://www.overclockers.com/articles30/
>>
>> It sounds like:
>> "AOpen has a nice feature to make BIOS upgrades easier - the download
>> file
>> for BIOS upgrades contains both the BIOS file and flashing program, so
>> all
>> you do is download one file, save it to a bootable floppy and boot the
>> system with it. Nice. It also looks like if the BIOS upgrade fails, you
>> can
>> use a PCI VGA card to reboot and flash again, a really great feature for
>> paranoid BIOS flashers. "
>> Perhaps you have the wrong BIOS for the version of AOpen AX6BC that you
>> have
>> (there are six of them).
>> Look for the VERSION # of your board. VERY important.
>> The version number should be on the motherboard somewhere, possibly on a
>> sticker.
>> Try holding down the Home key upon booting as this will set the BIOS to
>> Default, however it will not correct a bad flash.
>>
>>> A jumper on the motherboard for resetting the cmos, or, removing the
>>> cmos battery momentarily, does not restore a botched bios flash.
>>> Rather, it clears the cmos located on the motherboard elsewhere. The
>>> bios and cmos are 2 different entities. Similar to boot media AND
>>> ram. In that analogy, the boot media is corrupted. And, you're
>>> resetting the RAM to fix it.
>>>
>>> Guessing you're using an Award bios software. Or, possibly, Phoenix.
>>> The first question that hits me is how it became corrupted. Some
>>> common bios update errors are: the bin file was not expanded from the
>>> orginal downloaded update file, the bios update was not appropriate
>>> for the motherboard bios, memory manager loaded, I/O error during
>>> bios update, electrical supply glitch during update, turning off or
>>> rebooting the PC before the update is finished, failure to clear cmos
>>> prior after update (which may fix it all after a reboot).
>>>
>>> Assuming all the common problems have been addressed, the most common
>>> way to fix a botched bios update is replace the bios chip. Some can
>>> be purchased, pre-flashed. This is of course is assuming its not
>>> soldered in place. Rather, has a chip socket.
>>> Dave
>>
>> I just added a little to your post above.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
> OP is probably overloaded with information now. Guess I'll drive that
> nail home with more.
>
> If you don't want to buy a new bios chip (preloaded with a good bios),
> there's another way assuming the onboard bios chip is removable and in
> good condition. Basically, you have to find a motherboard with same bios
> on some other PC. Remove that bios chip, then loosely insert back into
> the motherboard. Leave the PC's cover off. Boot using the boot floppy
> with the bios flash program and its bin file. Don't start the bios
> upgrade yet, stay in msdos. Carefully remove the onboard bios chip, and
> insert your bios chip in the socket. Flash it. Turn off the PC. Remove
> your bios chip, and properly insert the original back in. Place the
> flashed bios chip into your PC. Clear the cmos.
> Dave
>
 
Re: BIOS problem

I would not want to do that procedure either.

"Gary S. Terhune" wrote:

> OMG! Don't think I'd want to try that one!
>
> --
> Gary S. Terhune
> MS-MVP Shell/User
> www.grystmill.com
>
> "Lil' Dave" <spamyourself@virus.net> wrote in message
> news:%233zSVb55HHA.536@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> > "Buffalo" <Eric@nada.com.invalid> wrote in message
> > news:wJudnTZISPI2_E3bnZ2dnUVZ_ternZ2d@comcast.com...
> >> Lil' Dave wrote:
> >>> "McDermotts" <jmcderm3@tampabay.rr.com> wrote in message
> >>> news:uB6irBt5HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
> >>>> I know this is off subject for this group, but have gotten great
> >>>> info here before and hoping for some help. Please excuse if not
> >>>> proper ettiquette.
> >>>>
> >>>> I have an old AOpen AX6BC motherboard. Per AOpens advise, I tried to
> >>>> install
> >>>> BIOS update so the system would recognize the larger drive I added
> >>>> to the system.
> >>>>
> >>>> During the update process, something went wrong and a message
> >>>> flashed that said "UNKNOWN FLASH TYPE".
> >>>>
> >>>> Since then, the system will not even boot and no monitor. If I turn
> >>>> it on with the floppy containing the BIOS file in the drive it tries
> >>>> to read for a
> >>>> while and then stops. Same thing if I power on with a startup floppy
> >>>> in drive a. Also, if I power with either one of these disks, if I
> >>>> hit any key on keyboard it tries to read from a drive for a few
> >>>> seconds.
> >>>>
> >>>> If I power on w/out a floppy, it makes a quick two tone noise, then
> >>>> stops.
> >>>>
> >>>> I'd be very happy at this point just to get a functioining machine!!
> >>>> I've been told there's nothing that can be done, the mobo is ruined,
> >>>> I've been told it's easy to fix, and everything in between.
> >>>>
> >>>> I read somewhere that there may be a removable jumper on the
> >>>> motherboard that if pulled will go back to the original bios.
> >>>>
> >>>> Any advise or point in right direction greatly appreciated, Todd McD
> >>
> >>
> >> Beep codes:
> >> http://usa.aopen.com/news_detail.aspx?auno=7146&ntype=Tech. FAQ&support=Y
> >>
> >> Check out this page : http://www.overclockers.com/articles30/
> >>
> >> It sounds like:
> >> "AOpen has a nice feature to make BIOS upgrades easier - the download
> >> file
> >> for BIOS upgrades contains both the BIOS file and flashing program, so
> >> all
> >> you do is download one file, save it to a bootable floppy and boot the
> >> system with it. Nice. It also looks like if the BIOS upgrade fails, you
> >> can
> >> use a PCI VGA card to reboot and flash again, a really great feature for
> >> paranoid BIOS flashers. "
> >> Perhaps you have the wrong BIOS for the version of AOpen AX6BC that you
> >> have
> >> (there are six of them).
> >> Look for the VERSION # of your board. VERY important.
> >> The version number should be on the motherboard somewhere, possibly on a
> >> sticker.
> >> Try holding down the Home key upon booting as this will set the BIOS to
> >> Default, however it will not correct a bad flash.
> >>
> >>> A jumper on the motherboard for resetting the cmos, or, removing the
> >>> cmos battery momentarily, does not restore a botched bios flash.
> >>> Rather, it clears the cmos located on the motherboard elsewhere. The
> >>> bios and cmos are 2 different entities. Similar to boot media AND
> >>> ram. In that analogy, the boot media is corrupted. And, you're
> >>> resetting the RAM to fix it.
> >>>
> >>> Guessing you're using an Award bios software. Or, possibly, Phoenix.
> >>> The first question that hits me is how it became corrupted. Some
> >>> common bios update errors are: the bin file was not expanded from the
> >>> orginal downloaded update file, the bios update was not appropriate
> >>> for the motherboard bios, memory manager loaded, I/O error during
> >>> bios update, electrical supply glitch during update, turning off or
> >>> rebooting the PC before the update is finished, failure to clear cmos
> >>> prior after update (which may fix it all after a reboot).
> >>>
> >>> Assuming all the common problems have been addressed, the most common
> >>> way to fix a botched bios update is replace the bios chip. Some can
> >>> be purchased, pre-flashed. This is of course is assuming its not
> >>> soldered in place. Rather, has a chip socket.
> >>> Dave
> >>
> >> I just added a little to your post above.
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >
> > OP is probably overloaded with information now. Guess I'll drive that
> > nail home with more.
> >
> > If you don't want to buy a new bios chip (preloaded with a good bios),
> > there's another way assuming the onboard bios chip is removable and in
> > good condition. Basically, you have to find a motherboard with same bios
> > on some other PC. Remove that bios chip, then loosely insert back into
> > the motherboard. Leave the PC's cover off. Boot using the boot floppy
> > with the bios flash program and its bin file. Don't start the bios
> > upgrade yet, stay in msdos. Carefully remove the onboard bios chip, and
> > insert your bios chip in the socket. Flash it. Turn off the PC. Remove
> > your bios chip, and properly insert the original back in. Place the
> > flashed bios chip into your PC. Clear the cmos.
> > Dave
> >
>
>
>
 

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