questions after update BIOS

[xinkang shui]

Dear all,
I never did updating BIOS before.
After a lot of searching online, basicly, I got the files I need.
But still have two questions:
1. What should I do, when there is something wrong after updating? If I can't turn off the computer, right?
2. How can I make sure of the new version of BIOS is fine before I reboot?

Thank you and best regards!

Xinkang

[Ritchie]

1) If the updating process fails, don't reboot or turn off the computer. I would reflash the backup BIOS (be sure to back up before you flash) back to the system before rebooting. Then come back here and ask for advise before you attempt the upgrade again.

2) If the write and verify shows up in the flash process as OK, I would assume a sucessfull update and reboot. However there is always some risk involved - you could have problems even after having done this.

Out of interest, why are you updating the BIOS?

[Lurker]

I would get a spare BIOS chip from a supply store or a discarded motherboard (as I did).

Flash the spare if you can in a burner.

Then simply pull out the original and plug in the spare to see if it works.

If it does not work, put the original one back in.

Lurker
- - - - - - - - - - -
Lurking for Bass in Canada

[lpsavoie]

Well, many things can happen.

If the flashing process fails, reflash using the backup BIOS you created (see the docs)

If it succeeds but the BIOS is scrapped, you have many choices, see

http://www.wimsbios.com/

I'd recommende printing it out and preparing a failsafe bootdisk just in case.

[xinkang shui]

Dear all,
Thanks for all your reply.
Because I have an old board, AX64 AOpen, which only can find and work under 64 MB. Now in slot 1, I plugged in 128MB, it still recognizes 64MB.
I tried different brands of memory sticks from 64MB to 256MB, all -10n.
I worked the same. I also tried different speed memory sticks, -7n. And changed the BIOS configuration. Still 64MB, nothing changes.

So it seems updating the BIOS is the only way left.
Because it is an important machine in working area, so I tried to update other machines first. But it said different BIOS and freezing there in DOS...I only executed the exe file and didn't load any .bin yet.

Thank you and best regards!

Xinkang

[ruelnov]

either of these is true:

1. you are using newer memory chips, that's why your mobo can't detect the full capacity of memory,

2. the memory controller integrated into the northbridge is faulty. i have seen this prob on a number of old AOpen mobo's already, and in other mobo brands as well.

[xinkang shui]

Thanks! ruelnov

I see and will test more. Really appreciater your information!

[xinkang shui]

Dear ruelnov,
Do you have anyway to check and solve the second problem you mentioned?

Thank you and best regards!

Xinkang

[KachiWachi]

AOpen AX64 is VIA 694X...so it should be able to take anything with 16-256 Mb Technology, up to 2GB total RAM.

[xinkang shui]

Thanks! KachiWachi
But this board is a little weird.
Any advice?

[ruelnov]

there's no known fix yet for faulty memory controller, except to replace the chipset (which is equivalent to replacing the motherboard).