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| AXION TECHNOLOGIES - REVIEWS |
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| Before Flashing your BIOS... |
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| By Raymond Griffith |
| Thursday,May 16,2002 |
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Why or when should you flash the BIOS on your components?
We have encountered some confusion on our phone support lines numerous times regarding BIOS, and flashing. The BIOS on your components is responsible for initiating their respective components. In addition to Motherboards, your Video card, SCSI adapters, and other components will usually have a chip(*)ROM containing the information necessary for proper functioning of the component.
Many already know that BIOS is an acronym for Basic Input Output System. Basically the BIOS, is a small piece of software that allows functioning of your keyboard, display, and various components built into a motherboard without the need for accessing any other external program (I.e. OS). Typically this information is placed on a ROM (Read Only Memory) chip, and these were later replaced with PROM. Both the ROM and PROM were similar in that once they are programmed with code; they will retain that version of code, and cannot be changed! Thus a completely new chip was required for any updates to the BIOS code. Modern components will usually have EEPROM's (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). Previous to EPROM/EEPROM's if an issue was found on a ROM's code, a new chip would have to be created with the corrections in the code, and the chip replaced on the component. Obviously not the ideal method, or desired. The later types allowed the updated code to be programmed into the EPROM/EEPROM, often only changing the specific code that was the cause of the problem.
One issue we have encountered is a failed BIOS flash. Since the BIOS controls all the rudimentary functions, and allows your system to proceed to boot; if the BIOS code is in ANY way damaged, incomplete or corrupted you system will at best not function correctly, but most often will not post at all.
As the warnings given during execution of a flashing program indicate- DO NOT POWER OFF OR RESET UNTIL FLASH IS COMPLETE!
Now the question arises, when should a BIOS be updated? Only if you are experiencing a problem that the updated code addresses. BIOS updates are NOT driver updates, and should not be treated as such. Just because there is a newer or updated code for your system available, does not mean you should update! If your system is working, WHY "FIX" IT??? Most BIOS updates are released to remedy issue a motherboard is experiencing with certain hardware, or certain configurations. Quite often an Update will allow a motherboard to recognize newer CPU's as well. Sometimes the addition of CPU strings to allow proper "detection" of new CPU's is purely cosmetic, and other times they address issues with updated CPU's like Voltage, multipliers etc.
When flashing Your BIOS you should make absolutely certain you "NEED" to update your code. If the answer is yes, then you will need to obtain the update from your components manufacturer, along with the correct utility for flashing.
The most common BIOS used will be from Award, AMI, and Phoenix. And the files needed will be the Flash Utility, and the update file (Usually a *.rom, *.bin file). Although some utilities are available to update BIOS in Windows, I will admit being Old school, and refrain from such methods. I like to use a bare minimum boot disk (I.e. no CD-ROM's or additional TSR's), and place my flash utility and code update on the boot disk. In general I do not personally use Win9x boot disks, although I have on occasion in the past. a good source for boot disk information is BootDisk.
Some manufacturers offer replacement BIOS service for a nominal fee. Some local vendors may provide this service as well. Axion does provide EEPROM burning service, which is available for some EEPROM's, and nominal service fee.
It is important to remember that failure to flash correctly will result in an un-useable system. Failing to use the correct flash utility usually results in a dead system. Flashing with the wrong code will also kill a component. There are other means that can be used to recover a corrupted/dead BIOS that are better outlined at Wim's site (is an excellent resource for information regarding BIOS information).
Here is a brief outline for flashing your motherboards BIOS-as a rule of thumb-unless you are complete confident on how to do so, and determined that a BIOS update is required, do not attempt a BIOS update- improper Flash procedure can render your system useless!
Once you have created a BIOS boot disk, and copied the Flash Utility with the Updated code- Boot from the FDD, and you will get an A:\
note-In the following example the Flash Utility is a file called AwardFlash.exe, and the updated code file will be called NewBIOS.bin.
A:\ AwardFlash NewBIOS.bin [enter]
The above command instructed your computer to run the Program named AwardFlash.exe and the file to be used by the flash utility is called NewBIOS.bin which resides in the same directory as AwardFlash. Please note you should ALWAYS run the flash utility from the Floppy, and have the updated code on your Floppy as well. It is not a good idea to flash from your hard drive for many reasons.
After the program loads, you will receive a basic interface that will display your current BIOS date, and size of your EEPROM. You may be prompted to save your old BIOS. Always a good idea! After saving the old BIOS, you will be asked if you are sure you wish to program? If you answer Yes- Do NOT power off or reset your computer until you receive a message indicating it is safe to do so!
Once you reboot, you should enter your BIOS setup (usually by pressing-Del key at post), and check your settings to make certain they coincide with your hardware. Save these settings, and exit.
If you have questions please contact our RMA/Tech Support @ 281-575-0004.
Raymond Griffith
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