Winflash Crashed while updating 680i(non LT) bios - WTF grrrrr

[bikerdude]

I would update the bios on my 680i(non-LT)to the P31 bios.. I did this in exactly the same way as I did the for the P30 bios - via XFX's winflash tool....

Eveything was going as planned, I backed up the bios, then opened up the new bios, it said it was updating... then completed, then it asked me to click the reboot option so I did.....
But low and behold upon clicking the reboot option the whole PC froze... evenually after about a minute the pc crashed good and proper (the screen went black) so at this point I had nothing to loose by switching it off. I powered back on and then got a long beep, followed by another long beep... Just funkn great!

I have removed the bios chip, where do I send it to get it reflashed/replaced..? I would like to get an advanced replacement if possible to minimise my downtime...

biker

[zachig]

I'm sorry to hear you had bad BIOS Flash. :frown:

That why I prefer to do a BIOS flash NOT within WINODWS, but from a Diskette or even better, from a USB Flash Drive. :frown:

Anyway, BEFORE you're asking for RMA...You said you did a backup of your old/original BIOS. Now, I know there's a way to LOAD/FLASH the BIOS, even after the last flash have failed, by copying your BIOS File to a diskette.

As far as I remember, even if a BIOS Flash failed and you don't see anything in screen, the Drive A Diskette Drive (if you have one installed, and I hope you have) still have access. :???:

You'll be able to notice that, as by the time you boot, the light of your Diskette Drive should switch ON.

In case this is what happens, you can copy your original/backup BIOS file to a diskette and create and "autoexec.bat" batch file that will automatically burn/flash the file on the diskette without asking any question and will also reboot automatically by the end of the process.

I think you try that first, before RMAing your BIOS Chip, as the whole RMA process might take some time...:???:

Let me know if you have a Diskette Drive installed (and/or if you can get one to install it in your rig) and then I'll make a search for you in the internet and provide you all the neccesary details in order to create such a "rescue" diskette...;-)

GOOD LUCK and keep us updated...:icon_tiphat:

[bikerdude]

I cant access the backup bios file as its on my raid array..

Yes, I have a floppy drive installed.. but this aint going to work as the motherboard will not boot - its coming up with the C1 code, if I take the memory out it comes wup with Fb/F6

thanks for your reply btw

biker

[zachig]

I cant access the backup bios file as its on my raid array..

Yes, I have a floppy drive installed.. but this aint going to work as the motherboard will not boot - its coming up with the C1 code, if I take the memory out it comes wup with Fb/F6

thanks for your reply btw

biker
I think it's still going to work, I think you need to press one of the "F" keys and/or press DEL and then, if there's no BIOS (or a FAILING BIOS) it will refer to your Diskette Drive to seek for a BIOS. Try that and let me know...;-)

But, like you said, you don't have the backup BIOS on a diskette, so it's not going to help you, unfortunately :frown: Unless, you can install you RAID array on another system and then, retrieve the BIOS file from there...:-?

Here's a QUOTE from a post I've found that might help you out:
Is it possible to re-flash the bios when the system hangs in post as i have no display and the unit appears to do nothing more than hang with this constant vocal message. Is there prehaps a jumper on board for a bios recovery mode?? as with some IBM boards. Thank you all that have replied so far.

Can you see the diskette light turn on, or, can you see a blinking cursor on the monitor?If yes, try this:

1-Create a bootable floppy disk. If you use Windows 95, 98 or DOS, this can be done by going to the DOS prompt and typing the command:
FORMAT A: /S
If you are unable to create a bootable diskette because of the operating system you are using then you may download a bootable diskette image HERE (http://www.bootdisk.com).
2-Get the latest BIOS Flash Utility
3- Copy both bios file and an AWARD flash (aflash.exe) utility to the floppy disk.
4-Use a text editor or the ‘edit’ command at the DOS prompt to create a text file named ‘AUTOEXEC.BAT’ and save it on the floppy disk. Make sure that the file name is AUTOEXEC and that the extension is .BAT (nothing else). If you create this file from within Windows using a program such as NOTEPAD, you may need to change the file extension from .TXT to .BAT
5-With the text editor add the following commands to the AUTOEXEC.BAT file on the floppy disk and then save the changes.
@ECHO OFF
@Aflash.exe av33306.awd /py
6-Insert the diskette you created into the floppy drive A: and turn on the system. The computer should startup, read the floppy disk, run the commands in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file and restore the BIOS.

GOOD LUCK and keep me updated...;-)

[bikerdude]

I found the same info, and no it didnt work.

Also it looks like when the motherboard crashed it fukn took one my very expensive sticks of OCZ with it..... as it only does the beep thing with one of the stick and not the other.

I also tried some spare memory and the motherboard powers up, but nothing else - its looking more like the motherboard killed itelf...

:-/

[Xero (1)ne]

Ok, here's what you do. get another computer with the same size bios rom and boot to a floppy with the XFX bios ready to go. Take out the rom chip and put the bad-flashed one in. Flash the XFX bios to the rom and power off the compter. Put the roms back in the right mobo's and there you go. :-D

[bikerdude]

Hi,

But apart from the fact like most peoiple I dont have the luxury or having a second mobo.... but I am begining to think its not a bios issue - due to my current mobo potentially killing one of my sticks of ocz memory.

I have emailed xfx, but it its gonna take longer than a week then i will take it back to the shop and get it swapped.

biker

[Xero (1)ne]

You could use any other mobo or computer as long as it's the same size for the bios rom.

I would RMA it then. :)

[zachig]

I would RMA it then. :)
Yeah, I guess this will be the best solution for you. GOOD LUCK with the RMA....;-)

[xfxsupport]

Sorry to hear the BIOS flash didnt go as planned. If you dont plan on swapping it out with your retailer, start a support ticket at www.xfxforce.com and I can help arrange an RMA if you live in North or South America.

[bikerdude]

I can help arrange an RMA if you live in North or South America.

Im based in the UK, so where does that leave me..? That said the board has is at the shop and they are seeing about replacing it even though it posts now.....

biker