Flash Gateway BIOS with Intel Version. - Page 2

Dragonfish · 05-29-2008, 07:37 AM

I'll try it now and let you know how it goes. Thanks geishaslave!

Dragonfish · 05-29-2008, 09:47 AM

Okay, I'm stuck. I made a bootable floppy and created an autoexec.bat file with the line "IFLASH.EXE Iflash /f /p EV0209C.BIO" in it. I then tried to copy the .bat file, the Iflash.exe and the .bio file to the floppy. It doesn't fit. I tried to make a bootable CD but I clearly don't know how.

Dragonfish · 05-29-2008, 12:15 PM

I figured out how to get the disk made. I forgot to delete sw.exe which is not needed in our method. So here is what happened, first I booted it to the disk without removing the jumper just to make sure it fires correctly, and it works great with the exception that it give a bios mis-match error and won't flash. With that said I removed the jumper and booted it again. The floppy drive clicked and whirred endlessly, and after about 10 minutes I gave up and removed the disk and rebooted. Same bios, something is definately failing.

geishaslave · 05-29-2008, 12:31 PM

Hi.

Sorry you had issues.

Your mobo is very recent, thus the BIOS recovery feature is different.

Please try the following:

1) Download the BIOS file and recovery intructions from Intel--

BIOS file
http://downloadcenter.intel.com/down...stems&lang=eng

Recovery procedure
http://downloadmirror.intel.com/1014...e%20Readme.pdf

2) You will also need the manual for the D915GUX board. You said you already had it, but here is the page for the motherboard--

http://www.intel.com/cd/channel/rese...port/index.htm

3) Procedure

Here is an excerpt from page 3 of the 'BIOS Update Readme.pdf'. Note the option for floppy disk or CD based:

Instructions for Recovery BIOS Updates
In the unlikely event that a BIOS update is interrupted, it is possible the BIOS may be left in an
unusable state. The recovery process requires the chassis to be opened to move the onboard
BIOS Configuration Jumper.
WARNING: This process is intended to be performed by a trained technician.
Recovery with Floppy Disk
Use this method if the recovery file (*.BIO) is small enough to fit on a floppy disk (smaller than
1.44MB) and the desktop board includes floppy drive support. Note: The floppy disk does NOT
need to be bootable; however, it must be formatted.
1. Copy the recovery file (*.bio) to a formatted floppy disk.
2. Place the disk in the floppy drive (drive A) of the target system.
3. Remove the BIOS Configuration Jumper. See the Technical Product Specification for
details including the location of this jumper.
4. Power the system on.
5. Wait 2-5 minutes for the update to complete. When the floppy drive LED is lit, the system
is copying the recovery code into the FLASH device.
6. System will either turn off when the recovery process is completed or it will prompt you to
turn off the system.
7. Remove floppy disk from drive A:
8. Replace the BIOS Configuration Jumper.
9. Restart system.
Recovery with CD-ROM
Use this method if the recovery file (*.BIO) is too large to fit on a floppy disk or if the desktop
board does not include floppy drive support.
1. Copy the recovery file (*.bio) to a CD.
2. Place the CD in the CD-ROM drive of the target system.
3. Remove the BIOS Configuration Jumper. See the Technical Product Specification for
details including the location of this jumper.
4. Power the system on.
5. Wait 2-5 minutes for the update to complete.
*Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.
6. System will either turn off when the recovery process is completed or it will prompt you to
turn off the system.
7. Replace the BIOS Configuration Jumper.
8. Restart system.
NOTE: If the error message "CMOS/GPNV Checksum Bad…Press F1 to Run SETUP" appears
during boot after the update, press [F1] to go into the "BIOS Setup Utility", press [F9] to load
setup defaults, and then press [F10] to save and exit.

So to conclude, your motherboard apparently only needs the .bio file to 'force' a flash (i.e. BIOS recovery).

OK, so now we should be seeing a post from you with good news.

Dragonfish · 05-29-2008, 02:24 PM

There is no joy in mudville. I tried both the oldest and newest .bio files and the disk drive just clicks and whirrs again. I actually left it in there for about 20 minutes and the drive activity never stops. I think they just did too good of a job of locking this mobo down.

geishaslave · 05-30-2008, 06:47 AM

I don't think the Gateway BIOS disabled the recovery feature.

Make sure to format a floppy disk then put only the .bio file on it. With the D915GUX board, a bootable disk is not used for BIOS recovery.

Did you try setting the current BIOS to default? Put the recovery jumper back to normal operation. Power on the computer. During boot, press F1 to enter setup. Press F9 to set to defaults. Press F10 to save. Shut down the computer. Next, remove the recovery jumper, insert the formatted floppy containing the .bio file, then boot the machine.

Try unplugging everything, including the monitor, mouse and keyboard. Remove the recovery jumper. Insert the formatted floppy with only the .bio file on it. Boot the computer.

How about burning the .bio file to a blank CD-R then using the recovery procedure via CD (described in the read me PDF above)?

Another suggestion, temporarily disconnect the hard drive and optical drive(s). Remove the recovery jumper as detailed in the manual. Perhaps this will force the machine to use the floppy drive during recovery flash?

I hope that my success was not a fluke. Did it work for you Toe_Cutter?

geishaslave · 05-30-2008, 06:47 AM

Sorry, double post. Text removed.

geishaslave · 05-31-2008, 01:47 PM

I have another idea.

Would you like to try it?

Toe_Cutter · 05-31-2008, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geishaslave

I don't think the Gateway BIOS disabled the recovery feature.

Make sure to format a floppy disk then put only the .bio file on it. With the D915GUX board, a bootable disk is not used for BIOS recovery.

Did you try setting the current BIOS to default? Put the recovery jumper back to normal operation. Power on the computer. During boot, press F1 to enter setup. Press F9 to set to defaults. Press F10 to save. Shut down the computer. Next, remove the recovery jumper, insert the formatted floppy containing the .bio file, then boot the machine.

Try unplugging everything, including the monitor, mouse and keyboard. Remove the recovery jumper. Insert the formatted floppy with only the .bio file on it. Boot the computer.

How about burning the .bio file to a blank CD-R then using the recovery procedure via CD (described in the read me PDF above)?

Another suggestion, temporarily disconnect the hard drive and optical drive(s). Remove the recovery jumper as detailed in the manual. Perhaps this will force the machine to use the floppy drive during recovery flash?

I hope that my success was not a fluke. Did it work for you Toe_Cutter?

Meh, I posted a few days ago, but don't see the post here? Something must have gone sideways with my post.

Anyway, saw the post emails, and came back to see if anyone responded to my (non-existient) post.

Geishaslave: I'm 100% FUBAR with the BIOS flash. My failed post explained everything, but I'll summarize by saying that everything I've tried has failed, despite following the steps very deliberately. For some reason the Gateway board simply ignores any Intel BIOS files. I did a little test by going into the BIOS and changing around a few settings, then using the Gateway BIOS during the recovery process. During recovery, the floppy read for quite a while, then paused for 5 seconds, then started reading again. It does *not* pause while recovering with an Intel BIOS. After recovery, I went back into the BIOS and found that the settings I changed had returned to defaults, so I assume the recovery process passed with the Gateway BIOS.

I also took a look the BIOS files in a hex editor and the Intel BIOS files are enormous compared to the Gateway files (370k vs. 640k). I think the Gateway board has only 384k for flash, so unless Intel is using some sort of compression, it won't fit in it's native form.

I've looked into hacking the BIOS, but it's a bit of work just to bump the CPU up a bit.

So, I've thrown in the towel after nearly 16 hours of frustration. In a fit of rage I went out and bought a Q6600 and a D965 board for under $250. Needless to say, I have no more performance issues ;-)

Nonetheless, thanks for your help! And, consider yourself lucky, perhaps you're board wasn't locked down as hard as the Thrasher.

Best of luck to rest of the bunch!

**linderman** · 06-01-2008, 06:57 PM

fellas I admire your tenacity

but OEM motherboards make conversation pieces when placed in the office next to the coffee pot

cut to the chase and replace those boards with options found on mwave.com / click refurbished / then go to motherboards

most of the time you can find a retail motherboard (non oem) for under $60.00 and get the full features from an unrestricted board ...... and often times increased performance and cpu support and even overclocking options !!

enjoy

I admire your efforts and perseverance

Toe_Cutter · 06-03-2008, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by linderman

fellas I admire your tenacity

but OEM motherboards make conversation pieces when placed in the office next to the coffee pot

cut to the chase and replace those boards with options found on mwave.com / click refurbished / then go to motherboards

most of the time you can find a retail motherboard (non oem) for under $60.00 and get the full features from an unrestricted board ...... and often times increased performance and cpu support and even overclocking options !!

enjoy

I admire your efforts and perseverance

Great friggin link, Linderman!

Considerably better terms than eBay.

Now I feel worse than before!

Thanks again..

vaccinator · 06-03-2008, 11:45 AM

Great that this thread was at the top. I think it fits my situation.

Background : Neighbor's kid wants to down grade his computer from Vista to XP. Firedog guy says not possible. Stupid me say no problem, I build computers all the time. Famous last words...Removed RAID, reformatted drives and can't install an OS (get this error 0X0000007B on BSD). I am pretty certain it is a MOBO issue and I want to flash to Intel.

MOBO spec - Intel (Schroeder Town) G33 Motherboard. MicroATX version of Intel® Desktop Board DG33TL. It has BIOS jumper.

Just wanted to say thanks for the detailed thread. Now maybe I can save a little dignity and get his computer back up and running.

**linderman** · 06-03-2008, 03:29 PM

I have no idea why sooooo many fellas think you cant downgrade from vista to xp

you would be shocked how often I hear that

its true if the XP install sees any hint or presence of vista it wont install / to fix this problem; simply wipe/erase the drive with a zero fill utility like the freeware version of Killdisk

I have done over 20 down grades (thats a funny description

) of vista to XP and never had to replace any hardware yet ! knocking on wood >>>>> although laptops can be a real beast to find xp drivers when they came loaded with vista, seems alot of their hardware doesnt have xp drivers

give that a whirl

**linderman** · 06-03-2008, 03:44 PM

In previous years; I too had goodluck replacing OEM bios files with retail board bios / but lately I havent not been successful on a single one!!! it seems the OEMs have resorted to buying motherboard versions which arent offered in the retail world, I had limited success previously trying bios files from other similar boards with matching specs, such as chipsets, audio drivers , lan drivers etc but the last three or four boards I tried this year have not allowed me to do this !! things like the SM bus controller were different and different onboard controllers, seems the OEM's are making diligent efforts to utilize boards which cant be fitted with other than OEM bios no matter how hard you are willing to try and regardless how much trial and error you are willing to expend

thats what has prompted me to replace such boards with the mwave/refurbs without any further pause or contemplation

of course if your budget allows; a full retail board is always a better option with the full warranty, however often times the budget or practical aspect of the purchase will steer you in the direction fo the better priced refurbs!

thats my input for what its worth

vaccinator · 06-03-2008, 06:03 PM

Hmm, I flashed it with the oldest BIOS and then migrated up through. 2 issues...The "AA" number has not been programmed on the system, Press the Enter key to continue, is one message and the second is CTRL-I doesn't work (to set up RAID 0) as soon as I hit it skips to

Serial ATA AHCI BIOS Version UPSD

and the screen says...well I can't stop that one for some reason...

The drives are recognized but as non-raid disks

All this to load simple XP...still getting the same error with different BIOS

**linderman** · 06-03-2008, 06:13 PM

are you aware you have to use the raid driver during the F6 prompt to get the driver to load >>>> then there is a raid software utility that needs to be employed also ????

not sure if you are aware of this & or I maybe misunderstanding the problem you have encountered ?

vaccinator · 06-03-2008, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by linderman

are you aware you have to use the raid driver during the F6 prompt to get the driver to load >>>> then there is a raid software utility that needs to be employed also ????
not sure if you are aware of this & or I maybe misunderstanding the problem you have encountered ?

Aware yes...but issue is Step 3 from the intel site on setting up a RAID http://www.intel.com/support/motherb.../cs-020838.htm

3. Upon re-boot you will see the Intel RAID BIOS status message on the screen - press CTRL-I to enter the Intel® RAID Option ROM user interface.

That's where it skips right past so I can't do it. Later I get to install the RAID driver. I guess I could just do it that way. What the heck, it was a boat anchor before. those other MOBOs are looking so tempting.

05-29-2008, 07:37 AM	#21 (permalink)
Dragonfish Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 6 OS: Vista Ultimate SP1	Re: Flash Gateway BIOS with Intel Version. I'll try it now and let you know how it goes. Thanks geishaslave!

05-29-2008, 09:47 AM	#22 (permalink)
Dragonfish Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 6 OS: Vista Ultimate SP1	Re: Flash Gateway BIOS with Intel Version. Okay, I'm stuck. I made a bootable floppy and created an autoexec.bat file with the line "IFLASH.EXE Iflash /f /p EV0209C.BIO" in it. I then tried to copy the .bat file, the Iflash.exe and the .bio file to the floppy. It doesn't fit. I tried to make a bootable CD but I clearly don't know how.

05-29-2008, 12:15 PM	#23 (permalink)
Dragonfish Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 6 OS: Vista Ultimate SP1	Re: Flash Gateway BIOS with Intel Version. I figured out how to get the disk made. I forgot to delete sw.exe which is not needed in our method. So here is what happened, first I booted it to the disk without removing the jumper just to make sure it fires correctly, and it works great with the exception that it give a bios mis-match error and won't flash. With that said I removed the jumper and booted it again. The floppy drive clicked and whirred endlessly, and after about 10 minutes I gave up and removed the disk and rebooted. Same bios, something is definately failing.

05-29-2008, 12:31 PM	#24 (permalink)
geishaslave Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: California Posts: 16 OS: Microsoft Windows XP sp3	Re: Flash Gateway BIOS with Intel Version. Hi. Sorry you had issues. Your mobo is very recent, thus the BIOS recovery feature is different. Please try the following: 1) Download the BIOS file and recovery intructions from Intel-- BIOS file http://downloadcenter.intel.com/down...stems&lang=eng Recovery procedure http://downloadmirror.intel.com/1014...e%20Readme.pdf 2) You will also need the manual for the D915GUX board. You said you already had it, but here is the page for the motherboard-- http://www.intel.com/cd/channel/rese...port/index.htm 3) Procedure Here is an excerpt from page 3 of the 'BIOS Update Readme.pdf'. Note the option for floppy disk or CD based: Instructions for Recovery BIOS Updates In the unlikely event that a BIOS update is interrupted, it is possible the BIOS may be left in an unusable state. The recovery process requires the chassis to be opened to move the onboard BIOS Configuration Jumper. WARNING: This process is intended to be performed by a trained technician. Recovery with Floppy Disk Use this method if the recovery file (.BIO) is small enough to fit on a floppy disk (smaller than 1.44MB) and the desktop board includes floppy drive support. Note: The floppy disk does NOT need to be bootable; however, it must be formatted. 1. Copy the recovery file (.bio) to a formatted floppy disk. 2. Place the disk in the floppy drive (drive A) of the target system. 3. Remove the BIOS Configuration Jumper. See the Technical Product Specification for details including the location of this jumper. 4. Power the system on. 5. Wait 2-5 minutes for the update to complete. When the floppy drive LED is lit, the system is copying the recovery code into the FLASH device. 6. System will either turn off when the recovery process is completed or it will prompt you to turn off the system. 7. Remove floppy disk from drive A: 8. Replace the BIOS Configuration Jumper. 9. Restart system. Recovery with CD-ROM Use this method if the recovery file (.BIO) is too large to fit on a floppy disk or if the desktop board does not include floppy drive support. 1. Copy the recovery file (.bio) to a CD. 2. Place the CD in the CD-ROM drive of the target system. 3. Remove the BIOS Configuration Jumper. See the Technical Product Specification for details including the location of this jumper. 4. Power the system on. 5. Wait 2-5 minutes for the update to complete. *Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others. 6. System will either turn off when the recovery process is completed or it will prompt you to turn off the system. 7. Replace the BIOS Configuration Jumper. 8. Restart system. NOTE: If the error message "CMOS/GPNV Checksum Bad…Press F1 to Run SETUP" appears during boot after the update, press [F1] to go into the "BIOS Setup Utility", press [F9] to load setup defaults, and then press [F10] to save and exit. So to conclude, your motherboard apparently only needs the .bio file to 'force' a flash (i.e. BIOS recovery). OK, so now we should be seeing a post from you with good news.

05-29-2008, 02:24 PM	#25 (permalink)
Dragonfish Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 6 OS: Vista Ultimate SP1	Re: Flash Gateway BIOS with Intel Version. There is no joy in mudville. I tried both the oldest and newest .bio files and the disk drive just clicks and whirrs again. I actually left it in there for about 20 minutes and the drive activity never stops. I think they just did too good of a job of locking this mobo down.

05-30-2008, 06:47 AM	#26 (permalink)
geishaslave Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: California Posts: 16 OS: Microsoft Windows XP sp3	Re: Flash Gateway BIOS with Intel Version. I don't think the Gateway BIOS disabled the recovery feature. Make sure to format a floppy disk then put only the .bio file on it. With the D915GUX board, a bootable disk is not used for BIOS recovery. Did you try setting the current BIOS to default? Put the recovery jumper back to normal operation. Power on the computer. During boot, press F1 to enter setup. Press F9 to set to defaults. Press F10 to save. Shut down the computer. Next, remove the recovery jumper, insert the formatted floppy containing the .bio file, then boot the machine. Try unplugging everything, including the monitor, mouse and keyboard. Remove the recovery jumper. Insert the formatted floppy with only the .bio file on it. Boot the computer. How about burning the .bio file to a blank CD-R then using the recovery procedure via CD (described in the read me PDF above)? Another suggestion, temporarily disconnect the hard drive and optical drive(s). Remove the recovery jumper as detailed in the manual. Perhaps this will force the machine to use the floppy drive during recovery flash? I hope that my success was not a fluke. Did it work for you Toe_Cutter?

05-30-2008, 06:47 AM	#27 (permalink)
geishaslave Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: California Posts: 16 OS: Microsoft Windows XP sp3	Sorry, double post. Text removed. Last edited by geishaslave : 05-30-2008 at 06:50 AM. Reason: accidental double post

05-31-2008, 01:47 PM	#28 (permalink)
geishaslave Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: California Posts: 16 OS: Microsoft Windows XP sp3	Re: Flash Gateway BIOS with Intel Version. I have another idea. Would you like to try it?

06-01-2008, 06:57 PM	#30 (permalink)
linderman Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 14,022 OS: win 2000 pro / Win XP pro My System	Re: Flash Gateway BIOS with Intel Version. fellas I admire your tenacity but OEM motherboards make conversation pieces when placed in the office next to the coffee pot cut to the chase and replace those boards with options found on mwave.com / click refurbished / then go to motherboards most of the time you can find a retail motherboard (non oem) for under $60.00 and get the full features from an unrestricted board ...... and often times increased performance and cpu support and even overclocking options !! enjoy I admire your efforts and perseverance __________________ If you cant be polite and friendly; then please be silent. Last edited by linderman : 06-01-2008 at 06:59 PM.

06-03-2008, 11:45 AM	#32 (permalink)
vaccinator Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 5 OS: Vista, ubuntu, XP	Re: Flash Gateway BIOS with Intel Version. Great that this thread was at the top. I think it fits my situation. Background : Neighbor's kid wants to down grade his computer from Vista to XP. Firedog guy says not possible. Stupid me say no problem, I build computers all the time. Famous last words...Removed RAID, reformatted drives and can't install an OS (get this error 0X0000007B on BSD). I am pretty certain it is a MOBO issue and I want to flash to Intel. MOBO spec - Intel (Schroeder Town) G33 Motherboard. MicroATX version of Intel® Desktop Board DG33TL. It has BIOS jumper. Just wanted to say thanks for the detailed thread. Now maybe I can save a little dignity and get his computer back up and running.

06-03-2008, 03:29 PM	#33 (permalink)
linderman Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 14,022 OS: win 2000 pro / Win XP pro My System	Re: Flash Gateway BIOS with Intel Version. I have no idea why sooooo many fellas think you cant downgrade from vista to xp you would be shocked how often I hear that its true if the XP install sees any hint or presence of vista it wont install / to fix this problem; simply wipe/erase the drive with a zero fill utility like the freeware version of Killdisk I have done over 20 down grades (thats a funny description ) of vista to XP and never had to replace any hardware yet ! knocking on wood >>>>> although laptops can be a real beast to find xp drivers when they came loaded with vista, seems alot of their hardware doesnt have xp drivers give that a whirl __________________ If you cant be polite and friendly; then please be silent.

06-03-2008, 03:44 PM	#34 (permalink)
linderman Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 14,022 OS: win 2000 pro / Win XP pro My System	Re: Flash Gateway BIOS with Intel Version. In previous years; I too had goodluck replacing OEM bios files with retail board bios / but lately I havent not been successful on a single one!!! it seems the OEMs have resorted to buying motherboard versions which arent offered in the retail world, I had limited success previously trying bios files from other similar boards with matching specs, such as chipsets, audio drivers , lan drivers etc but the last three or four boards I tried this year have not allowed me to do this !! things like the SM bus controller were different and different onboard controllers, seems the OEM's are making diligent efforts to utilize boards which cant be fitted with other than OEM bios no matter how hard you are willing to try and regardless how much trial and error you are willing to expend thats what has prompted me to replace such boards with the mwave/refurbs without any further pause or contemplation of course if your budget allows; a full retail board is always a better option with the full warranty, however often times the budget or practical aspect of the purchase will steer you in the direction fo the better priced refurbs! thats my input for what its worth __________________ If you cant be polite and friendly; then please be silent.

06-03-2008, 06:03 PM	#35 (permalink)
vaccinator Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 5 OS: Vista, ubuntu, XP	Re: Flash Gateway BIOS with Intel Version. Hmm, I flashed it with the oldest BIOS and then migrated up through. 2 issues...The "AA" number has not been programmed on the system, Press the Enter key to continue, is one message and the second is CTRL-I doesn't work (to set up RAID 0) as soon as I hit it skips to Serial ATA AHCI BIOS Version UPSD and the screen says...well I can't stop that one for some reason... The drives are recognized but as non-raid disks All this to load simple XP...still getting the same error with different BIOS

06-03-2008, 06:13 PM	#36 (permalink)
linderman Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 14,022 OS: win 2000 pro / Win XP pro My System	Re: Flash Gateway BIOS with Intel Version. are you aware you have to use the raid driver during the F6 prompt to get the driver to load >>>> then there is a raid software utility that needs to be employed also ???? not sure if you are aware of this & or I maybe misunderstanding the problem you have encountered ? __________________ If you cant be polite and friendly; then please be silent.