Flash Gateway BIOS with Intel Version.

geishaslave · 02-28-2008, 04:08 PM

This is a detailed explanation of how I replaced the Gateway version of the BIOS for the motherboard from a model 500SE with the compatible later version of the Intel BIOS.

First, I will describe what I did. Next, I will discuss why I did it. Last, I will mention some strategies that may be transferrable to other motherboards in similar situations.

1) Forcing the Intel BIOS to Replace the Gateway Version.

The system was a Gateway model 500SE with an Intel D845PT (El Paso 2) motherboard:

• BIOS version PT84510A.15A.0007.P04
• Windows XP SP2
• 384MB RAM
• Pentium 4 CPU 1.7GHz
• 40GB Internal EIDE hard Disk Drive (Primary CS)
• DVD RW Internal IDE (Secondary Master)
• Internal V90 Modem (PCI slot)

Materials—

• Floppy disk drive. No floppy drive? See section 3) for options.
• Latest Intel D845PT BIOS version PT84510A.86A.0030.P08 http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Deta...ional&lang=eng
• PDF manual for Intel D845PT ftp://download.intel.com/support/mot...BG_English.pdf
• First Intel D845PT BIOS version PT84510A.86A.0012.P01 http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Deta...stems&lang=eng
• One (1) 1.44MB (HD) floppy diskette. No floppy drive? See section 3) for alternatives.

Method—

• Download the files PT-P01.EXE, PTAP08IB.exe and PTBG_English.pdf.
• Open the manual using Adobe Acrobat.
• On page 38, note the location of jumper J6F2. On the 500SE motherboard, it is labeled J6H2.
• Read over the instructions for recovering the BIOS starting on page 45.
• Execute the PT-P01.EXE file. Press Y to extract the files.
• Insert a floppy in the drive.
• Next, execute the RUN.BAT file to create a bootable diskette to load the first BIOS version.
• Execute the file PTAP08IB.exe to extract its contents.
• Copy ALL of the extracted files to the boot disk in A. !!! Important—be sure to OVERWRITE the autoexec.bat file existing on the boot floppy !!!
• Remove this floppy and save it. This is the installer for the latest Intel D845PT BIOS.
• Shut down the 500SE.
• Unplug the power cord, either from the PC or the outlet—whichever is easier.
• Unplug every peripheral—USB, video, mouse, keyboard, printer, scanner, etc.
• Remove the case left side panel on the 500SE (as you face the front panel).
• Remove the J6H2 jumper. This enables BIOS recovery mode, forcing the flash.
• Insert the floppy with BIOS PT84510A.86A.0012.P08 on it.
• Plug in the power cord.
• Turn the 500SE on.
• You will notice floppy drive activity.
• Upon completion of BIOS flash, the computer will make two quick beeps.
• Shut down the 500SE.
• Replace the J6H2 jumper.
• Put the case side panel back on.
• Plug everything back in.
• Insert the floppy with BIOS PT84510A.86A.0030.P08 on it.
• Turn the power on.
• The Intel IFlash util will launch. Execute a system BIOS flash.
• Once completed, remove the floppy and boot to Windows (or a regular DOS boot disk).

Troubleshooting—

Refer to the manual if possible (e.g. from another computer, even a Mac or mobile device that can display PDF).

The system hangs during BIOS flash.
The boot floppy must have 16-bit DOS system files on it.
Did you unplug EVERYTHING, especially the monitor?

You get a message to press F1 to resume during boot.
Make sure to flash BIOS to version P08 after the recovery flash.
Enter Setup, change set ESCD to Yes, press F10 then re-boot.

System won’t boot after plugging everything back in.
Did you put the J6H2 jumper back correctly?

2) Rationale

I wanted to use the Intel version P08 BIOS instead of the Gateway P04 because the Intel version supports more CPU (for upgrade purposes), is more recent, and has more features available in Setup. In short, I felt that the Intel BIOS would enable better I/O performance and facilitate longer useful life for the computer.

3) Adaptations

The above procedure will work with any situation where the motherboard can be identified, the manufacturer has a BIOS available, and the motherboard can be put in recovery mode. For example, Gigabyte motherboards have a BIOS recovery feature.

Since floppy drives are not as common nowadays, bootable CD-RW/R or USB flash drives can also be used to hold the flash utility and BIOS image.

Actually, BIOS flash rescue can be applied to any situation where one wants to ‘force’ a flash, like after a bad flash. In the case of certain motherboards, like the Intel D845PT, there is actually a jumper that can be set. The recovery jumper is not a requirement, however.

With ANY mobo that has suffered a munged up flash, similar steps to those outlined above can be applied. First, prepare a boot floppy that includes an Autoexec.bat file with the commands to execute the DOS flash util with the target .bin or .rom file in the command line Unplug everything. Insert the floppy and power up. The boot block in the BIOS has enough code to access the floppy drive and enable autoexec.bat to run, in turn flashing the ROM and re-installing the BIOS.

The important conditions here are as follows: There must be 16-bit DOS system files on the boot floppy, not 32-bit. The BIOS boot blocks cannot handle 32-bit DOS system files and so the system will hang; the boot block must not have been damaged. That is why it is advised to never choose to update the boot block, it is your savior in the event of a hosed flash.

Toe_Cutter · 05-15-2008, 06:24 PM

That is a beautiful write-up on forcing BIOS for an OEM board.

Any thoughts on if this might be plausible for an earlier Gateway? I have a Gateway 310S that I've been struggling with upgrading. I've added memory, but it's not being detected and I suspect the problem has to do with the Gateway BIOS.

Here's some info on the mainboard and BIOS I'm using:

BIOS Type: AMI
BIOS Date: June 10th 2004
BIOS ID: 63-0100-000001-00101111-061004-iBRKDL_G-RG84510A
BIOS OEM: BIOS Date: 06/10/04 13:53:32 Ver: 08.00.10 - SR84511A.15A.0020.P03.0406101353
Chipset: Intel 2560 rev 1
SuperIO: Unknown
Manufacturer: Gateway
Motherboard: 310 2900058

The mainboard appears to be an Intel D845GVSR, but it described as "Intel Thrasher" in Gateway's Support links.

Thanks in advance, any help would be appreciated.

geishaslave · 05-17-2008, 08:29 PM

Thanks for your response.

Yes, the 310S can be flashed to its Intel BIOS.

The D845GVSR motherboard has a BIOS recovery jumper. The information is on page 46 of the D845GVSR manual.

Use the procedure described in the first post of this thread.

Replace the BIOS files with the ones for the D845GVSR mobo.

I have checked the Intel website and indeed version P20 of the BIOS, dated 5/4/2006, is available.

Make sure to create the boot disc (USB flash drive, CD or floppy) with 16-bit DOS. Microsoft DOS v6.22 is recommended for maximum compatibility. The reason is that the BIOS boot blocks can only deal with 16-bit DOS. Check http://www.bootdisk.com for 16-bit DOS.

Intel Thrasher is just a descriptor used instead of the mobo model. Like with my board, it is commonly referred to as El Paso 2.

OK so I hope the above is enough to get you on track.

Please don't hesitate to post back or PM me if you need more detailed replies.

As for your memory problem, I do not think flashing to the Intel BIOS will help. I don't believe it is like flashing a DVD writer to add compatibility for more media.

Check the speed of the RAM you are trying to install. Maybe it is too slow?

The manual for your board is also available at the Intel website as a PDF. Perhaps you should DL the user guide and check the memory specs, then try again? You have to go there to get the BIOS file anyway.

Take a stick of the original memory with you to the place where you plan to purchase the RAM upgrade. The store can elucidate the part number and determine compatible options.

Some memory vendors (Kingston, PNY, Crucial, Mushkin, etc.) have online configurators that display compatible part numbers based on motherbard make and model.

Please look into a memory upgrade one more time.

Potted Meat · 05-17-2008, 10:54 PM

Excellent article.

I wonder if while researching you came across information on flashing a Gateway notebook? My notebook BIOS is corrupted and I've been scouring the net as well as Gateway, Intel, Phoenix support sites but have yet been able to determine the procedure, if any, for forcing a flash.

I have a post with the details on the first page, a few entries below yours entitled "How to force flash a Gateway laptop."

Any ideas greatly appreciated!

PM

Toe_Cutter · 05-18-2008, 10:45 AM

Ugh.

I was up pretty late last night trying to flash this board, all with no effect.

What I did:

1. Downloaded the Intel Floppy Install BIOS for the D845GVSR.
2. Instead of double-clicking run.bat, I extracted SW.EXE, with provided me with the raw P07-0019.BIO file that contains the BIOS upgrade.
3. I created a DR-DOS flash disk from Bootdisk.com (Thanks for the tip, geishaslave!)
4. I then copy the full contents of the floppy image (These included the autoexec.bat, iflash.exe, etc) required to install the flash after BIOS Recovery.
5. I removed the recovery jumper, inserted floppy and booted the PC.
6. The floppy began to spin, reading the disk for a while and then stopped.
7. I waited for 5 minutes with no beep, and no further floppy access.
8. I powered down, replaced jumper, removed floppy and booted.
9. Upon boot, saw the same old Gateway splash screen.

I allowed the floppy to boot and iFlash did start. It asked me for the BIO file and I pointed to the P07-0019.BIO file. It began the flash process, but failed out with an error H48: BIOS type does not match the currently installed BIOS type.

To confirm that recovery is working, I created an identical disk, but this time I used the Gateway BIOS file. Recovery seemed to work, as the floppy spun for a while, then stopped for a few seconds, then began to spin again. The Intel disk DID NOT pause and then start up again. When I booted the PC, all the BIOS settings were reset, which seems to indicate that recovery worked with the Gateway file, but is ignored when using the Intel file. It seems to fail some checksum during the recovery process, similar to the results when trying the flash the BIOS using the non-recovery boot method.

So, I'm wondering if this BIOS file the correct BIOS for the board? The Intel file is the exact same size as the Gateway file, right down the very last byte (but this might hold true for all BIOS files for the 845 chipset, I dunno.)

So, I'm stuck. I can check through some other board types, but this one seemed to match all the information can find for the Gateway board.

Share your thoughts, this is becoming difficult!

Thanks!

Toe_Cutter · 05-18-2008, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geishaslave

As for your memory problem, I do not think flashing to the Intel BIOS will help. I don't believe it is like flashing a DVD writer to add compatibility for more media.

Check the speed of the RAM you are trying to install. Maybe it is too slow?

The manual for your board is also available at the Intel website as a PDF. Perhaps you should DL the user guide and check the memory specs, then try again? You have to go there to get the BIOS file anyway.

Take a stick of the original memory with you to the place where you plan to purchase the RAM upgrade. The store can elucidate the part number and determine compatible options.

Some memory vendors (Kingston, PNY, Crucial, Mushkin, etc.) have online configurators that display compatible part numbers based on motherbard make and model.

Please look into a memory upgrade one more time.

Sorry Geishaslave, I'm working on 3 PCs right now and was a little confused.

I'm not concerned about memory for the Gateway, it's the CPU. The Gateway has a Celeron 2.8 that I'd like to replace with a Pentium4 3.06. However, according some forum posts, the Gateway BIOS only supports CPUs up to 2.8 GHz. It seems Intel added support for the faster procs in later BIOS revision.

The Gateway has P03, where as Intel BIOS show P19 for the same board. Gateway sure punked out on keeping their BIOS up to date!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, though!

Toe_Cutter · 05-18-2008, 01:40 PM

Hmm, more clues.

I went back and took a look the files that geishaslave linked to. In the extract directory are several files (AUTOEXEC.BAT, the iFlash utility, BIO files, etc.)

Perhaps the most important file on the disk is a *.BBO file. This file contains the all-important boot block for the recovery process. Most peculiar is that NONE of the BIOS of downloaded from Intel's site include a BBO file for the D845xxx boards! NONE of those BIOS updates includes the file.

So, I think I've figured out why the recovery update is failing. But I'm no better off, as I can't seem to find that crucial *.BBO file.

I have to say, that even though this is extermely frustrating, I've learned more about PC BIOS than I thought I'd learn in the last few days.

Any thoughts?

geishaslave · 05-18-2008, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toe_Cutter

Hmm, more clues.

I went back and took a look the files that geishaslave linked to. In the extract directory are several files (AUTOEXEC.BAT, the iFlash utility, BIO files, etc.)

Perhaps the most important file on the disk is a *.BBO file. This file contains the all-important boot block for the recovery process. Most peculiar is that NONE of the BIOS of downloaded from Intel's site include a BBO file for the D845xxx boards! NONE of those BIOS updates includes the file.

So, I think I've figured out why the recovery update is failing. But I'm no better off, as I can't seem to find that crucial *.BBO file.

I have to say, that even though this is extermely frustrating, I've learned more about PC BIOS than I thought I'd learn in the last few days.

Any thoughts?

Please check your PM for a more detailed procedure, plus a link to a floppy disk image that you may find useful.

geishaslave · 05-18-2008, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Potted Meat

Excellent article.

I wonder if while researching you came across information on flashing a Gateway notebook? My notebook BIOS is corrupted and I've been scouring the net as well as Gateway, Intel, Phoenix support sites but have yet been able to determine the procedure, if any, for forcing a flash.

I have a post with the details on the first page, a few entries below yours entitled "How to force flash a Gateway laptop."

Any ideas greatly appreciated!

PM

I recommend you first determine if your notebook can be set to BIOS recovery mode.

Starting with the Gateway model number, you can DL the manual and other documentation from the Gateway site.

What is the model number? I can then do some specific research for you.

Potted Meat · 05-18-2008, 10:37 PM

My notebook is a Gateway NX570X. I've looked through all the documentation I can find but there is no mention of a recovery procedure. However, after spending weeks researching and trying other options I may have made a breakthrough yesterday.

I decided to start trying various power-up key combinations and ran across one that definitely starts a separate boot sequence. With any other combo I've tried I get to just past POST (Post-POST? ;) ), when the OS should start up, then nothing. The PC isn't locked up per say as the FN keys still work along with num lock, scroll lock, etc.

Anyway, when I hold the Windows key + R then power up I get a black screen (no light at all), no BIOS activity at all, nothing but a quick power-up of the fan which quickly fades and LED lights as though the unit was on normally! This seems more likely a feature than some coincidental glitch. Does is seem like a recovery sequence based on your experience?

I've tried every which way to use a USB stick and CD to somehow initiate some kind of flash but failed at that. So today I purchased a USB floppy drive and some disks.

The first thing I noticed was that the floppy drive behaves differently within each boot scenario. The standard failed boot seems to initiate a simple drive check like I've heard a million times in my life. Using Win+R the drive groans immediately then does a sound similar to a quick read but not the same and then goes dark.

I'm stabbing in the dark, but I'm trying to create a bootable floppy that might actually flash this thing. I'm pretty certain that I'm on to something and am only a few informed steps from success.

Do you have any suggestions about the format of the disk or what DOS to try, files required by a Phoenix BIOS system, etc?

Thanks so much

PM

geishaslave · 05-20-2008, 04:47 PM

Hi Potted Meat.

Following is a procedure I used to successfully recover the BIOS on another Gateway laptop.

Assuming you can get access to another computer, please try the following to rescue the BIOS for your NX570X:

- Download the BIOS file from Gateway.com. It is an SEA called 7712.exe, about 3MB in size.

- Extract the contents of 7712.exe.

- Create an ASCII text file and save it as autoexec.bat. Copy the following command line into the .bat file then save and close it:

a:\7712.EXE 7712.bin

- Create a bootable floppy disk. From Windows 2000 or XP, use Windows Explorer, right click on the A: drive, left click on format then select create a MS DOS boot floppy.

- Copy the autoexec.bat file made above to the boot floppy. Overwrite the existing autoexec.bat file on the floppy if prompted.

- Burn a bootable CD. Use the boot floppy with the autoexec.bat file as the source for the boot image. Include the following files from extracted directory 7712 in the compilation:

7712.bin (BIOS for the Nx570X)
7712.exe (DOS flash util)

- Open the optical drive built into the NX570X.

- Insert the boot CD.

- Close the drive tray.

- Plug in the power adapter for the Gateway laptop.

- Power up the Gateway notebook.

- Allow a few minutes for the computer to flash the BIOS.

- Once complete, remove the CD then re-start.

Again, the above worked for another Gateway that had the wrong BIOS flashed to it.

Upon request I can provide you with a .iso to burn the bootable CD, including the correct BIOS file and the flash util.

OK please try then report back.

geishaslave · 05-20-2008, 07:43 PM

Hi again Potted Meat.

Sorry, the procedure above is wrong.

I found the boot CD I used to rescue a Gateway Solo 9500 from a bad flash (wrong BIOS was used).

Please try the following to rescue the BIOS for your NX570X:

- Download the BIOS file from Gateway.com. It is an SEA called 7712.exe, about 3MB in size.

- Extract the contents of 7712.exe.

- Create an ASCII text file and save it as autoexec.bat. Copy the following command line into the .bat file then save and close it:

7712.EXE

- Create a bootable floppy disk. From Windows 2000 or XP, use Windows Explorer, right click on the A: drive, left click on format then select create an MS-DOS startup disk.

- Copy the autoexec.bat file made above to the boot floppy. Overwrite the existing autoexec.bat file on the floppy if prompted.

- Copy the file C:\cabs\7712\7712.exe to the boot floppy.

* 7712.exe is the BIOS integrated with the DOS flash utility as an .exe file.

- Boot from the floppy or use it to burn a bootable CD. Use the boot floppy with the autoexec.bat file as the source for the boot image.

- Open the optical drive built into the NX570X.

- Insert the boot CD.

- Close the drive tray.

- Plug in the power adapter for the Gateway laptop.

- Power up the Gateway notebook.

- Allow a few minutes for the computer to flash the BIOS.

- Once complete, remove the CD then re-start.

The BIOS/flash file will be run by autoexec.bat, installing a good image and allowing you to boot.

Upon request I can provide you with a .iso to burn the bootable CD, including the correct BIOS file and the flash util.

One problem you may run into is not enough room on the boot floppy for file 7712.exe (not the SEA you downloaded from Gateway). You will then have to use a smaller version of DOS. Try http://www.bootdisk.com/ for more DOS boot floppy choices.

Sorry for the mix up.

**linderman** · 05-21-2008, 11:22 AM

you may also want to consider just changing the bios chip >>>> very easy to do if the chip is a socket type ????

a new bios chip can be bought on ebay for $15.00

here is another vendor too

http://www.biosman.com/extraction.html

Toe_Cutter · 05-21-2008, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geishaslave

Please check your PM for a more detailed procedure, plus a link to a floppy disk image that you may find useful.

Three cheers for geishaslave!

I just grabbed all the BIOS files you linked to and will try them tonight.

Thanks ALOT for linking those and providing the boot image. I'm not sure what I was doing wrong. I went through each step quite deliberately, ensuring that I didn't miss anything.

I'll post results here, cross your fingers everyone

geishaslave · 05-23-2008, 06:45 AM

Found the following at the Gateway support site:

http://support.gateway.com/s/PC/shar...ry_500se.shtml

Hint:
Download the 500SE BIOS before you begin.

geishaslave · 05-23-2008, 09:28 AM

Hi again PM.

Please go to the Gateway support site then use live chat with a tech.

They will tell you how to do a BIOS flash recovery on your NX570X.

You need to have the laptop's Gateway serial number. They wouldn't tell me since I did not have a NX570X SN.

02-28-2008, 04:08 PM	#1 (permalink)
geishaslave Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: California Posts: 15 OS: Microsoft Windows XP sp3	Flash Gateway BIOS with Intel Version. This is a detailed explanation of how I replaced the Gateway version of the BIOS for the motherboard from a model 500SE with the compatible later version of the Intel BIOS. First, I will describe what I did. Next, I will discuss why I did it. Last, I will mention some strategies that may be transferrable to other motherboards in similar situations. 1) Forcing the Intel BIOS to Replace the Gateway Version. The system was a Gateway model 500SE with an Intel D845PT (El Paso 2) motherboard: • BIOS version PT84510A.15A.0007.P04 • Windows XP SP2 • 384MB RAM • Pentium 4 CPU 1.7GHz • 40GB Internal EIDE hard Disk Drive (Primary CS) • DVD RW Internal IDE (Secondary Master) • Internal V90 Modem (PCI slot) Materials— • Floppy disk drive. No floppy drive? See section 3) for options. • Latest Intel D845PT BIOS version PT84510A.86A.0030.P08 http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Deta...ional&lang=eng • PDF manual for Intel D845PT ftp://download.intel.com/support/mot...BG_English.pdf • First Intel D845PT BIOS version PT84510A.86A.0012.P01 http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Deta...stems&lang=eng • One (1) 1.44MB (HD) floppy diskette. No floppy drive? See section 3) for alternatives. Method— • Download the files PT-P01.EXE, PTAP08IB.exe and PTBG_English.pdf. • Open the manual using Adobe Acrobat. • On page 38, note the location of jumper J6F2. On the 500SE motherboard, it is labeled J6H2. • Read over the instructions for recovering the BIOS starting on page 45. • Execute the PT-P01.EXE file. Press Y to extract the files. • Insert a floppy in the drive. • Next, execute the RUN.BAT file to create a bootable diskette to load the first BIOS version. • Execute the file PTAP08IB.exe to extract its contents. • Copy ALL of the extracted files to the boot disk in A. !!! Important—be sure to OVERWRITE the autoexec.bat file existing on the boot floppy !!! • Remove this floppy and save it. This is the installer for the latest Intel D845PT BIOS. • Shut down the 500SE. • Unplug the power cord, either from the PC or the outlet—whichever is easier. • Unplug every peripheral—USB, video, mouse, keyboard, printer, scanner, etc. • Remove the case left side panel on the 500SE (as you face the front panel). • Remove the J6H2 jumper. This enables BIOS recovery mode, forcing the flash. • Insert the floppy with BIOS PT84510A.86A.0012.P08 on it. • Plug in the power cord. • Turn the 500SE on. • You will notice floppy drive activity. • Upon completion of BIOS flash, the computer will make two quick beeps. • Shut down the 500SE. • Replace the J6H2 jumper. • Put the case side panel back on. • Plug everything back in. • Insert the floppy with BIOS PT84510A.86A.0030.P08 on it. • Turn the power on. • The Intel IFlash util will launch. Execute a system BIOS flash. • Once completed, remove the floppy and boot to Windows (or a regular DOS boot disk). Troubleshooting— Refer to the manual if possible (e.g. from another computer, even a Mac or mobile device that can display PDF). The system hangs during BIOS flash. The boot floppy must have 16-bit DOS system files on it. Did you unplug EVERYTHING, especially the monitor? You get a message to press F1 to resume during boot. Make sure to flash BIOS to version P08 after the recovery flash. Enter Setup, change set ESCD to Yes, press F10 then re-boot. System won’t boot after plugging everything back in. Did you put the J6H2 jumper back correctly? 2) Rationale I wanted to use the Intel version P08 BIOS instead of the Gateway P04 because the Intel version supports more CPU (for upgrade purposes), is more recent, and has more features available in Setup. In short, I felt that the Intel BIOS would enable better I/O performance and facilitate longer useful life for the computer. 3) Adaptations The above procedure will work with any situation where the motherboard can be identified, the manufacturer has a BIOS available, and the motherboard can be put in recovery mode. For example, Gigabyte motherboards have a BIOS recovery feature. Since floppy drives are not as common nowadays, bootable CD-RW/R or USB flash drives can also be used to hold the flash utility and BIOS image. Actually, BIOS flash rescue can be applied to any situation where one wants to ‘force’ a flash, like after a bad flash. In the case of certain motherboards, like the Intel D845PT, there is actually a jumper that can be set. The recovery jumper is not a requirement, however. With ANY mobo that has suffered a munged up flash, similar steps to those outlined above can be applied. First, prepare a boot floppy that includes an Autoexec.bat file with the commands to execute the DOS flash util with the target .bin or .rom file in the command line Unplug everything. Insert the floppy and power up. The boot block in the BIOS has enough code to access the floppy drive and enable autoexec.bat to run, in turn flashing the ROM and re-installing the BIOS. The important conditions here are as follows: There must be 16-bit DOS system files on the boot floppy, not 32-bit. The BIOS boot blocks cannot handle 32-bit DOS system files and so the system will hang; the boot block must not have been damaged. That is why it is advised to never choose to update the boot block, it is your savior in the event of a hosed flash. Last edited by geishaslave : 02-28-2008 at 04:17 PM.

05-15-2008, 06:24 PM	#2 (permalink)
Toe_Cutter Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 8 OS: WinXP SP2	Re: Flash Gateway BIOS with Intel Version. That is a beautiful write-up on forcing BIOS for an OEM board. Any thoughts on if this might be plausible for an earlier Gateway? I have a Gateway 310S that I've been struggling with upgrading. I've added memory, but it's not being detected and I suspect the problem has to do with the Gateway BIOS. Here's some info on the mainboard and BIOS I'm using: BIOS Type: AMI BIOS Date: June 10th 2004 BIOS ID: 63-0100-000001-00101111-061004-iBRKDL_G-RG84510A BIOS OEM: BIOS Date: 06/10/04 13:53:32 Ver: 08.00.10 - SR84511A.15A.0020.P03.0406101353 Chipset: Intel 2560 rev 1 SuperIO: Unknown Manufacturer: Gateway Motherboard: 310 2900058 The mainboard appears to be an Intel D845GVSR, but it described as "Intel Thrasher" in Gateway's Support links. Thanks in advance, any help would be appreciated.

05-17-2008, 08:29 PM	#3 (permalink)
geishaslave Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: California Posts: 15 OS: Microsoft Windows XP sp3	Re: Flash Gateway BIOS with Intel Version. Thanks for your response. Yes, the 310S can be flashed to its Intel BIOS. The D845GVSR motherboard has a BIOS recovery jumper. The information is on page 46 of the D845GVSR manual. Use the procedure described in the first post of this thread. Replace the BIOS files with the ones for the D845GVSR mobo. I have checked the Intel website and indeed version P20 of the BIOS, dated 5/4/2006, is available. Make sure to create the boot disc (USB flash drive, CD or floppy) with 16-bit DOS. Microsoft DOS v6.22 is recommended for maximum compatibility. The reason is that the BIOS boot blocks can only deal with 16-bit DOS. Check http://www.bootdisk.com for 16-bit DOS. Intel Thrasher is just a descriptor used instead of the mobo model. Like with my board, it is commonly referred to as El Paso 2. OK so I hope the above is enough to get you on track. Please don't hesitate to post back or PM me if you need more detailed replies. As for your memory problem, I do not think flashing to the Intel BIOS will help. I don't believe it is like flashing a DVD writer to add compatibility for more media. Check the speed of the RAM you are trying to install. Maybe it is too slow? The manual for your board is also available at the Intel website as a PDF. Perhaps you should DL the user guide and check the memory specs, then try again? You have to go there to get the BIOS file anyway. Take a stick of the original memory with you to the place where you plan to purchase the RAM upgrade. The store can elucidate the part number and determine compatible options. Some memory vendors (Kingston, PNY, Crucial, Mushkin, etc.) have online configurators that display compatible part numbers based on motherbard make and model. Please look into a memory upgrade one more time.

05-17-2008, 10:54 PM	#4 (permalink)
Potted Meat Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 4 OS: Linux	Re: Flash Gateway BIOS with Intel Version. Excellent article. I wonder if while researching you came across information on flashing a Gateway notebook? My notebook BIOS is corrupted and I've been scouring the net as well as Gateway, Intel, Phoenix support sites but have yet been able to determine the procedure, if any, for forcing a flash. I have a post with the details on the first page, a few entries below yours entitled "How to force flash a Gateway laptop." Any ideas greatly appreciated! PM

05-18-2008, 10:45 AM	#5 (permalink)
Toe_Cutter Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 8 OS: WinXP SP2	Re: Flash Gateway BIOS with Intel Version. Ugh. I was up pretty late last night trying to flash this board, all with no effect. What I did: 1. Downloaded the Intel Floppy Install BIOS for the D845GVSR. 2. Instead of double-clicking run.bat, I extracted SW.EXE, with provided me with the raw P07-0019.BIO file that contains the BIOS upgrade. 3. I created a DR-DOS flash disk from Bootdisk.com (Thanks for the tip, geishaslave!) 4. I then copy the full contents of the floppy image (These included the autoexec.bat, iflash.exe, etc) required to install the flash after BIOS Recovery. 5. I removed the recovery jumper, inserted floppy and booted the PC. 6. The floppy began to spin, reading the disk for a while and then stopped. 7. I waited for 5 minutes with no beep, and no further floppy access. 8. I powered down, replaced jumper, removed floppy and booted. 9. Upon boot, saw the same old Gateway splash screen. I allowed the floppy to boot and iFlash did start. It asked me for the BIO file and I pointed to the P07-0019.BIO file. It began the flash process, but failed out with an error H48: BIOS type does not match the currently installed BIOS type. To confirm that recovery is working, I created an identical disk, but this time I used the Gateway BIOS file. Recovery seemed to work, as the floppy spun for a while, then stopped for a few seconds, then began to spin again. The Intel disk DID NOT pause and then start up again. When I booted the PC, all the BIOS settings were reset, which seems to indicate that recovery worked with the Gateway file, but is ignored when using the Intel file. It seems to fail some checksum during the recovery process, similar to the results when trying the flash the BIOS using the non-recovery boot method. So, I'm wondering if this BIOS file the correct BIOS for the board? The Intel file is the exact same size as the Gateway file, right down the very last byte (but this might hold true for all BIOS files for the 845 chipset, I dunno.) So, I'm stuck. I can check through some other board types, but this one seemed to match all the information can find for the Gateway board. Share your thoughts, this is becoming difficult! Thanks!

05-18-2008, 01:40 PM	#7 (permalink)
Toe_Cutter Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 8 OS: WinXP SP2	Re: Flash Gateway BIOS with Intel Version. Hmm, more clues. I went back and took a look the files that geishaslave linked to. In the extract directory are several files (AUTOEXEC.BAT, the iFlash utility, BIO files, etc.) Perhaps the most important file on the disk is a .BBO file. This file contains the all-important boot block for the recovery process. Most peculiar is that NONE of the BIOS of downloaded from Intel's site include a BBO file for the D845xxx boards! NONE of those BIOS updates includes the file. So, I think I've figured out why the recovery update is failing. But I'm no better off, as I can't seem to find that crucial .BBO file. I have to say, that even though this is extermely frustrating, I've learned more about PC BIOS than I thought I'd learn in the last few days. Any thoughts?

05-18-2008, 10:37 PM	#10 (permalink)
Potted Meat Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 4 OS: Linux	Re: Flash Gateway BIOS with Intel Version. My notebook is a Gateway NX570X. I've looked through all the documentation I can find but there is no mention of a recovery procedure. However, after spending weeks researching and trying other options I may have made a breakthrough yesterday. I decided to start trying various power-up key combinations and ran across one that definitely starts a separate boot sequence. With any other combo I've tried I get to just past POST (Post-POST? ;) ), when the OS should start up, then nothing. The PC isn't locked up per say as the FN keys still work along with num lock, scroll lock, etc. Anyway, when I hold the Windows key + R then power up I get a black screen (no light at all), no BIOS activity at all, nothing but a quick power-up of the fan which quickly fades and LED lights as though the unit was on normally! This seems more likely a feature than some coincidental glitch. Does is seem like a recovery sequence based on your experience? I've tried every which way to use a USB stick and CD to somehow initiate some kind of flash but failed at that. So today I purchased a USB floppy drive and some disks. The first thing I noticed was that the floppy drive behaves differently within each boot scenario. The standard failed boot seems to initiate a simple drive check like I've heard a million times in my life. Using Win+R the drive groans immediately then does a sound similar to a quick read but not the same and then goes dark. I'm stabbing in the dark, but I'm trying to create a bootable floppy that might actually flash this thing. I'm pretty certain that I'm on to something and am only a few informed steps from success. Do you have any suggestions about the format of the disk or what DOS to try, files required by a Phoenix BIOS system, etc? Thanks so much PM

05-20-2008, 04:47 PM	#11 (permalink)
geishaslave Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: California Posts: 15 OS: Microsoft Windows XP sp3	Re: Flash Gateway BIOS with Intel Version. Hi Potted Meat. Following is a procedure I used to successfully recover the BIOS on another Gateway laptop. Assuming you can get access to another computer, please try the following to rescue the BIOS for your NX570X: - Download the BIOS file from Gateway.com. It is an SEA called 7712.exe, about 3MB in size. - Extract the contents of 7712.exe. - Create an ASCII text file and save it as autoexec.bat. Copy the following command line into the .bat file then save and close it: a:\7712.EXE 7712.bin - Create a bootable floppy disk. From Windows 2000 or XP, use Windows Explorer, right click on the A: drive, left click on format then select create a MS DOS boot floppy. - Copy the autoexec.bat file made above to the boot floppy. Overwrite the existing autoexec.bat file on the floppy if prompted. - Burn a bootable CD. Use the boot floppy with the autoexec.bat file as the source for the boot image. Include the following files from extracted directory 7712 in the compilation: 7712.bin (BIOS for the Nx570X) 7712.exe (DOS flash util) - Open the optical drive built into the NX570X. - Insert the boot CD. - Close the drive tray. - Plug in the power adapter for the Gateway laptop. - Power up the Gateway notebook. - Allow a few minutes for the computer to flash the BIOS. - Once complete, remove the CD then re-start. Again, the above worked for another Gateway that had the wrong BIOS flashed to it. Upon request I can provide you with a .iso to burn the bootable CD, including the correct BIOS file and the flash util. OK please try then report back.

05-20-2008, 07:43 PM	#12 (permalink)
geishaslave Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: California Posts: 15 OS: Microsoft Windows XP sp3	Re: Recover Bad BIOS Flash Gateway Solo 9500. Hi again Potted Meat. Sorry, the procedure above is wrong. I found the boot CD I used to rescue a Gateway Solo 9500 from a bad flash (wrong BIOS was used). Please try the following to rescue the BIOS for your NX570X: - Download the BIOS file from Gateway.com. It is an SEA called 7712.exe, about 3MB in size. - Extract the contents of 7712.exe. - Create an ASCII text file and save it as autoexec.bat. Copy the following command line into the .bat file then save and close it: 7712.EXE - Create a bootable floppy disk. From Windows 2000 or XP, use Windows Explorer, right click on the A: drive, left click on format then select create an MS-DOS startup disk. - Copy the autoexec.bat file made above to the boot floppy. Overwrite the existing autoexec.bat file on the floppy if prompted. - Copy the file C:\cabs\7712\7712.exe to the boot floppy. * 7712.exe is the BIOS integrated with the DOS flash utility as an .exe file. - Boot from the floppy or use it to burn a bootable CD. Use the boot floppy with the autoexec.bat file as the source for the boot image. - Open the optical drive built into the NX570X. - Insert the boot CD. - Close the drive tray. - Plug in the power adapter for the Gateway laptop. - Power up the Gateway notebook. - Allow a few minutes for the computer to flash the BIOS. - Once complete, remove the CD then re-start. The BIOS/flash file will be run by autoexec.bat, installing a good image and allowing you to boot. Upon request I can provide you with a .iso to burn the bootable CD, including the correct BIOS file and the flash util. One problem you may run into is not enough room on the boot floppy for file 7712.exe (not the SEA you downloaded from Gateway). You will then have to use a smaller version of DOS. Try http://www.bootdisk.com/ for more DOS boot floppy choices. Sorry for the mix up.

05-21-2008, 11:22 AM	#13 (permalink)
linderman Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 12,904 OS: win 2000 pro / Win XP pro My System	Re: Flash Gateway BIOS with Intel Version. you may also want to consider just changing the bios chip >>>> very easy to do if the chip is a socket type ???? a new bios chip can be bought on ebay for $15.00 here is another vendor too http://www.biosman.com/extraction.html __________________ Why would YOU try to power a $300.00 video card with a $70.00 power supply ? Do YOU enjoy trouble shooting ?

05-23-2008, 06:45 AM	#15 (permalink)
geishaslave Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: California Posts: 15 OS: Microsoft Windows XP sp3	Update: BIOS Flash Recovery for Gateway 500 SE Found the following at the Gateway support site: http://support.gateway.com/s/PC/shar...ry_500se.shtml Hint: Download the 500SE BIOS before you begin.

05-23-2008, 09:28 AM	#16 (permalink)
geishaslave Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: California Posts: 15 OS: Microsoft Windows XP sp3	Re: Flash Gateway BIOS with Intel Version. Hi again PM. Please go to the Gateway support site then use live chat with a tech. They will tell you how to do a BIOS flash recovery on your NX570X. You need to have the laptop's Gateway serial number. They wouldn't tell me since I did not have a NX570X SN.