830CF motherboard

[Highlander]

About a month ago, I tried to flash my bios to the latest version using teh Jetway bios flash utility (windows based) The file size was too small (161kb instead of 250 i think) which wrote to the bios on the second attempt, however it stated the file size was too small. I then re-flashed the bios with my original file and the machine crashed 1/2 way through on the reeboot, it won;t boot, just get a No-Dram post beep.
Have now brought a new motherboard (Gigabyte GA7ZMMH) and want to ressurect my old board. Can't hot swap as the new board has fixed bios + a different bios type.
Will my old chip have the boot-lock system, and if so can I just download the utility and try to re-flash.
If yes, where can I get the utility? Does anyone know what bios type is used in this board (it may be Phoenix as I think I saw a label somewhere on the board.)
Thanx

[NickS]

Did you read the FAQ #9 on the main www.wimsbios.com site ?
Does the system look at the diskette when it starts up ?
Do you have an ISA video card you can put in ?
Do you have an ISA FDD controller or multi-I/O card you can put in ?

You could look at www.jetway.com.tw for both the utility and the BIOS. It appears to be Award. Look under downloads/old motherboards/bios or try
http://www.jetway.com.tw/evisn/download ... ndex-2.htm

[Highlander]

I don't think it scans the floppy when it boots - I can't remember tho, was so long ago.
Have read FAQ #9
have no ISA cards (no ISA slots on my mobo either)
doesn't look astho there is muh hope! My brother reckons the bios half runs - scans processor, then gets half way through RAM then runs out of program.

[NickS]

I would hook up a diskette drive and see if the BIOS looks at it. If not you could get someone to flash your BIOS chip for you - either by "hot swap" in their machine or by using a programmer. Where are you based ?

[Highlander]

I think the flash is the only option. It'll be a bugger to swap my processor etc... over to test it again. Don;t wanna end up wasting more of my kit!
I'm based in Cornwall, UK do you know of anyone who could/would flash my chip for me? Would pay between 5-10 quid if I needed to!

[NickS]

I'd be happy to try - I'll email you.

[Highlander]

Cheers mate, I'll stick it int he post 2nite.

[NickS]

Received this morning..I'll try to do it today.

[Highlander]

Hows the chip looking, has it flashed ok??

[NickS]

It went like this:
"Errmm - I didn't realise it would be a PLCC. No problem, I'll get a socket from Maplin's and wire up an adapter."

In Maplin's:
"You don't sell PLCC sockets any more?"

So I spoke to my brother in Paignton last night - he has access to a Dataman 48 which will program almost anything. I'll send it on to him at my expense - stupid of me not to check first. I hope a couple more days delay isn't a problem ?

[Highlander]

Not at all cheers mate!

[Highlander]

Hi, any news on the bloody bios chip?? That motherboard has caused me and so many others (local computer repair companies) so much bloody trouble! Maybe it should be locked away where it can't cost anyone any more money!

[NickS]

My brother programmed it and put it in the post yesterday, according to his email. You'll probably see it tomorrow, as I expect mail from Paignton to somewhere in Cornwall goes via Leeds and the train didn't stop there because it was running late - you know how it goes....

[Highlander]

Thanks to you and your brother!! I'll buy you both a drink if i'm up that way!
What program did he put on the chip, is it the 830CF bios program?? Just asking in case I need to do anything else apart from shove it in my motherboard, and buy a processor.
Thanks again.

[NickS]

He used 830CHA09.BIN 256Kbyte for 830CF/CH. Allegedly.

Pint of scrumpy will do nicely. Just take the dead rat out before serving. The best I can do in pubs round here is Symonds' Scrumpy Jack, and not even that most places. "We've got Strongbow" " or Woodpecker."