BIOS flash causing problems?

[Cobra]

Hi,

One of my friends just got a new PC. It was working fine when he got it, but he de-installed Windows and refreshed it (several times - but he did full format the hard drive each time). He also put a copy of XP Pro on, before reverting back to his own copy of Home. He has flashed the BIOS and altered settings in there.

Now, even after a full format and re-install, a fresh copy of Windows will error randomly, with applications crashing and presenting that error reporting box. This occurs a lot. All the hardware checks out fine, CPU tops out at 50 deg C and motherboard at 36 deg C. If, from a full format, Windows itself is unstable, the only thing left is BIOS.

Asus have a big warning on their BIOS flashers saying it could make problems worse, and never to flash if there isn't a problem.

His board is an Asus A7V8X-X.

Is there any way to get back to the original BIOS and settings? If not, has he written off a split new PC?

Thanks very much in advance!

CobraDMX

[redwudz]

After he flashed the BIOS, did he reset it through the jumper? Look in the MB manual. There should be a small jumper by the BIOS chip. You need to unplug the computer and change this to the reset position for a few seconds to clear the BIOS settings, then return it to the normal position. This will reset all of the BIOS settings to default.

If this doesn't help, you can flash the BIOS again. Just make absolutley sure you are using the right version and you exactly follow the directions. BIOS flashing isn't that risky if you follow directions and take your time.

If all this doesn't help, you might have other problems. Make sure the memory modules are seated and all the cables are plugged in properly.

[Cobra]

Redwudz,

Are you watching me? For the last while every time I've posted, you've been first to help out! Thanks - but let me return the favour and ask a few really easy questions that I can actually answer!

All the hardware is working perfectly - before he got it, it was all set up and working fine. I know - I set it up! It was when he messed around with it that things started to go wrong.

Resetting the BIOS using the jumper won't clear the flash will it? I thought the flash was permanent. If we can easily reset his BIOS then that's good. Just don't want the situation to go from bad to worse.

Anyway, got an exam in a few hours so I'd best get some last-minute revision done.

Thanks again, Redwudz.

CobraDMX

[fmctm1sw]

The flash was probably OK if the computer will boot up. Look for an interrupt conflict or something.....

[redwudz]

Not watching, but probably spending more time here than I should. Reseting the BIOS just sets everything back to default, including the clock, won't bother the BIOS programming. Looks like the easy way to reset it is to unplug the power, and the MB power cable and remove the BIOS battery for a few seconds. Put it back in, plug the cables back and try it again.
As fmctm1sw said, the BIOS was probably OK, they usually work or the machine won't boot. But you do need to check that you have the correct version installed. If all of this fails and you are really convinced the BIOS is the problem, go back to the version that came with the board.
It could be an IRQ problem, but usually XP and the BIOS take care of conflicts. You could check your Device Manager to see if any conflicts are shown.

[Cobra]

Hi,

He managed to fix it. He had poked about with the memory settings after the flash, and done something nasty. He set the whole lot back to "AUTO" and it all works fine now.

Thanks for the help!

CobraDMX

[redwudz]

I've done that myself, trying to set the memory faster than the board allowed. I had to use the 'pull the BIOS battery' method more than once before I learned to leave things I didn't understand alone. Glad it works again.