GWFlash.exe???

[danteundefined]

Basically, I'm just curious about a process that is running on my XP Machine. When everything is done loading on start up, this process (GWFlash.exe) appears and runs for minutes, takes up all my resources too. All my searching has led me to believe that it has something to do with a BIOS update. It doesn't make since to me. Anyway, thanks for any information.

[Roundabout]

Yes, that's a program to update your BIOS in your Gateway PC. To stop it from running, click on the Start button on the bottom left of your screen, and click on Run...
When that window appears, type "msconfig" (without quotes) and check your startup items as shown below, find the gwflash and uncheck it. Reboot your machine. See if that stops it from running.

[danteundefined]

Yes, but I don't have a gateway, I have a custom built computer which I assembled myself. I know I can keep it from starting through msconfig, but I would like to know how it got on there, since it's a gateway program. The OS is Windows XP PRO, right out of the box. One other thing that I should mention is that this computer is never connected to the internet, so I don't update XP or virus defs. I only use this computer for games and burning DVDs. I always scan everything I install with my laptop, which is kept up to date. Thanks for the response!

[Roundabout]

Well, I can't tell you how it got on there, but you can certainly remove it so it won't run anymore. Make sure it's not in add/remove programs, and do a search on your HDD for the .exe file and delete it (and if it's in a program files folder, note which folder it's in and see if there's an uninstall routine with any program it may be associated with).

Maybe that particular BIOS is used by more than one mobo mfgr. - if you built the PC yourself, what brand of mobo are you using? Obviously, this didn't come from the XP disc. It may have come from the driver disc you used to install the mobo (if you used a new mobo, that is, and not a recycled one from a Gateway PC). Did you get a driver disc with your new mobo? Take a look at it and see what installs when you run it, or what you may have installed when you built the PC.

That's my best guess at this point.

P.S. One other possibility is that it isn't even the Gateway BIOS update exe, but something else entirely that has nothing to do with Gateway, but just happened to have the same name. Happens sometimes.

[stiltman]

Do you have a Gainward video card in the computer?

Just in case you do

EXPERBIOSTM

Gainward ExpertBIOS is an update and recovery utility that allow users to update BIOS and restore the data easily. For data update, Gainward GWFlash allows user to re-flash his BIOS in Windows’ System rather than DOS, to make the user enjoy much easier, more familiar, and user-friendly environment by reflashing his BIOS. Unlike other rivals’ design, users ONLY are able to flash the data under DOS environment. For Data backup, some of Gainward VGA Cards are featured with dual-BIOS, to secure your data from sudden lost or damage.

[parsonsj]

Ihave seen other references to this file

"Gainward GWFlash allows user to re-flash his BIOS "

Also from Gigabyte

It may be a generic Flash Program that many Manufacturers use

[danteundefined]

This is all great stuff... I'm sure it's not a gateway motherboard, it's a DFI, and the video card is a GeForce 4. I have an Audigy LS sound card. I still think it might have something tot do with updates that have not been run. I will end the process in msconfig. I'm bet everything will be fine, but I'll post the results for the sake of being thorough. I was just interested if anyone knew anything about the program. Thanks to all who replied.