updating bios 1

[atlantisburn]

As recomended I updated bios via MSI live update 3. Then system would not boot. I since reformatted, reinstalled w2k advanced server. On MSI's site I looked For "AWARD" bios for motherboard MS K7T266 Pro2 ver and find only "AMI".
When e-mailing MSI tech support I get A reply the I need to talk to the maker of MoBo and OEM. I bought board through Pricewatch and assume mb is a MSI mb with no OEM. The bios chip has Phoenix marked on it which I assume that they are the chip maker and Award is the software.
Where would I find updates?
Is AMI at all compatable with award?
and anything else you may add.
tx

 

[kmcferrin]

Phoenix, AMI, and Award all three are software companies that write BIOS software for PCs. Each model mainboard has a diffferent BIOS from all other mainboards. Mainboard manufacturers only contract out with a single company to produce the BIOS for a mainboard. If you flash your mainboard with an incorrect BIOS (incorrect meaning it is for a different model mainboard, though using a different manufacturer's would also be incorrect) then you will wind up with a mainboard that is unusable. The next step is typically to get a replacement BIOS chip from the mainboard manufacturer or to buy a new mainboard.

Upgrading the BIOS is not generally recommended unless it is to solve a specific problem and the new BIOS is known to correct it. To update the BIOS you will need to go to the web site for the company that manufactured your PC (in the cases where it is a big-name OEM like, Dell, HP, Gateway, etc) or the company that manufactured your mainboard (in the cases where you've built your own PC or bought it from a small integrator).

You will need to know the exact make and model of your mainboard, as well as the version number of the BIOS that is currently installed on your PC.

Also, after flashing your BIOS it is generally recommend to go into the CMOS setup and load the BIOS defaults. This should reset all of the values to their factory default. I suspect that was probably the reason that your system wasn't booting to begin with.

 

[paparazi]

atlantisburn
I also only see AMI bios for the K7T266 Pro2 on the MSI website

BUT NOTE* the very similarly named K7T Pro2 has the differant Award bios (are you sure you are reading the motherboard type and revision number exactly?)

This was a popular motherboard and many differant versions were produced see the archive page for the EXACT model!

http://www.msi.com.tw/program/support/download/dld/spt_dld_list.php?kind=1&CHIP=17&NAME=Archives

Martin




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[atlantisburn]

kmcferrin: If you flash your mainboard with an incorrect BIOS (incorrect meaning it is for a different model mainboard, though using a different manufacturer's would also be incorrect) then you will wind up with a mainboard that is unusable. The next step is typically to get a replacement BIOS chip from the mainboard manufacturer or to buy a new mainboard.
What about using BIOS Recovery Feature? Assuming I can find which one to use. Can you not just keep overwriting the BIO's.?

kmcferrin: This should reset all of the values to their factory default.
I've loaded fail safe and optmized as well as reset the jumper on battery.

kmcferrin: Small integrator?
Sorry not sure what that means.

I recieved VIA chipset drivers software with the board but there doesn't seem to be any name attached other than MSI.

Why would Phoenix be stamped on the chip but when I boot up Bios claim to be AWARD 6.00? and still my system run a little buggy but somewhat OK but.

If I run MSI update, that is when I get booting problems, I did find that if I deleted integrated sound and use PCI sound card system would atleast boot into safe mode.
Last reinstall I ran drivers from included software and I am using intergrated sound and system to be ok with exception of BSOD memory dumps when I try to click on Ebay's site.
Sorry so long winded but still learning.
Thanks kmcferrin.

 

[micker377]

Download the program called "Everest Home". Run it and it will tell you exactly what BIOS you have.

 

[atlantisburn]

micker377 Thank you for prog info. Home Everset gives me this info: Motherboard Name MSI K7T266 Pro (MS-6380) / MS-6380LE (5 PCI, 1 AGP, 1 CNR, 3 DIMM, Audio)but my mobo is clearly marked "Pro 2". Go figure.


Am I getting by this date "System BIOS Date 01/16/02" that the bios have never been flashed?

MS K7T266 Pro2 ver "3" is what I meant to type. I can't seem to find anything on Ver 3. Everything is 3.6 or 3.7 ect. And still these are AMI.

Thanks All.

 

[kmcferrin]

Regarding the BIOS recovery feature, I have not used it and it is not available on all mainboards. I know that some boards ship with two BIOS chips so that it can fail over in case you render one of them unusable. I assume that would be possible in this case.

Typically you save a copy of the original BIOS before updating to the new version, but if your system is completely hosed by having the wrong BIOS then you may not even get to the point where you can load the old BIOS again.

A small integrator is just your local PC shop that builds PCs from commonly available components and resells them as their own brand.

I also got a little clarification on the Phoenix/Award issue. It appears that Phoenix and Award have either merged or partnered recently. I was building a new PC for my in-laws last night and noticed that the POST screen indicated that it was a Phoenix - Award BIOS. The POST screen looked like the old Award BIOS, but when you enetered the CMOS setup it looked like the old Phoenix BIOS. Sorry for the confusion there.