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How do I add my BIOS files

Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2011 4:51 am
by Artman
I have a foxconn Motherboard & they only update the bios via DOS. Anyhow I downloaded the UBCD cause I also need it for other purposes.
So how do I add my BIOS update files so that I can boot from the UBCD & execute my Bios update?
I was able to open the image file but didn't know where to put the files. Moreover, I dont know if I have to modify any existing file on the UBCD.
My BIOS files are:
AWDFLASH.EXE
AUTOEXEC.BAT
8CBF1G26.BIN "which is the main bios update file"

On the Foxconn site they state:
1 Boot from the CD
2 When you get the A:\ prompt, please type as the following sequence:
3 A:\ dir <Enter>
4 A:\> AWDFLASH 8CBF1G26.BIN/py/sn/cc/cd/cp/wb <Enter>
Can you PLS tell me what to do so that I can update my bios. Maybe, in my case I'll have to type something other than A
All help is appreciated THX

Re: How do I add my BIOS files

Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2011 9:43 am
by ady
My first question, intuitively, would be, why not to follow the exact instructions at Foxconn website? If you could burn and run a rewritable optical media with UBCD, then you could do exactly the same with the instructions there. Don't you?

Anyway, one place to put your files would be the custom folder of UBCD. It is not so important. You could also make a new directory specially for those files.

I do not recommend putting the files at the root directory, but you should put them, all of them, together in the same "custom" directory.

If you are unsure, or you haven't done any BIOS update before, I would recommend following the instructions at Foxconn website. More important, DO NOT SHUT DOWN THE SYSTEM while upgrading the BIOS. Once you start the process of writing the flash BIOS, you should follow the instructions, and after that, when the bios flash program prompts you to, RESTART the system; but do not completely shut down / power off.

If the process of flashing the BIOS is not complete, or you shut down your system instead of restarting (and by that I mean, only when the flash program terminates completely and says it is ok to restart), you may finish destroying your computer.

In any case, the flash program probably has the option to run a TUI or a GUI, instead of a command-line.

Now, all my previous paragraphs are general instructions. The specific "A:" won't be "accurate" if you use UBCD. But you wrote some things in such a way that makes me think that something is not right.
1 Boot from the CD
2 When you get the A:\ prompt, please type as the following sequence:
The drive letter "A:" is usually a floppy drive, not an optical drive. So why the instructions would point to "A:" if they are stating to boot from a CD-ROM drive?

Also, a floppy would be writable, while any optical drive, in this context, wouldn't. Maybe the command-line includes the parameter to write a copy of the current BIOS? If so, then the program, using that parameter, will fail when running it from any optical media.

If you have a floppy drive, then the instructions are much simple, but you didn't describe your system.

If you can provide details about your system (floppy? model? specific motherboard?) and a link to the Foxconn original instructions, maybe we can help you further and better for your specific case.

Re: How do I add my BIOS files

Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2011 12:51 pm
by Icecube
ady wrote:The drive letter "A:" is usually a floppy drive, not an optical drive. So why the instructions would point to "A:" if they are stating to boot from a CD-ROM drive?
The bootable ISO, Foxconn provides, is probably a ISO with floppy emulation and not a no-emulation ISO, like UBCD, Linux and Windows based ISOs.

Re: How do I add my BIOS files

Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2011 1:03 am
by Artman
WOW Ady & I thought that I am the only one that makes long posts; Seriously man thanks a lot.

To answer some of your questions:
I cant boot from a floppy cause I don't have one. It's like a collecter's item these days.
There 2nd option booting from a CD using Flash CD; I can not get the Flash CD cause I dont have any means of paying for it "the site only accepts paypal not Credit Cards & Paypal is not supported in my country". Not to mention that I need the UBCD to use the Secure Erase feature on it for my SSD & other things. Below you shall find a link of how to flash a foxconn motherboard:
http://www.foxconnsupport.com/faq.aspx?faqid=F000000066
My system is:
Case: Thermaltake Element V, PSU: XFX 850W Black Edition, CPU: Intel I7 950, Rams: Corsair DDR3 3X2GB Triple channel 1600, GPU: Gigabyte GTX470 model GV-N470SO-13I, HDD: SSD OCZ Vertex2 90GB "Booting drive", Motherboard: Foxconn FlamiingBlade GTI, Media: HP DVD-RW
I need the bios update cause my system wont boot on the GTX470 & the Foxconn support told me to update the bios. In all honesty, I've found using the UBCD is too complicated for me cause I'm not into DOS, I'm a Hardware kinda guy :). Yet, I still need the UBCD for the Secure Erase on my SSD.

I've found a booting CD image at http://www.allbootdisks.com/download/iso.html & I've downloaded the DOS6.22 bootdisk ISO "with floppy emulation just like Iceblade said" then added the BIOS files. Extracted & Burned it to a mini-DVD. Do you think it will work this way?
I wil be booting from the Mini-DVD & then I'll enter the following commands:

1-A:\ dir <Enter>
2-A:\> AWDFLASH 8CBF1G26.BIN/py/sn/cc/cd/cp/wb <Enter>

PS The commands py/sn/cc/cd/cp/wb mean things like program Flash memory etc.., but there is no command to backup the original BIOS

PLS note that I am only asking for your professional opinion & surely I will not hold you liable in any case :)
I just need some help THX guys

Re: How do I add my BIOS files

Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2011 4:43 am
by ady
I thought that I am the only one that makes long posts
Although verbosity might be a problem, I can't really know how much you know about the subject. For a middle/experienced user, it is verbosity. For a newbie, he needs every single detail possible. I'm not writing "just" for you, but also for others that might be searching for similar posts/questions/situations (and also in hope that you and others report back their results so the topic turns to be useful for everyone).

BIOS flashing could leave a computer unusable, so I choose to add details.
I can not get the Flash CD cause I don’t have any means of paying for it
Who/what site is requesting money/donation?

Anyway, as I mentioned before, you should always try to use a writable boot method to flash your BIOS, so you can back up your old BIOS before writing the new one, and to save any error logs. Alternatively, you can first save the old BIOS, and then use another method to write the new one or any possible combination (like booting from CD while a UFD is already plugged in).

So, no floppy. Maybe using a USB Flash Drive (UFD) method?

You don't need to follow the exact procedure posted at http://www.foxconnsupport.com/faq.aspx?faqid=F000000065 . I mean that if you can make a UFD bootable into FreeDOS using any other method, this would be equivalent and you could run AWDFLASH from the UFD.

You could also use UBCD to boot, but the UFD to run the flash program, so you could save there the old BIOS. The key here is to select the correct boot order, and to plug in the UFD before booting, and to use the USB port on the back of your system which is directly connected to your motherboard (no front USB port, for example). There are some issues to make DOS to correctly recognize UFD.

So, IMHO, it would be even simpler if you boot from the UFD and run the flash program in interactive mode. But if you boot from UFD using the automatic BIOS program ( INSTEAD of booting to DOS and running AWDFLASH ) of your mobo, in my experience is the most simple way to both backup and update/upgrade the BIOS. Not every mobo has this automatic function, but your model is recent, so I'm guessing it has this possibility included. 8) :!:
My system is:
FlamiingBlade GTI
Foxconn support told me to update the bios.
I'm guessing you meant "FlamingBlade GTI" at http://www.foxconnchannel.com/product/M ... -us0000458

Please confirm if that is your exact motherboard.

The reason I ask is that there are several BIOS updates there for that mobo model, but none corresponds to the one you have (8CBF1G26.BIN).

Since you were told to run AWDFLASH as command-line (CLI) instead of TUI (text user interface) or GUI (graphical user interface), and you are not thinking of saving the "old" (still current) BIOS version, I'm just trying to advice: you should be completely confident and absolutely sure that the specific BIN file you got, contains the most adequate BIOS version for your system.
...DOS6.22 bootdisk ISO "with floppy emulation just like Iceblade said" then added the BIOS files. Extracted & Burned it to a mini-DVD. Do you think it will work this way?...
I have no idea. It probably could work, but actually I have no way to tell you if it will. I usually don't need "extra" downloads to write a new BIOS version, besides the BIN file. Whenever I can, I use the automatic BIOS update program build in the BIOS itself. As I mentioned, this is the usual situation for recent motherboards with Award BIOS like yours.

Only when I need (older mobos), I make an UFD bootable from Windows itself (the method depends on the specific Windows version) or, alternatively, I use FreeDOS. Only in this case I also use the flash program and the BIN file.

I should mention that there is one additional possibility. If your mobo is currently working with a stable Windows OS, Foxconn has a Windows-based program that can backup and also update the BIOS. I personally do not recommend this method, but you may want to know that it does exist.
The commands py/sn/cc/cd/cp/wb mean things like program Flash memory etc.., but there is no command to backup the original BIOS.
Let's summarize the situation. Actually there *IS* a command to backup the old BIOS. In addition, you are not using the official latest BIOS version. You are also not comfortable with CLI. You are not sure if the system will boot correctly with your mini DVD, and you are running the flash program with command-line parameters while you don't know exactly what those parameters are for.

In this situation, I wouldn't recommend making the BIOS update.

Let's clarify the above "sum up".

The following switches are available (I'm using/quoting several different sources):

/? -> HELP; will give you at least the available program switches;
/py -> reProgram the flash memory with the contents of bios_file without asking for confirmations (here P means Program, Y means Yes);
/sn -> do not save the old BIOS (Save=No);
/f -> do not check if the BIOS in the bios_file file is intended for this particular motherboard and if this is a BIOS file at all (Force reprogramming);
/r -> Reboot the computer after flashing is complete (Reboot);
/cd -> Clear DMI data;
/cp -> Clear PNP data;
/cc -> Automatically Clears the CMOS (the chip where the BIOS "resides").
/WB -> Updates the BIOS Boot Block. This switch is not really needed since the BIOS Boot Block should get updated with the flashing of the BIOS.

/SY -> Backup original BIOS to disk. If you run the command with the "/?" parameter (without the double quotes), you should see how specifically you should run the command in such a way that it saves the old BIOS. Running the flash program in interactive mode also will let you save a backup before upgrading.

It is possible that your specific AWDFLASH has other parameters for those functions, and most certainly it has some additional parameters as well. The solution: use first the "/?" parameter, and use only the parameters you really need/want, or run the program without parameters, where the flash program itself just asks you the relevant questions.

My humble recommendation, if you can't run the build-in update program included in your current BIOS, would be to run the program with "/?", and then re-run it with no parameters at all, answering the questions, saving the previous BIOS version in a new different (and easy to recognize) file and then selecting the relevant BIN file. BTW, the BIOS file names should be less than 8 characters long, and should have the BIN extension ( 12345678.bin , 8CBF1old.bin , or something similar according to the current BIOS version).

In any case, using any method, after flashing, and when the program says it is ok to restart (might give you the option to press some keyboard key to do it), you should restart the system and enter into the BIOS immediately on the first reboot.

Once inside the BIOS, check the new version, clear the data, save and reboot again into the BIOS, set the settings/options as you want/need, and only *then* reboot into your OS.
In all honesty, I've found using the UBCD is too complicated for me cause I'm not into DOS, I'm a Hardware kinda guy.
If you are not into DOS (or command-line interfaces in general), and you want to run some hardware related program, then indeed the most simple user-friendly and still powerful way to run them is UBCD.
Yet, I still need the UBCD for the Secure Erase on my SSD.
Are you sure? You need to double check that the specific SSD model is compatible with Secure Erase. In theory, HDDErase (the most popular program that runs Secure Erase) should let you run the commands ONLY if your drive is compatible. In practice, there are reports of problems (which may or may not be related to the program itself).

There are other possibilities to erase SSD's. Usually the manufacturers have their own diagnostic/several other tools, and they include a simple erase function (even when the primary goal of the tool is not to erase).

Have you check at the "SSD OCZ Vertex2 90GB" website?

You should know that in general you don't need to erase any HDD/SDD, unless you are doing cloning, imaging or data recovery, or when you want to give/sell it. And even in those cases, for common general users, a "zero-fill" wipe is enough, whichever wipe-like program you use.

Sure!, Secure Erase may be faster for HDD, it is included in the diagnostic tools of each manufacturer, and it wipes out "more" sectors than other methods. But you are not using a simple HDD, but a SSD. So you don't need to worry about speed differences between different programs, and if you are going to keep the drive, then *any* wipe tool is more than enough.

In addition, wiping/writing a SDD (or any flash type storage media) shortens the lifespan of that media.

Finally, to get back to the BIOS update issue. If you want to answer this long :) post to clarify the situation, we all can benefit. If anything I wrote is not clear enough or you need further instructions, just let me/us know. In any case, it might be useful for all/others to read your feedback.

Re: How do I add my BIOS files

Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2011 12:59 am
by Artman
In all honesty ady I'm OFFICIALLY lost :)
I meant that I can not download the FlashCD.zip "http://www.bootdisk.com/plan10/flashcd.zip" that foxconn recommended me to download cause they want 4USD for it & they only accept paypall for it "http://www.foxconnsupport.com/faq.aspx?faqid=F000000065". Since paypall is not supported in my country I don't have the option to download it.

Moreover, I have tried to add my bios update files that were sent to me by foxconn but I didnt know in which folder to put them. Besides, when I added them I didn't not know how to navigate in the UBCD with my BIOS files on it & what to do to excute the files "i.e. bios update". A step by step is highly appreciated :)
Another option I have is:
I've found a booting CD image at http://www.allbootdisks.com/download/iso.html & I've downloaded the DOS6.22 bootdisk ISO "with floppy emulation just like Icecube said" then added the BIOS files to the ISO image. Extracted & Burned it to a mini-DVD. Do you think it will work this way?
Foxconn BIOS update instructions are at:
http://www.foxconnsupport.com/faq.aspx?faqid=F000000066
http://www.foxconnsupport.com/faq.aspx?faqid=F000000065

Re: How do I add my BIOS files

Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2011 3:54 am
by ady
Artman wrote:In all honesty ady I'm OFFICIALLY lost :)
Well, in part is my verbosity, and in part is all those items/issues/problems - too many to resolve in the same topic - while they are not necessary related to each other.

I was trying to avoid big problems, specially for other (future) users reading this topic that could try to do something that could actually do more bad than good.

Of course, giving the RELEVANT info from the beginning always helps, like the exact mobo, current BIOS and the relevant links (for the BIOS issue). :wink:

I'll concentrate in "how to add BIOS files to UBCD", while all the flashing/videocard/booting/UFD/CLIparameters/secureErase... will be eventually answered in some OTHER topicS.

Have you read the "Customize" page? http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/customize.html

I'm going to use the same "ubcd-extracted" folder mentioned there, and all be done under the "C:" partition. Adequate yourself according to your actual situation.

Do not edit the iso image directly. You need to expand the ubcd.iso. Go to the expanded UBCD folder, create a new subfolder, say "bios", so it results into:

Code: Select all

c:\ubcd-extracted\bios\
Now expand the contents of the zip you received from foxconn. Do not add the zip itself completely. Since you say you have difficulties moving around UBCD, just copy all the BIOS files to the above mentioned "c:\ubcd-extracted\bios\" folder (not zipped, not gzipped, not as cab - just plain simple files; all of them).

Now go to:

Code: Select all

c:\ubcd-extracted\ubcd\tools\win32\ubcd2iso\
open a command prompt there (meaning, the prompt should look something like "c:\ubcd-extracted\ubcd\tools\win32\ubcd2iso>" ) and run:

Code: Select all

ubcd2iso c:\ubcd-extracted c:\ubcd503-custom.iso 
Close the prompt when the above command has finished (and you know it has finished when the complete prompt appears again, so be patient and do not close the DOS box window until it has really finished).

Open the root folder of the "C:" drive in Windows Explorer and you should see the new file "ubcd503-custom.iso".

Burn that iso image (do not just simply copy the file to a cd).

I would recommend burning it to a CD-RW or CD+RW, instead a miniDVD or any DVD or CD-R or CD+R.

By doing that, if anything is less than perfect, you can rewrite the CD. It is not that you can't use those other optical medias, but a DVD may have more problems to be recognized in certain situations. I'm not saying this is always the case, but I'm trying to be on the safe-side.

Booting with this new customized ubcd 5.0.3 cd, select the UBCD DOS option from the boot menu, and then start the prompt if you are not there yet, and then start Volcov Commander (VC at the dos prompt). You don't really need to use this VC if you know about DOS commands :( .

Using volcov, find the exact path where the new "bios" folder is (the one you created). Write down the correct drive and path to that "bios" folder.

While you are there in the correct "bios" folder, EXIT volcov. I want to be completely clear. Do not "minimize" volcov's panels, but EXIT volcov. You don't want to run any flash-bios program while having any other program still running.

Now you should see the dos prompt at the "bios" directory, so you could run your flash-bios program.

I just used part of the http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/customize.html instructions. You can read it completely (recommended anyway), and the UBCD wiki has additional resources.

I hope that is now clear and focused enough. I could give you more detailed step-by-step instructions, but I think I would be using again too much verbosity, and it is not really necessary since the instructions are there at the "customize" page anyway.

Report back, whether you have more questions, or if something is not clear or whatever the case.

Re: How do I add my BIOS files

Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2011 5:53 am
by Artman
I really appreciate your efforts man, THX
Here's what I did:
1-Extracted the ISO file "UBCD 503" using 7-zip to my C drive
2-Created a new folder & named it BIOS "C:\ubcd-extracted\BIOS"
3- Added the BIOS files:
* 8CBF1G26.BIN "main bios file"
* AUTOEXEC.BAT "Don't know what this is for"
* AWDFLASH.EXE "Flashing Utility"
* History.txt "Don't know if I should add this file but I added it anyway"
4-Went to folder C:\ubcd-extracted\ubcd\tools\win32\ubcd2iso & ran the file called ubcd2iso.cmd to open a command prompt window. & Typed: ubcd2iso c:\ubcd-extracted c:\ubcd503-custom.iso. After a few seconds I had a message saying that 'c:\ubcd503-custom.iso' was created successfully. Now I have a new ISO file at the C drive.
5-Burned it to a CD "So far followed your steps word for word"

Now here is where things get embarassing:
I booted from the CD, got the menu then I chose UBCD FreeDos R1.36. I had lots of options so I went & chose option 0. Which I think it gave me the Floppy emulation cause I saw A:> . I didn't want to excute the bios from there cause your instructions says otherwise. Not to mention that if I do anything wrong I'll render my motherboard unusable. Hence I booted again from the CD & chose DOS4Grub which somehow "don't ask me how:)" it started the volcov where I also didnt know how to navigate.

I read your message last night & I have been reading posts since then on how to proceed cause I am so embarassed to ask for the next step. GOD it's HARD
My first operating system was Win 98 but back then I had a floppy & was able to make a bootable floppy & update the BIOS easily.
To summarize things, my last successful step was burning the disk with the bios files "just like you instructed" & booted from the CD. Now I'm stuck
BTW, when the volcov thingy started it was asking me to load drivers & giving me the option to agree or not. Should I load them "to be honest I'm not sure if that was volcov". Plus when I started volcov I didnt know how to exit.

Re: How do I add my BIOS files

Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2011 8:58 am
by ady
Ok, I'm going to ignore all the "extra" comments about some "DOS4GRUB" (or whatever you meant), the assumed (by you) volcov, the history.txt and the autoexec.bat files. It is not that I did not understand, or that I couldn't explain, but I'd rather concentrate on your current goal.

For the purpose of troubleshooting, please have your system in power off status to start (no "restart", "reboot", no "hibernate", no "sleep" or anything like that, but simple complete power off).

I am adding here additional info that might be useful for troubleshooting and even for make the flashing process easier. This is an "optional procedure", before booting to UBCD, but I would recommend to at least try to do it and to write down the results.


--- Additional optional procedure starts here ---

For Foxconn mobos with AwardBios, when you start the system you should see first of all (before the OS, before anything else) a message that says something like:

"press <TAB> for POST options or <DEL> to enter setup".

If you press <TAB> and then <PAUSE> (yes, the <pause> key on your keyboard; or <shift> + <break> key combination to get the equivalent to <pause> ), you should be able to see several details of your motherboard. The system halts (because of the <pause> key) and it gives you the possibility to carefully read the screen.

According to your timing to press the <pause> key, you may see more or less details on that screen.

You should be able to see the current mobo model and the current BIOS version. At the bottom of that screen you should be able to see also several possible keyboard keys that makes the boot process to change accordingly.

You may see <del> (or some other key) to enter to the BIOS setup; some other key to select the boot device (USB-HDD, USB-FLOPPY, USB-FLASH, CD-ROM, HDD, and/or maybe others); and it is possible you see some key to run a "quick BIOS update" (or some similar name).

The available key options may change according to your hardware, as for example if your DVD drive is SATA or PATA, or if you plugged in some UFD before powering on the system.

I'm not saying to choose any specific option of those shown. I am just saying that if you could try performing this <TAB> and <pause> procedure, and you could write down what you see, then maybe it could be useful.

In any case, after writing down what you see, pressing the <space bar> OR <enter> keys should let you continue with the booting process as regular (meaning, as if you haven't press anything and you could boot normally.

BTW, if you ever have a CD or DVD that it is not booting your system, you can always try this <pause> method to select the correct boot device (CD or DVD). This also gives time to the motherboard and the optical drive to recognize the optical media inserted.


--- Additional optional procedure ends here ---


Now, boot with your new customized UBCD as you did the first time (no GRUB4DOS menu, no any other method). You should see the UBCD menu.

From that first menu, when you select UBCD DOS to boot, you immediately see several additional options. There is a "time count", so you have a few seconds to (optionally) press a "cursor" key on you keyboard to stop the timer, or else the boot process will start with the default option.



--- Additional extra optional info starts here ---


If you where booting from a simple DOS floppy or HDD, you would had wanted to select the "minimal" or "secure" DOS booting process What do I mean? You don't want any extra or additional unnecessary driver, tool, program or whatever extra. You should just want the most simple DOS prompt that would be able to run your flash process.

IF you were booting to a simple floppy or HDD DOS, I would agree with your selection ( 0 , Clean DOS prompt).

BUT you need support for additional "things", since you have the "bios" folder in the CD and you are not experienced with DOS commands.

The "default" boot option of UBCD DOS loads additional "things", so, IF I knew exactly your system's compatibility AND the exact Award BIOS flash program, I would had tried to change that option with the "cursor" keys as I already mentioned a couple of paragraphs above.

During the UBCD DOS boot process, there are several optional "questions" that more experienced users could adjust to the specific needs.

Since you are having troubles with DOS, you should try to get all the flash process done with the UBCD DOS default boot options.

If eventually the flash program can't be ran with those default boot options, then we'll see how to proceed.


--- Another extra optional info starts here ---

If, still under Windows, you go to that " C:\ubcd-extracted\bios\ " folder you created, right-click on the " autoexec.bat " file and select "EDIT" (NOT "OPEN", but "EDIT"), you may copy/paste here in your next post the content of that autoexec.bat file and IF you are interested AND it is still necessary, we'll see how to overcome the problems.

--- Another extra optional info ends here ---

--- Additional extra optional info ends here ---



So, instead of selecting the "clean prompt", leave the default option and let the UBCD DOS boot process to "finish" (you will see several dialogs with 3 seconds time-outs; leave them as-is with their defaults).

Now, the default UBCD DOS boot process "ends" with a dialog with several options:
-Launch
-NwDisk
-Help
-Browse
-About
-Exit

that are selectable by moving around with your "cursor" keys, the <esc> key and the <enter> key.

From those options, select "Exit" (down to "about", and right to exit, then <enter> ).

You have arrived to the prompt. The latest rows before the current prompt line will give the info about the current drive letter assigned to your CD.

It should look something similar to:

Code: Select all

BOOTDRV: A:
RAMDRV:  Q:
CDDRV:   T:
In the above example, the CD was assigned the "T:" drive letter. Of course, in the following instructions you should replace the "T:" with the specific CD drive letter you see in your specific system.

At the prompt, type the following (and press <enter> after each command) :

Code: Select all

T:
cd T:\bios
dir
The above "dir" command should display a list of the files inside the current folder.

If you see the Award BIOS flash program in that directory list, then you can run it.

I hope that the available DOS resources are enough to run it. If you can't, we'll see how to proceed.

I want to reiterate that there should be a better procedure to upgrade your BIOS (using the extra keys that I talked about above in this same post in the "extra info" section).

Even if you choose to run the DOS flash program, there is the "interactive" mode besides the "command line with parameters" mode.

Since you are running everything from a non-writable system, you won't be able to save the old BIOS version in the "bios" folder you created.

Unless you know how to save a backup of your current "old" BIOS in your physical hard drive (your SSD you mentioned before) (not the CD drive, not the RAM drive), so you can copy it later to a safe place (before you wipe your SSD), you will have no copy of it.

My best recommendation would be: do NOT run/do anything that you are not sure/comfortable about. In these type of cases, it's better to ask, search, post, recheck, double check... than to end with a dead motherboard.

Report back in any case.

Re: How do I add my BIOS files

Posted: Thu Jan 20, 2011 8:57 pm
by Artman
Dear Ady,

I know you mean well. Just don't try to put everything you know about DOS in every post. It's so confusing "not to mention that you are using a simple text editor". I'm a 37 yr old man with a masters degree & I hope that you can take a little criticism. Again I know you mean well & I know that my issue is complicated but after all it's not rocket science. All I'm asking for is a step by step instruction.

To make a long story short, I have a Phoenix-award bios. Now here is what I did "according to your instructions":
1- Booted from the UBCD
2- Chose the UBCD FreeDOS R 1.36 from the menu
3- Waited till it loaded "didn't press anything"
4- Pressed on exit from the small window
* Then I had the following commands:
BOOTDRV: A:
RAMDRV: Q:
CDDRV: T:
*Then I typed
T:
cd T:\bios
dir
"just like you said" & was presented with the BIOS files
Then:
I typed:
AWDFLASH 8CBF1G26.BIN /py/sn/cc/cd/cp/wb "PLS not that there is a space between the ~.bin & the rest of the commands" & Executed

However, I wasn't working on my system that I'm assembling cause thats in my workshop. I did those commands on my home motherboard "total different system" that has a jumper to prevent bios flashing. Hence, I was given a message that I am using the wrong flash utility+ a set of beeps.

The AUTOEXEC.BAT file I right clicked on it & chose edit & here is what's inside: "AWDFLASH.EXE 8CBF1G26.BIN /WB/CD/CH/H2". I also have my current bios extracted using a special utlity.

One thing that confuses me ady is that you said: "In the above example, the CD was assigned the "T:" drive letter. Of course, in the following instructions you should replace the "T:" with the specific CD drive letter you see in your specific system."

I didn't replace anything eventhough my CD drive letter is E!!!!!

If this works I want you to know that I wont have been able to do this without your support

Re: How do I add my BIOS files

Posted: Thu Jan 20, 2011 10:44 pm
by ady
Artman wrote:Dear Ady,

I know you mean well. Just don't try to put everything you know about DOS in every post. It's so confusing "not to mention that you are using a simple text editor". I'm a 37 yr old man with a masters degree & I hope that you can take a little criticism. Again I know you mean well & I know that my issue is complicated but after all it's not rocket science. All I'm asking for is a step by step instruction.
@Artman,

I indeed can accept criticism (I do tend to abuse verbosity). But about your comment "it's not rocket science", I again must say, it's all relative to your knowledge and experience with this specific issue.

If you actually knew about what I posted in my previous post, you would have actually understood that finding that "automatic BIOS update" function would had make a BIG difference, and that's why I included the instructions to find it.
To make a long story short, I have a Phoenix-award bios. Now here is what I did "according to your instructions":
1- Booted from the UBCD
2- Chose the UBCD FreeDOS R 1.36 from the menu
3- Waited till it loaded "didn't press anything"
4- Pressed on exit from the small window
I hope you meant that you pressed on the "Exit" button (bottom-right of the dialog), not the "X" (upper-right of the dialog).
* Then I had the following commands:
As I mentioned, it's all relative to knowledge and experience. These are not "commands". It is just "information" displayed for a user to know how to "navigate" your storage devices using DOS commands.
BOOTDRV: A:
RAMDRV: Q:
CDDRV: T:
*Then I typed
The following *are* commands
T:
cd T:\bios
dir
"just like you said" & was presented with the BIOS files
Great! Finally, we advanced from the first issue (booting to DOS) to the next step (running a flash-BIOS program).

I mean, until now, all these booting procedure was suppose to be supported by Foxconn.

Foxconn should be giving instructions to use FreeDOS (which is free), or even better, to provide for a FreeDOS floppy and/or CD downloads (for free, on their own servers) already prepared for BIOS flashing. Instead, they point to some warez and commercial/donationware. They should be ashamed, and users should not buy from them.

Please don't get me wrong. I don't mean I can't help, and I don't mean that you should stop asking here.
Then:
I typed:
AWDFLASH 8CBF1G26.BIN /py/sn/cc/cd/cp/wb "PLS not that there is a space between the ~.bin & the rest of the commands" & Executed
Since you mentioned several times (and that's ok with me) which instructions *I* wrote, I should mention here that the last command you just mentioned (running AWDFLASH with specific parameters) is not part of *my* instructions, but what you said were instructions from Foxconn support.

Actually, I mentioned several times that MY recommendation is NOT to run that AWDFLASH command with those parameters. The bottom line is your decision, your responsibility and your system.
However, I wasn't working on my system that I'm assembling cause thats in my workshop. I did those commands on my home motherboard "total different system" that has a jumper to prevent bios flashing. Hence, I was given a message that I am using the wrong flash utility+ a set of beeps.
:shock:
I MUST say, you are VERY VERY VERY lucky :D :!:

I think that, from lack of knowledge, you missed my several warnings. DO NOT RUN ANY FLASH BIOS UTILITY IF YOU ARE NOT SURE ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE DOING.

And you obviously don't know what you are doing. You shouldn't run a flashing program on a computer that is not the one that you should flash!!!

If it wasn't for that jumper that prevents BIOS flashing, you would have ended up with a brick (a motherboard that only serves as weight).

My "common sense" should tell me that you might be better looking for some technician on your neighborhood, since flashing a BIOS is not for everyone.

I agree that is not rocket science. Not at all. But your are getting to a point that you can make more harm than good.

Please, no offense intended. Really.

If you are patient, and you are willing to make the job done by yourself, then I have no problem and we can continue to the next step (the actual BIOS flashing).
The AUTOEXEC.BAT file I right clicked on it & chose edit & here is what's inside: "AWDFLASH.EXE 8CBF1G26.BIN /WB/CD/CH/H2". I also have my current bios extracted using a special utility.
What "special utility"? Can you point me to that tool? Or at least mention it's name?

If you are planning to erase your SSD as you mentioned before, you should make a backup of that BIOS copy somewhere else.
One thing that confuses me ady is that you said: "In the above example, the CD was assigned the "T:" drive letter. Of course, in the following instructions you should replace the "T:" with the specific CD drive letter you see in your specific system."

I didn't replace anything even-though my CD drive letter is E!!!!!

If this works I want you to know that I wont have been able to do this without your support
I think I understand what confuses you. When you say that your "CD drive letter is E:", are talking about what you see in Windows Explorer?

If you receive the drive information as you posted, your CD drive letter, when booted as you booted, is "T:". Drive letters are assign by your OS. When you boot to your installed Windows, your CD might be E:. If you boot to FreeDOS, your drive letter might be some other letter, say D:. This time you booted with UBCD DOS with the default options. If you change your hardware, drives letters might change. If you boot the same UBCD DOS, but you change your boot options, your drive letter could change also.

This time, you drive letter was T:. For the next time you boot, on the actual computer where you want to flash your BIOS, your CD drive letter could be T: also, or not. And, if using that same computer, you change your booting options, then your drive letter may be T:, or may not.

You need to read those drive letter information lines each time you boot. If your CDDRV is "T:" each time, then each time you use "T:". If, at any boot, your CDDRV is some other letter, that's the letter you should use in those instructions.

I don't want to confuse you more. If you want to try the procedures I wrote you in my previous post to find out about the BIOS/setup keys (the "additional info" ), then let me know the results.

If you want to try booting with UBCD DOS on your actual computer (the one that needs the new BIOS), let me know what happens and how I can help you.

If you want to run that AWDFLSH program with those parameters on the "right" computer, it's your call.

Although, my recommendation is, still, to find the correct appropriate *.bin BIOS file that matches your specific computer and to run the program in interactive mode.

If the previous paragraph confuses you, you may want to re-read the topic, where I wrote that the specific bin file you have is not matching the bin files for your specific motherboard you say you have. Running the AWDFLSH utility in interactive mode may give you one additional chance. OTOH, running the AWDFLSH utility with command line parameters is "easy" (no questions ask).

Let me know if you have any issue. And, in any case, whatever you do, other users might appreciate your feedback.

Re: How do I add my BIOS files

Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2011 5:24 am
by Artman
Dear Ady
I'll post a reply to you with a little more details as soon as I get home. However, can you please tell me why is it that you prefer to run the flashing utility without the following parameters "/py/sn/cc/cd/cp/wb"?

It is stated like this on the foxconn website which they sent to me as instructions:
http://www.foxconnsupport.com/faq.aspx?faqid=F000000066

The article above might be outdated & I also want your opinion as a pro. Besides, it got me thinking why those parameters if the contents of the file AUTOEXEC.BAT is AWDFLASH.EXE 8CBF1G26.BIN /WB/CD/CH/H2. Maybe the contents of the file AUTOEXEC.BAT & the command parameters are not related "I DON'T KNOW".
Thats why I'm asking you

Re: How do I add my BIOS files

Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2011 6:35 am
by ady
Artman wrote: can you please tell me why is it that you prefer to run the flashing utility without the following parameters "/py/sn/cc/cd/cp/wb"?
Here's my logic. The interactive mode (which means to run AWDFLASH with no parameters and no bin file at the command line) gives you a "user interface". It asks questions, or lets you select the settings you want for the particular case. It also should give you any possible (error) messages.

OTOH, a simple direct command line won't ask you anything, hence doing what it is suppose to do. It should also need less system resources. It should be the prefer method (from the 2 modes) for inexperienced users.

The problem is that the bin file you mentioned is not the official file for that motherboard, and you may not know if there is some problem with the result if no error messages are displayed.

Moreover, one of those parameters automatically "restarts" the system, hence leaving you with no actual knowledge about the flash procedure results.

I'll ask again. Can you check one of my first posts and confirm the link I posted to your motherboard? If that is the exact model, then I can't understand why they would want you to use other bin file. Did they give you some link to the zip that contains the bin? It was sent by email? (please don't post any email address). Was some Foxconn official support guy, or was just some random user at their forum?

Generally speaking, the bin file and the specific flash program doesn't "have to be" exactly what your motherboard expects. This phrase is technically correct. But, for 99.99% of the cases, simple users should use the exact flash program, and for the 99.999% of the cases the bin file should be EXACTLY what your motherboard expects.
It is stated like this on the Foxconn website which they sent to me as instructions:
http://www.foxconnsupport.com/faq.aspx?faqid=F000000066

The article above might be outdated & I also want your opinion as a pro. Besides, it got me thinking why those parameters if the contents of the file AUTOEXEC.BAT is AWDFLASH.EXE 8CBF1G26.BIN /WB/CD/CH/H2. Maybe the contents of the file AUTOEXEC.BAT & the command parameters are not related "I DON'T KNOW".
Thats why I'm asking you
Your "guess" is correct. Those parameters *are* related. As I said, it is not clear how you got that 8CBF1G26.BIN file, since it is different from the published for your motherboard ( 8CBF1P10.bin ) .

If that file is a "test" file, or a "beta" version, then Foxconn support should say so.

The common sense would be to flash first with the official 8CBF1P10.bin, and try to make it work with the problematic hardware (your video card in this case). Only then, if that fails, try some other bin file that Foxconn support sent you.

That's why I asked you to start the system with <tab> and then <pause>. By this, you get to see the current BIOS version installed (upper part of your screen) and additional keys options for BIOS setup (bottom of that paused screen).

I also posted before the meaning of those parameters "/py/sn/cc/cd/cp/wb". Running:

Code: Select all

AWDFLASH /? 
should give you all the meanings. If you can, post here the results of the " <tab> and then <pause> trick " I wrote for you before in one of my previous posts (meaning, the current BIOS version and the special keys displayed at the bottom of the screen), the list of parameters of " AWDFLASH /? ", and answer the questions I just re-posted here in this current post.

In home computers, better to check, double check and recheck before actually running some unknown procedure, instead of getting a "brick".

Re: How do I add my BIOS files

Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2011 12:38 pm
by Artman
Here is what Foxconn said:
"Thank you for supporting Foxconn products.
Please flash your BIOS to X58A02-GTI-8CBF1G26,and have a try.
About how to flash BIOS,pls refer to:
http://www.foxconnsupport.com/faq.aspx?faqid=F000000066
Any other query in the future, please contact us freely.
Best Regards,
Foxconn Technical Support"
Plus, the file was attached with the online ticket that I have opened with Foxconn.
It is a beta file as you said cause it is stated on the following site "which belongs to Foxconn":
http://www.quantum-force.net/productshow.aspx?id=87
PS Every file that starts with 8CBF.....bin is a BIOS file for the Flaming Blade GTI as there are files for the Flamming Blade "Non GTI" that surely have different names
Under the BIOS files you can see that the 8CBF1G26.BIN is the latest file BUT it is dated back to 2010/06/23.

While on the webpage YOU sent me:
http://www.foxconnchannel.com/product/M ... -us0000458 & click on BIOS we can see that the last BIOS file is MORE recent, dated 11/18/10, Not a beta, & has a somewhat different name!!!!!!!!! :?

Thank you Ady for pointing this out to me. I take my hat off to you. PLS check if what I am saying is correct or not. In case you are correct, which I think you are then I'm gonna rain HELL on FOXCONN support.
I read on some forums that FOXCONN has terrible support but I didn't expect them to be that terrible.
I'm not gonna do anything for the time being "i.e. contact Foxconn" until I hear from you & get your confirmation.
Seems we have been checking two different sites & I thought that was is here is there.

I wish that I could get a reply from you soon cause tomorrow morning I'm going to my work shop & gonna start with the software. I just finished the final assembly. You know stuff like cable managment
"wish I could attach a photo to show it to you"

Re: How do I add my BIOS files

Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2011 4:50 pm
by ady
Artman wrote:
It is a beta file as you said cause it is stated on the following site "which belongs to Foxconn":
http://www.quantum-force.net/productshow.aspx?id=87
That site, together with the "quantum" section in your BIOS is for " overclocking ( OC) " Foxconn mobos.

IMHO, if you are not "comfortable" with booting methods, or flashing BIOS, you shouldn't be playing around with OC.
PS Every file that starts with 8CBF.....bin is a BIOS file for the Flaming Blade GTI as there are files for the Flamming Blade "Non GTI" that surely have different names
Under the BIOS files you can see that the 8CBF1G26.BIN is the latest file BUT it is dated back to 2010/06/23.
While on the webpage YOU sent me:
http://www.foxconnchannel.com/product/M ... -us0000458 & click on BIOS we can see that the last BIOS file is MORE recent, dated 11/18/10, Not a beta, & has a somewhat different name!!!!!!!!! :?
The file I pointed to also starts with 8CBF1. Apparently, the current "stable" versions are ending with Pnn, like 8CBF1... P09, or P10, which seems to be the latest stable version.

Since P10 is the stable version, and G26 is the latest BETA version, the dates are just "indicative", and not something that should worry you too much (in this particular case).
Thank you Ady for pointing this out to me. I take my hat off to you. PLS check if what I am saying is correct or not. In case you are correct, which I think you are then I'm gonna rain HELL on FOXCONN support.
I read on some forums that FOXCONN has terrible support but I didn't expect them to be that terrible.
Well, I can't know if I'm "correct". I don't know why they point you to that particular file, or why they say you have to flash your BIOS. You haven't quote here your original request to them. But even if you had, they are suppose to know which BIOS version is going to (maybe) solve a compatibility problem.

I don't know how you originally got to evaluate that you will have some problem with your new video card, and you still not trying the <tab> and then <pause> method, so I (and you) could know which BIOS version is currently being used and the available BIOS setup options.

If you try to follow those instructions (re-read carefully again the whole post where I wrote them), I think it is not *that* difficult.

If you press <pause> too soon to see the available keys (bottom part of the screen), then just try again. Write down the BIOS version and the available keys.

For example, you write down
BIOS : 8CBF1P08 (or better yet, the whole line)
<del> : enter setup
<F12> : change boot device
<F8> : flash BIOS

and so on. I'm not saying that those specific keys correspond to those functions, or even that those are the available functions. I am just giving a possible hypothetical example.

Have you even tried your new video card? Can you post here the email you sent to Foxconn support (or at least the essence / general idea of it) ?
I'm not gonna do anything for the time being "i.e. contact Foxconn" until I hear from you & get your confirmation.
Seems we have been checking two different sites & I thought that was is here is there.
Again, I can't know if they are correct, or just "automatically" point you to their OC site. And even if this was kind of an "automatic" response, there might be a good reason to try their beta BIOS instead of the stable one. They should know their hardware better than anyone else.

What it *is* for sure wrong from their part is to point you to download some external commercial product to boot into a simple DOS CD, or floppy or UFD, having free options available. *They* should prepare such a CD, floppy and UFD by *themselves* and put it on their *own* servers, almost ready to use, with the relevant instructions for adding to the CD/floppy/UFD the specific BIOS files.
I wish that I could get a reply from you soon cause tomorrow morning I'm going to my work shop & gonna start with the software. I just finished the final assembly. You know stuff like cable management
"wish I could attach a photo to show it to you"
Well, we have been posting about once a day. Just check your email to see the notifications, or simply check the forum more frequently to see if there is any news from me or from someone else.

Re: How do I add my BIOS files

Posted: Sun Jan 23, 2011 11:47 am
by StopSpazzing
I have a question, why do you need to update your bios? I would highly recommend against doing this, unless there is an issue that is specifically fixed with a bios update.
You run a huge risk of bricking your motherboard, esp. if you have never done it before.

Re: How do I add my BIOS files

Posted: Sun Jan 23, 2011 1:17 pm
by The Piney
^ Words to live by.

I've done hundreds of BIOS updates and a few add-on cards and 1 motherboard did fail. My rule anymore is "If no crucial updates are included, don't bother". If a specific feature is added with no crucial updates, I will sometimes do it still.

As far as performing the flash with UBCD...

I updated a Dell D610 BIOS a month or so ago using FreeDOS included in UBCD. The laptop did not have a HDD so had to use a thumb drive. I booted to the CD, stated FreeDOS with "I think" defensive mode and disabled any memory managers and made sure USB support was enabled. Once I booted, went to the thumb drive and ran the Flash update from there. Worked for me.

As stated before, you can kill the mother board if it doesn't work so unless really necessary I suggest to give it a pass.

Re: How do I add my BIOS files

Posted: Sun Jan 23, 2011 4:12 pm
by ady
StopSpazzing wrote:I have a question, why do you need to update your bios?
@StopSpazzing, apparently that's the answer/instruction he received from Foxconn support to use a specific video card. He didn't quoted here his original request to Foxconn, so this was my assumption/interpretation from his posts.
The Piney wrote:
As far as performing the flash with UBCD...
...
I booted to the CD, stated FreeDOS with "I think" defensive mode and disabled any memory managers and made sure USB support was enabled. Once I booted, went to the thumb drive and ran the Flash update from there. Worked for me.
@The Pinney, I also thought about putting the relevant files in his SSD. The problem is that he is not comfortable with command line, so even changing to some other drive and "navigating" to the relevant files is not so straightforward for the user (Artman).

The mentioned "defensive-mode" is the next step I thought about, in case Artman report back some kind of failure related to resources (basically, not enough RAM). We'll see his next feedback.

I repeat here that there is even a Windows-based app from Foxconn to update the BIOS. In general, I personally do NOT recommend using Windows-based apps to flash the BIOS, but each one decides what to do in each case.

The most simple method to upgrade the BIOS is to use the built-in method included in the BIOS itself, but again, until now, Artman (the user) did not provide the requested info to guide him through the process.
As stated before, you can kill the mother board if it doesn't work so unless really necessary I suggest to give it a pass.
Yes, it seems this is a common ground thinking. :)

@Artman, whether you still have to successfully flash the BIOS, or you have additional questions, or you have resolved the problem somehow, it would be at least polite to report back here, so other users could also benefit.

Re: How do I add my BIOS files

Posted: Sun Jan 23, 2011 5:00 pm
by Artman
I swear that I don't do BIOS updates for kicks :) "only when I have to". I've been doing BIOS updates, overclocking, case modding for years "My first BIOS update was on an Intel MB 440BX2". Back then the floppy didn't belong in a museum.
When it came to bios updates I always had the option to update from windows, a special utility but, no one EVER told me go & make a bootable CD on your own & update your BIOS, untill foxconn a couple weeks ago.
Below is a copy of the original mail I sent to foxconn:
"I bought the Foxconn motherboard & plugged a "Gigabyte GTX470 SOC" with 6GB of Corsair RAMS "Triple channel model-CMX3 1600".
As soon as i plug the GTX 470 card it doesn't boot!!!!
PS I took out my "GTX 470-SOC" card & plugged it on another system. It booted fine. Even tried the same thing with the rams on another system & everything boots well.

NB:
For the sake of testing the motherboard I plugged in it a "Gigabyte 9500 GT" & it booted just fine.

To make a long story short, my Foxconn motherboard is not booting with the "Gigabyte GTX 470 SOC http://www.gigabyte.com/products/produc ... 569&dl=#ov ". Please note that the ""Gigabyte GTX 470" is booting & working well on other systems.
Could it be that this motherboard is not compatible with the GTX 470 "AKA Fermi Technology"??

So they replied & advised me to update my BIOS & also attached the BIOS update.

However, I followed Ady's instructions "word for word" to update the BIOS & the update didn't work. "somekind of mistake message". I don't think that being ignorant to DOS is a crime, it's an almost dead language. So a friend gave me the win 98 booting files. Formatted a thumb drive using HP utility, added the dos booting files from the win98.zip, & the BIOS files. Flashed & booted like a charm. I had to flash it twice cause the first time I used somekind of a newer non beta file. The 2nd time I used the files sent to me by foxconn & it booted fine.

Dear Ady I don't think that there is a way to update the BIOS from the motherboard itself "built in BIOS update"& if there is why didnt you mention it in all your verbosity?
With all do respect you make long replies that are fit for a newspaper. I'm sure a couple of lines wouldn't have made things misleading any more than they are. You said that you are trying to post information that is useful to others. I SERIOUSLY doubt that anyone is gonna look at this post & say "WOW thats a clear post which is well explained & strictly to the point"!!!!
Albeit, I appreciate your help.

Re: How do I add my BIOS files

Posted: Sun Jan 23, 2011 6:47 pm
by ady
@Artman, you MUST be kidding, right?
Artman wrote:I swear that I don't do BIOS updates for kicks :) "only when I have to".
Evidently, 2 other users thought you need some reassurance that it is not something to take so lightly. And that's only from reading your posts.
Artman wrote:I've been doing BIOS updates, overclocking, case modding for years "My first BIOS update was on an Intel MB 440BX2". Back then the floppy didn't belong in a museum.
That has nothing to do with all the several different irrelevant topics YOU presented here, all together, as if they were related to each other.
Read my posts:
ady wrote:So, no floppy. Maybe using a USB Flash Drive (UFD) method?
But now you mention:
Artman wrote:When it came to bios updates I always had the option to update from windows, a special utility but, no one EVER told me go & make a bootable CD on your own & update your BIOS, until foxconn a couple weeks ago.
WTF, if may I use such a language? May I quote myself here:
ady wrote:I should mention that there is one additional possibility. If your mobo is currently working with a stable Windows OS, Foxconn has a Windows-based program that can backup and also update the BIOS.
and again:
ady wrote:I repeat here that there is even a Windows-based app from Foxconn to update the BIOS.
Now you say:
Artman wrote:Below is a copy of the original mail I sent to foxconn
That email and the answer from Foxconn is part of the relevant info I requested more than once, but only now you decided to focus on the important things that are actually RELATED to BIOS flashing.

For example:
ady wrote:If you can provide... link to the Foxconn original instructions...
The drive letters, UBCD, the SSD, HDDErase, how to use dos commands, downloading warez... Really? You MUST be kidding.

I also sent you a specific link:
ady wrote:I'm guessing you meant "FlamingBlade GTI" at
http://www.foxconnchannel.com/product/M ... -us0000458

Please confirm if that is your exact motherboard.
But you did NOT answer that basic question until almost your last post.

Now you come with:
Artman wrote:However, I followed Ady's instructions "word for word" to update the BIOS & the update didn't work. "some kind of mistake message".
That doesn't mean that the instructions were wrong. I was trying to guide you from a safer option to a more unsafe / problematic path.

All came from the lack of actual support from Foxconn, that should have a download of FreeDOS ready to use for flashing their BIOS (also already mentioned before, by me).

And again you come back with:
Artman wrote:I don't think that being ignorant to DOS is a crime, it's an almost dead language.
which has nothing that is related to the goal, as I gave you 3 very simple DOS instructions, and anything else was DOS-related.

And yet, Foxconn decides to use it (not me, as I already said several times).
Artman wrote:Formatted a thumb drive using HP utility, added the dos booting files from the win98.zip, & the BIOS files. Flashed & booted like a charm.
You should READ carefully:
ady wrote:Only when I need (older mobos), I make an UFD bootable from Windows itself (the method depends on the specific Windows version) or, alternatively, I use FreeDOS. Only in this case I also use the flash program and the BIN file.
and
ady wrote:So, IMHO, it would be even simpler if you boot from the UFD and run the flash program in interactive mode...

But YOU insisted in doing it from UBCD.
Artman wrote:I had to flash it twice cause the first time I used some kind of a newer non beta file. The 2nd time I used the files sent to me by foxconn & it booted fine.
Which is actually the safer method. If the beta version would had failed you, you wouldn't had that second chance. Once again, you should actually read my previous posts and you WILL find exactly that order among my recommendations, as shown in the next quote (of myself):
ady wrote:The common sense would be to flash first with the official 8CBF1P10.bin, and try to make it work with the problematic hardware (your video card in this case). Only then, if that fails, try some other bin file that Foxconn support sent you.
Artman wrote:Dear Ady I don't think that there is a way to update the BIOS from the motherboard itself "built in BIOS update"& if there is why didn’t you mention it in all your verbosity?
And once again, you MUST be kidding. Really? Artman, read my friend, read:
ady wrote:I usually don't need "extra" downloads to write a new BIOS version, besides the BIN file. Whenever I can, I use the automatic BIOS update program build in the BIOS itself. As I mentioned, this is the usual situation for recent motherboards with Award BIOS like yours.
and:
ady wrote:My humble recommendation, if you can't run the build-in update program included in your current BIOS,...
and:
ady wrote:Not every mobo has this automatic function, but your model is recent, so I'm guessing it has this possibility included
and:
ady wrote:The most simple method to upgrade the BIOS is to use the built-in method included in the BIOS itself, but again, until now, Artman (the user) did not provide the requested info to guide him through the process.
which refers AGAIN to the additional info I requested from YOU more than once, and YOU FAILED TO PROVIDE.

Do you remember how many times I requested from you to read and follow the:
ady wrote: --- Additional extra optional info starts here ---
Had you just followed those instructions, and if you were focused on answering the relevant info...

Artman, if you want 2 examples of such a built-in BIOS upgrade feature, you just need to search for "Q-flash" in Gigabyte's motherboards, or "M-flash" for MSI. Of course there are other manufacturers using similar methods.

If Foxconn provides such a method, I don't know. If you had follow my instructions, we would had known a while ago. No DOS, no AWDFLASH, no parameters, no formatting UFD, no WIN98, no FreeDOS, no floppy emulation, no drive letters... Simple, just simple. YOU DID NOT REPLAY THE RELEVANT INFO.
Artman wrote:With all do respect you make long replies that are fit for a newspaper. I'm sure a couple of lines wouldn't have made things misleading any more than they are. You said that you are trying to post information that is useful to others. I SERIOUSLY doubt that anyone is gonna look at this post & say "WOW thats a clear post which is well explained & strictly to the point"!!!!
Agreed. You made a mess by adding irrelevant info, asking additional non-related instructions, and refusing to follow the most important instructions and questions.
ady wrote:Well, in part is my verbosity, and in part is all those items/issues/problems - too many to resolve in the same topic - while they are not necessary related to each other.
ady wrote:Of course, giving the RELEVANT info from the beginning always helps, like the exact mobo, current BIOS and the relevant links (for the BIOS issue).
Artman wrote:Albeit, I appreciate your help.
You are welcome.

[EDIT]
I forgot that, in addition to Q-flash for GigaByte, and M-flash for MSI, you have also EZ-flash for ASUS. Just another example of built-in flash utilities, which don't need any booting system, not even DOS.
[/EDIT]