Flash BIOS Upgrade Instructions - Mainboards

Last Revision: 03/05/98___Category: Mainboards

Updating the Award BIOS Code is made easy with the AWDFLASH Utility. Since
your mainboard features FLASH BIOS, it is not necessary to change the
actual BIOS chip in order to upgrade the System BIOS. The user can simply
re-program the old BIOS using the AWDFLASH Utility as follows:

1. First, boot the system with DOS or to "Safe Mode" under Windows 95. If
you are booting DOS from a hard drive or floppy disk, press [F5] when the
message "Starting MS-DOS" appears on the screen. If you are booting Windows
95, press the [F8] key, and select the "Safe mode command prompt" option.
This will assure that the system is running in "real mode" with no device
drivers loaded. This is the only correct way to run the AWDFLASH Utility
program.

2. There are (2) important files needed to re-program the BIOS. The first
is "AWDFLASH.EXE" which is the FLASH BIOS Programming Utility. The second
file needed is the updated "BIN" file which contains the actual BIOS code.
This file will have the extension [.bin], such as "P5TB4106.BIN". Make sure
these files are on the diskette or hard drive in the same directory.

3. Start the AWDFLASH Utility by changing to the directory where the two
required files exist and typing: AWDFLASH and pressing [ENTER].

4. The AWDFLASH Utility Screen appears. You will be asked for the file name
to program. Type in the name of the new BIOS (.bin) file and hit [ENTER].

5. The program will then ask if you want to backup the old BIOS. This is
recommended in case there are any problems with the new ".bin" file. Enter
the name of the new backup file (such as "backup.bin") and press [ENTER].

6. At this time the system will prompt you for final confirmation before
beginning programming. The Utility can be aborted at this time by hitting
"n". To begin programming, hit "y".

7. When the Flash programming starts, a bar indicator will show the
progress of the programming operation. After successful completion, hit the
reset button or power off the computer.

8. Upon rebooting, enter the CMOS and choose the item "Load Setup
Defaults". Save the changes then reboot. This is to insure the BIOS is
properly reset.

RECOVERY PROCEDURES

If something should go wrong during FLASH PROGRAMMING - the system is
powered down too soon, etc. - the system will not show video when it is
rebooted. If this happens, listen to see if any beeps occur when the system
is powered on. If beeping is heard, the system should be recoverable, if no
beeping is heard - assuming the speaker is working correctly - the system
is probably not recoverable. To recover the system:

1. Create a bootable floppy

2. Create an AUTOEXEC.BAT on the floppy with a line such as the following:
AWDFLASH P5T30B4109.BIN (Substitute the correct BIOS or "bin" file for
the mainboard you are using.)

3. Reboot the system. The system should read the floppy and reboot
automatically after it has recovered the BIOS.

In the event that recovery procedures are not successful, a new BIOS chip
will be required.

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