This file contains information on the PFLASH BIOS utility ========================================================================== -> Flash EPROM provides you a convenient way to update your system BIOS please note that updating your system BIOS is serious, only update when you need to do it. Unnecessary updating can cause damage to the system which will not be covered under the warranty. -> If you update an incorrect file to your FLASH EPROM, the system may no longer boot, please carefully follow the procedures in the manual or ask a qualified technician and/or call your dealer. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Flash EPROM updating procedures: -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Enable "Boot Block Programming" jumper as shown in section III of the User's Manual. 2. Make sure the system is running in real mode. This utility will not operate if the system is under protected mode or virtual mode. This means that you cannot reprogram the motherboard BIOS under the Windows environment or with any memory management software, including HIMEM.SYS. The following describes the easiest way run your system from real mode: 1) Boot from a floppy disk formatted with the "FORMAT A:/S" command without creating CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files. 2) If you are using MS-DOS 6.x, you can bypass the AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS by pressing when "Starting MS-DOS... " line is displayed on the screen. 3) For Windows 95 users, press to enter the Microsoft Windows 95 Startup Menu and then choose "Safe mode command prompt only" You should copy the contents of the \FLASH directory to your hard disk drive. Once you have accomplished the above tasks, you can run the Flash Memory Writer utility. To run the utility, change to the directory containing PFLASH.EXE and then at the DOS prompt, type: [PFLASH] IMPORTANT: Flash type may be "SST" or "INTEL." If "unknown" is displayed after "Flash type --," then this ROM chip is not programmable or not supported with the PnP BIOS and therefore cannot be programmed by the Flash Memory Writer. This screen provides three command options, which you can invoke by typing the corresponding number of the command and pressing key. The following describes each command: -------------------------------------------------------------------------- IMPORTANT PROCEDURE: -------------------- 1. Save Current BIOS to File (Perform upon first use of your system) This option allows you to copy the contents of the Flash memory chip into a file in the \FLASH directory. This gives you a backup copy of the original motherboard BIOS in case you need to re-install it. In such cases where the data on the chip get lost or corrupted, you can reprogram the chip using this backup copy. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Update BIOS Main Block from File This option updates the BIOS from a file on the disk. This can either be a new file or a backup file created by the "Save Current BIOS to File" option. This will not update the Boot Block if the Boot Block is different. You will be prompted with the following if advanced features if necessary. Boot Block of New BIOS is different from old one !!! Please Use 'Advanced Feature' to flash whole bios !!! 3. Advanced Features Selecting this option brings up the Advanced Features screen for clearing the PnP configuration record and updating the motherboard BIOS. To terminate the program and return to the DOS prompt, press the key. Selecting the third option displays the Advanced Features screen. "Clear PNP ESCD Parameter Block" This option erases the Plug-and-Play (PnP) configuration record. "Update BIOS Including Boot Block and ESCD" This option updates the Boot Block, the motherboard BIOS and the PnP ESCD Parameter Block from a new BIOS file in the \FLASH directory. To select an option, type its corresponding number in the provided space and then press the key. Follow these procedure to update the PnP motherboard BIOS. 1. Download the new BIOS by selecting the second command option from the Advanced Features screen. The program displays a second screen prompting you for the name of the BIOS file. Type in the complete name of the file, including the file name extension, and then press the key. The utility then downloads the new BIOS file. The following message appears: DO NOT TURN OFF THE SYSTEM IF THERE IS A PROBLEM! If you encounter problems while downloading the new BIOS, DO NOT turn off your system since this might prevent your system from booting up. Just repeat the process, and if the problem still persists, download the original BIOS file you created in step 1 above. 2. After successfully downloading the new BIOS file, exit the Flash Memory Writer utility and then turn off your system. Set the jumper back to its default setting of Programming "Disabled." 3. Turn on the system and hold down to enter BIOS Setup. You must load "Setup Default" to affect the new BIOS. WARNING: If the Flash Memory Writer utility was not able to successfully download a complete BIOS file, your system may not be able to boot up. If this happens, your system will require service from your vendor. PFLASH.TXT 10/7/96