HELP!!!!!!! M571 flashing utility wont work

[routerunner]

Hi,
I've downloaded while ago the AMIFL632.COM flashing utility from Timmy's web site and following all the instructions I've launched the utility.....PANIC!....the software start and after the first screen when the user should prompt the BIOS image file the keyboard get stuck, the FDD countinue to run and nothing can change the situation until pressing the reset button :(
The board is a M571 version 3.2 with the old BIOS. Anyone had this problem? Do I need a special MD-DOS boot disk? I'm using the original 6.22. Does the keyboard be US layout? I'm using an Epson Italian 142

Please help me!

cheers
Ed

[jim chase]

I don't remember how Timmy's site explains the process, but I always use a windows (95 or 98) startup disc after reming any items in the autoexec and config.sys files on the floppy. You don't want any memory managers or other drivers running during the flash.

I would think your keyboard should be ok.

Jim

[routerunner]

Thanx for the suggestion, I've also tryed with Win98 boot disk without any joy....Mine is a simple boot disk with just the system files and the command.com. Maybe something interfere with the flash utility like the cards installed in the PCI/ISA slot? I've removed the EPROM and I'm in progress to try with a Universal Device Programmer I got @ work....let see

Ed

[rob grant]

FWIW, I always use a boot disk created with the first disk of my DOS 6.2 set. I remove "Drvspace.bin". I also disable "systems bios cacheable" in the bios. I've flashed two M571 and an M560
without problems using Timmy's advice and a bit of help from another website dedicated to the M560. The M560 worked perfectly with the 6.2boot(minus "drvspace.bin") + AMIFLASH.EXE + CLRCMOS.EXE (clears cmos data)+ NEWBIOS.ROM (new bios file). Create your DOS boot disk by typing "format a:/u/s" when you boot on the first floppy of the 6.2 set.

[routerunner]

Thanx Rob! I finally got the BIOS updated....I'm not 100% sure but the key of the problem was that the EEPROM was originally "secured", in fact after trying with an "Universal Device Programmer" I left the EEPROM unsecured and after that I was able to write the latest BIOS version without any problem. Timmy you should report in your web page this as many attempt to write the flash could fail because of this ;)

Ed

[jon wichman]

These absolutely do not work for some reason and never have. :confused:

The correct method (as previously given) is to
format a diskette with /S to put the operating system on it,
copy the flash utility and Bios to it and,
keep it separate and safe - and make an extra copy of it. ;)

A BIOS kit I made in 1998 has been sent to 100's of people who've used it successfully for years to flash their BIOS.

It's still available by sending me an mail message to:
jwichman@marktwain.net
with the subject line of "request m571 bios".

You will automatically be sent the bios kit by return mail containing the 5710902s.rom and everything else you need.

Note:
This is U]only[/U] for M571 V3.2x boards.

If you want others, sent me the BIOS and I'll make another kit.[

[jim chase]

Originally posted by jon wichman

These absolutely do not work for some reason and never have. :confused:




Interesting, Win95 startup discs (with config.sys remed) are all I have ever used, just used one a couple of nights ago to flash an Amptron PM-9600 with an AMI bios.

Jim

[jon wichman]

Ok...
I've never heard of one working to flash a 571 with AMD bios.
Is that better?

[jim chase]

Ah, yes. Life is worth living again :D .

Thanks, Jim

[jon wichman]

If you're happy Jim then I can relax for the day and have a beer - having accomplished probably the greatest thing I'll do this week