Do I dare? (Asus P5B question)

[Brett_Henderson]

According to the website.. the EZ Flash 2,  is done outside of the OS..

Simply update BIOS from a USB flash disk before entering the OS
EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply launch this tool and update BIOS from a USB flash disk before entering the OS. You can update your BIOS only in a few clicks without preparing an additional floppy diskette or using an OS-based flash utility.

It sounds like what Nick was mentioning earlier in this thread. That's what I'd do  :)

[NickN]

[quote]Everyone's been very helpful- thanks a lot.
But God, no...no more hardware changes!!!

[Keep It Simple]

The P5B Deluxe does support their " Crash Free BIOS utililty" that allows you to install the initial BIOS from the support CD that came with the MOBO in the event of a failed BIOS flash.

Also, you

[freedomhays]

Here's one for ya,
I have been using the asus update utilitiy to flash bios for a long time,  no problem.
Nick says this can be dangerous,  I agree,  so I thought I would get familiar with the floppy/dos method,  the problem is a floppy only holds 1.44 MB and the bios .rom file is 2048 KB

Whats up with that,

[NickN]

[quote]Here's one for ya,
I have been using the asus update utilitiy to flash bios for a long time,

[freedomhays]

P5E,  I have this MB also,  It's my main rig....

[NickN]

I know Asus puts that Windows flash tool out there and I know it makes the process easier, especially for those who are not DOS or BIOS savvy but really, its best to do it from a clean boot. The Windows tool can be used and I have used it in a pinch on older boards that did not support USB flashing and did not have a floppy installed.

Just be aware that the odds of you seeing a black screen on reboot are 50% higher with the Windows flasher over a clean boot flash.

[NickN]

I have to leave unexpectedly but I will finish reading the manual and post the process and BIOS file needed this weekend.

Driver updates may not be a bad thing to look into and confirm, especially chipset drivers, after the BIOS installs. We will go over that after the BIOS has been flashed and you have had the ceremonial drink  ;D

later

[NickN]

This is the latest BIOS for the P5B Deluxe

http://dlsvr03.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/soc ... BD1226.zip

Its exaclty 1MB so it will work on a floppy. Most of the older chipsets still have small BIOS files. the newer ones are very large. The USB stick would be the easy way to do this, although I am reading a downgrade may not be possible, only upgrades using a flash stick.. still reading though

There are 2 manuals one dated 03/22/07 and another dated 04/24/07 but the basics appear the same.

I need to see the BIOS number the board is currently running. Use the utility I posted above to get the revision of the board and the BIOS.


EDIT: One other thing too... check the memory tab in that tool and post the exact model number for the Gskill sticks with theior timing specs  (SPD, dropdown box and memory tabs). If its easier, just snag an image of the tabs and I will look them over. I want to research the memory before we do anything.

[NickN]

I would prefer to have the info I posted about above before you start. It will finalize some things and then we can proceed


I just went through the manual and I see no conflicts in the instructions

Section 4. 1. 3  Page 4-5 Asus EZFlash 2

Use a USB stick, place the unzipped BIOS on that stick then reboot and follow the directions in the manual

The USB will be recognized automatically and use the TAB key to nav the utility. Hit B to backup the current BIOS just in case and name it BACKUP, then proceed to flash

My recommendation after the flash has completed is to SHUT DOWN, unplug the tower, open it and reset the CMOS via the jumper (as instructed via the manual) close it up, power up and boot.

If it boots, get on your knees and thank God, then down that drink, take a deep breath and continue.


The first time it boots you should get an F1 error, enter the BIOS go to the EXIT menu and select LOAD SETUP DEFAULTS then F-10 and exit

reboot and re-enter the BIOS to make any changes needed. You will need to rested time/date and all the other items that are specific to your setup.

From there you are on your way however it may still require those Gskill sticks be manually set in the BIOS for timing and voltage. It may not.


If you have any problems you can do an emergency recovery by simply using the CRASH FREE utility. READ section 4. 1. 5. in the manual on the use of the DVD or the USB stick for a bad flash recovery.

NOTE: the file on the USB stick must be named: P5BDELUXE.ROM

you can use any BIOS as long as you name it what I posted above. You can rename the BACKUP bios you made to that name and use it, or just run the DVD method.


Any questions?

[freedomhays]

I would prefer to have the info I posted about above before you start. It will finalize some things and then we can proceed


I just went through the manual and I see no conflicts in the instructions

Section 4. 1. 3  Page 4-5 Asus EZFlash 2

Use a USB stick, place the unzipped BIOS on that stick then reboot and follow the directions in the manual

The USB will be recognized automatically and use the TAB key to nav the utility. Hit B to backup the current BIOS just in case and name it BACKUP, then proceed to flash

My recommendation after the flash has completed is to SHUT DOWN, unplug the tower, open it and reset the CMOS via the jumper (as instructed via the manual) close it up, power up and boot.

If it boots, get on your knees and thank God, then down that drink, take a deep breath and continue.


The first time it boots you should get an F1 error, enter the BIOS go to the EXIT menu and select LOAD SETUP DEFAULTS then F-10 and exit

reboot and re-enter the BIOS to make any changes needed. You will need to rested time/date and all the other items that are specific to your setup.

From there you are on your way however it may still require those Gskill sticks be manually set in the BIOS for timing and voltage. It may not.


If you have any problems you can do an emergency recovery by simply using the CRASH FREE utility. READ section 4. 1. 5. in the manual on the use of the DVD or the USB stick for a bad flash recovery.

NOTE: the file on the USB stick must be named: P5BDELUXE.ROM

you can use any BIOS as long as you name it what I posted above. You can rename the BACKUP bios you made to that name and use it, or just run the DVD method.


Any questions?

Nick,  I mean no harm,  but I thik you are nuts......
USB flash does not exsist..........in ASUS Flash Ami bios,  back or forward.............
manual means nothing

[NickN]

Maybe I am nutz