MSIHQ BIOS flash tool problems

I was unable to flash my BIOS using M-Flash so I thought I'd give the MSIHQ BIOS Flashing Tool a try.
After extracting the tool I gave it a try. The first thing that happened was that the tool checked for the latest version and generated the MB Info file:
MSIHQ: Information detected by MSIHQ Tool ver: 1.25g
MSIHQ: Report generated in Mon 07/29/2013 at 14:41:27.01
Mainboard: Z87-G43 (MS-7816)
PCB Version: 1.0
BIOS Version: V1.1
BIOS Date: 5/6/2013
Next, I selected the "Fix My USB Key" tool. I selected drive F: and agreed to the disclaimer about erasing the info on the drive. When asked if I wanted to proceed, I answered "Y" and the repair program started.
Next, I got an error address $1C6
The system cannot find the file specified"
So, I retried the tool and after answering "Y" to start, there was a brief falsh of a message to the effect that "Drive Not Responding"
I unplugged the flash drive and plugged it in again and Windows said that the drive was not formatted and asked if I would like to format it. I answered yes and tried to format it in FAT (FAT 32 was not an option for some reason) and after attempting to quick format the drive, Windows returned a message that "Windows was unable to format the device". Next I tried a full format but the result was the same.
Where should I go from here?

Quote from: flobelix on 31-July-13, 00:39:10
The tool creates an own booting stick. Any Win98 files aren't required. After a stick was fixed with the tool and it is used to prepare a stick for flashing it adds all necessary itself. For flashing the beta always use Mode 1 not 2 of the tool. Directly point to the downloaded beta archive and don't decompress it. Basically follow the instructions in the beta section excatly.
https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?topic=170132.msg1244286#msg1244286
Not true with Z87. Use mode 2 as xmad mentioned in his earlier reply. M-Flash on Z87 works as advertised. If there is an ME update involved, be sure to select BIOS + ME choice, and do not remove the USB stick before the self retart and ME flash is completed.

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User guide: MSI HQ USB BIOS Flash Tool

Guide based on USB tool v1.17c
HOW TO properly use the MSI Forum HQ USB Flashing Tool to update your BIOS
This user guide provides a step-by-step explanation for properly using the >>MSI Forum HQ USB Flashing Tool<< to prepare a USB Flash Drive for a safe BIOS-Flash in a pure DOS Environment. The tool itself will not perform the actual flashing operation. It will "only" help you to get your USB Stick set up for an automated DOS flashing procedure which requires final confirmation. (If you should run into any problems before you are prompted for final confirmation in DOS, no attempt to flash has been made yet and there is no danger of a bad flash.)
NOTE: If you are having problems getting your USB device to boot correctly, you may need to format it correctly as the geometry data may be incorrect. You can do that by pickup option "Fix My USB key" from the Tool or by using >>> THIS <<< tool here! For future usage you can skip this step, it need to be done only once if your stick need adjustment.
Symptoms that your USB key need a fix after booting from the USB key:
* Error: "No bootable partition in table"
* Blinking cursor in a top left corner and nothing happens
* "RIVER2 MSI"
* "Error loading operating system"
* "Missing operating system"
* "Disk in drive is not a bootable"
* Booting from selected USB key is IGNORED, the other/typical OS continue to load as usual
If still no change after using "Fix My USB key" Tool's option or HP Formatter Tool as alternative.
Then try with different USB key, the issue is there.
Note: Those USB keys who support "U3 Smart", this "feature" must be removed before proceed.
Refer to followed link: http://u3.sandisk.com/launchpadremoval.htm
Read the three notes that follow first before you move on:
1. Note: Before you even think about flashing a different BIOS, be sure that your system is stable. If it is not stable, make it stable first. (Read >>here<<.)
2. Note: Make sure your system meets the preconditions and system requirements mentioned below before you attempt to use the tool.
3. Note: Do know that flashing your BIOS, be it with the help of the tool or otherwise, is done at your own risk.
Contents of the Guide:
0. Preconditions & System Requirements
1. Basic Description of Functionality
2. Installing/Starting the tool.
3. Choosing a Preparation Method
3.1. Method 1: Processing a BIOS Archive Directly (ZIP/RAR)
3.2. Method 2: Processing a BIOS File Directly
3.3. Method 3: SureHands Live Update
3.4. Method 4: Geometry Change
4. Selecting the USB Flash Drive for preparation
5. BIOS Settings, Booting & Flashing
5.1. BIOS Settings to Check
5.2. Booting from USB Flash Drive
5.3. Flashing Procedure/Running MemTest86+ & CMOS-Clear
6. FAQ: Common Problems & Solutions
7. Version History
0. Preconditions & System Requirements
The main precondition for using the tool is a working & healthy Windows installation on the system that needs the BIOS flash. The Tool is designed to work with MSI Retail Boards & Laptops only.
Please note mainboards of other brands and OEM boards that are manufactured by MSI but sold by Medion, HP, NEC and others are not supported. If you have an OEM board that needs a BIOS update read this topic: >>OEM boards manufactured by MSI<<
Supported Operating Systems: All current Windows Versions (32bit & 64bit, any service pack (SP)): Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows 2003, Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7.
The second requirement is that you have a fully functional USB Flash Drive that uses the FAT file system (FAT/FAT32). NTFS is not supported. If your USB Flash Drive is using the NTFS File System, reformat it to FAT or FAT32.
As the tool also provides a Live Update Option ("SureHands"), you'll need a working internet connection if you want to choose this method. Not all boards are supported at this point.*
* Check section 3.3 of this guide to see if your board is currently supported by the SureHands feature.
1. Basic Description of Functionality
The MSI Forum HQ USB Flashing Tool will help you to easily prepare an USB flash drive for an automated BIOS flash in a pure DOS environment, which is the safest way to perform such a procedure. The tool will also allow you to run MemTest86+ in a pure DOS environment. However, the preparation of your USB Stick is done in Windows and basically includes two steps:
(1) The device will be made bootable.
(2) All necessary files (incl. BIOS file, actual flasher and MemTest86+ executable) and all DOS commands that are needed to flash/test memory will automatically be implemented.
Because the tool does not reformat your USB Flash Drive*, no files that may currently be on the stick will be lost during the procedure. Just make sure that there is still some free drive space, otherwise there will not be enough room for the files that are needed for BIOS Flashing.
* Excluding the Geometry Change method which will destroy all data on the USB storage device.
2. Installing/Starting the tool
Treat the forum's USB Flashing Tool like a regular application. Download it to and run it from your hard drive, there is no need to copy & start it from the USB Flash Drive that you want to use for flashing. Both, the installer version and the stand-alone version, do precisely the same job. Which of the two versions you use, is solely up to you and your preferences. The stand-alone version can be started directly by clicking on the executable file. The installer version will perform an installation and provide you with an entry in your start menu and a desktop shortcut to start the tool.
When you start the tool a DOS box should open up to provide you with status messages and prompts. Do not close that box unless you want to abort the preparation procedure!
Please ensure that you connect the USB flash drive you wish to use before starting the Tool!
NOTE: If you do not connect your USB storage device before starting the tool, or the tool doesn't detect it. You can still insert the drive letter, as the tool will continue as normal.
The tool will first check, if an MSI mainboard is installed in your system and show you its model name and PCB Version in a message box. Click >OK< to continue to choose the tool's preparation method that you want to use to prepare your USB Flash Drive.
3. Choosing a Preparation Method
If your MSI Retail Board is properly detected and you have pressed the >OK< button in the message box, an option box will pop up that allows you to choose between three different operating modes. The options you can choose from are more or less self-explanatory, however, read the detailed description if you are unsure how to proceed at this point:
3.1. Method 1: Processing a BIOS Archive Directly (ZIP/RAR)
Official MSI BIOS-Updates that can be downloaded from the product site of your board model do usually come as .ZIP or .RAR archives that contain the actual BIOS File and the corresponding AWARD or AMI flashing utility (depending on the BIOS Type of your board). If you have downloaded such an archive, you should choose the first method from the option box.
You do not need to extract the files from the BIOS archive. The tool will ask you to point it to the archive you downloaded and automatically extract the BIOS File and the AMI or AWARD flashing utility and put it them on your USB Flash Drive. You don't have to worry about anything else. All you have to do is to remember where you saved the ZIP or RAR file you downloaded:
3.2. Method 2: Processing a BIOS File Directly
If you do not have a ZIP or RAR archive that already contains a BIOS File and the proper flashing utitility, but only the plain unpacked BIOS File, choose the second Method from the option box. In most cases BETA BIOS Files supplied by MSI Support or shared here in the Forum do not come with the proper flashing utility. If the MSI Forum HQ USB Flashing Tool is told to process a plain BIOS File, it will automatically check the type of BIOS File (AMI or AWARD) and then select the proper flashing utility that needs to be used. All you need to do is point the tool to the BIOS-File that is supposed to be flashed:
3.3. Method 3: SureHands Live Update
"SureHands Live Update" is the third operation method you can choose from the option box. It provides a much safer and more reliable alternative to MSI Live Update as the actual BIOS Flash is performed in a pure DOS environment as well. If you decide to use this option, you do not to supply the tool with a BIOS-Archive or a BIOS-File.
Not all MSI Retail Boards are currently supported. With every update of the USB Flashing Tool more boards will be added. At present, you can use the "SureHands" Live Update method with the following boards only (the list will be updated regularly):
AMD based boards:
K8N Neo4-F (MS-7125, PCB 3.0)
K8NGM2-FID (MS-7207, PCB 2.0)
K8N Diamond Plus (MS-7220, PCB 1.0)
K8N Neo3 (MS-7135, PCB 1.0 & 2.0)
K9A Platinum (MS-7280, PCB 1.0)
K9A2 Platinum (MS-7376, PCB 1.0)
K9A2 CF-F (MS-7388, PCB 1.0)
K9N Neo-F (MS-7260, PCB 1.0 & 2.0)
K9VGM-V (MS-7253, PCB1.0)
K9N2GM-F V2 (MS-7509, PCB 1.0)
K9N Neo V2 / V3 (MS-7369, PCB 1.1)
K9N Platinum & K9N SLI Platinum (MS-7250, PCB1.0)
K9N2 Diamond (MS-7375, PCB 1.1)
K9N2 SLI Platinum (MS-7374, PCB 1.1)
K9N2 Zilent (MS-7374, PCB 1.1)
K9N2 Neo-F (MS-7511, PCB 1.1)
DKA790GX Platinum (MS-7550, PCB 1.1)
790FX-GD70 (MS-7577, PCB 1.0)
790GX-G65 (MS-7576, PCB 1.0)
Intel based boards
HydroGenX48C & X48C Platinum (MS-7353, PCB 3.0)
X48 Platinum (MS-7353, PCB 1.0)
X38 Diamond Plus
X38 Diamond (MS-7353, PCB 1.0)
X38 Platinum (MS-7353, PCB 1.0)
EFINITY-FP (MS-7395(E), PCB 1.0)
P35 Neo Combo-F (MS-7365, PCB 1.0)
P35 Neo2 Series (MS-7345, PCB 1.1)
P35 Platinum (MS-7345, PCB 1.1)
P35 Neo-F (MS-7360, PCB 1.0)
G33 Platinum (MS-7345, PCB 1.1 & PCB 1.2)
P965 Platinum (MS-7238, PCB 1.1)
975X Platinum PowerUp Edition (MS-7246, PCB 2.1)
865PE Neo2-P Platinum Edition (MS-6728, PCB 2.0C)
P7N SLI Platinum (MS-7380, PCB 1.0)
P7N2 Diamond (MS-7523 PCB 1.0)
P7N Diamond (MS-7510, PCB 1.0)
P7N SLI Platinum (MS-7380, PCB 1.0)
P6N Diamond (MS-7320, PCB 1.0)
P6N SLI Platinum (MS-7350, PCB 1.0)
P6N SLI-FI (MS-7350 PCB 2.0)
P6N SLI V2 (MS-7346 PCB 1.0)
ECLIPSE SLI (MS-7520, PCB 1.0)
ECLIPSE Plus (MS-7566, PCB 1.0)
P35 Neo3-F (MS-7395, PCB 1.0)
After selecting "SureHands" from the option box, the tool will automatically check for all available official BIOS-Versions for your mainboard. It will also look for the latest available BETA BIOS Version for you board and save that information in a TXT-File on your Desktop:
Note: The SureHands option will not provide you with the latest BETA BIOS, it will only provide the information.
When the tool is done scanning for official BIOS releases for your board, it will give you the possibility to manually choose the BIOS Version you want to flash. SureHands Live Update will not automatically select the latest version and use it for flashing, it will give you the chance of choosing between all available official BIOS releases that are available:
Note that the "May not exist" comment that appears behind some versions does not mean that the BIOS does not exist. If you know the latest BIOS for your board is e.g. v1.8, SureHands will retrieve it even though there may be such a comment. That message is part of a prediction feature that tries to determine future BIOS Releases. If a BIOS version that was predicted by the SureHands feature is not available yet, the tool will tell you if it cannot retrieve the files and ask you to select an earlier version.
3.4 Geometry Change
If the tool fails to make your USB storage device bootable then you will need to use this mode. It will make your drive bootable, select it:
Select your drive then let the tool do it's business.
Once the process is complete, run the tool again via method 1, 2 or 3, restart your computer and try booting from the USB storage device again.
NOTE: This method will destroy ALL data on the USB storage device!
NOTE: This method is available in v1.17 and beyond.
4. Selecting the USB Flash Drive for preparation
When you have chosen one of the three methods from the option list and pointed the tool at the corresponding archive, BIOS File or selected the desired BIOS Version from the list in case you chose to use SureHands Live Update, the MSI Forum HQ USB Flashing Tool will prompt you to enter the drive letter of the USB Flash Drive you want to use for flashing:
Note that certain drive letters are reserved and will therefore not be accepted by the tool (currently A:, B: and C:). If you are sure you have connected an USB Flash Drive to the system that works properly but it does not appear in the table that appears in the DOS box, enter the corresponding drive letter anyway and see if the tool accepts it. This can happen in rare cases, but it is usually no problem.
The tool will check the selected drive and will provide you with status messages. If everything is okay, the message should look like this:
The tool will attempt to make the device bootable and automatically write all files that are needed for flashing to the drive to prepare it for flashing. If the procedure was successful, you will get the following message in the DOS box:
5. BIOS-Settings, Booting & Flashing
If the Tool has prepared your drive for booting & flashing, no BIOS flash attempt has been made yet. Only the preparation process. In order to initiate the flashing procedure, you have to restart your system and make it boot from the USB Flash drive. Before you move on to do that, enter the BIOS Setup and check a few options:
5.1. BIOS Settings to Check
Check USB-related Options in BIOS:
- USB Controller
- USB 2.0 Controller
- USB Legacy Support
- USB Storage Support
- Boot from other devices
- etc.
Not all of these options may be found in BIOS and the precise name may vary as well. Just make sure you checked for such options and that they are enabled (if present).
Another option you should check for is "Boot Sector Protection". If such an option is present in your BIOS, make sure it is disabled because it may make a BIOS Flash impossible.
@all Overclockers: In case your system is currently overclocked, make sure you roll back to default clock and voltage settings before you attempt to start the flashing procedure. Otherwise you increase the risk of an unsuccesful flash, and you most probably don't want something like that to happen.
5.2. Booting from USB Flash Drive
To boot from your USB drive you can either change the boot sequence in BIOS accordingly or just press F11 during POST* to get access to the BIOS Boot Menu. From here, you can select you drive directly without having to adjust the boot sequence in BIOS. Note that your USB Flash Drive may be listed as a hard drive (if you choose that entry you will get another list to choose from).
* Not all mainboards use F11, for the boot menu. If F11 fails for you, please consult your manual for the correct key.
Note: If you have problems booting from your drive, look at the FAQ-Section of this guide and see if any of the tips resolve the issue.
5.3. Flashing Procedure/Running MemTest86+
As soon as the system boots from the drive, DOS will be loaded and you will be displayed with two options. One option will start MemTest86+, the other will begin the flashing procedure. If no choice is made, MemTest86+ will automatically start.
The flashing procedure will automatically be initiated from there. You will see status messages on the screen that will supply you with information and also prompt you for final confirmation for the actual BIOS-Flash. A backup of you current BIOS will automatically be saved to a file on the drive (backup.bin) before the flashing actually starts. You do not need to enter any commands in DOS. All you have to do is acknowledge the information on the screen by pressing a key.
The flash itself will only take a couple of seconds (20-30s at the most). If the flashing is successfully completed, shutdown the system and clear CMOS with main A/C power cable removed from PSU. Read the >>Clear CMOS Guide<< for further information.
After clearing CMOS you have completed the BIOS-Flash.
Guide created by Jack The Newbie and the forum team

Version updated to 1.18x:
* Mode 3 Sure Hands, Live Update:
- Removed beta BIOS query check[global]
- Fixed issue K9N2 Diamond unable to be detected as supported unit if onboard is installed BIOS version 2.4,
add dynamic detection for future versions.
- Fixed issue 790FX-GD70 unable to be detected as supported unit and add dynamic detection for future versions.
- Fixed issue 790GX-G65 unable to be detected as supported unit and add dynamic detection for future versions.
- Add support for 785G-E65, add dynamic detection for future versions, prediction BIOS range 3.1 - 3.A
- Add support for 785G-E53, add dynamic detection for future versions, prediction BIOS range 3.1 - 3.A
- Add support for 790GX-G65 Winki ED, prediction BIOS range 2.1 - 2.A
- Fixed issue P7N Diamond unable to be detected as supported unit if onboard BIOS installed is 1.3 and above,
add dynamic detection for future versions.
- Add support for K9A2 Neo2, prediction BIOS range 7.4 - 7.D
- Add support for 790XT-G45, prediction BIOS range 2.2 - 2.B
- Add support for 770T-C45, prediction BIOS range 8.4 - 8.D
- Add support for 770T-C35, prediction BIOS range 8.4 - 8.D
- Fixed issue K9A2 Platinum[V1,V2] unable to be detected as supported unit if onboard BIOS installed is 1.9,
add dynamic detection for future versions, prediction BIOS range extended to 1.F0
- 790GX-G65 board prediction BIOS range extended to ver: 1.D0
- 790GX-G65 board update bios base ver from 1.xx to 4.xx [following new msi rule for this board jumping from 1.xx to 4.xx]
- Add support for 770-C35|C45 boards [p1] BIOS range 1.40 - 1.D0
- Add support for 770-G45 board [p2] BIOS range A10 - AA0
* Add "Exit" option to navigation screen
* Update version info related to boot part
* Update boot part to handle newest features
* Modify Self update sequence of Installer version
* Update internal version check ID
* Mode 4 minor update
* Build and add new Tool's module for newest features
* W32 Tool's exit time part decreased by 10 seconds
* On received OS reboot user request, time delay before execution decreased by 15 seconds
* Update EC decoder
* Update start-up information screen
* Auto store start-up detected information to user's desktop ==> [MSIHQ_INFO.TXT]
Details:
Easy to show machine information on request, instead write down from the screen manually, now just copy/paste can be used from MSIHQ_INFO.TXT
User can check and compare information before and after the BIOS update
Also usefull if didn't remember what was his original BIOS or EC versions before the update, Tool will auto store it there.
And easy can be checked if needs. E.g Tool's log file of each Tool's execution, each report will include date and time as well.
F.A.Q example:
Q: I flashed BIOS on my notebook and now it doesn't work properly.. And i don't remember what was my old BIOS version.. What can i do?
A: Take a look in MSIHQ_INFO.TXT at your desktop, there is auto recorded your detailed information about your notebook before the BIOS update.
So you can easy find what was your original BIOS & EC versions.
Is it OEM one or not, and the exact original BIOS & EC versions.
So you can roll back easy or if crossflashing were done to reflash to correct versions.
Example question:[this board now use 4.xx bios, but don't have time to make a new images.]
It's just example, do not mean that this BIOS used in the example is bad. But generally often can need to roll back to older version.
Or to use Sure Hands because[The BIOS is N/A for manual download, By SureHands no need to browse/search/download and point to the BIOS version, also eliminate any chances to pickup the wrong BIOS, and not at last its more quickly[save a time]]
Q: I flashed my BIOS via MSI Live Update, but the new BIOS has an issues.
How i can roll back to my old BIOS version?
The MSI LiveUpdate can only update to the latest BIOS version, which is not good for me.
And i can't download my old BIOS version manually... Because "This BIOS can only update via Live Update function"
http://eu.msi.com/index.php?func=downloaddetail&type=bios&maincat_no=1&prod_no=1739
How i can re-flash to my original BIOS version and from where can i get it?
A: Run >>Use the MSI HQ Forum USB flasher<<,
then choose Mode 3 [Live Update{aka SureHands}]:
MSIHQ: Information detected by MSIHQ Tool ver: 1.18x
MSIHQ: Report generated in ба 30.12.2009 Ј. at 21:09:45,15
Mainboard: 790GX-G65 (MS-7576)
PCB Version: 1.0
BIOS Version: V1.3
BIOS Date: 05/08/2009
MSIHQ: Information detected by MSIHQ Tool ver: 1.18x
MSIHQ: Report generated in ба 30.12.2009 Ј. at 21:22:38,42
Mainboard: 790GX-G65 (MS-7576)
PCB Version: 1.0
BIOS Version: V1.6
BIOS Date: 11/30/2009
Then choose your old BIOS version from the list:
The followed image used below is a sample from Eclipse board,[no time to make accurate image] but will look similar for others boards too:
In a list will be noticed that there is a future BIOS versions.
Some of them will be not released yet. If you pick some of those the Tool will note you:
It's a part of Tool's BIOS prediction system called "Crystal Ball", when MSI release a future BIOSes for your board,
Tool can find them immediately. By that way the Tool no need to be updated to be actual in each moment
* Add new feature "True BIOS Version Ready"
- Updated Mode 1
- Updated Mode 2
- Updated Mode 3
Details:
Q: What "True BIOS Version Ready" means? Does the Tool show the wrong BIOS version until now?
A: Of course not, the Tool always show accurate info.
The same as CPU-Z/Everest of whatever other Tool.
However Tool also detect EC-FW versions for notebooks:
The "True BIOS Version Ready" Tool's feature is aimed to eliminate user's mass confusion about MSI BIOS versions.
And not only users are confused, but MSI's Live Update is confused too... which confuse users even more..
Few typical real examples of confusion:
"K9A2 CF wont flash to Bios v. 1.A !!!"
Quote from: Fingon on 25-October-09, 16:53:15
Hi MSI,
I have a problem. I have bought a new processor: AMD Phenom II x545. I looked on the support page of my MB (MSI K9A2 CF) and there the CPU is supported from the bios version 1.A. So I wanted to flash the Bios the the newest version (1.A). I used the MSI live update 4 program to flash it via windows mode. But everytime it boots it writes "CMOS checksum BAD", then I hit F1 to Bios and I see the version of my BIOS fell to the oldest version 1.1. Then I tried to flash it thru Flash disc (with boot files) and dos mod. The result is the same. I can flash my MB to version 1.8 but when I try the 1.A it wont flash it and my Bios fell to the oldest version (1.1). I realised that the exe files in version 1.1-1.8 are the same (afud412.exe) but the exe file in 1.A is different (afud4310.exe).
My questions are:
1) How to flash my MB to the version 1.A ?
2) Is version 1.A really needed for AMD Phenom II x545? I guess yes, because CPU was avaible in July 2009 and the bios 1.A went out in June 2009. I am able to flash it only to version 1.8 (december 2008).
Thank you for any help!!
EDIT: After reading this topic: https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?topic=129204.0 I realised I have the VERSION 1 of this board (I purchased it right after the launch of the MB (November 2007). It means it doesnt support CPU over 95W, but my Phenpom II x545 has only 80W. I still cant update Bios to the 1.A version.
So my third question is:
3) Is the Bios update 1.A only for version 2 of this MB?
Thx for replies!
Quote from: Jack t.N. on 25-October-09, 17:16:16
A CMOS Checksum error is normal and expected after a BIOS Flash and/or a CMOS Clear. The fact that this message appears, shows, that there was actually something programmed to the chip.
If you haven't done that yet, please clear CMOS with the main A/C power cable removed from your PSU and load "Optimized Defaults" in BIOS Setup.
The BIOS Version should be shown on the POST Status Screen and there should be a date behind it. Please check the BIOS Date and write it down:
Are you absolutely and entirely sure that what you see is "1.1" and not "1.10"? Because v1.A0 is actually just the hexadecimal notation for v1."10" (one dot ten). The hexadecimal notation is only used in the BIOS File Ending. Once flashed, the BIOS will not identify itself in hexadecimal notation but in decimal code (which means you will never see "v1.A0" after the flash but "v1.10" instead.
Here is a piece of well-meant advice for now and the future: MSI Live Update should be avoided under all circumstances when it comes to BIOS Updates and/or information retrieval regarding your current BIOS Version. Why? Because this tool is stupid and one of there most risky applications for performing a BIOS Flash. Please uninstall it completely.
Why do I call it stupid? I call it stupid because it does not differentiate between hexadecimal notation and decimal notation. It will show you that "v1.A0" is available. The it will flash it, if you allow it to do so. Of course, a v1.A0 Version will always come out as "v1.10" (one dot ten). When you re-run MSI Live Update it will not recognize that v1.A0=v1.10 and tell you again that there is a newer version available (1.A0, which, again, is the same as v1.10, which was just properly flashed).
I believe that the update went just fine, that you are currently using v1.A0=v1.10 and that MSI Live Update is actually just creating a pseudo-problem which is currently confusing you. The pseudo-problem will immediately be out of the world, if you uninstall MSI Live Update and rely on the BIOS ID String as it appears on the POST Status Screen (this includes the date shown there).
If a BIOS Update should ever be necessary again, please make sure that you won't use MSI Live Update but >>Use the MSI HQ Forum USB flasher<< instead.
Quote from: Fingon on 25-October-09, 18:03:44
Thank you for the quick reply!!
Thats exactly what I have JUST found in this post by Svet: https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?topic=127672.msg974800#msg974800
Yes it is 1.10 of course!! I didnt know that 1.10 = 1.A0 ! Thank you for the reply. Then the MSI live update 4 program is dump that he wanted from me another update of Bios.
So thank you! Problem is solved.
Edit: Yes, because of MSI live update I learned how to flash bios via flash disc. :-) But I was still confused by that 1.10 and of course by program saying me I should update again.. :-P
Quote from: Lostsoul777 on 14-August-09, 05:46:25
I had the same problem with 1.90 bios, so i updated to 1A, i just want to know why Bios Version says: v.1.10 instead v.1A?
Quote from: LinuxGuy on 29-December-09, 01:17:45
My computer does not have a floppy drive. How do I update the BIOS? (I tried the online utility 3 times. It always updates the BIOS "successfully" and when I restart my PC, I have to do either F1 to config or F2 to load setup defaults. So it looks like it's working, but the online update says that I have versions H.10 and version H.A0 is available (or maybe the other way around). So either the BIOS is getting updated, but the online tool is not recognizing this or it's not getting updated. Either way, I would like to manually flash it in DOS. Is it safe to burn the setup files to CD and boot from CD into DOS?
That's the same BIOS version... Just the "MSI Live Updater" is not very smart...
H.A=H.10=17.A=17.10 [A=10, H=17], the last "0" suffix in H.A0 means its official version.
Quote
I tried the online utility 3 times. It always updates the BIOS "successfully" and when I restart my PC, I have to do either F1 to config or F2 to load setup defaults.
So it looks like it's working, but the online update says that I have versions H.10 and version H.A0 is available (or maybe the other way around).
So ignore this MSI Live Updater's no sense, and stop flashing your BIOS. You already have the latest version installed.
The Tool now will detect and shows BIOS versions alias when the MSI BIOS version is known with more than one name.
So no more flashing and flashing and flashing to the same version because of MSI LiveUpdate suggest again BIOS update...
Also no more confusion:
"What's my BIOS version?" -> I flashed my BIOS to 1.A0 [A7520IMS.1A0], but BIOS says its 1.10
And MSI Live Update also says that i have 1.10 and 1.A0 is available and i should update it. I flashed it again, but its still 1.10?
What's going on?
Just run the MSIHQ USB Flash Tool and will show you all that you need to know
Examples[with real/accurate info]:
MSI Eclipse:
BIOS version 1.9:
BIOS version 1.10:[Tool now shows both BIOS versions alias]
Report stored respective in MSIHQ_INFO.TXT at user's desktop:
MSIHQ: Information detected by MSIHQ Tool ver: 1.18x
MSIHQ: Report generated in ба 30.12.2009 Ј. at 5:30:55,34
Mainboard: Eclipse SLI (MS-7520)
PCB Version: 1.0
BIOS Version: V1.9
BIOS Date: 09/22/2009
MSIHQ: Information detected by MSIHQ Tool ver: 1.18x
MSIHQ: Report generated in ба 30.12.2009 Ј. at 5:37:25,66
Mainboard: Eclipse SLI (MS-7520)
PCB Version: 1.0
BIOS Version: V1.A (aka Version: V1.10)
BIOS Date: 10/27/2009
More examples =>K9N6SGM-V / K9N6PGM-FI / K9N6PGM-F :
More examples =>945GCM5-F V2 (FSB 1333) :
Report stored respective in MSIHQ_INFO.TXT at user's desktop:
MSIHQ: Information detected by MSIHQ Tool ver: 1.18x
MSIHQ: Report generated in ба 30.12.2009 Ј. at 5:47:34,35
Mainboard: MS-7267
PCB Version: 4.0
BIOS Version: VH.9 (aka Version: V17.9)
BIOS Date: 11/20/2008
MSIHQ: Information detected by MSIHQ Tool ver: 1.18x
MSIHQ: Report generated in ба 30.12.2009 Ј. at 5:52:46,26
Mainboard: 945GCM5-F V2 (MS-7267)
PCB Version: 4.0
BIOS Version: VH.A (aka Version: V17.10)
BIOS Date: 06/02/2009
More examples =>780GT-E63 [N/A at MSI web yet] :
For MSI Notebooks such decoding isn't need, examples:
* Add new feature "Triple BIOS flash Recovery Ready"
- Updated Mode 1
- Updated Mode 2
- Updated Mode 3
Details:
The feature include 3 auto prepared BIOS backups for followed purpose:
* Internal BIOS recovery:
- In a failure case Tool perform auto flash recovery [3 attempts, check for success after each and stop flashing if successful] before give control to BK_IO2, notice users about results and give control for manual attempts[if need]. [This a case if system isn't lockup/reboot, if bad flash occur]
- This mode also have own store up to 5 backups[+1, the last saved copy is always backup.bin, if there was older one they become backup1.bin .. till 5]
* BIOS backup stored as AMIBOOT.ROM [AMI BIOS only] [Auto clean up older if there is any, before take a new backup to avoid recovery confusion]
* BIOS backup detected and stored for M-Flash style boot/recovery [AMI BIOS only] [Auto clean up older if there is any, before take a new backup to avoid recovery confusion]
Performing test simulations with random generated BIOS versions[including betas] for M-Flash boot/recovery style, some examples:
Copy/paste Tool log file:
MSIHQ: Information detected by MSIHQ Tool ver: 1.18x
MSIHQ: Report generated in 03.01.2010 г. at 7:00:53,46
Mainboard: 945GCM5-F V2 (MS-7267)
PCB Version: 4.0
BIOS Version: VD.XB2 (aka Version: V13.33B2)
BIOS Date: 06/02/2009
Co-respond BIOS backup created ==> A7267IMS.DX2
Where:
* V13.33B2 ==> MSIHQ Tool detection [The same as CPU-Z, Everest]
* VD.XB2 ==> MSIHQ Tool "True BIOS Ready" detection feature
* A7267IMS.DX2 ==> MSIHQ Tool BIOS recovery created by "Triple BIOS flash recovery Ready", part M-flash boot/recovery [1/3]
MSIHQ: Information detected by MSIHQ Tool ver: 1.18x
MSIHQ: Report generated in 03.01.2010 г. at 7:12:23,95
Mainboard: 945GCM5-F V2 (MS-7267)
PCB Version: 4.0
BIOS Version: VK.VB7 (aka Version: V20.31B7)
BIOS Date: 06/02/2009
Co-respond BIOS backup created ==> A7267IMS.KV7
Where:
* V20.31B7 ==> MSIHQ Tool detection [The same as CPU-Z, Everest]
* VK.VB7 ==> MSIHQ Tool "True BIOS Ready" detection feature
* A7267IMS.KV7 ==> MSIHQ Tool BIOS recovery created by "Triple BIOS flash recovery Ready", part M-flash boot/recovery [1/3]
MSIHQ: Information detected by MSIHQ Tool ver: 1.18x
MSIHQ: Report generated in 03.01.2010 г. at 7:18:34,46
Mainboard: 945GCM5-F V2 (MS-7267)
PCB Version: 4.0
BIOS Version: V3.9
BIOS Date: 06/02/2009
Co-respond BIOS backup created ==> A7267IMS.390
Where:
* V3.9 ==> MSIHQ Tool detection [The same as CPU-Z, Everest]
* MSIHQ Tool "True BIOS Ready" detection feature isn't need here, since this BIOS version can be known only with one name.
* A7267IMS.390 ==> MSIHQ Tool BIOS recovery created by "Triple BIOS flash recovery Ready", part M-flash boot/recovery [1/3]
MSIHQ: Information detected by MSIHQ Tool ver: 1.18x
MSIHQ: Report generated in 03.01.2010 г. at 7:22:24,04
Mainboard: 945GCM5-F V2 (MS-7267)
PCB Version: 4.0
BIOS Version: V8.1B9
BIOS Date: 06/02/2009
Co-respond BIOS backup created ==> A7267IMS.819
Where:
* V8.1B9==> MSIHQ Tool detection [The same as CPU-Z, Everest]
* MSIHQ Tool "True BIOS Ready" detection feature isn't need here, since this BIOS version can be known only with one name.
* A7267IMS.819 ==> MSIHQ Tool BIOS recovery created by "Triple BIOS flash recovery Ready", part M-flash boot/recovery [1/3]
MSIHQ: Information detected by MSIHQ Tool ver: 1.18x
MSIHQ: Report generated in 03.01.2010 г. at 7:25:38,51
Mainboard: 945GCM5-F V2 (MS-7267)
PCB Version: 4.0
BIOS Version: V4.E (aka Version: V4.14)
BIOS Date: 06/02/2009
Co-respond BIOS backup created ==> A7267IMS.4E0
Where:
* V4.14 ==> MSIHQ Tool detection [The same as CPU-Z, Everest]
* V4.E ==> MSIHQ Tool "True BIOS Ready" detection feature
* A7267IMS.4E0 ==> MSIHQ Tool BIOS recovery created by "Triple BIOS flash recovery Ready", part M-flash boot/recovery [1/3]
MSIHQ: Information detected by MSIHQ Tool ver: 1.18x
MSIHQ: Report generated in 03.01.2010 г. at 7:28:16,62
Mainboard: 945GCM5-F V2 (MS-7267)
PCB Version: 4.0
BIOS Version: V1.BB1 (aka Version: V1.11B1)
BIOS Date: 06/02/2009
Co-respond BIOS backup created ==> A7267IMS.1B1
Where:
* V1.11B1 ==> MSIHQ Tool detection [The same as CPU-Z, Everest]
* V1.BB1 ==> MSIHQ Tool "True BIOS Ready" detection feature
* A7267IMS.1B1 ==> MSIHQ Tool BIOS recovery created by "Triple BIOS flash recovery Ready", part M-flash boot/recovery [1/3]
MSIHQ: Information detected by MSIHQ Tool ver: 1.18x
MSIHQ: Report generated in 03.01.2010 г. at 7:31:57,78
Mainboard: 945GCM5-F V2 (MS-7267)
PCB Version: 4.0
BIOS Version: VI.FB5 (aka Version: V18.15B5)
BIOS Date: 06/02/2009
Co-respond BIOS backup created ==> A7267IMS.IF5
Where:
* V18.15B5 ==> MSIHQ Tool detection [The same as CPU-Z, Everest]
* VI.FB5 ==> MSIHQ Tool "True BIOS Ready" detection feature
* A7267IMS.IF5 ==> MSIHQ Tool BIOS recovery created by "Triple BIOS flash recovery Ready", part M-flash boot/recovery [1/3]
MSIHQ: Information detected by MSIHQ Tool ver: 1.18x
MSIHQ: Report generated in 03.01.2010 г. at 7:36:02,40
Mainboard: 945GCM5-F V2 (MS-7267)
PCB Version: 4.0
BIOS Version: V7.O (aka Version: V7.24)
BIOS Date: 06/02/2009
Co-respond BIOS backup created ==> A7267IMS.7O0
Where:
* V7.24 ==> MSIHQ Tool detection [The same as CPU-Z, Everest]
* V7.O ==> MSIHQ Tool "True BIOS Ready" detection feature
* A7267IMS.7O0 ==> MSIHQ Tool BIOS recovery created by "Triple BIOS flash recovery Ready", part M-flash boot/recovery [1/3]
MSIHQ: Information detected by MSIHQ Tool ver: 1.18x
MSIHQ: Report generated in 03.01.2010 г. at 7:39:11,84
Mainboard: 945GCM5-F V2 (MS-7267)
PCB Version: 4.0
BIOS Version: VC.8B6 (aka Version: V12.8B6)
BIOS Date: 06/02/2009
Co-respond BIOS backup created ==> A7267IMS.C86
Where:
* V12.8B6 ==> MSIHQ Tool detection [The same as CPU-Z, Everest]
* VC.8B6 ==> MSIHQ Tool "True BIOS Ready" detection feature
* A7267IMS.C86 ==> MSIHQ Tool BIOS recovery created by "Triple BIOS flash recovery Ready", part M-flash boot/recovery [1/3]
MSIHQ: Information detected by MSIHQ Tool ver: 1.18x
MSIHQ: Report generated in 03.01.2010 г. at 7:49:38,46
Mainboard: 945GCM5-F V2 (MS-7267)
PCB Version: 4.0
BIOS Version: VG.PB6 (aka Version: V16.25B6)
BIOS Date: 06/02/2009
Co-respond BIOS backup created ==> A7267IMS.GP6
Where:
* V16.25B6 ==> MSIHQ Tool detection [The same as CPU-Z, Everest]
* VG.PB6 ==> MSIHQ Tool "True BIOS Ready" detection feature
* A7267IMS.GP6 ==> MSIHQ Tool BIOS recovery created by "Triple BIOS flash recovery Ready", part M-flash boot/recovery [1/3]
MSIHQ: Information detected by MSIHQ Tool ver: 1.18x
MSIHQ: Report generated in 03.01.2010 г. at 7:53:17,26
Mainboard: 945GCM5-F V2 (MS-7267)
PCB Version: 4.0
BIOS Version: VU.H (aka Version: V30.17)
BIOS Date: 06/02/2009
Co-respond BIOS backup created ==> A7267IMS.UH0
Where:
* V30.17 ==> MSIHQ Tool detection [The same as CPU-Z, Everest]
* VU.H ==> MSIHQ Tool "True BIOS Ready" detection feature
* A7267IMS.UH0 ==> MSIHQ Tool BIOS recovery created by "Triple BIOS flash recovery Ready", part M-flash boot/recovery [1/3]

Flash tool Problems

Using CS3
Technical difficulty questions:
Why is is that the pen tool will sometimes at random suddenly look like a thicker line size when the tool hasn't been tampered with at all? This does not have to do with the effect of Zooming out and noticing how the line tool thickens.
Why is it that when setting up hotkeys that the program not only fails to remember right after editting/ or saving your hotkeys, but also, starts to shuffle the hotkeys to other already used hotkeys (this is something that flash is doing with all the computers in the studio I work in) It usually will take me 4 - 5 tries of resetting all of the hotkeys I've organized just because I wanted to add a new hotkey. Is there something to prevent this, or a reason why this happens?
At random again, there are times when tweening a symbol, it automatically syncs itself, which really screws things up if you are using single frames in the animation. (because as we all know, the syncing option automatically sets the tweened animation to be the same frame instance as the previous keys if it is single framed) How do you solve that problem because unsync options doesn't really help when you literally have to go to each key pose and indivually reset the frame instance to the frame you wanted it at originally before having tweened it.
Just mechanical questions:
I've been trying to deal creating masks for eye symbols my problem is that after creating 50+ different instances of an eye blinks/expressions I want to be able to copy this entire symbol and just rename it, while keeping all the instances of these eye blinks and shapes exactly in the same place as the original eye blink symbol. So copying the frames inside the symbol and just pasting them into a newly made symbol doesn't help because pasting and then turning it into a symbol the usual way creates problems like the size of all these eye blinks become too big/small/ or all too far too the left/right (which ultimately would force me to very carefully try to position the symbol over top of the original eye shape to match it perfectly to accomplish seamless masking. So my question is: Is there a simple way of duplicating a symbol so that it is unparented/doesn't effect the symbol that it was duplicated from.
is there a way to change the default line options (ie: rather than always having at line width 1, join: rounded, cap: rounded)
is there a way to change the 'J' hotkey ( when working it also happens to randomly switch to object drawing which gets very tedious when it's unwanted, weather I accidentally press the 'J' button or not when switching between the brush (B), Line (Y) or straight line (N) tools (and others)) I've checked hot keys trying to change it, but it doesn't seem to be an option available to change it to another hot key.

I can't answer all your questions, but I'll tell you what I can about the ones I know a bit about.
Why is it that when setting up hotkeys that the program not only fails to remember right after editting/ or saving your hotkeys, but also, starts to shuffle the hotkeys to other already used hotkeys (this is something that flash is doing with all the computers in the studio I work in) It usually will take me 4 - 5 tries of resetting all of the hotkeys I've organized just because I wanted to add a new hotkey. Is there something to prevent this, or a reason why this happens
This seems to only happen to me if I'm assigning a hot key that was already used to something new. This seems to "shift" all the hot keys that followed the original hot key. The solution is that when you get a warning that the hot key was previously used, pick something else. This kind of sucks if you really wanted that hot key, but that's the only thing I have found that works.
Just mechanical questions:
I've been trying to deal creating masks for eye symbols my problem is that after creating 50+ different instances of an eye blinks/expressions I want to be able to copy this entire symbol and just rename it, while keeping all the instances of these eye blinks and shapes exactly in the same place as the original eye blink symbol. So copying the frames inside the symbol and just pasting them into a newly made symbol doesn't help because pasting and then turning it into a symbol the usual way creates problems like the size of all these eye blinks become too big/small/ or all too far too the left/right (which ultimately would force me to very carefully try to position the symbol over top of the original eye shape to match it perfectly to accomplish seamless masking. So my question is: Is there a simple way of duplicating a symbol so that it is unparented/doesn't effect the symbol that it was duplicated from.
For this, I use Swap Instance for Duplicate Symbol. Usually I already have an instance on stage that I want to use this on, but sometimes I'll just drag one on and run the command, since it works so much better than duplicating the symbol in the library. Once I have a duplicate symbol, then I can go inside it and swap any inner instances for duplicate symbols all the way down until I've finished my edits.

After BIOS flash still problems

I had bios v3.1 and it gave me no signal at cold boot start but eventually it worked with a single rail PSU on the Tagan 580W 2x 12V rails psu it didn’t. I went to the shop where i bought everything last day and they flashed the bios to 3.8 now. It works with the Tagan PSU but at cold boot it still gives me the "no signal" thing the d-bracket hangs at memory test and the PCI-e slot doesn’t get any power at all. After i leave it for 3 to 5 minutes on and turn it off and on again it boots up fine and after that even if i turn it off and power it up again its ok. My morning temp in the room is around 18-19°C (winter) i got a Thermaltake tower and it has that temperature diode and when it came around 22°C it booted at cold boot.
So are there any solutions for the cold boot problem. Also there’s no "seek floppy" option in the v3.8 bios and it always checks my floppy drive at boot screen its kind of annoying can it be turned off?

I tried my GFX card in the 2nd pci-e slot with the SLI switch turned on to SLI mode and i got one long beep and 2 or 3 short ones don’t know for sure. I know that’s the GFX card error but should my card run on the 2nd PCi-e slot at all? After the beeps the system went into windows and of course there was no signal to the monitor. On first PCi-e slot its a totally random thing sometimes the system POSTs sometimes not.
I’d kind of appreciate it if I get a reply from somebody kind of frustrating to post 2 times by my self in my thread lol and nobody replying

Need help finding a BIOS flash tool and BIOS updates for HP Compaq nc8230 running Windows 7

I put together this laptop. It didnt come with a hardrive, and basically I installed everything from the ground up.
It is an HP Compaq nc8230, IDE Hard drive, Windows 7 32 bit. The BIOS on it is the original one. I've searched far and wide, but to no avail, it seems there's zero support for this model anymore.
Basically it was never intended to go beyond Vista, back in 2004 when this model was introduced.
The reason I am searching for some kind of BIOS update, whether it is BIOS or SMBios is to get the ACPI driver to recognize the primary laptop battery. This is crucial: it only sees both as the travel battery. Other than that, all else is fine.

Hi:
Here is the latest BIOS update for your notebook.
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareDescription.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&prodTypeId=32...
You cannot use the windows based flash because you installed windows 7, so I provided the link to the DOS based flash.
You need to use a USB floppy drive for this update.
Oh, and the card reader won't work unless you install this updated driver which is not on your PC's support and driver page.
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareDescription.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&prodTypeId=32...
Also, here is the link to your PC's support and driver page...
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Home.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&prodTypeId=321957&prodSeries...

Bios Flashing and Recovery

BIOS FLASHING
We do not recommend using the MSI LiveUpdate tool to update your BIOS! It may be okay for updating your drivers, but please do not use it to flash the BIOS in Windows!
Windows-based flashing - If you REALLY insist on flashing the BIOS under Windows, if you encounter any error during flashing, whatever you do, DON'T restart your PC! Try again until the flash is successful, otherwise your board will not start! Disable any anti-virus program (along with any other programs) prior to flashing.
Boards with built-in M-Flash function - While M-Flash work's properly most of the time, it has still proved to be less reliable than the forum tool / manual flash.
Before flashing your BIOS, you must ensure your system is fully stable! Any instabilities can cause a bad flash and create an expensive paper weight. Included with the forum flash tool is MEMTEST, we recommend running this for 2 or more passes prior to a flash.
If you do not understand what your BIOS is, or what it does, please read: >> BIOS. What it is, and all you need to know <<
Our first choice we recommend you use is our own USB flashing tool, developed by Svet.
It is important to note, that the only way to flash the ME extension of the BIOS of modern Intel boards is through the use special processes. The bios versions posted by moderators here: >>BIOSes<< include the additional files to accomplish this. These bios are all official and are directly from MSI.
>>>MSI Forum HQ USB Flashing Tool<<<
If you are unable to use the MSI HQ USB BIOS Flashing Tool
>>How to create a dos bootable USB stick>>
It is important to note that if any BIOS, EC FIRMWARE or any other type of FIRMWARE downloaded from MSI for a manual flash contains an BAT file it must be used. Not doing so will cause the flash to fail and require RMA.
For Intel Users, flash via FPT
Socket LGA 1150 : >>ME 9 FPT files & Instruction>>
Many of the bios versions posted here: >>BIOSes<< Contain a .bat file. All you need to do is extract all of the contents of the archive into the root directory of a DOS bootable USB stick and run the bat file from pure DOS.
Socket LGA 1155 & 2011: >>ME 7&8 FPT Files and instruction<<
Linux users
See this topic: >>Flash your BIOS, the Linux way! [beware the dangers!!]<<
Modified and BETA BIOSes
Use only at your own risk! All BETA BIOS versions posted by the moderators of this forum are directly from MSI and will not effect your warranty.The use of user modified BIOS versions may damage the board and may void your warranty. Exercise extreme caution in regards to user posted BIOS versions. Please also be aware that MSI and this forum can not be held responsible if you trash your mobo by using a modded, beta or otherwise incorrect BIOS.
WHEN IT ALL GOES WRONG...
BIOS RECOVERY
In many cases, provided the 'bootblock' of your BIOS is not corrupted during a bad flash, the BIOS can often be recovered by following the recovery procedures detailed below. NOTE: this recovery method should not be followed for normal practice of updating your BIOS!
For Modern MSI Systems, refer to:
<<Multi-Bios Equipped Mainboards>>
<<Single-Bios Equipped Mainboards>>
Legacy Systems:
For Award BIOS
Make a bootable floppy disk*
Copy the Award flash utility & BIOS file to the said floppy disk
Create an autoexec.bat with "Award_Flash_Utility BiosFilename" in the content (e.g. awdfl823K w6378vms.130)
Sample on how to create an autoexec:
a. On Windows, open the notepad
b. On the notepad, write "awdfl823K w6378vms.130" (without the " ")**
c. Save the file as autoexec.bat
Boot up system with the said floppy (it will take less than 2 minutes before screen comes out)
Re-flash the BIOS & reboot.
*Need a bootable floppy disk? Look here: http://www.bootdisk.com
**Make sure you enter the correct filenames for your flasher program and BIOS ROM file!
For AMI BIOS
Rename the desired AMI BIOS file to AMIBOOT.ROM and save it on a floppy disk. e.g. Rename A569MS23.ROM to AMIBOOT.ROM
Insert this floppy disk in the floppy drive. Turn On the system and press and hold Ctrl-Home to force update. It will read the AMIBOOT.ROM file and recover the BIOS from the A drive.
When 4 beeps are heard you may remove the floppy disk and restart the computer.
For new boards with AMI BIOS core 8 (4MB)
Discovered by Jack The Newbie:
Of course, the steps are similar to the standard AMI BIOS Recovery Procedure for internal floppy drives (rename corresponding BIOS File to AMIBOOT.ROM, hit CTRL + HOME after starting the system).
What has to be done (tested on P45 Platinum):
1. An optical SATA Drive needs to be connected to one of the Intel ICH10R SATA ports. {After a lot of testing, I found that it does not work with the same optical drive connected to the SATA Ports hosted by the secondary JMicron Controller. Also, using an optical drive on the JMicron IDE/PATA port does not help either.}
2. A proper BIOS File has to be renamed to AMIBOOT.ROM and burned on an empty CD.
3. CMOS-Clear with main A/C power cable removed from PSU has to be performed. {If this step is not done, the system will reboot after pressing CTRL + Home and will not proceed with recovery procedure.}
4. Press CTRL + Home to trigger BIOS Recovery. -> The system should enter BIOS Recovery Routine. {Will basically work with both USB & PS/2 keyboard. However, a PS/2 Keyboard is recommended as the system will respond earlier to PS/2 Keyboard than to USB Devices.}
What should happen now:
1. After pressing CTRL + HOME the LED Status should change to "Intializing Hard Disk Controller" and there should be access to the optical drive connected to the Intel ICH10R SATA ports.
2. It can take up to 30+ seconds until the BIOS File that was renamed to AMIBOOT.ROM is found. {Drive Bay can be opened to try a different CD without turning off or restarting the system.}
3. When the system finds the BIOS File, LED Status will change to "Testing RTC" and there should be a message on the screen indicating that the Flash Recovery Procedure has started.
4. Since the BIOS File is 4MB in size, it will take a while until the BIOS is actually reflashed.
Its also possible that BIOS recovery on boards with AMIBIOS8 can be done using a FAT-formatted USB stick, containing the renamed BIOS file. Be warned, in some circumstances it may take several moments before recovery procedure actually begins. See Bas' reply below for further information.
BIOS recovery on Wind netbooks
See this post here:
https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?topic=130509.msg982711#msg982711
BIOS recovery on non-UEFI notebooks
In order to recovery this type of system you will need an FAT32 formatted USB stick.
Download the applicable bios from MSI's website and rename this bios.
It must be re-named to either AMIBOOT.ROM or xxxxIMS.ROM / xxxxAMS.ROM You may need to try each way to determine which one is necessary.
Then place the renamed bios onto the root directory of the FAT32 formatted USB stick.
Now you are ready to cover the Notebook.
To do this, remove the AC power cord and battery. Once that has been completed, install the USB stick you prepared earlier.
Now, apply AC power (leaving the battery disconnected) and turn on the notebook. Recovery should begin after 5 minutes.
IF ALL ELSE FAILS...
Locate the BIOS chip on your mainboard. If it is soldered directly to the PCB like...
...then you have no choice but to return the board to your supplier, or to MSI, for replacement.
To request an RMA from MSI, open a support ticket at https://register.msi.com/ocss/
If your BIOS chip is in a socket, like...
...then you may be able to source a replacement BIOS chip, either from MSI, or from a website such as www.badflash.com
Updated 11/21/2013, original post by Stu

A.) Download >>this<< bios archive and place it on your desktop. Do not decompress.
B.) Download and install the >>MSI HQ Forum USB flasher<< .
C.) Insert your FAT32 formatted usb stick.
D.) Make sure that all win 8 options are disabled. (Fast Boot etc) Also make sure the legacy USB is enabled.
E.) Start the forum flash tool and select option 1. Then point the tool at the compressed archive we downloaded earlier. Then to your USB Flash Drive.
F.) Boot to the USB from working bios B.
G.) Once it booted successfully switch to bios A without powering down or rebooting
H.) Now follow the directions and let the tool flash bios A with desired version

Please help:System keeps rebooting after Bios flash update

Hello,
Ok for starters I have the K9A2 CF motherboard,4GB of ram,My last Bios was 1.8.
I was flashing to 1.9 using the bios flash tool and a usb 1GB stick.The Bios flash went without errors and I rebooted.After this I booted back up.It gets to the 512Mb on the screen then poof,the system reboots automatically and keeps doing so thereafter unless I shut the PC off.How can I restore my Bios or fix this issue.This is not good as I cant even get to the post screen before it reboots to change anything.
Thanks,
K9A2 CF board
Windows Vista 64
4GB Corsair ram
80GB Stata HD
200GB IDE HD
DVD-RW Drive

Quote from: soldat32 on 06-August-09, 05:16:16
CPU Type QuadCore AMD Phenom, 2500 MHz (12.5 x 200)AMD Phenom X4 9850 Quad Core Processor HD985ZXAGHBOX - Black Edition, Unlocked 2.50GHz, 4MB Cache, 2000MHz (4000 MT/s) FSB, Agena, Quad-Core, Retail, Socket AM2+, Processor with Fan
No errors were found in my memory.My PSU seems to be working fine.My VGA is a XFX Nvidia 9600GT with 512mb.
Have you tried that?:
Quote from: Svet on 06-August-09, 03:52:32
Try with your second stick alone in the same DIMM slot.
Quote from: soldat32 on 06-August-09, 05:16:16
CPU Type QuadCore AMD Phenom, 2500 MHz (12.5 x 200)AMD Phenom X4 9850 Quad Core Processor HD985ZXAGHBOX - Black Edition, Unlocked 2.50GHz, 4MB Cache, 2000MHz (4000 MT/s) FSB, Agena, Quad-Core, Retail, Socket AM2+, Processor with Fan
Its 125W CPU.
Can you shows picture of your board? Is it V2? Is there a heatsink over mosfets?:

BIOS flashing problems (split)

[Topic split off from 'MSI Forum HQ USB Flashing Tool!!!']
i try 3 times to flash my bios with MSIHQ USB Flash with no luck after i do all the instruction then reboot and make my boot sequence to my USB stick then wait 30 minutes in every attempt but nothing happen only black screen i see..... i need this bios update to put my new CPU Phenom II
Os XP 32 bit sp3 all updates
Mobo MSI Platinum k9a2

Quote from: Svet on 16-September-09, 20:00:09
Well try again but this time use Tool feature.[Instead HP Tool] Else:
Make sure USB legacy support is Enabled in BIOS, else try with another USB key.{not all USB keys can boot successfully}
Else use alternative ways, like flash from CD/DVD:
How to flash BIOS from a bootable CD/DVD:
http://www.msicomputer.com/support/images/BIOS_CD.pdf
i follow the BIOS upgrade using a CD-R but still no luck for upgrading my bios i got a error message
i really need help guys

Where does HP BIOS flash update tool save old BIOS backup by default

Where does this HP BIOS flash update tool save old BIOS backup by default ?
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareDownloadIndex?softwareitem=ob-69499-1&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&...

I think the gpu has failed again, if the bios was dead you would get no beeps, it is the bios that generates the hardware failure beeps.
Home brew reflows generally do not last too long or can cause more damage.
The reason the gpu comes loose on most of that vintage was due to 2 problems
1. Overheating
2. Poor quality solder used when the gpu and other motherboard components were flowed at the factory.
Reflowing it does not always work because of the quality of the ball solder they used, also you only get one reflow attempt, doing more than one weakens the original solder even more. Most likely the seller reflowed it shortly before selling it to you.
Proper repair is what is called a reball (solder replacement) of the gpu, not may repair facilities have the equipment to performed this, and is usually expensive procedure depending on the motherboard design.

GX600 vga problem after bios flash

Hi guys, first of all sorry for my bad english
I have an MSI GX600 and, owning memory-hungry applications like netbeans, i have decided to upgrade his ram from 2 to 4gb.
i have bought 2x2gb ram banks with identical specs of the ones that was onboard (except by the size) and i have tried to install them. After the boot the screen las black.
Reinstalled old 1gb banks and all returned to work fine, so i started searching over the web and i have found several forum posts sayng that it was a limitation of the old bios and that it was solved with the last release. So i have decided to flash my bios with the one found in the downloads for MSI GX600 on the official website.
Now i can boot with 4gb but the VGA seems to have some problems because Windows boots but disables it saying that the device had a problem and that it was sopeed (error code 43).
Tried a clean windows installation but the problem persists: video drivers won't work and i must use it like a standard VGA adapter: no Aero, no games, no dual monitor support.
Now my question is: i must throw away my flaming laptop out from the window and buy a new one or there is a solution less expensive?
Thanks

Quote from: madclaude on 07-May-12, 23:45:05
According to this post https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?topic=113295.0 i have used MSI Forum HQ USB flashing tool
Ok, then look at your desktop, there should be an .txt file named MSIHQ_INFO.TXT
open it and paste all info inside here.

P67A-GD55 (B3) Bios flash problem

Hello!
First of all sorry if this post exists but i havent so far found one and ive searched for 2 days.
Well something happened during the flashing of my motherboard and no when i power on the pc i get an error message saying "Disk read error occurred"
i downloaded the latest version of bios from msi (V4.3) it says i have version 1.J0 when i boot with the usb stick.
when i run the flash from my usb it says "Error: Problem allocating memory" then "Successful" but the bios ver is still 1.J0
So then i tried a Cmos reset and same problem..
it has been working fine up until this point, Does anyone know what went wrong or how to fix this?

Please, give us some détails about your PC : processor, HD ...
If you have a sandy bridge processor, you can stay with 1.J bios.
If you have an ivy bidge processor, you must have 4.30 bios.
I advise you tu use MSI Forum HQ USB Flashing Tool : https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?topic=116721.0
And you create a bootable USB with it.
Use "Method 1: Processing a BIOS Archive Directly (ZIP/RAR)"
With an archive (last one "4.3"), downloadable here : https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?topic=164135.0
If you want to stay with 1.J bios, you must ask a special archive to an admin.
After bios update, dont forget to clear CMOS and enter in the bios parameters by SUPPR (4.3 bios) or F2 (1.J).
Don't forget to put your system disk in first position for the boot.

Msi 865pe neo3-v bios flashing problem

Ok so i tried to flash the bios and i succeeded but the problem is that i flashed with winflash, bios v5.2 and from my understanding that version is for the boards that support dual channel cpu-s. The problem is that now when i try to flash the bios with version 1.2 it tells me that the size does not mach the installed bios size or something like that. I would like to add that now with v5.2 i have a lot less options (settings) in my bios. How can i flash back to 1.2?

Stop BIOS flashing and tell us what you are trying to do.
Quote
Ok so i tried to flash the bios and i succeeded but the problem is that i flashed with winflash, bios v5.2 and from my understanding that version is for the boards that support dual channel cpu-s. The problem is that now when i try to flash the bios with version 1.2 it tells me that the size does not mach the installed bios size or something like that. I would like to add that now with v5.2 i have a lot less options (settings) in my bios. How can i flash back to 1.2?
You are trying to kill your board..That BIOS is not for your board.
Read here how to ID your board ==> https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?topic=113146.0

Lenovo T60 BIOS flash problem

Hi There, and first of all sorry for my bad english!!
I have a problem with my T60, because i flashed a wrong (wide screen model) bios onto it. Now it not booting, some leds are blinking then nothing. I've tried, the wincris method to solve the problem, but i dont know the key combination to acces the bios in recovery mode. I've tried to remove the CMOS battery too, but nothing happened. Please help me! Thanks a lot

Hello yigit,
I'll contact to Lenovo technical service for this issue. But before contacting i would like to let you know that I found official 40CN22WW（1.09） bios for G470/G570 from China support page and i flashed bios with that version. It flashed the BIOS but same problem happened when it comes to EC. When i clicked on OK for flashing EC it freezed and nothing move so around 10 mins later i had to reset laptop by unplugging the battery. But when i enter the setup i saw that all INVALID gone and the correct values are there. So i can see model, uid and serial number in BIOS now. But the EC is same old one which i typed in 1st post.
When i saw this i wanted to flash BIOS with official 2.09 version. It flashed the BIOS and came to EC flashing. This time it become different. After flashing BIOS it asked me to flash EC, and i clicked on OK, after clicking OK around 6-7 seconds later this appeared;
IHIS:EC write error in SMI!
and after this one it reset the laptop by itself, i checked in the BIOS and the serial, model changed to INVALID again but BIOS version is 2.09 and EC is 2.04. So I reflashed the BIOS with 1.09 and now in BIOS no more INVALID but EC is still 2.04. I don't know maybe this version has an EC protection or something like that. Or maybe my laptop BIOS or EC is corrupted. I wanted to flash my BIOS at 1st just because of those fan noise with almost 100% speed. Even the temperature is 45 the fan runs like F1 race car I'll take this with this BIOS now and when i go to Adana where I bought this laptop I'll ask for technical help there. Beside all those except FAN runs too fast, there is no problem on laptop everything works fine. But i noticed that boot time is faster with this 1.09 bios, i don't know maybe this is a coincidence.
Thank you for your interest and replies.

Thinkpad R40 type 2682 - 6GU Bios flash problems

Hello all! I made sure to check all of the R40 threads for information on this, and have been unable to find anything, I was hoping you could help me!
I recently purchased a Thinkpad R40 type 2682 - 6GU, and absolutely love it! I maxed out the RAM (1 gig), and it came equipped with Windows XP professional. It has the internal 802.11a/b wireless pci card.
I just purchased the IBM Thinkpad MiniPCI Atheros 802.11g card, and saw that I will need the latest BIOS
Version: 1.27
Release Date: 2006/06/30
1ouj24us.exe
installed for the card to work. I checked, and I currently have 1.14 .
I downloaded the file straight from the Lenova Support & Downloads site. I read the readme file, and followed all of the instructions, and it isn't doing anything. I will give a detailed description of what I am doing, to see if you can pinpoint something I am doing wrong, or a setting somewhere I need to change.
1.   saved file as C:\bios\1ouj24us.exe
2.   opened start menu --> run
3.   typed in c:\bios\1ouj24us.exe --> enter
4.   clicked "run"
5.   accepted EULA
6.   chose "next" through the first 4 messages
7.   chose "next" on the next 1 of 4 messages
At this point, the computer restarts, logs into windows (no user accounts or passwords setup yet to avoid the mess of that during BIOS flash), loads like normal, and no further process on the BIOS flash. I have done this at least 20 times on the same machine, and it still has BIOS ver 1.14 .
Can you please help?!?
Thanks in advance,
Lee

If it's a genuine IBM card, there should be a sticker on it saying FRU P/N 39T0081 or something like that, but would include a FRU P/N part regardless of the actual number.
A generic card will throw a "1802 error" in a R40, where the original one won't.
You can't update BIOS on a machine that has a bad battery or charging issues, BTW.
Cheers,
George
In daily use: R60F, R500F, T61, T410
Collecting dust: T60
Enjoying retirement: A31p, T42p,
Non-ThinkPads: Panasonic CF-31 & CF-52, HP 8760W
Starting Thursday, 08/14/2014 I'll be away from the forums until further notice. Please do NOT send private messages since I won't be able to read them. Thank you.

875P BIOS Flash problem

Used the live bios program to download and flash v1.4. (DOS procedure). Message that BIOS `flashed ok'. Will no longer boot. Used the AMI energency flash to go back to 1.2. Loads OK four beeps as required. Still no boot indicator 3 is on on the diagnostic lamps. Anyone had any experience in this space?

update to 1.4 bios kills motherboard!
Same prob'. borrowed some slower ram from a friend but still no go. Board is dead as hell. No blinky No beepy Not anything. Just a black screen and fan noise. I have exhausted all my resources and am in the rma process.
I like the board and will get another. I won't be updating the bios on the new board until there is a stable bios update. :O Wish I knew when that was gonna' be !!!
Sure would like to see something from MSI in consideration of this obviously well documented technical issue.
Communication is the key!
Do you think MSI might reimburse me for my shipping and handling as well as business down time ?
No ?
Good Luck with your machines people !

MSIHQ BIOS flash tool problems

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