Question

How to fix "Unknown Flash Type" Error

Asked by: Pawn

I am a student in high school taking a class where we get A+ certified.  The computer was fully functional yesterday, but today I couldnt get it to boot up. I got "Unknown Flash Type" Error.  It checked the memory, the primary/secondary + master/slave ide channels, then right after it displayed this.  Before working on the computer I was properly grounded using a ESD strap.  I can enter the BIOS and save to CMOS, so I dont think there is physical damage to it.   Is it possible the BIOS/CMOS is ruined?  If not, then what is the problem and the solution?

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Asked On
2002-09-17 at 20:47:55ID20360090
Tags

flash

,

unknown

,

type

Topic

General Computer Systems

Participating Experts
2
Points
100
Comments
14

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Answers

 

by: CrazyOnePosted on 2002-09-17 at 20:54:50ID: 7287294

Did you recently flash the BIOS? What is the vendor of the BIOS?


The Crazy One

 

by: CrazyOnePosted on 2002-09-17 at 20:58:50ID: 7287299

Try removing the battery and leave it out for an hour or two so the CMOS is cleared. Reseat the battery and see if this clears the problem.

 

by: CrazyOnePosted on 2002-09-17 at 21:03:55ID: 7287308

Quoted from this link

http://www.qdi.nl/support/qanda/bios.htm

"If you get the warning "Unknown Flash Type" please check your manual concerning the BIOS protection Jumper and/or "Flash write Protect" BIOS option to make sure the protection is disabled."

 

by: CrazyOnePosted on 2002-09-17 at 21:06:37ID: 7287312

Quoted from this link

http://www.soyousa.com/kb/kbdesc.php?id=37

"This is because the Award Flash utility could not identify your BIOS chip correctly. To correct this problem, please use the "/f switch" while excuting the flash utility.
eg. A:\awdflash KVXB2BA3.bin /f (where KVXB2BA3.bin is your BIOS file name, please replace it with the .bin file that you have).
You can also download the latest Award Flash utility to fix the problem."

 

by: CrazyOnePosted on 2002-09-17 at 21:19:03ID: 7287333

http://www.qdigrp.com/qdisite/eng/support/f_cfaq0113.htm

This is because the bios protection QDI set in the mainboards. Normally, bios is prevented by the jumper 'JAV' and the bios setting 'flash write protect' from unintentional bios write. Therefore, before bios upgrading, locate the jumper and the bios setting and disable the protection.
-----------------------

http://www.qdigrp.com/qdisite/eng/support/f_commonfaq.htm

QDI provides hardware BIOS protection with it's products (JAV). This function, however, may reject the write request by DMI updating process during system boot up. The message is a result of the write failure. Just disabling the jumper JAV will remove the message.
-----------------------

http://www.amptron.com/html/bios.html

Error messages such as 'Unknown flash part' or 'Unknown flash type' indicate that the flash utility you are using is not compatible with the BIOS chip on your motherboard. If you get this error message then download a different revision of the flash utility and try again. Several versions of each flash utility are available on this page below the BIOS code.
-----------------------

http://www.directron.com/faqmotherboard.html#31

You have used the incorrect EEPROM. Please use MX type no.28F1000PPC-12C4 or Winbond type no.W29EE011-15 EEPROM

 

by: PawnPosted on 2002-09-17 at 23:30:46ID: 7287465

Heh, Ive read all those articles and a few others.  I will try this in class tomorrow, but I am looking for any other possible solutions.  Thanks for the suggestions tho CrazyOne.

 

by: centervPosted on 2002-09-18 at 10:20:41ID: 7288900

Way to keep him busy C   LOL

Pawn
Depends on your board.
It may have bios guardian to lock you out
or have a jumper to clear cmos as well as other features.
Check the docs for that mobo re that error.

 

by: CrazyOnePosted on 2002-09-18 at 12:49:25ID: 7289469

Hey cent :>)

 

by: PawnPosted on 2002-09-18 at 18:51:37ID: 7290166

I replaced the BIOS chip and CMOS battery (we have many spare parts to play with) and it worked in class, so I guess either the BIOS chip was damaged or the CMOS battery was bad/weak?  But thanks anyway, problem fixed.

 

by: PawnPosted on 2002-09-18 at 18:55:54ID: 7290168

Am gonna give points to CrazyOne cause he responded pretty quickly.. and thoroughly in all threads :)

 

by: CrazyOnePosted on 2002-09-18 at 20:55:12ID: 7290314

:>)

 

by: centervPosted on 2002-09-19 at 15:26:35ID: 7292905

The linkmaster!
BTW C
Do you work or are you retired?
You seem to be addicted.  :>)

 

by: CrazyOnePosted on 2002-09-19 at 17:52:54ID: 7293229

Yeah I do have a regular job. I had a programming job for about 3 years but that ended in early November of 2001. 9/11 had something to with it. Now my wife and I are independent contractors as couriers. We use our own cars to make deliveries for a courier outfit we attached ourselves to. Some days there is very little to do so I am home in the early after noon.

>>>
You seem to be addicted.  :>)

Yep you hit the nail on the head. I just can't get enough of my daily fix of "Good Answer" notifs. LOL

Basically by staying heavily involved with EE it keeps me up to speed with computer knowledge so I don't loose my edge if and when another programming of computer job comes my way.

Plus I am down right greedy for points. LOL

 

by: centervPosted on 2002-09-19 at 19:24:39ID: 7293356

9/11 had a lot to do with a lot of things.
Seems to be coming back slowly.
Can't be too long before you get back on track.

You're right.  EE can keep one sharp.
Amazing what can happen with these things.  LOL
Cheers

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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