FLASHING THE BIOS

well joe as to saveing all your information i do not know because i have never been able to to do that but i do know your how to upgrade the bios and how to solve your reconfigure of the jumper problem
   first all you have to do to flash the bios is download the flash and install it it is very easy it basically does everything by itself
   second in your manual there should be a patern for example my book has it that (i am doing this for a amd cpu because that is what my bord is for) a amd-k6-2-400 chip should run at 100mhz there for the ratio for the cpu clock (wich is the jumper setting in my book) should be X4.0 and and for a amd 300 the ratio is 3.0 so following this pattern a 850 will be 8.5also it said in my book that the external frequency (850 in your case) when multiplyed with the ratio (for a 850 according to my book would be 8.5) gives the internal frequency and that should be marked on the cpu
  and if that does not work what you can do (it is a little time consuming) is manually set the jumpers in different combanations until the start up screen says that you have a 850 chip

Flashing the bios is not very difficult. When you get the flash\udate, it will have a readme.txt with it. I usually print it out and it will explain the process in detail on saving your old one etc. The different manufacturer's do it just a little different so that is where I would start. You usually flash from their bootdisk or go to dos and then type their executable. Read and print the file on the way they recomend doing it. Any other questions or if you want more details let me know and I can download their utility and look at it. You do get around! Ha Ha! Dave

Ha yes Dave I do just love throwing my points around! Ok Id love if you have a look at it for me Ill just go fetch the URL http://www.tyan.com/support/html/b_tg_100.html
This lists all of the available Downloadable BIOS upgrades for my motherb. Obviously Im interested in the latest one whick is at the top of the page or AKA; TYAN  TIGER 100    V2.00.02  032920001530
-Im guessing that the latest version contains all of whats in the other versions? My chipset is an Intel 440BX, and my version of the Tiger is the 100 mHz S1832DL just so you know when you are looking around the site, the AMI flash util is the verylast item on the page.
I really apprteciate this, thankyou very much.

Listen with regard to Snakes answer, here, I understand that if a question appears to be locked it persuades others from attempting to comment? I havent and am a little confused by his/her answer, so should I reject on this basis?

Joe! What happens and most of the times an individual who may have just arrived at this site (very few experts that have been here awhile do this) will submit answers. I did when I first arrived not realizing that a lot of teamwork exists and one may think they have the answer but depending on how well the questioner describes the problem there are usually more then one fix required. The bad part of this all is that us experts ( experts is a term designated to us by E-E) have to let anyone new arriving what the common courtesy approach is in that comments should be provided and not answers. This usually does allow a faster fix for the questioner and it also doesn't lock your question as snake6869 has done. This moves your question into the question answered area where a lot of us normally don't look, thus you don't get the exposure. I would reject the answer, only because they repeated what I provided as a comment with the addition of how to jumper a motherboard, which I didn't read as part of your question.
The other bad thing about answers is that after a certain amount of time passes with no activity the question is closed and autograded which means if you provided a proposed answer you get the credit, I haven't read all about this yet, however, I hope they are reviewing these because it could provide a lot of corruption in the database. Hope this explains the workings somewhat. I have never really read alot about how this site works only keep my ears open to what I hear! Will try to take a look at the site you identified. :>) Dave

snake6869! Welcome to E-E! Its common courtesy to provide comments unless you know your answer is the only answer and is 110% correct and is what the questioner is looking for to fix their problem. Please don’t take this personally, (others could have let you know before I and not in manner I use) I made the same mistake when I first arrived and someone was nice enough to point it out to me. This does a couple of things, first it doesn't lock the question allowing more exposure to other experts allowing a faster fix, secondly it gives the questioner the option to make an award based on the best comment that helped the most in fixing their problem and it is also common courtesy to other experts.
Please change your present answer to a comment. Again welcome and look forward to working with you in the future, a lot of teamwork is used at this forum! :>) Dave

Joe! I have download info from their site as you identified. This is interesting as it is not the normal type flash, however, am reviewing the data and will provide you the info as soon as I can, have to go close up the cottage tomorrow so not sure if it will be this weekend. Pease be careful if you decide to do this prior to my giving you the info.
This is the first part of what I have, I am just trying to give you the stuff for your board, please verify you have AMI bios!:

Are you sure you see AMI bios when booting up, this site shows all types of BIOS’s may be use Phoenix, Award etc. From what I see I think you indeed do have AMI, but verify this when machine is booting up.

Warning!
For LX and BX TYAN motherboards, you need to use: FLASH2MB.COM
When flashing the LX / BX board AMI BIOS, the USB Function and USB Keyboard/Mouse Legacy support MUST be disabled in the CMOS setup.  Otherwise, the BIOS may be killed.

Flashb2mb.com            7.00E      All 440LX and 440BX/GX motherboards with AMI BIOSs

One thing I do not like about this site is they don't give you much info on what the bios ugrade does, unless it is only changing the one item! It also doesn't appear to give you the opportunity to save your current bios, possibly when you run the Flashb2mb.com it will, but not certain yet. Later Dave

Were all on a Learning Curve Here Snake, thanks for the support, but the aswer diuades others from looking at the question - read what emery said.
Cheers and no hard feelings - if you want please reload what youve said but as a comment.

{seems like I missed two "S's" in the above comment!].

Dave your a star, thanks a million for doing this.

I can answer one thig that it is DEFFINATLY an AMI BIOS. Ill have to reboot to confirm all of the other info regarding my bios build number and my chipset - as is Imnearly sure but I want to be 100% before I go ahead and tell you.

On this basis Id already downloaded [what I think] is the correct falsh util the FLASH2MB.COM
And you can be sure that I most definatly will NOT be doing anything to the BIOS until you are back on line and Holding my hand!!!

I got onto the www.ami.com site just to have a look, and really Im staring into a green field.
Ok till I hear from you again Ill be sitting tight!

ciao

one "S" & one "N" actually...

Well Joe! Here are the pertinent lines for you to update your bios. As I indicated before each manufacturer does it a little different. I have never done it the way AMI bios wants you to, it sounds simple enough, however, recognize that there is always a rsk involved and I think the risk is higher for flashing the AMI because it dowsn't allow you to back up the current version. You need to review and make sure you are comfortable with all the steps.

http://www.tyan.com/support/html/b_tg_100.html 


Are you sure you see AMI bios when booting up, this site shows all types of BIOS’s may be use Phoenix, Award etc. From what I see I think you indeed do have AMI, but verify this when machine is booting up.

Warning!
For LX and BX TYAN motherboards, you need to use: FLASH2MB.COM
When flashing the LX / BX board AMI BIOS, the USB Function and USB Keyboard/Mouse Legacy support MUST be disabled in the CMOS setup.  Otherwise, the BIOS may be killed.

Flashb2mb.com            7.00E      All 440LX and 440BX/GX motherboards with AMI BIOSs

WARNING !!!
Please be aware that by downloading this BIOS you agree that in the event of a BIOS flash failure, you must contact your dealer for a replacement BIOS.  There are no exceptions.  Tyan does not have a policy of replacing BIOS chips directly with end users.  Flashing a BIOS should only be attempted by a qualified technician.  BIOS Updates are provided for evaluation purposes only. Please contact your dealer for replacements or warranty service.  CDC sells Replacement BIOS to the public.   You can contact them at (510) 651-8811 or email requests to StaceyN@gocdc.com
ALL BIOS REVISIONS ARE RELEASED ON AN AS-IS BASIS

AMI BIOS uses a ".rom" extension.

Make sure you UNZIP the .zip file after downloading your BIOS from Tyan's website!

Never flash a BIOS while in Windows, when using Windows 95 or from a Windows 95 Dos
session (AKA: Windows 95 Dos 7).

For Windows NT users, after flashing your BIOS, you may need to reinstall the "HAL (Hardware
Abstraction Layer)" for NT to recognize the new BIOS information.

After flash-upgrading a BIOS, ALWAYS clear the CMOS with the jumper on the motherboard.
(Refer to your motherboard manual for jumper location and information.)

Definitions:
·      Boot Disk - refers to DOS disk #1 or MS Windows 95 Startup Disk or MS Windows 98 Startup disk
·      Utility - refers to AWDFLASH.EXE/FLASHV73.EXE (for AWARD BIOS) or FLASH1MB.EXE / FLASH2MB.EXE (for AMI BIOS.
·      File to program - refers to the file name you have downloaded from the Tyan web site for the motherboard BIOS that is being updated.
Hard boot - refers to turning off the system´s power and turning it back on.

Requirements: Two separate diskettes are needed.  The first diskette is the DOS Disk#1 or MS Windows 95/98 Starup Disk.  The second diskette should contain the flash utility and the file to program (unzipped) with no other files on the diskette.  You may download the AMI or AWARD flash uility.

Procedure:
Recovery Method for Tyan Pentium II / III models with BX or GX chipsets, BIOS version 1.12 or higher ONLY:

Requirements: File to program (unzipped) on a clean floppy disk with no other files.  Keyboard used must be PS/2 (you cannot use USB or wireless).

Procedure:
1. Download the file to program and rename the file to amiboot.rom
2. Copy the renamed file, "amiboot.rom", to a clean floppy diskette with no other files on the diskette.  DO NOT MAKE IT BOOTABLE!
3. Next, power off system and place the diskette with the renamed file into the floppy disk drive.
4. While holding the "Ctrl" and "Home" keys down together, turn the system power on.  NOTE:  ther will be no display during this procedure.
5. Once the A: drive is initialized, let go of the keys.  Afterwards, the floppy disk drive will program the new BIOS version.  This process takes approximately 10-15 seconds.
6. The system will indicate programming completion of the BIOS with a beep or a series of beeps.  Thereafter, it is safe to turn off the system.
7. Clear the CMOS.

Please read my concerns at the beginning! Remember that I am conservative and am willing to take a risk when it is my equipment, however, this is yours and you could indeed crash the bios, so consider this risk! Dave

MMMMMMM, on reading your findings and your comments, and after talking to a technician lastnight, Im beginning to wonder if its a viable option at the moment at all, the real reason I wanted to do it was mainly out of curiosity, and the desire to have the option of upgrading to a higher speed cpu at a later stage.

Ill talk to my collegues about it tomorrow and see what they say - if they will do it for me, and Ill come back to you.

See you tomorrow.

Sorry I wasn't more positive! Most of the bios flashes are straight forward and option to back up etc. are available. In my humble opinion (IMHO) I think this way of doing the bios flash is terrible! They do give you a phone number and e-mail for obtaining repacement bios chip which is good, however, first time I have seen this also, so it makes me have some concerns.
I could be a little on the over cautious side but I say it like I see it and others or your collegues may have had experience with the AMI flash as identified and are more confident then I feel at this time. :>) Dave

Well i wont close the question just yet!
I am waiting for a collegue to come back from spain and Ill ask him to do it - hes a hardened pro at this stuff, but Id still like to poke you for questions as I think of them. The first is regarding the BIOS chip if anything did go "not according to plan" and I had to replace the bios is this a case of physically removing one chip and soldering a new one on?

Most of the time they are plugged in, you have to be careful and with either a special tool that grabs both ends of the chip you wiggle it and it will come up, if you are careful, I do it with a small skinny end screwdriver at times and just work each end up trying to bring it out slowly and evenly! I haven't run into any soldered ones. :>)

Ah shux! Ive forgotten to get you the biuld version of my BIOS, Ill get onto that later when I have to reboot.

:>)

How did you make out Joe? :>) Dave

Ah man sorry for not getting back to you sooner! Ive not attempted it as yet and I dont think I have the confidence to attempt it to be honest. A friend bought the same board and attempted it and is now awaiting a replacement BIOS in the mail.....
Im going to get a technician to do it, but I intend to watch him as he does it and supply him with all of your info as well. I probably wont be doing it for a while as Im gonna be busy for the next month or more.
I dont know if EE will allow me to keep the question open, until I have a conclusion for you, if you want Ill give you my email address, and I can close or delete this question...?

Ah how horrible, the australian girl in the 20km walk is just disqualified 100m from the finish.... man they should put new sports in the Olympics and remove some, especially the walk.

Emery, its easier to just accept the comment as answer! Ill keep in contact and email you when I get to "the flash point" [pun intended], ok.

I missed the wrestling, our olympic coverage is very good, but as Sydney is 10hrs ahead of Dublin all of the coverage is too late for me, and the highlights are only for the sports that we have athletes in thus no wrestling! I could have been there as I gave my olympic accreditation, to someone else as I was in an RTA.
Ah well such is life.
Ciao, Ill talk to you later.

Emery...? I mean Dave!!!

Best of luck to you! I would watch when you flash and who is around! Ha Ha! :>) Dave

emery if your still around I want to reopen this question. the truth is I havent found a technician who will help me out, it got something to with snotty techs saying that because I didnt buy the comp off of them they wont help me out, so basically im gonna give you a link to look at and ask you this; the BIOS update TYAN  TIGER 100    V2.00.02  032920001530 [which is top of the page], says that it modified the CPU speed display for up to 850 MHz. Does this mean that with this bios update it will accept CPU's of that speed [850mHz] or that it displays speeds of this level....?

I forgot the link!
http://www.tyan.com/support/html/b_tg_100.html

Will look!

I would say from the way it is worded it just will reflect the proper display when booting up. I would think it would say that it modified the CPU support  for up to 850 MHz if it was doing this. If you look at some of the others on that page it so states it is providing support not any reference to display. To bad they don't spell it out in simple language so not to leave it to interpretation.
So I do not think it is doing what you want. Your not thinking of tempting fate are you? :>) Dave

Erm yes, I hate the way you worded it "tempting fate", I am just keen on replacing the two PIII500's with two PIII850's if this new BIOS update will allow it. I suppose that this web page is really for individuals who really know there stuff and not reall for someone with my reasonably limited knowledge in this area.
So yes I am tempting fate, I just desperate to do it, also I had been reading one of your earlier comments and found something interesting further on in hte tyan site regarding the ability to back up the BIOS see:http://www.tyan.com/support/html/how_to_flash.html  bottom of the page. Theres only one problem and that is that I have to upgrade my current BIOS before I get this little bonus or whatever it is. See what you think...

PS this page contains instructions as to how to execute the flashing process - I was wondering if you could explain it to me a little better than the way it is outlined here
1.Hard boot - I guess this is powering off and then powering on again...?

4.What is the utility name and file to program names that I have to type - I am guessing it is "BX32200B.ROM" and "flash2mb.com" [the actual names of the update and the flasher respectivly]?

I think thats it, I hope....!
thanks
joe
ps I really appreciate you help here.

Joe! Recognize that you may blow the bios and this board will not be usable unless you get a replacement chip!

I posted the procedure above from reading that site info remember, its the Date: Sunday, September 10 2000 - 04:49PM MST notes above. You must read and make sure you understand these steps. I have not changed my feelings about this, this is a funky bios flash, not like a regular bios flash. You need to print the post that I made above and high-light the important issues and follow the steps.
To answer your questions:
1. yes
4. utility name flash2mb.com
    file to program name BX32200B.ROM


This is my post above and if you look at the url that you posted you will see that I rewrote it to support just what you have and need to do.

Well Joe! Here are the pertinent lines for you to update your bios. As I indicated before each manufacturer does it a little different. I have never done it the way AMI bios wants you to, it sounds simple enough, however, recognize that there is always a rsk involved and I think the risk is higher for flashing the AMI because it dowsn't allow you to back up the current version. You need to review and make sure you are comfortable with all the steps.

http://www.tyan.com/support/html/b_tg_100.html 


Are you sure you see AMI bios when booting up, this site shows all types of BIOS’s may be use Phoenix, Award etc. From what I see I think you indeed do have AMI, but verify this when machine is booting up.

Warning!
For LX and BX TYAN motherboards, you need to use: FLASH2MB.COM
When flashing the LX / BX board AMI BIOS, the USB Function and USB Keyboard/Mouse Legacy support MUST be disabled in the CMOS setup.  Otherwise, the BIOS may be killed.

Flashb2mb.com 7.00E All 440LX and 440BX/GX motherboards with AMI BIOSs

WARNING !!!
Please be aware that by downloading this BIOS you agree that in the event of a BIOS flash failure, you must contact your dealer for a replacement BIOS.  There are no exceptions.  Tyan does not have a policy of replacing BIOS chips directly with end users.  Flashing a BIOS should only be attempted by a qualified technician.  BIOS Updates are provided for evaluation purposes only. Please contact your dealer for replacements or warranty service.  CDC sells Replacement BIOS to the public.   You can contact them at (510) 651-8811 or email requests to StaceyN@gocdc.com
ALL BIOS REVISIONS ARE RELEASED ON AN AS-IS BASIS

AMI BIOS uses a ".rom" extension.

Make sure you UNZIP the .zip file after downloading your BIOS from Tyan's website!

Never flash a BIOS while in Windows, when using Windows 95 or from a Windows 95 Dos
session (AKA: Windows 95 Dos 7).

For Windows NT users, after flashing your BIOS, you may need to reinstall the "HAL (Hardware
Abstraction Layer)" for NT to recognize the new BIOS information.

After flash-upgrading a BIOS, ALWAYS clear the CMOS with the jumper on the motherboard.
(Refer to your motherboard manual for jumper location and information.)

Definitions:
· Boot Disk - refers to DOS disk #1 or MS Windows 95 Startup Disk or MS Windows 98 Startup disk
· Utility - refers to AWDFLASH.EXE/FLASHV73.EXE (for AWARD BIOS) or FLASH1MB.EXE / FLASH2MB.EXE (for AMI BIOS.
· File to program - refers to the file name you have downloaded from the Tyan web site for the motherboard BIOS that is being updated.
Hard boot - refers to turning off the system´s power and turning it back on.

Requirements: Two separate diskettes are needed.  The first diskette is the DOS Disk#1 or MS Windows 95/98 Starup Disk.  The second diskette should contain the flash utility and the file to program (unzipped) with no other files on the diskette.  You may download the AMI or AWARD flash uility.

Procedure:
Recovery Method for Tyan Pentium II / III models with BX or GX chipsets, BIOS version 1.12 or higher ONLY:

Requirements: File to program (unzipped) on a clean floppy disk with no other files.  Keyboard used must be PS/2 (you cannot use USB or wireless).

Procedure:
1. Download the file to program and rename the file to amiboot.rom
2. Copy the renamed file, "amiboot.rom", to a clean floppy diskette with no other files on the diskette.  DO NOT MAKE IT BOOTABLE!
3. Next, power off system and place the diskette with the renamed file into the floppy disk drive.
4. While holding the "Ctrl" and "Home" keys down together, turn the system power on.  NOTE:  ther will be no display during this procedure.
5. Once the A: drive is initialized, let go of the keys.  Afterwards, the floppy disk drive will program the new BIOS version.  This process takes approximately 10-15 seconds.
6. The system will indicate programming completion of the BIOS with a beep or a series of beeps.  Thereafter, it is safe to turn off the system.
7. Clear the CMOS.

Please read my concerns at the beginning! Remember that I am conservative and am willing to take a risk when it is my equipment, however, this is yours and you could indeed crash the bios, so consider this risk! Dave

ok dave thanks, ill get into it in the morning - im twisted its 4.45am here I have GOTTA sleep.....

Think about this, is it really worth it to you to try this! Later, I am hitting the sack too! :>)

You recon Its a good thing for me to do to flash the bios? Or not to flash the bios? "that is the question to flash the bios or not to flash the bios"

Normally I wouldn't hesitate to flash a bios, however, I do not like the way this company is doing things. I don't think I would flash it.
The reason being is that the bus speed of the board is not going to change so even if you were able to flash it, I don't think you would gain much by a faster processor. I would beef yours up with more ram if you want more resources available to you. Save up and build another system downsteam. But that is just my thoughts. It is your machine. :>) Dave

I am wondering about the possibility of buying a replacement BIOS chip [Would this chip have the newest upgrade already on it I wonder]. If I did that it would be simpler than flashing and all I would have to do then is clear the cmos.
Is this a more foolish endeavour?

It is worth an e-mail to the company and tell them what you have and what you are looking to do and see how much? That is a good way to go!
Recognise that when I mention bus speed and a lot of other consideration like what speed is your ram etc. that this is like putting a new engine in a model "A" and expecting the drive train to make it run as fast as the new car's but this can't happen because of the gearing in the rear end. I hope this explains it better. :>)

Juat after I wrote the above post, I checked out the price of a Chip and really its kind of expensive, $25 + $15 to post to Ireland. I emailed tech support and asked if the replacement chip would have the most uptodate version, and all I got was a bloody auto reply mail referring me to their bios help page.
So I really dont know what to do.

actually today I happened accross an ad in the classifieds for 3x128 PC100mHz going for £180 [192 US dollars], which is a stonkin price for over here, I can only fit two of them onto the motherboard [as on this mb I already have 2x128's], but Id get £100 easily for one of them - not bad eh 256 ram for £40 each...

Another thing I wanted to ask you, its from a friend of mine who wants to know if she puts a 133mHz bus CPU and RAM onto a 100mHz motherboard will they "step down" and run at the 100mHz speed - she has a 100mhz board and has just bought 128 133mHz ram and a PIII733, what will I tell her?

Don't tempt fate! hehehe

No not bad!

I don't think they would have a problem with the processor, however, the ram would be unstable. You can try it as it will not damage anything. :>)
Dave

Ok man youve been an invaluable source of help, and I apreciate all of it! For now I cant say anything until Tyan come back to me [I just remailed them on another address], and depending on their response Ill see if its worth my while doing the flash or getting a chip. -dont you just love the way windows fixes your clock for daylight savings-. I recon I wont be doing much in terms of tempting fate......

:>) No prob! Best to you! Dave

Dave , how are you, listen I got a reply from Tyan and really I cant make much out of it Here it is copied'n'pasted for your eyes...

You will not need to worry about the BIOS. Just make sure your board is a
revision F or G. You can make sure of this by checking on the board for a
white rectangular stamp or sticker with the letter printed in black. If it
does not, then it will only support Katmai CPUs.

      -----Original Message-----
      From:      joe509
joe509@hotmail.com
      Sent:      Saturday, October 28, 2000 9:16 PM
      To:      Tech Support2
      Subject:      TIGER 100 SL1832DL BIOS CHIP REPLACEMENT

      From the appearance of you BIOS updates page and all of the related
supprot material it appears that the update for AMI BIOS does not support
any form of backup feature regarding the possibility of user error. On this
basis I cannot afford the possibility of making a mistake. I would however
like to know that if I order a replacement BIOS chip for the board, will the
replacement have the most up to date BIOS revision / version on it?

      I am keen to purchase 2xPIII850 cpu's to use on my TIGER 100 SL1832
board,and am wondering if a replacement BIOS chip with the most up tp date
BIOS version on board would satisfy these needs?

      Yours
      Joe Owens

      System Info:
      Dual boot Win98SE & Win 2000 Proffessional
      BIOS AMI BIOS v01.10.03
      Dual PIII500
      Promise Ultra 100 ATA100 IDE controller card
      IBM ATA 100 HDD


Ok well thats pretty much all that was sent, am I to take it that they are saying that I dont actually need to upgrade the BIOS, that my board [which is revision F], will take 2xPIII850's as is?

joe

ps thanks for the info for my friend shes got herself a 133mHz mainboard.

Hi Joe!
Thats interesting. From my interpretation (if they can be trusted) is that is what they are saying, that you don't need the bios upgrade and that you can use the new processors, however, before doing anything make sure you have information on how to jumper the board to support those processors.
You need to visit their site again and look at the manual for your board because I don't think your board is jumperless and you need to set voltage and speed jumper settings unless your bios supports you doing this in the bios. If you can't find this info then another e-mail is in order to them. At least they were great and provided you a response!

Great she got the 133MHx board you got it hooked up for her yet? :>) Dave

Cheers for the reply!
My board Has jumpers, and as far as the manual goes it has setting for cpu's up to [heres the confusing part - the manual says 500, but the web site says 600.

This was the "kernel" [exuse the pun] of my question, but I got side tracked and asked about the bios instead, regarding the 850mHz jumper settings - Im as much in the dark as anyone. Ill check the site for any jumper/manual updates.

cheers

I am hitting the road tomorrow so will try to look also when I check into a hotel tomorrow night, however, if a quick review doesn't reveal anything then see how responsive they are in providing you the details on jumpering the motherboard to support the PIII850s. It does sound promising, however, they are fairly new and not sure if their site will show info for the 850. :>)

Sure, ok, Ill check it, have a nice trip...!