Problems updating bios

I'm having trouble updating the bios on a 680i SLI
I downloaded the ISO, burned it to a disk and booted from it
but I'm getting an error
"Program file's part number does not match with your system"

Any help would be appreciated

Ok, I think I know what the problem is

The board was originally in an Alienware machine, and apparently they change the part number on them.

I've tried using the command Awdflash xxx.bin /Py
That got me to the point where it asks me to save the current bios, but then I just get the same error

If you can boot from the CD and get to a command prompt, try typing this:

AWDFLASH.exe XXXX_XXX.bin /py/sn/cc /f /ld

But replace the XXX's with the name of the BIOS file you downloaded, it should end in a .bin format.

That should over-ride the part number check.

Ok, I may have just destroyed my motherboard

That worked, it installed the new bios,
But now it won't boot

Hrm, that's the exact command line I used to update my Alienware 680i board to the EVGA BIOS.

Try unplugging the power cord, pulling out the CMOS battery for up to 15 minutes and use the clear CMOS jumper.  Put them back and then see what happens.

Then, when you try booting again, let us know if it works.  If it doesn't, pay attention to the diagnostic LED on the motherboard and let us know what code it gets stuck on (if any).

If you are able to reboot and get into the BIOS, be sure to go in and use the BIOS option to re-load the default settings.  My bad, I probably should have mentioned that it's good practice to re-load the default settings both before AND after flashing a new BIOS; I think I'll add that to the troubleshooting FAQ now.

Good luck, hopefully we can get you up and running again.

Didn't work.

I'm getting "--" on the LEDs

MrChalky


Didn't work.

I'm getting "--" on the LEDs

I was crossing my fingers you wouldn't get the double-dash.

Try the exact method listed in the following link step-by-step.  It's a pain in the arse, I know, but it's worked for quite a few people.  Many have had to do these steps up to fifteen or so times in a row, so keep trying.

Steps to "--" and C1 error recovery

It's believed that after a BIOS update or other change, these boards are stubborn and don't apply the appropriate voltage to the RAM, doing the above we're basically trying to trick the board into getting the right voltage to apply long enough for us to set it ourselves.  You don't have to use the 2.1 volts listed in the guide, use whatever the manufacturer suggests for your RAM.

Thanks,
I'll try that tomorrow and let you know how it goes

I have the exact same issue, i was thinking i could just buy a new BIOS chip but if this works i may try it. Just loaded windows 7 and most of my software so i would not want to loose the image. Are the bios chips replaceable? if yes how much?


GL Mr Chalky

thanks

I've tried that a few times now, no luck so far...

I must've tried that about 20 times, no joy

Bummer, maybe you can get a replacement bios chip.

Yeah, thats what I was thinking. It looks like its replaceable. Know anywhere to get one?

I would bet only from EVGA, i am checking myself.

Interesting...
I just tried it with a different CPU and it booted fine!
Before the bios update It wouldn't work with my E7200 (Wolfdale), so I was using a P4.
I was using the P4 for the tests, and it wasn't working,
I just tried the E7200 and it worked fine

MrChalky


Interesting...
I just tried it with a different CPU and it booted fine!
Before the bios update It wouldn't work with my E7200 (Wolfdale), so I was using a P4.
I was using the P4 for the tests, and it wasn't working,
I just tried the E7200 and it worked fine

Great News!

I think I'll add your solution to the Troubleshooting FAQ.