'lo

Last night mine psu went bang and I was hoping it didn't do anything to the rest of the system but somehow it looks like the bios chip has rooted itself.

http://global.aopen.com.tw/Products/mb/ax4sgmax.htm <- Mobo Link

Now, what happens is pretty much what is exactly outlined on this page, http://global.aopen.com.tw/tech/tec...ardBIOSLite.htm , right up to the point after flashing. The utility has an option to reboot after flash or not, and regardless if it is off or not it will reboot, but the write appears to have no problems. I'm not sure this is a problem, but the diehard bios still boots after flashing reporting checksum errors, even though the utility reports the checksum as being the same advertised on the website.

I have also tried flashing it using uniflash, which (unlick the award tool) reports write verfication errors.

What are my options ? I have tried flashing it with both newer and older bios versions, but the result is the same.

The chip isn't removable short of desoldering it, so I'm a bit loathe to do that.

If there are no other options, are there any brisbane stores that offer bios recovery services / rom replacements ?

Rom: SST 49LF004A/B/3.3v

Also, no warranty =(

if you got a older s*** mobo that got same eeprom of same size 4M you can simply hot swap the the ics and program it that way, other wise go out and buy a programer (aint cheap), eeprom ic removal tool from DSE is $10.

The motherboard has a backup flash which allows booting a floppy and flashing the main one, would I be able to fit in a new one of the same/similar type and flash it that way without having to use an external programmer ? I'm a bit noob when it comes to electronics =)

Hmm seems both eeproms are hardwired to the mobo so there goes the hot swap idea, have you used aopens EZ-Winflash? You could also try Winflash

Sorry, I should've checked that link in the first post, http://global.aopen.com.tw/tech/techinside/DieHardBIOSLite.htm this is what happens. The only os I can get to is one I can fit on a floppy.

Hmm well your up s*** creek, 2 options get someone with SMD soldering skills to take the chip off the mobo, program it and solder back on, id say it be cheaper to get a new i875 or i865 board.

Well, I've found a new chip and someone who has a programmer that'll do the job, I can only hope their soldering skillz are up to it.

No chance dude lol.