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bios upgrade/keeps rebooting

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6 replies

by wmarr

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Dear Sir or Madam,
I have an IBM netvista computer, that keeps rebooting before it reaches the operating system.
Sometimes I can get to windows safemode by holding down the control key. I believe the bios is corrupted and needs updated.
I have searched and searched for an upgrade,
Can you help me find the proper bios upgrade for this propriotary hardware?
wmarr@nbnet.nb.ca

6 replies

by ann777

Do you know how many models of IBM NetVista computers there are out there?

You need to go to the IBM website to find out the specifics for your computer model (or call them if you have difficulties with the site).

http://www.ibm.com/support/us/

You do not want to flash the BIOS without knowing that you have the proper version for your specific model of computer. You may totally destroy the BIOS and/or the systemboard in the process if you get the wrong version.

by wmarr

I wanted to know what would cause the rebooting at startup. and also what site I could go to, to get the proper bios, I know I need the exact one, but IBM has made the task impossible.

by thechas

I suggest that you test a few things on your PC before you condemn the BIOS.
Unless you have been hit by a virus that damages the BIOS, it is unlikely that the BIOS is corrupt.

Start by opening up your PC, and cleaning out the dust on the motherboard and heat-sinks.

Next, check and see that the cooling fans spin freely.
Power up the PC and verify that the fans run.

If the inside is VERY dusty, or a fan is bad, you may have a heat damaged CPU or power supply.

Now, boot from a floppy disk.
If the PC boots up and you get the DOS prompt, and the PC stays running, you DO NOT have a BIOS problem.

The main suspects at this point would be:
Hard drive:
Windows installation:
Virus:
bad RAM.

If the PC will not boot from a floppy, you may still have hardware problems.
If there was a thunderstorm in the area recently, the modem may have been damaged by a lightning strike. This can lock up the PCI buss, and cause any number of problems.

I would seriously consider takingthe PC to a shop that can check things over using a POST card.

If you are convinced it is the BIOS, try this site:
http://www.biosworld.com/
For a new BIOS RAM.

Chas

by fred07

Add coment of your Serial Number on the Netvista and I will send you the IBM page link.

by wmarr

Machine type/Model IBM Netvista,(Model number unknown)
FLash eeprom rev.level-21kt20aus
Bootblock rev.level 2120a
System board Identifier RNSRVMDOP6Q
System serial number 78NRM06
System UUID 0837cfe48f5b24128a29000000000000
Bios date 09/24/2001
Processor OID 068A
I have not yet flashed the bois,and have doubts that doing so will fix it. But it will boot to the A prompt with a boot disk, I believe a burnt out chip or circuit is to blame. There was a lot of dust inside, I have seen dirtier ones that worked, but you never know. Could have been a fluke that this one burned out. I have been to IBMs website but have not found any info. But will keep trying.

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