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non system disk while up dating bios..........help

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by heather.smith

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I have an old gateway that I am trying to upgrade the hard drive from an 80gb to a 500gb this system has been fairly reliable for what it is used for, but the hd is going so got to upgrade. this of course requires an up grade on my bios............this is where the problem is. this is a 2001 system I went to the Gateway site found the correct upgrade for my system. folowed the directions in the download opened the file and copyied the contents to a ibm formated floppy. shut down the system, already had the floppy in the drive, restarted the system, and all i get is non system disk remove disk hit any key to continue. I have the system set to boot first from the floppy. i did try to install the new drive with a clean new copy of windows xp but without the upgrade, it fails about half way through the install. maybe i'm on the wrong track any sugestions would be greatly appreciated!!!

30 replies

by thumbsup2

You need to first format the floppy as a system boot disk, then copy your BIOS flash stuff to it.

However, are you sure you're following the directions properly? Usually, BIOS flash programs that you download are an EXE which you execute to produce the bootable floppy for you.

by heather.smith

So are you saying that I need to format the floopy as MS-Dos and then put the upgrade files on that floppy? because if I just boot with the dos disk I will go to "A" prompt and then what?? If I copy the files to the Dos formated disk there will be at least two files with the same name....

here is a list of files that came with the download also included the read me.

autoexec.bat, beep.com bios.rec, command.com, iflash.exe, io.sys, msdos.sys, p13-0046.bbo, p13-0046.bi1, p13-0046.bi2, p13-0046.bi3, p13-0046.bi4, p13-0046.bi5, p13-0046.bio, p13-0046.sbb, p13-0046.sig

__________________________________

Monterrey Motherboard BIOS
P13
All Operating Systems
7511942
9/14/01
=======================

Table of Contents
=======================
Overview
Identification
Installation
Troubleshooting
Reason for Update
Applicable Part Numbers
=======================

Overview

This is a P13 BIOS for the Monterrey motherboard.

Identification

To confirm that this is the correct BIOS update for your motherboard, follow these steps:

If the computer is turned off:

1. Turn on the computer, and press the F1 key in one-second intervals. If you perform this step correctly, you see the BIOS Setup Utiliy menu. If Windows loads normally, repeat this step.

2. In the BIOS Setup Utility, on the Main tab, look at the bottom of the screen for the current BIOS version. The version needs to be GB85010A.15A.00xx.Pxx (where xx is the current revision number).

3. If BIOS GB85010A.15A.00xx.Pxx is displayed, you have the correct BIOS update. Press F10 to exit the BIOS Setup Utility.

If the computer is turned on and in Windows:

1. From the Start menu, click Shut Down, and then select the option to restart the computer.

2. As soon as the computer restarts, press the F1 key in one-second intervals. If you perform this step correctly, you see the BIOS Setup Utiliy menu. If Windows loads normally, repeat this step.

3. In the BIOS Setup Utility, on the Main tab, look at the bottom of the screen for the current BIOS version. The version needs to be GB85010A.15A.00xx.Pxx (where xx is the current revision number).

4. If BIOS GB85010A.15A.00xx.Pxx is displayed, you have the correct BIOS update. Press F10 to exit the BIOS Setup Utility.

Installation

Preparing your computer

Before updating your computer's BIOS, enter the current BIOS Setup Utility, and then write down each of the current settings in the event that this information is needed again after the upgrade.

Copying the files

1. On your screen, double-click the BIOS update that you have downloaded. The files self-extract and copy into folder C:\Cabs\7511942.

2. On your screen, double-click the My Computer icon.

3. In the My Computer window, double-click C:, and then double-click the Cabs folder. If you do not see any files, click View the entire contents of the drive.

4. In the Cabs folder, double-click the 7511942 folder.

5. In the 7511942 folder, from the Edit menu, click Select All.

6. In the 7511942 folder, from the Edit menu, click Copy.

7. Quit all open programs, and close all open windows.

8. Insert a formatted, blank floppy disk in the floppy disk drive.

9. On your screen, double-click the My Computer icon.

10. In the My Computer window, double-click A:

11. In the A: folder, from the Edit menu, click Paste.

Performing the update

1. Restart the computer with the floppy disk in the floppy disk drive. From the Start menu, click Shut Down, and then select the option to restart the computer.

2. On the Intel Flash Memory update utility screen, press the ENTER key.

3. On the Main Menu screen, Update Flash memory area from a file is selected. Press ENTER.

4. On the Flash area screen, Update System BIOS is selected. Press ENTER.

5. On the Enter Path\Filename screen, press the DOWN ARROW key once to select P13-0046.BIO, and then press ENTER.

6. On the Confirm BIOS version information screen, select To continue with programming, and then press ENTER.

7. The message, "BIOS update is now in progress don't press any key or turn off the system at this time," appears.

8. On the Reboot warning screen, the message Eject disk appears. Remove the disk from the floppy disk drive, and then press ENTER.

9. When the computer restarts, you may receive a BIOS configuration message. Press F1 to enter the BIOS Setup Utility.

10. In the BIOS Setup Utility, press F10, and then press ENTER to save and exit.

Troubleshooting

If the driver does not install, download the file again, and then follow the steps given for installation.

Reason for Update

Option to enable or disable the ISA Enable Bit on PCI bridges.
Adds D-stepping core support for latest generation processors.
Adds WFM 2.0 Remote Lockout support.
Adds support for the Security Freeze Lock command on resume from S3 to IDE devices that support the Security feature set.
Adds workaround for Windows 98 SE issue where ATAPI devices are not reprogrammed on resume from Suspend-to-RAM (S3).
Implements Force Network Boot feature that allows users to force the computer to start to network by pressing a hot key.
Fixes issue where the computer was always reporting 80-conductor IDE cable type (regardless of actual cable type) when certain ATAPI devices were connected as the slave device on an IDE channel.
Adds support for PCI IDE Bus Mastering (DMA) for BIOS INT 13h hard disk reads and writes on IDE devices that support IDE Bus Mastering.
Adds Mode 5 (UDMA/100) option to the IDE UDMA Mode.
Corrects functionality of IDE PIO Mode.
Fixes issue where BIOS was incorrectly reporting UDMA modes on IDE devices that do not support UDMA.
Sets ISA ENABLE bits on PCI bridges that do not have VGA behind them.
Adds support for doing 32-bit IDE PIO mode data transfers inside BIOS INT 13h.
Fixes issue where ATAPI Removable Devices that support UDMA modes were not getting programmed for UDMA mode.
Updates the display of the processor BIOS update information to account for the new naming convention.
Adds the display of UDMA mode for ARMD.
Sets Wake on Modem Ring default to Power On.
Fixes an issue where the Fault Tolerant Boot Block Test would fail and not be able to boot if ECC was enabled during the test.
Fixes the incorrect display of hard disk drive capacity for larger hard disk drives.

Applicable Part Numbers:

2517170, 2517168, 2517169, 2510651, 2510652, 2512450, 2512451, 2513567, 2513568, 2513569, 2513603, 2513604, 2513605, 2513606, 2513793, 2513794, 2513796, 2514223, 2514224, 2514858, 2514602,
2515128, 2512808, 2514225, 2514601, 2514603, 2514604, 2514605,
2514606, 2516096, 2516097, 2516098, 2516099

by oh smeg

At the A: Prompt you insert the Floppy with the Utility and Data normally a BIN file and type in the name of the Flash Utility then press Enter. This will start the Flash Utility running and then you will be asked to enter the Data File and then if you want to save to old BIOS. You will be prompted for a name of the old BIOS and it will be written to the Floppy under that name.

Just do not enable Write Protection on the floppy or this process will not work. You also need to read the Warning on Flashing the BIOS as if you do it wrong the system will no longer run and you will then need to either replace the BIOS Chip with a new one or if the IC is soldered to the M'Board you'll need to replace the M'Board or take it to a company who can reprogram a BIOS Chip while On Board without the M'Board running. Both will be roughly the same price if you can shop around.

To try to make this easier what M'Board are you using. If you post that I will tell you step by step what is required but you basically need to look at the contents of the Floppy the [b].EXE[/b] File is the Flash Utility which you need to type the name of then press Enter and the [b].BIN[/b] File is the actual New BIOS which gets written to the CMOS Integrated Circuit.

Col

by thumbsup2

[i]So are you saying that I need to format the floopy as MS-Dos and then put the upgrade files on that floppy?[/i]

Yes, but make sure you use the formating option to copy system files to the floppy (make it bootable).

[i]because if I just boot with the dos disk I will go to "A" prompt and then what?? [/i]

No, you will not just go to the "A" prompt. The files you copy to the floppy will replace any files already there. Per the instructions, the the Intel Flash Memory update utility will start. You won't even see the "A" prompt. Obviously, the autoexec.bat file that you downloaded has some instructions in it telling the system to start the iflash.exe program.

[i]If I copy the files to the Dos formated disk there will be at least two files with the same name....

here is a list of files that came with the download also included the read me.

autoexec.bat, beep.com, bios.rec, command.com, iflash.exe, io.sys, msdos.sys, p13-0046.bbo, p13-0046.bi1, p13-0046.bi2, p13-0046.bi3, p13-0046.bi4, p13-0046.bi5, p13-0046.bio, p13-0046.sbb, p13-0046.sig[/i]

Nowhere in that list of files are there any files with the same name. The extensions are all different making them unique. Remember, when you copy these files to the floppy, they will replace any files already on the floppy which have the same names (autoexec.bat, command.com, io.sys, msdos.sys).

...

by oh smeg

You need to insert a Boot Disc first to start DOS up then when the System is running you remove the Floppy insert the BIOS Utility and Data File and run the Utility.

If you try to run off the Utility it will not load as this is only the Utility not any form of OS.

I also doubt that a 2001 System will support a 500 GIG HDD either no matter how much you Flash the BIOS as it's way too big and will not be recognized by the BIOS natively. You can use something like Seagate's Disc Wizard to fool the BIOS into reading & Mapping a 500 GIG HDD maybe but this isn't the most reliable way to do things.

IDE HDD's can not just be inserted as they are not correctly Mapped by the BIOS in many cases if this is a Desktop unit you need to fit a PCI to IDE Controller Card that can support a 500 GIG HDD. If it is a NB you need to fit this 500 GIG Drive to a USB Enclosure and fit a HDD of the Upper Limit Size to the NB.

Col

by heather.smith

So if I boot with the DOS disk I get to a "A" prompt, What comand and file would I be calling up from the upgrade disk to make it run? I posted a list of files that came with the upgrade. I know this seems so stupid but...............

by oh smeg

Type in [b]DIR/W[/b] and then press Enter. You will be shown the contents of the Floppy and there should be 2 files on it a [b].EXE[/b] and normally a [b].Bin[/b] file the .EXE is the Flash Utility and the Bin File is the new BIOS Data. Write down both names on a piece of paper and then enter the Flash Utility name so if it is AFlash.exe you would type in [b]aflash[/b] and then press enter. You will then be presented with another screen asking you to provide the Data File so you need to type this in so if the Data File was called 123.bin you would type in [b]1234.bin[/b] and press enter. You should then be presented with another screen asking you to enter a name for the Old BIOS to save it here you need to enter the same file format as the Data File so here you can use [b]old.bin[/b] and press enter. This will start the process running and start off by saving a copy of the Old BIOS Data to the Floppy in a file called [b]Old.Bin[/b].

When this finishes the system will start writing the New BIOS Data to the Integrated Circuit. It is at this point that it is very important that you do not lose power as if you do the M'Board will not work again well at least it will not start up again as the BIOS will no longer be present. If that happens you need to either replace the BIOS IC or the M'Board depending on if the BIOS IC is soldered tot he M'Board or is in a socket.

You should read the Warning Message about Flashing the BIOS to know what can happen if things go wrong.

Col

by Former member

Try another floppy and download the right info onto the floppy.
Are you trying to update your bios?. If so then you will have to go into the bios first and then look for the "update bios" section.

Please post back if you have any more problems or questions.
If this info is useful, please mark it helpful. Thanks

by Former member

This would help a lot..

Please post back if you have any more problems or questions.
If this info is useful, please mark it helpful. Thanks

by heather.smith

Gateway model PERF P4-2000 CX
SERIAL 0024772836
PROCESSOR 2000 MHX PIV

by Former member

Note: When updating your computer's BIOS, the update process fails if you use a floppy disk formatted in Microsoft? Windows? 2000, Windows NT?, or Windows XP. Instead, use a new IBM pre-formatted disk.
http://support.gateway.com/support/drivers/getFile.asp?id=16167&dscr=Pentium%204%20BIOS%20update%20GB85010A%20P13&uid=208130440

Please post back if you have any more problems or questions.
If this info is useful, please mark it helpful. Thanks

by heather.smith

if you read the original post i stated that i used a IBM preformated disk. I think we have discovered that I needed to format in MS DOS start up and then load the the upgrade

by Former member

Sorry for that just had to be sure.
I have ibm floppies but i use them for all kinds of things (in reason), so that is why i posted the info.
How did the upgrade go?

Please post back if you have any more problems or questions.
If this info is useful, please mark it helpful. Thanks

by heather.smith

I wasn't clear, sorry the duplicates would be from the DOS startup files on the floppy. I tried it at work on a floppy and io.sys and a couple of others came up as duplicates. so just let them over write with the new ones?

by 1bn0

It sounds like you are copying the contents of a "bootable" disk with all of the bios utilites over to a formated disk. I did read the instructions and , yes that is what they told you to do.

You CANNOT copy IO.SYS and MSDOS.SYS. On a boot floppy these files sit in pre-determined physical sectors. The files are only properly stored during a format or by using the SYS.COM utility. (sys.com copies the boot files to the proper sectors on the floppy disk.)

Try creating the boot disk again. WHen you copy the utility files to the bootable disk answer "NO" when asked to replace IO.SYS, MSDOS.SYS and COMMAND.COM.

Please give this anser a Thumbs Up if you find it usefull.

by heather.smith

wow it has been way too long could not even remeber any DOS comands to save my life. I will give this a try when I get home and go from there.

by heather.smith

I have not done the upgrade yet, I will be doing that tonight. I will post the results wish me luck

by ic-it

Does the instructions require an IBM Boot Disk?
Some older Gateways will not work with a MS-DOS boot disk.
If an executable created the Disk you should be OK, if not go here and get an IBM boot disk; (about half way down the page).

http://oldfiles.org.uk/powerload/bootdisk.htm

It may be that the floppy on the Gateway is too dirty or improperly connected.

Edited to add; If it requires the IBM you will render the BIOS unusable using a MS-DOS disk.

by heather.smith

ok so made the DOS disk ended up also makeing an additional disk with the update on it. so when I got to the "A" prompt, i requested the directory and loaded the flash update. all went well, and windows started. so on to the second task install the new drive and...........install xp..........hard drive is installed and xp is installing at this time very slow to format but it is makeing progress. cross your fingers xxx

by oh smeg

If it was using a normal Format it will be slow, I always use the Fast Format but I'm Inpatient. Besides people are paying for my time so I don't waste it. :D

Also do not enable Auto Update before Windows opens for the first time or you may run into problems with installing Sound Drivers.

Also depending on which version of XP you are using you may only see 127 GIG Capacity on the HDD. If this happens you need to use a different version of XP to install from something with SP2 or latter on it is required.

You can make your Own Slipstreamed Install Disc with nLite available free here

http://www.nliteos.com/download.html

You'll need a Copy of SP2 and your Sound Drivers so you can add these to the Install so you don't have any issues with uninstallable drivers after you start Windows.

If you use nLite make sure you read the directions for use here

http://www.nliteos.com/guide/index.html

Col

by heather.smith

yes bios see's the hdd but when through the whole xp sp2 install but when it was time to boot I get disk error, control alt del to restart. I checked the boot to.. and changed it to hdd, that didn't change anything. if I leave the xp disk in it wants to reinstal, repair or quit. repair does nothing. hey just went into the bios event log says pre boot error: cmos battery failure. guess i'll be going to the store and try again. although i got no beeps, would this really be causeing my windows problem?

I also changed in the bios so i could see as things loaded. and there may be another issue... as the bios disk manager runs the first one says:
Int 13 Level comunications: attempting Int 13 IO to drive 80 No response

ATA Level Communications: Attempting PM ATA Identify (this is where it sits at a dos prompt)

could this drive be bad?

replaced cmos battery, no change, but i did notice this new hard drive makes alot moaning types of sounds, it does not sound like a spin up. is still wonder if drive is bad maybe I will go back to best buy and trade out??? any ideas???

by Former member

Killdisk:
http://www.killdisk.com/
It is free to us. But it will take time to do the full format of 500gb. Top of my head about 3 to 4 hours depending on which formatting choice you make. After it is done reload Windows and see if the sound of the drive is any better. If not, time to get another hdd.

Please post back if you have any more problems or questions.
If this info is useful, please mark it helpful. Thanks

by heather.smith

That would work if the hdd was a second drive but it is a boot drive and since i cannot even bring the system up that would be a bit difficult. unless i'm just not thinking about this right?

by thumbsup2

You can't format the drive the OS is on from within the OS. You need to boot with something like UBCD or a drive manufacturer's CD/Floppy which will allow you to completely wipe the drive before putting the OS on to it.

If you can FDISK the drive, the Windows install CD will see that it's empty and format it for you before it installs. It's that formatting which marks possible bad sectors so they can't be re-used.

by oh smeg

Was correctly Recognized in BIOS as a M'Board of this age shouldn't be able to natively use a 500 GIG IDE HDD.

If it is a SATA HDD you may need to install the SATA Driver before installing XP but if it is a IDE Drive I don't think that BIOS can correctly Identify it as it's way too big for BIOS.

You can try using Disc Wizard from Seagate available here

http://tinyurl.com/27y63t

To trick BIOS into using this HDD or you can fit it to a PCI to IDE Controller Card and then press the [b]F6 Key[/b] when the first Blue Screen of the Windows Install appears. You'll need the Controllers Card Driver copied to the Root of a Floppy and will be prompted to insert the Floppy and press Enter when the Pre install finishes looking at the Hardware.

Col

by heather.smith

took the drive back and am going to try to use the second drive that i use to use for storage. i am moveing every thing off of it to an external drive. will install windows on this on i think it is a 20 gig which sucks but got to thinking about the current cost of a computer and what i had put in to it so far and well surely i am within what I could buy a new one. so one last try........... well i am still in the process of moving everything off this back up drive on to my external drive, its taking a bit longer than I thought it would, but hopefully, I'll go to reinstall xp when I get home from work. I'll keep you updated.

by oh smeg

And use any SATA Drive in this Gateway to be perfectly honest hat 2001 Version of the newest BIOS Update shouldn't support any IDE Drive bigger than 40 GIG and that is on the High Side. You should be safe with a 20 GIG HDD here.

You can pickup a SATA Controller Card from $39.00 AU Retail so ti should be cheaper where you are and you can use the commonly available SATA HDD's with it without any problems while retaining the Speed Advantage of a SATA Drive. All you have to do is to press the [b]F6 Key[/b] when th Windows Installer first starts and insert a Floppy with the SATA Controller Cards Drivers.

While you can use a IDE Controller Card these are more expensive starting at $39.00 AU Retail and they are limited in what they can drive so a 500 GIG IDE Drive which costs more here at least may not be supported by the Card.

It's better to use a SATA Controller Card and cheaper as well.

If you don't have a Floppy Drive available you can slipstream the XP install Disc with nLite available for download here

http://www.nliteos.com/download.html

Just do not forget to read the Guides on the same web site to get the correct method of using nLite from here

http://www.nliteos.com/guide/

Col

by heather.smith

I desided to just use the 20gig drive I am in the process of reputing all the periferals back on.............but all seems well. thanks for everyones help and input.

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