This file contains information on the AWDFLASH BIOS utility ========================================================================== -> Flash EPROM provides you a convenient way to update your system BIOS please note that updating your system BIOS is serious, only update when you need to do it. Unnecessary updating can cause damage to the system which will not be covered under the warranty. -> If you update an incorrect file to your FLASH EPROM, the system may no longer boot, please carefully follow the procedures in the manual or ask a qualified technician and/or call your dealer. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Flash EPROM updating procedures: -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Make sure the system is running in real mode. This utility will not operate if the system is under protected mode or virtual mode. This means that you cannot reprogram the motherboard BIOS under the Windows environment or with any memory management software, including HIMEM.SYS. The following describes the easiest way run your system from real mode: 1) Boot from a floppy disk formatted with the "FORMAT A:/S" command without creating CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files. 2) If you are using MS-DOS 6.x, you can bypass the AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS by pressing when "Starting MS-DOS... " line is displayed on the screen. 3) For Windows 95/98 users, press to enter the Microsoft Windows 95/98 Startup Menu and then choose "Safe mode command prompt only" You should save the download files to your hard disk drive. Once you have accomplished the above tasks, you can run the Flash Memory Writer utility. To run the utility, change to the directory containing AWDFLASH.EXE and then at the DOS prompt, type: [AWDFLASH] -------------------------------------------------------------------------- IMPORTANT PROCEDURE: -------------------- 1. Save Current BIOS to File (Perform upon first use of your system) This option allows you to copy the contents of the Flash memory chip into a file in the disk. This gives you a backup copy of the original motherboard BIOS in case you need to re-install it. In such cases where the data on the chip get lost or corrupted, you can reprogram the chip using this backup copy. If you encounter problems while downloading the new BIOS, DO NOT turn off your system since this might prevent your system from booting up. Just repeat the process, and if the problem still persists, download the original BIOS file you created in step 1 above. 2. After successfully downloading the new BIOS file, exit the Flash Memory Writer utility and then turn off your system. 3. Turn on the system and hold down to enter BIOS Setup. You must load "Setup Default" to affect the new BIOS. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- WARNING: --------- If the Flash Memory Writer utility was not able to successfully download a complete BIOS file, your system may not be able to boot up. If this happens, your system will require service from your vendor.