Cannot update BIOS

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In a last attempt to see if my old server is salvageable, i cleared the CMOS and want to re-load the BIOS flash.
I have located the BIOS firmware from the Gigabyte website, but it complains that the file size is incorrect. I have tried all three availible, but it complains of the same problem on all three.
Any ideas before i get a new mobo?

Si

 

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ah have you made sure you got the right bios updating software, the correct mobo model AND revision number? Also make sure they the bios you going to update is newer than the one onboard...

Whats the exact prob here si?

 

This is the ongoing <sudden death> of my test server.
I moved the machine (no knocks and smooth journey) but only booted once after that!

You name it, ive tried it. I have a spare ATX mobo somewhere so i am going to try that tommorow. Please suggest things, but i get the feeling the mobo has gone- it randomly forgets about all IDE devices.

Si

 

RAM... check them.. try booting with only one stick (if there is more than 1) and swap them around...could be faulty RAM...

 

Spark,

I have ruled out everything now. I have been swopping bits over all night and the only thing left is the mobo.
I will swop out tommorow hopefully, and post back to let you know.

Thanks for looking.

Si

 

Spark,

Thanks for your advice, i owe you a beer. I have tried cables, drives, memory, etc.. It just can't see my IDE devices (most of the time )

Si

Post back when i swop the mobo.

 

hang on
does this have on board IDE controller/RAID controller or a card?

 

You mention Gigabyte, which model board is it Boyce?

 

Zimbo- Onboard.

Madman- Gigabyte GA-8IGML-T Rev 2.0

 

Boyce,

Try the "naked motherboard" test.

This is where you unscrew the motherboard out of the case, put the motherboard onto an electrically insulating sheet, plug in the CPU and RAM only into the motherboard, then the power connector from the power supply, then using a small metal screwdriver bridge the two pins that represent the power button. If the thing fires up, then there's a component that's plugged in that is causing it not to boot up. If the thing doesn't fire up, then yeah, you may have a dead motherboard.

 

Boyce,

Do you have an "AGP 4x" card installed in the motherboard?

 

R H Lee,

Thanks for your posts. The mobo is not completely dead- it will post but not recognise any IDE devices. On removing the mobo i noticed one of the componants looks like it is overheated; it has like <froth> coming out the top of it.

The only problem is it is a Micro ATX board for a P4 478. Not sure if it is worth spending the money on.

Thanks

Si

 

Boyce,

You mention a "P4 478." Does your power supply have an extra 2x2 pin "P4 power connector" that plugs into a similar 2x2 socket in the motherboard?

 

Yes it does.

 

Boyce,

Have you tried a "naked boot" as I suggested in my other post?

post - http://www.certforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?p=99251#post99251

 

Yes, i have mate. It will POST (one nice short beep) with everything or nothing connected.
I tried it with nothing at all, with only the hard drive and with only the CD ROM.
I have also tried it with one stick in alternative slots from the perfectly functional machine and it makes no difference. I have also tried a brand new IDE cable.
I have a PCI POST tester which doesn't bring any error up (not expecting any after the short sharp <beep>).
Now i have the mobo out, one of the capacitors looks overheated- there is all <crud> overflowing out of the top.

Thanks Si