Unable to upgrade BIOS

[jledoux]

I've been trying, unsuccessfully, to update BIOS so that I can upgrade my processor from a 1.5 MHz to a 2.4 MHz pentium 4 (currently I have a Pentium 4, 1.5 MHZ, 400 MHz bus, 512 MB ram, windows XP home).

To update BIOS (the Motherboard is an Intel D845HV with 845 chipset), I downloaded Intel's flash memory update utility, created an upgrade boot disk, and rebooted the computer. But I get the following error messages:

H48: update BIOS does not match currently installed BIOS type
H01: The flash dataimage read from disk was found to be not valid
S20: BIOS ID validation failure - flash update was unsuccessful

However, I'm positive I have the correct upgrade - the motherboard is D845HV as identified by a software ID program, and I saw the label on the motherboard. I've checked and rechecked the intel website to make sure that I downloaded the correct upgrade.

I've tried the following things in addition: I removed the CMOS battery for 20 min, reinserted it, and then tried to reboot with the upgrade disk. I also changed the jumper setting for BIOS repair - but when I did that, the floppy didn't work, so I guess the upgrade disk is not the same as a recovery disk?

I have also tried the express BIOS upgrade program and that doesn't work either.

Anyway, nothing I've tried has worked.

I posted about this awhile ago and someone suggested that I 'force' the upgrade - does anyone know how to do that? If you do, please give reasonably detailed instructions - I've never done this kind of thing before! Thanks!

 

[iss]

trying to force a bios upgrade could end you up with a trashed Bios and a system that wont boot.

it is possible that the file you downloaded is corrupted and you could try downloading it again.

 

[jledoux]

I've downloaded it a few times, and I've tried the DOS based and windows based methods to upgrade the bios, to no avail. Am I out of luck? Should I attempt to contact intel, or is that a lost cause?

 

[iss]

is this system a sellf built one or a rretail unit lik dell or compaq ,etc? if it is a brand name computer then you will have to go to the makers site to download the bios update.

 

[jledoux]

It's a Gateway. I went to the intel site for the BIOS upgrade - I take it I have to go to Gateway's site instead? I'll see what I can find.

 

[iss]

outfits like Dell and gateway use special Bios. they restrict many of the features of the standard bios to prevent customers from messing with them and thereby incurring support calls.

 

[jledoux]

You were right on the money. I contacted Gateway, and their Bios Upgrade worked like a charm. Thanks!