Can anybody kindly tell me how to update my BIOS? I have a K7S5A motherboard (early version) which I've just upgraded from a 1.4GHz AMD to a 2200XP. I've downloaded an update from - http://www.ecs.com.tw/download/k7s5a.htm - but don't know how to download it to my BIOS. I'm running Windows XP pro. I'm asking in the Overclockers section as I know you guy's do this all the time! Many thanks.

Download a prog called drdos (or similar) from bootdisk.com. This, when executed creates a bootable floppy disk that is ideal for flashing bios from. Unzipp the flash util you got from ecs. Should be called aminf329.exe or similar. Copy this to floppy. Unzipp new bios file. should be called somat like 1100009.rom. Copy this to floppy. Boot from floppy. At A prompt type the name of the flash program followed by a space followed by the name of the new bios to be flashed. So in the above example type:

aminf329.exe 1100009.rom

Follow onscreen instructions. These should be simple (like do you want to continue etc) If you get any serious error messages dont flash. Dont power off during flash. Dont rebbot until flash is finished. Any probs see me as I can fix an incoeectly flashed chip

Vapd, Many thanks for the reply. I've been reading up on the internet about flashing a new BIOS, I wish they'd put it as straight forward as you have, although I understand the risk. Also you confirming the commands to type is very useful. I have a problem with my PC, I recently upgraded to Windows/Office XP and the disc format now won't work for me. So when I use the DrDos prog I get a message saying "cannot format disc as it's in use by another application" (or close to that). It say's the same when formatting the normal way also. But the normal way will write a systems boot disc, files are all there as far as I can see but my system won't boot up with it! - I have floppy drive enabled as first boot source. Any ideas would be appreciated?

Many thanks for your time
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If this problem has just reared its head then I doubt flashing bios will help. If this only occured after you installed office try looking for updates and patches that are relevant. If you upgraded your operating system and the problem occured try same but perhaps flash will work. Try posting this prob in windows or tech section, I'm afraid I havnt found this problem winxp (which I rarely use). Also have a look on ms knowledge base.

Vapd, great news! I managed to find an old boot disc, then followed your instructions for flashing the BIOS. It went very smoothly. What made me more determined was I called a local PC service shop here in Bordon and the joker running it asked me for £60 to sort it for me! I'm very chuffed and greatful to you.