| 1 |
The motherboard chipset drivers, which are Via 4in1 drivers for the ABIT KR7A-133, should be re-installed as part of the procedure for updating the BIOS, but you should already have the latest version handy and ready for re-installing if you've built your computer following the steps I've described. |
| 2 |
Run the MadOnion 3DMark2001SE benchmark and the DXDIAG DirectX Diagnostics to establish a performance measurement and to ensure everything works before the update. It's not uncommon for a BIOS update to improve performance a bit. |
| 3 |
Measure the System and CPU temperatures of the computer prior to the update. A BIOS update can impact these temperatures so it's a good idea to check them before and after to see if it did. If it does then it by no means may be a bad thing, just something you should check into further. |
| 4 |
Normally you should backup the data on your PC. If all goes well then you won't need it. But if disaster strikes then you should have your vital data secured. But if you're doing the BIOS flash update after just building your computer then there's probably nothing vital stored yet. |
| 5 |
Disable GoBack.
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| 6 |
Download the BIOS file package to be flashed, in my case version B5. I call it a "package" because it's a self-extracting zip file that expands on execution to multiple files. The package can be retrieved through
as a download from ABIT, keeping in mind that the ABIT KR7A-133 can use a BIOS version stored under either the ABIT KR7A or the ABIT KR7A-133. For the ABIT KR7A version B5 update, the package is called (kr7ab5.exe).
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| 7 |
Make a boot disk. The steps are illustrated very well for Windows XP ABIT's Flash Update Procedure - How To Make A Boot Disk Under Windows XP. The steps for other versions of the Windows operating system is included in the main page of ABIT's own BIOS flash update guide.
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| 8 |
Copy the BIOS file package to the A: drive. Double-click on it to extract the files inside to the floppy disk.
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| 9 |
The files on the floppy include (abitfae.bat) (awdflash.exe) (runme.bat) (***.bin) and (***.txt). The *** corresponds to the BIOS file package name. For version B5, they are (kr7a_b5.bin) and (kr7a_b5r.txt). This is the "Flash floppy".
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| 10 |
Repeat steps 6 through 9 for the BIOS file package corresponding to the BIOS version already in your PC. In my case this was version 6N and the name of the BIOS file package is (kr7a6n.exe). This ensures you have your old BIOS on-hand as a backup in case something goes wrong and you want to reinstall the old BIOS.
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| 11 |
Go to: Start > Turn Off Computer > Restart
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| 12 |
Press the DEL (delete) key to enter the BIOS.
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| 13 |
Write down your current BIOS settings.
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| 14 |
Load the Fail-Safe Defaults.
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| 15 |
Set the following BIOS values, if they are not already set:
Advanced BIOS Features: First Device: Floppy Disk
Advanced BIOS Features: Video BIOS Shadow: Disable
Advanced Chipset Features: System BIOS Cacheable: Disable
Integrated Peripherals: Init Display First: AGP
PnP/PCI Configurations: PNP OS Installed: Yes
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| 16 |
Save the BIOS settings to CMOS and exit the BIOS. Your PC should boot up just fine.
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| 17 |
Re-boot the PC with the Flash floppy loaded in the A: drive. You should end up in DOS at the A:> prompt.
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| 18 |
The next command will actually do the flash update of the BIOS. Power integrity is crucial. Weather outside ok? UPS working fine?
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| 19 |
At the DOS prompt, enter the command runme.
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| 20 |
You will see three screens. The first one says something like:
Please DO NOT run this batch file under Windows!
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| 21 |
Hit enter. The second screen says something like:
Please make sure of the following:
1) You have made a CLEAN boot from your floppy disk,
i.e., NO autoexec.bat and config.sys files are loaded.
2)The BIOS file you are trying to upgrade is correct
for your board, otherwise you will get the unknown failure.
Be sure the current PC system is pure without any resident program!
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| 22 |
Hit enter. The third one says something like:
Be sure you are ready to update the BIOS!
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| 23 |
This is it! Hit enter. The flash program displays its progress and results.
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| 24 |
When the flash program is done, follow the on-screen instructions to exit the flash program and the computer resets. Press the DEL key to enter the BIOS. Remove the boot disk from the floppy drive.
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| 25 |
Power everything off, including the PC and monitor.
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| 26 |
Detach the power cord and all other connections from the back of the PC. Set the power switch on the back of the computer on the power supply into the off/0 position.
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| 27 |
Remove the computer case cover and put on your antistatic wrist strap. Use the jumpers on the motherboard to discharge the CMOS for one minute. For help finding the jumpers, see the pictures on my Computer Assembly - First Boot page. Then restore the jumper setting so it is no longer discharging the CMOS.
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| 28 |
Put the computer case cover back on. Reattach the power cord and all the other connections to the back of the PC. Set the power switch on the back of the computer on the power supply into the on/1 position.
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| 29 |
Power on the monitor and PC . Press the DEL (delete) key to enter the BIOS.
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| 30 |
Enter your BIOS settings and set the correct date and time. It's especially important to have the correct settings for the CPU Operating Speed, Multiplier Factor and CPU Power Supply. Watch for new parameters. Or the old parameters may have been re-ordered, or there may be new value options for some parameters. Save and exit the BIOS.
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| 31 |
The PC boot process begins and the computer reboots back to the desktop.
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| 32 |
Perform the VIA 4in1 Driver Update procedure. I suspect many people neglect this step. Everything looks pretty much ok even if you don't reinstall the VIA drivers. But it may need to be done for your PC to perform optimally. After a BIOS flash update, I have experienced hearing a crackling noise or static over my speakers during the DXDIAG Sound (Test DirectSound) test, and I have experienced stuttering during the MadOnion benchmark display where there had been no stuttering before. After reinstalling the VIA 4in1 drivers, all of these problems cleared up.
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| 33 |
Run the MadOnion 3DMark2001SE benchmark,
DXDIAG DirectX Diagnostics,
and
Prime95
to verify all is well.
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| 34 |
Enable GoBack.
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| 35 |
Done. Breathe sigh of relief.
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