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EPOX 8RDA+ BIOS Dead

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Nelson_coolcat

New Member
Joined
May 7, 2003
Location
Toronto
I am new to the world of 'creating our own PC monsters'. So I followed instructions for each part that I bought. Assembled and all was beautiful. Then I used the utility Magic Flash that came in the EPOX cd to upgrade the BIOS. I followed each instruction as explained by them and rebooted as asked. So that was the end of my brand new MOBO.
I cannot reboot. I get the beep sounding like an ambulance in an emergency task (getting ready for my heartattack due to this f....situation).
The PC cannot read the floppy. So it looks like I have to buy either a new BIOS chip (any ideas where in Canada???) or a new MOBO.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.
thanks
nelson:mad:
 
well id try to reset the comos first.
could get a new bios chip or find someone to hot flash yours.
or send it back as an rma.

many options but all are pains in the #$@!
well not the cmos reset but not sure thats the couse or fix.

btw welcome to the forums!
 
yeah I'd definetly try the hotflash thing...it usualy works, just gotta find someone who'll let ya borrow thier good working 8rda bios chip!
 
I don't trust that LED....every time I hear of or experience a problem code, the manual simply says "reserved"....lol.

anyhow...NEVER flash from windows. The MagicFlash utility is a beta software....it's easy, yes, but it can go wrong and this can happen. I don't even trust those programs that are "soft bios"...they modify the bios from windows....I really don't tryst that stuff, heh.

Anyway, do this:
  • there is a jumper above the cmos battery, and to the left of the BIOS chip. It should be set on the left and center pin. Take it off and place it on the center and right pin (the two pins closest to the bios chip)
  • remove the cmos battery. take a flathead screwdriver or something similar and poke the release lever on the left....poke it hard enough and the battery should pop out
  • Boot up the system
  • The LED should read CF, and after a few seconds you will hear the "ambulance" alarm. This is normal. At that point, turn the system off with the power switch. (if it doesn't turn off instantly, hold it in and the machine will turn off after 4 seconds).
  • Put the jumper back on the left and center pins
  • Put the cmos battery back in
  • boot up the system. If your BIOS chip is still alive (meaning you didn't fry it), then everything should be working fine. Just make sure to go into the BIOS right away and select the "Load optomized defaults" option.

For future reference, ALWAYS do the "load optomized defaults" option before you flash your BIOS. NEVER try and flash your BIOS when you're overclocked.

If the directions above didn't work, then you probably fried the BIOS chip. Call up EPoX and order a replacement chip (or request an RMA by them and they will replace it for you). Make sure you stop by radio shack and get the proper tools to remove the BIOS chip....don't use a screwdriver or anything. Just ask the people there for a IC (integrated circuit) removal tool.

The clear CMOS feature is very useful, rofl.....if you're going to be overclocking, you will learn that procedure VERY well, hehehe.

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Thanks for all the help

I am going to try what Mr. DaveSauce explained. Unfortunately, I do not know anybody with the same motherboard. So far I am still waiting for some help from EPOX but nothing so far.

I keep all of you informed how it is going....

thanks again from this Brazilian.....
 
Oh My GOD.....Dave your are great!!

I followed DaveSauce (for sure you came from outer space) and in 10 minutes I have the PC booting all the way up to the Windows XP..... I have no words to thank you.. And for the rest of you make sure you copy his instructions and keep it safe. It works... Thanks to you DaveSauce and to the rest of you too... And my GOD help us with this BIOS revision process from EPOX.....
 
The best way to update the bios is to download the file from the website, run it, it will extract itself to a floppy disk....then you reboot, and when it says so on the bottom of the POST screen, press ALT+F2, and follow the instructions from there.

and computers are trial and error......what the manufacturer says will work doesn't always, lol. Once you start to play around with really high clock speeds, as I said earlier, you will get to know the BIOS resetting process very well, hehe.

btw.....

Welcome to the forums!

heh, enjoy your stay. The tech support here is better than any OEM can provide. If you have any questions about ANYTHING (computers, school, life, the universe, and everything), then post here. The "welcome to the forums" should be replaced with "welcome to the addiction," heh.
 
NC, I guess you never check your PM's...might be worth checking out when the box shows up saying you have a private message...
 
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