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General discussion

Updating Bios

by rguy1 May 17, 2005 1:34PM PDT

I own a Compaq S6010NX - XP Home - SP1 - and I wanted to upgrade my bios by installing the SP26512 download from Compaq / HP.
Downloading this update requires you to enter safe mode and sign in as administrator not as username and then to execute the file to the best of my understanding. Here's their instructions.
__________________________________________________
The Administrator account in Windows XP is accessible only in Safe
mode.
You can log in as an Administrator by following these steps:

1. Click Start, click Turn Off My Computer, and select Restart.
2. When you see the red Compaq Logo, repeatedly press the F8 key to
bring up the ''Windows Advanced Options Menu.''
3. Use the arrow keys to scroll to the Safe mode. The following prompt
will be displayed:

''Please select Operating system to start''

4. Use the arrow keys to scroll to Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
and press Enter. The computer will now start in Safe mode.
5. When prompted, log in as an Administrator.

NOTE: The user name is ''administrator'' and the password is user
specified (if any) or blank by default.
____________________________________________________

My problem is that I keep getting an error stating that BIOS (1) can't be updated and to contact support. I've tried downloading the file several times and Hp has suggested ordering the softpaq with all my drivers and thinks the problem is related to an incomplete download of the softpaq or due to damaged files.
I would think it's the same file. It's only about 1 mb large.
Is anyone familar with this problem or does anyone have a soulution to this problem. I really don't want to restore the system if I don't have to - or order a softpac that has the same updates that the web site has.

Discussion is locked

6 Posts
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Check your BIOS setting,
by Melati Hitam May 17, 2005 1:46PM PDT

does it allow you to update or enabled the update feature?

Maybe you get the wrong BIOS Update for your specific computer?

Read the instruction again... Just maybe.. you need to use Flash utility?

Be carefull, a glitch in the update, can make your pc unbootable... and only a specialized shop can flash/reset/reinstall the BIOS.

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Resolved
by rguy1 May 17, 2005 7:05PM PDT

Resolved -

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(NT) (NT) Tell us how so other members benefit!!
by jcd May 18, 2005 1:25AM PDT
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Corrupt BIOS - Need to know how to boot from -
by rguy1 May 18, 2005 6:53AM PDT

The issue is still not resolved - When compaq said I could load the BIOS in normal mode .....
My computer wouldn't go into hybernation and I understood the only solution to this problem was to update the bios.
This mourning compaq sent me an email telling me I could log in to my sytem in normal mode and install the softpac for the BIO upgrade that they sent me previously. I did so and now my computer will not boot up and I get a black screen on the monitor and the computer beeps. It will not respond to a recovery disc because of the failure to boot.
Of course their not responsible - lol - ugh !
Geeeeeeeeeee !
Can anyone please instruct me on how to boot my system from this corrupt BIOS setting. ( From The Mother Board or however ) This BIOS installation has completely disabled my computer.

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Ughh.. I hate to say..
by Melati Hitam May 18, 2005 6:59AM PDT

I told you so...

Try to flash the bios using the backup diskette..

Or... bring it to the service center..

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Compaq Email Tech Support Came Through Again !
by rguy1 May 19, 2005 8:50AM PDT

I got an email from them stating that an unseated or bad memory could cause the system to beep and not boot. One side was a little loos so I reseated it and the system booted. Weird that it happened at the same moment that I upgraded by BIOS but never the less - You can imagine how happy I am about
I found out some stuff that will certainly make me more aware of the boards or systems I buy.
My board manufacture is Giovani. They don't exist outside compaq's structure. That means if you bios chip does go bad or gets currupted that you can't download any ROM files to try reboot any AMI CHIPS or order new BIOS chips from the manufacture.
In this case I would have had to paid a 150 dollars for a new mother board instead of being able to purchase a new BIOS chip. I suggest everone insure their board is being made by a known manufacture ( INTEL ) before purchasing the sytem or board but at the moment - all is well !
Thanks for the comments -

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