How does one flash update a BIOS without a real DOS prompt?

[Norman Swartz]

I need to update the BIOS on a Promise TX2 Ultra 100 IDE controller card.
The instructions read (in part):

1. Create a bootable DOS floppy, and copy the file
"PTIFLASH.EXE" and the file containing the updated
BIOS to the floppy diskette.

2. The file "PTIFLASH.EXE" is a DOS program; a DOS
boot floppy diskette must be used to run the program.

I cannot create a bootable DOS floppy in Windows XP PRO SP1. Will booting
to "Safe Mode" allow me to flash the BIOS on the controller card?

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Visit www.bootdisk.com and download the files for a Windows 98 boot disk.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

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|I need to update the BIOS on a Promise TX2 Ultra 100 IDE controller card.
| The instructions read (in part):
|
| > 1. Create a bootable DOS floppy, and copy the file
| > "PTIFLASH.EXE" and the file containing the updated
| > BIOS to the floppy diskette.
| >
| > 2. The file "PTIFLASH.EXE" is a DOS program; a DOS
| > boot floppy diskette must be used to run the program.
|
| I cannot create a bootable DOS floppy in Windows XP PRO SP1. Will booting
| to "Safe Mode" allow me to flash the BIOS on the controller card?

 

[TJ]

Why can't you create a boot disk in WinXP Pro SP1? I have XP Pro SP 1 and
the boot disk creates fine. Here's what I found in Help and Support by
typing dos boot disk:

To create an MS-DOS startup disk
The MS-DOS startup disk you create will allow you to boot into MS-DOS.

Insert a floppy disk into your computer's floppy drive.
Open My Computer, and then click the floppy disk drive to select it.
On the File menu, point to the name of the floppy drive, and then click
Format.
Under Format options, click Create an MS-DOS startup disk.
Click Start.
Important

Creating an MS-DOS startup disk erases all information on the floppy disk.
Notes

To open My Computer, click Start, and then click My Computer.
The MS-DOS startup disk only allows the system to boot into an MS-DOS
prompt. The disk contains no additional tools.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

Why can't you create the bootable DOS floppy disk? What error do
you get when you try?

If you need a DOS boot disk to use for a BIOS upgrade, insert a
blank floppy, double-click My Computer > right-click the A: drive >
Format > Create an MS-DOS startup disk. Then follow the motherboard
or BIOS manufacturer's instructions to place the necessary utility and
data files onto the diskette. Also follow the motherboard or BIOS
manufacturer's instructions to use the diskette.



Bruce Chambers
--
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