OT - Gigabyte BIOS Update Alert

[BobS]

Nothing to do with freeware per se but thought this would be of interest to
some in this group since if it happens to you, you won't be running any
freeware at all for awhile.

If you have a Gigabyte motherboard and need to update the BIOS, do not use
the Internet Update option available on the @Bios program they offer on
their site. It downloads and installs the wrong firmware even though it
indicates the firmware download is for the motherboard and chipset you have.
I have a GA-6BXD model motherboard and it's several years old. Other newer
boards may not be affected - but the GA-6xxx models are for sure. To be
safe, download the BIOS flash program and the separate .bin file and do it
the old fashion way - in DOS from a floppy. The newer boards have a
different method of doing an internet update and that may be okay but you
may want to call tech support first to avoid downtime.

Just got off the phone with their tech support and he knew immediately what
the problem was when I said "@Bios Internet Update". He groaned a bit and
said to send them the chip to re-flash, no charge. Gee... thanks but don't
you think somebody should fix the problem?

Now... back to your freeware discussion already in progress.

Bob S.

 

[Steve H]

Nothing to do with freeware per se but thought this would be of interest to
some in this group since if it happens to you, you won't be running any
freeware at all for awhile.

If you have a Gigabyte motherboard and need to update the BIOS, do not use
the Internet Update option available on the @Bios program they offer on
their site. It downloads and installs the wrong firmware even though it
indicates the firmware download is for the motherboard and chipset you have.
I have a GA-6BXD model motherboard and it's several years old. Other newer
boards may not be affected - but the GA-6xxx models are for sure. To be
safe, download the BIOS flash program and the separate .bin file and do it
the old fashion way - in DOS from a floppy. The newer boards have a
different method of doing an internet update and that may be okay but you
may want to call tech support first to avoid downtime.

Just got off the phone with their tech support and he knew immediately what
the problem was when I said "@Bios Internet Update". He groaned a bit and
said to send them the chip to re-flash, no charge. Gee... thanks but don't
you think somebody should fix the problem?

Now... back to your freeware discussion already in progress.

Thanks for the heads up - recently updated the bios on a GA7 series
board the old-fashioned way...just had a nasty feeling about letting a
mo'board connect to the net!

Regards,