a1) First, you'll need to create a boot floppy to use to flash it. The one I use is easily created
with this utility (drdflash, it creates a boot floppy without drivers, which take up all the space).
After using that to create your boot floppy, copy your BIOS files to the disk. Your BIOS (if an official release) should come with awdflash.exe, abitfae.bat and runme.bat along with the {yourBIOSversion}.bin file.
a2) or see
here for flashing an abit motherboard from a USB Flash Drive.
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b) If you're flashing the BIOS on an IP35 or IP35-E board to correct the double-boot problem, proceed with the step in the next paragraph. If you are not, please skip the following paragraph and continue on.
Before flashing, it's recommended you edit abitfae.bat's command line to include the "/wb" switch. Edit (right-click and choose "Edit") your abitfae.bat file. You'll see a command like this: AWDFLASH.EXE %1 /py /sn /cd /cp /cc /cks. Simply add /wb to that command, like so: AWDFLASH.EXE %1 /py /sn /cd /wb /cp /cc /cks You don't have to do this, it's just a good idea.
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c) Restart into BIOS and choose "Load Optimized Defaults", then set your RAM voltage to the manufacturer's recommended value. Set your floppy as the first boot device (should be done when you Load Optimized Defaults, but check to be sure). Put the floppy in and restart.
Once at your command prompt, simply type "runme", hit enter and watch it do it's job. DO NOT INTERRUPT POWER OR RESTART UNTIL IT TELLS YOU TO! You will end up with a dead BIOS chip and be extremely unhappy.
After flashing, you'll probably get a hang at BIOS and a checksum error. This is normal. Power down and clear CMOS and load optimized defaults like so:
Remove power from the system.
Hit the power button to discharge the capacitors.
Move the CCMOS jumper (or switch) to the clear position.
Wait ~30 seconds.
Place the jumper (or switch) back in the normal position.
Restore power and boot up immediately into BIOS.
Select "Load Optimized Defaults" and set the recommended voltage for your RAM
Save & exit.
On reboot, go directly into BIOS and set the recommended timings for your RAM and any other options you'd like to set (i.e. boot order, etc.).