Any utils to modify the BIOS from Windows XP?

[tahuya_rat]

Let me describe the scenario:

Computer: HP ze5300 notebook
Video: ATI Mobility Radeon 345M (also known as a 9600, I think)
OS: Windows XP Home

Problem:

I spiked the laptop off the desk on Xmas day, with the screen open, which fried the screen. It works fine with an external monitor, when Windows is running.

The thing is, the external monitor won't come on until Windows loads up, which means I can't access the BIOS, boot-loaders, etc., because the external monitor isn't registering a signal at that point.

So, I guess my question is twofold:

1) Does anyone know of an ATI utility that might enable the external monitor during boot-up? I'm not even sure that there's a setting in the BIOS to make that possible.

2) Does anyone know of a Windows XP utility out there that will allow you to read/change BIOS settings, then reboot to apply the changes?

I downloaded CMOSSV38 from the BIOS software listing, but no luck there.

Thanks in advance for the help!

-tahuya_rat

[Kodo]

check here
http://www.majorgeeks.com/downloads25.html

[alanc]

This isn't a real solution, but maybe a workaround...

TweakBIOS will run from DOS, so if you were to put it on a Win98/ME boot floppy it might just do what you want.

See http://www.bootdisk.com/bootdisk.htm if you don't have access to 98/ME.

[Fw190]

what does the LCD panel do? It may be easy enough to fix.

[tahuya_rat]

Originally Posted by Fw190

what does the LCD panel do? It may be easy enough to fix.

It's a lovely mosaic of multi-colored, misshapen tiles! In the upper-left 1/20th of the screen, I can actually see what used to be a desktop there, though.

[tahuya_rat]

Originally Posted by Kodo

check here
http://www.majorgeeks.com/downloads25.html

Yeah, that was the first thing I checked before I posted. I downloaded the ones I thought might be pertinent, but none of them seem to like XP too much... or vice versa.

I didn't just come in postin' willie-nillie! :-)

[tahuya_rat]

Originally Posted by alanc

This isn't a real solution, but maybe a workaround...

TweakBIOS will run from DOS, so if you were to put it on a Win98/ME boot floppy it might just do what you want.

See http://www.bootdisk.com/bootdisk.htm if you don't have access to 98/ME.

I booted from both the 98SE OEM and 98SE Custom disks... no luck recognizing the external VGA port, so... no luck.

Thanks though!

[Kodo]

Originally Posted by tahuya_rat

I didn't just come in postin' willie-nillie! :-)

Well,that's a first

[Adrynalyne]

Originally Posted by tahuya_rat

It's a lovely mosaic of multi-colored, misshapen tiles! In the upper-left 1/20th of the screen, I can actually see what used to be a desktop there, though.

Think that will buff out?

[alanc]

Originally Posted by Adrynalyne

Think that will buff out?

!!! :D :D

[tahuya_rat]

So, I'm guessin' that nobody has any wisdom to gimme?

Ok, I don't really have any wisdom to give anyone else, either! ;-)

[tahuya_rat]

So, I take it this one is a board-stumper?