flash utility

Where can I download a free Phoenix Award flash utility for HP Pavillion a6700y? I am trying to fix a freeze at the HP screen and have to shut the C off and on to get past same screen. Email me at ghostcommander@live.com. Thanks!

 

Don't have a flash utility, but the system does have a BIOS update available at HP's site here:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...dlc=en&cc=us&product=3856269&sw_lang=&os=2093

 

I tried that, but I do not think it fully downloads and installs. The Motherboard is MCP61PM-HM (Nettle). HP refers to it as Nettle GL8E.

The C freezes after the HP screen and after shutting same off and on a few times the options page comes up that has Vista, Ubuntu and the F8 option.

The F5 key does not work and I do not know the command to continue after F10.

Thanks for your attempt to help!

 

Hi,

Award Flash denotes BIOS UPDATE Flash. It is obtained at Award's web site. A BIOS flash can be a dangerous thing. If you really had that problem flashing the BIOS your MB would most likely be dead now. It is not likely to fix the problem you mention. Flash only if the flash says it's to fix a specific problem and that's the one you are haveing. Maybe?

Good Luck, Jim

 

Hi,

I'm thinking the same as the others: Why do you want to flash the bios? Did this problem occur because of a bad Bios flash?

Following the directions at the bottom of your motherboard page to clear CMOS most likely will accomplish the same as a bios flash if the problem is a corrupted bios.

***
Make sure you have no USB devices attached to the PC and no CD in the tray and no media cards in any slots. When trying to boot do you get the same hang?

What is F5 supposed to accomplish?

 

F5 resets default BIOS settings.

I am overcautious about trying what you recommended about the CMOS. If I can do it without attempting to be a computer mechanic, I will try that route first.

I went to the Phoenix Award site but was redirected to BIOSAgent that charges for a subscription if you want an update. Sort of extortion???

 

It is safer to clear the CMOS than to flash the BIOS. All clearing CMOS does is to reset to defaults which is what you want.

You may be able to accomplish the same thing without moving the jumper. Just unplug the computer and remove the small watch-syle, coin-shaped battery for a few minutes. Then put the battery back in and plug the PC back in and restart. You should be prompted to go into BIOS to set the date and time.

http://weelaptops.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/cmos-battery-on-gateway-m-6823-laptop.gif

*******
Addressing your original problem have you tried disconnecting anything extra from the computer--remove all USB devices, printers etc.
Does the computer actually remain on the HP screen when it hangs or does it hang after the HP screen disappears? What do you see on the screen when it is hanging?

 

I uninstalled and reinstalled the battery, but no prompt to go into BIOs. Now, the computer is real slow and time was set way, way back. How do I remedy this new problem?

 

There was nothing wrong with the battery, sach2 suggested i uninstall and reinstall battery to reset settings in BIOS. I did so and now I have a time sync problem. I went to Cmd. prompt and typed in "w32tm/resync' but that seems to be not working.

 

Hi,

Just a thought: Removing the BIOS battery does nothing to the BIOS. It only resets the BIOS SETUP to default. Sometimes there is a confilict with the settings and a reset will get you goting. It's still a good thing to check.

Jim

 

On setting the time, since you weren't prompted to set the date and time, you should be able to do that manually by entering BIOS. Does F10 get you into BIOS? If it does then Date and Time should be there under the most general settings menu.

*I can't find any reference to your BIOS/Setup utility in the manual for your PC. Can you tell us what options you see on the first screen?

 

sach2@jlphlp,
Before changing the battery out I had to shut on and off to get past the HP screen. Before loading windows there was a clicking noise, but loading was normal and online browsing worked well.

Now, after battery change I still have to shut on and off to get to windows with the same clicking noise. On the screen I am given the option to load Windows or Ubuntu and an option to click tab for other options, but the tab option does not work.

If I do a manual shutdown and startup again I wind up at the error page to load in normal mode, safe mode, safe mode with network, safe mode with command prompt.

Just to get to a loaded desktop takes 30 minutes. To load up a page takes 15 minutes.

The dates on windows files are rolled back to when they originally loaded the C.
I did a time synchronization (w32tm/resync) but I still have the same problem.

How do I fix the extremely slow loading?

Thanks!

 

The clicking noise generally indicates that the Hard Drive is going bad. That would explain the need to restart as a failing HD works some times and some times doesn't. It may also explain the hang on the HP screen.

In My Computer right-click on the C: drive icon and select Properties. Click the Hardware tab and see if you can recognize the HD manufacturer (Seagate, WDC-Western Digital) and I will point you to a HD diagnostic utility that can test the HD.

**
Clearing CMOS wouldn't change any file dates. All it does is reload CMOS from the Read Only chip. The PC loses the current date and time just like an electric clock would but your files on the HD are unaffected. Once you set the correct date and time then new files reflect the current time.

 

Greetings, VidiVeritas.

The clicking noise may indicate the possibility of a dying hard drive - the original freezing and lagging symptoms can also point to the hard drive. The BIOS reset may have just exacerbated an existing problem.

Another thought: can you boot Ubuntu? If so, does the machine exhibit the same symptoms?

EDIT: oops - hey, sach2! ¦)