which bios update and from where?

hiya

I have a few problems in my pc . . major one being that it crashes every time I try to run a media file . . movie, game etc.

Aida indicates that the bios need sto be updated but I dont know which update I need from the link Aida gives

I also have video card sharing an IRQ and wonder if this is the source of the problem?

I have had all hardware checked out and told it is fine.

When the pc crashes I get reports that its a driver error, but not specified. I have tried all Nvidia drivers but not sure exactly which one is compatible with my current system.

pc also crashes when it gets to anything over 52 for temp, currently have the sides off to keep it cool. Have upgraded processor fan, installed case fan, and increased power supply from 350 to 400, still crashes

I ahve included the report from Aida . . anyone know where the problem may lie?

cheers, Jan

 

When was the last time everthing worked perfectly? Is this a new build? Are you overclocking?

 

Hiya
The pc was a self build and worked fine for 2 years with no problems. Not overclocking (havent a clue about that actually . .lol)
I've now had this problem for many months, I can run the pc all day, but if I run a game or a media file it just stalls and even CTR+ALT+DEL doesnt work. After a crash I get the windows error report that takes me to the microsoft site which says a device driver caused the problem but the cant identify which device.
I have several times formatted, reinstalled windows and have all the updates, run antivirus etc.
I put the system into a local shop and they said all the components worked fine and it was a driver issue.
On other advice I have upgraded the power suppy, and the processor fan, and reset the bios in case it was a virus, but problem continues. All bios setting are as per the motherboard handbook.

 

Which mobo do u have..and who is your BIOS manufacturer?

 

You can either check for a BIOS Update in your MOBO manufacturer's site or can take an AWARD Bios Manufacturer's update..You should find more info in their sites.

 

Hiya . . a bit of a newbie at the bios thing so was confused when I went to the update sites. I didnt know which files to download ..

The details I have found for the BIOS are as follows, its 2 years old

CPU Type: AMD Athlon XP, 1673 MHz (6.25 x 268) 2000+
Motherboard Name: Acorp 7KT266AL / Jetway 867AS(-H)/V266A/V266B
Motherboard Properties: Product. VT8366-8233
Motherboard Chipset: VIA VT8366(A)/8367 Apollo KT266(A)/KT333
System Memory: 512 MB (DDR SDRAM)
BIOS Type: Award (07/09/02)

Motherboard Properties:
Motherboard ID 07/09/2002-VT8366-8233-6A6LVJ1BC-00
Motherboard Name Acorp 7KT266AL / Jetway 867AS(-H)/V266A/V266B

Front Side Bus Properties:
Bus Type DEC Alpha EV6
Bus Width 64-bit
Real Clock 134 MHz (DDR)
Effective Clock 268 MHz
Bandwidth 2141 MB/s

Memory Bus Properties:
Bus Type DDR SDRAM
Bus Width 64-bit
Real Clock 134 MHz (DDR)
Effective Clock 268 MHz
Bandwidth 2141 MB/s

Chipset Bus Properties:
Bus Type VIA V-Link
Bus Width 8-bit
Real Clock 67 MHz (QDR)
Effective Clock 268 MHz
Bandwidth 268 MB/s

Motherboard Manufacturer:

http://www.acorp.com.tw/Products_information/pro-default/Socket478.htm
BIOS Download http://www.acorp.com.tw/BIOS/BIOS INTEL/bios-Intel-478.htm

can you please advise which file(s) I need as I get a bit lost with it :-(
also hoping to be able to find a free download . . .
cheers, Jan

 

Jan,
I tried to check the links that you have added in your post,but it looks like it is a different language.I tried checking the site myself
http://www.acorp.com.tw/eng/download/download01.asp?lineid=1&seriesid=3&series=Socket 478
but couldn't make out which was your MOBO model.I have an Intel MOBO and the BIOS updates are free.I hope it is the same case for you too..If u can help me identify your MOBO through the link above, i'll also try to help you find the right update.Further,I remeber seeing a direct link to an AWARD Bios update link.Lemme see if i can find that too..

 

thanks for your help . . fingers crossed . . . I will be away now till tomorrow evening, duty calls but will log in on my return

Jan

 

A word of warning, only update your Bios if it specifically addresses a problem you are having.

Otherwise you are taking a substantial risk for nothing.

Aida32, and a lot of system information programs, tell you to update your Bios as a standard answer.

That doesn't mean you should though, just investigate it.

Aida32 has also been discontinued for a while, so it's not that accurate with some hardware.


Rather than a Bios update, I would be trying to update my motherboard drivers, especially as you have a VIA chipset.

You can download VIA drivers HERE.

For you video card, drivers are available HERE.

 

Rather than use Aida32, try EVEREST.

This has recently been discontinued, but it's more up to date than Aida32.

It will have links that you can click for drivers for your motherboard. (These are different to the VIA drivers)

Note, when XP is installed, it only uses generic drivers, so you should always update both motherboard and video card drivers.

 

As insomniac has said there is a risk factor in updating your BIOS.if you have decided to update the BIOS, then make sure you have a copy of the existing BIOS.It is better to write down manually on paper,the current settings, although it is a little timeconsuming.

 

You can get programs that will store the Bios settings on a file or floppy rather than writing them down.

However, that won't help you if the flash goes wrong and you can't boot the system.

 

thanks guys for all the suggestions . .. I have previously updated all the drivers without success, but will now download everest and see if it give me alternatives. I've taken on board all your warnings about updating BIOS, never done that before so may leave that as last resort . . .

will report back later with update

thanks again for your suggestions
Jan

 

If you need any other information, then simply post back.


JustInsomniac.