Ability Mainboard (MB-586 TXA) Bios update ?

[moekel]

Can anyone help me with my 'Ability El Pina' mainboard. It has a MB 586 TXA 1 chipset.
I wanted to install a RIVA TNT 2 M64 Cart on it, but when I do so, Windows doesn't start up any more. I thought that probably it was a problem of a old mainboard driver version.
So I need a driver update for this board, but the official site of Ability doesn't exist any more.
With the detection program from AMI I found out already:

An AMIBIOS ID String Was Detected:
51-0201-001437-00111111-071595-M1531/43
-- ---- ------ ------
| | | |
| | | Chipset/BIOS Info
| | Manufacturer ID
| Version Information
Processor & BIOS ROM Information

Manufacturer Code Detected: 1437 - PC CHIPS

If anyone knows how to handle this problem, please send me a mail!

Daniel.

[Ruslan]

Ability=ElPina=PCChips mainboard. So,You can get latest drivers and BIOS update from different PCsites.
One of them is www.pcwave.com (http://www.pcwave.com) . Check out that site. But ... once I tried to install similar videocard with no great success. it's may be interesting, but seemed to be similar videocards (with same videochip,but from different manufacturers,some - works,some-no). Probably all depends on compatibility with motherboard's BIOS...

[Silverman]

PCCHIPS 586MR or 586LMR. The MR version has modem riser LMR has LAN+modem riser, Be careful and know which version you have before flashing bios.

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DOS isn't dead it just smells funny

[moekel]

Thanks, but how do i know wich kind of chipset i have? MR or LMR ???

[dlagace]

<font face="Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, Geneva" size="2">Originally posted by moekel:
Thanks, but how do i know wich kind of chipset i have? MR or LMR ???</font>

Should be written on the board somewhere.

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http://www3.sympatico.ca/corey.reynolds/avatars/cdnflag2.gif "What works for One person May not work for Another"
God Is My Judge dLagace=DANIMAL

[Silverman]

PCCHIPS likes to put REV. Numbers and I.D next to the keyboard connector. But I have also seen them near the 1st ISA slot.

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DOS isn't dead it just smells funny

[Ruslan]

Very good point,Silverman! I just wanted to say the same things... http://forums.windrivers.com/cgi-bin/forum1/noncgi/cwmsmilies/cwm16.gif

To be sure on 100% - download hardware info utility from www.hwinfo.com (http://www.hwinfo.com) (neverending "thanks" to Condor for that link http://forums.windrivers.com/cgi-bin/forum1/noncgi/cwmsmilies/cwm32.gif )

[moekel]

There 's only one problem, i can't reach the site of hwinfo. Maybe their server is down http://forums.windrivers.com/cgi-bin/forum1/noncgi/cwmsmilies/cwm4.gif ??
If anyone of you has the program, downloadable at hwinfo, please send it to me by email.

On pcchips's site, there are 4 different versions of a bios for 586 chips, a 586 only version, a 586 MR, a 586 LMR and a 586 LR version. I founded on the motherboard bios sticker from AMI with the text 'AMI BIOS, version xxxxx, <u>586</u> copyright 1995'

So i guess that i have the 'plain' 586 bios. Is that right ?

[This message has been edited by moekel (edited October 07, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by moekel (edited October 07, 2001).]

[orange]

The HWINFO site is running ok, i'm downloading the prog as i type this. If you still can't get it then email me and i'll mail it back to you.

You can tell if you have the LR,MR or LMR model of motherboard by looking for the modem and LAN connections on the board itself. The modem riser connection is normally 16 pins in a double row of 8 each and may well be marked DAA1 rather than modem. The LAN connection is 10 pins in a double row of 5 each and is usually marked LAN1. They are positioned towards the rear of the board, about halfway between the battery and keyboard connector. You may also see some jumpers that allow for disabling LAN/Audio. You may see markings on the board for DAA1 and LAN1 but no pins to connect too...this means you do not have a LR/MR/LMR board, its just that PC-Chips use the same board template for each model, they just equip each board as necessary depending on its model designation.

If you go to the www.pcwave.com (http://www.pcwave.com) site you can see a pic of your motherboard, check and see if its the same. Also, i notice that the 586LMR has built in AGP graphics - are you disabling the on-board AGP controller and switching to 'Init-PCI-first' in the BIOS settings...this could be your actual problem.

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======
orange
======

[This message has been edited by orange (edited October 07, 2001).]

[moekel]

I carefully inspected my board, but I didn't found any 16 pins, or 10 pins connectors. What I saw, was a 17 pin (9 and 8 pins each row) connector wich is called J3 between PCI 2 and PCI 3 at the back of the board. Then there was also a 23 pin (12 and 11 pins each row) connector (J4) behind the PCI 4 slot.
In the motherboard manual, they say that J3 is a ATX Form Card Connector (for 2 USB, 1 PS/2 Mouse connector and 1 IR-Connector)
J4 is called 'Sound and Game' and is powered by the Sound Pro chip on the board.

Then I can tell you that I have a modem cart in a ISA slot, so maybe I won't have a modem riser. Then I also can tell you that I don't have a AGP slot, so I won't have a LMR board.

So far so good, let's finnish this job! http://forums.windrivers.com/cgi-bin/forum1/noncgi/cwmsmilies/cwm1.gif

[Silverman]

Sounds like a plain M586. All 586 versions have onboard video=no AGP slot.

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DOS isn't dead it just smells funny

[This message has been edited by Silverman (edited October 08, 2001).]

[moekel]

sure ?
(Otherwise I will have big problems ???) http://forums.windrivers.com/cgi-bin/forum1/noncgi/cwmsmilies/cwm24.gif

[Ruslan]

Did You try hwinfo utility?
CTBIOS utility?

[Silverman]

Without LAN or Modem RISER it would be a plain M586, But just to make double sure take Ruslan's advice and download HWINFO and CTBIOS, Which includes CTPCI which tells you all hardware on PCI, this would include sound, modem or LAN imbedded on board.

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DOS isn't dead it just smells funny

[Ruslan]

<font face="Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, Geneva" size="2">Originally posted by Silverman:
PCCHIPS likes to put REV. Numbers and I.D next to the keyboard connector. But I have also seen them near the 1st ISA slot.

</font>

Did You check Silverman's suggestion?
Many of PCChips motherboards really have printed on PCB exact model number located near keyboard connector (in right top corner)... All You need is simply read that model number. http://forums.windrivers.com/cgi-bin/forum1/noncgi/cwmsmilies/cwm16.gif

[moekel]

This is what i got from Ctpci:


c't PCI-Optimierer Version 3.03.00
(c) Georg Schnurer, Redaktion c't, 1993..1998

Searching PCI-Devices (CFG_Type 1)

Bus Nr. 00h

00 0 Vendor=Acer Labs (ALi) No PCI-INT
Device=ALi M1531 Aladdin IV 586-Chipset, Rev=B3h

02 0 Vendor=Acer Labs (ALi) No PCI-INT
Device=ALi M1543 Function 0: PCI to ISA Bridge , Rev=B4h

05 0 Vendor=Silicon Integrated Systems (SiS) No PCI-INT
Device=6326h -- new device ID, Rev=0Bh

0B 0 Vendor=Acer Labs (ALi) INT A=IRQ 15
Device=ALi M1543 PCI Enhanced IDE Controller, Sub-Device, Rev=20h


I don't see anything about LAN or something like that, so I think I do have a plain 586. Also, like Silverman says, because of the missing AGP slot, it has to be a plain one, isn't it?

Ctbios says:

BIOS-Info, c't/Andreas Stiller, 10/97

Computer ID : FC, Type : AT
BIOS Date : 07/15/95
AMI-BIOS found : Version 02.01, Date 15.07.95
OEM ID : 1437 = HSING TECH ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
URL : http://www.pcchips.com
Chipset : M1531/43

So if you don't agree with my conclusion that i have a plain one, please awnser.

P.s. I still can't get at the site of HWINFO.com , so if anyone can mail me that program, I would be very gratefull. http://forums.windrivers.com/cgi-bin/forum1/noncgi/cwmsmilies/cwm11.gif

[Silverman]

upto the ALADDIN/TNT2 blend, ALI chipsets and NVIDIA video cards didn't get along well, You have an ALI M1543 Southbridge controlling the IDE and ALI M1531 Northbridge controlling PCI coupled with imbedded SiS 6326 Graphics, unless there is a way to disable the onboard video you may be out of luck even with a Bios update.

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DOS isn't dead it just smells funny

[This message has been edited by Silverman (edited October 08, 2001).]

[Ruslan]

http://www.pcchips.nl -PCChip's site in Netheverlands http://forums.windrivers.com/cgi-bin/forum1/noncgi/cwmsmilies/cwm16.gif
Let us know Your e-mail,though, then we will be able to send to You hwinfo util.

[moekel]

I downloaded the HW-util (16 Bit), but I can't find if the board has a MR, LMR, LR or plain chip.
Also i can tell you that i have an older external video-cart (SiS 6326) in my pc. Silverman wrote that it might be impossible to install the RIVA TNT2 card on the board, when i can't putt of the onboard video. But the card i now use, is totally compatible with the board, so is that problem just for TNT2 cards?


[This message has been edited by moekel (edited October 09, 2001).]

[Silverman]

You say the SiS card is in a slot on the motherboard? Or is it a VGA cable connected to the motherboard?

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DOS isn't dead it just smells funny

[This message has been edited by Silverman (edited October 09, 2001).]

[Ruslan]

As we have said,motherboard's model number is located near keyboard connector in the right top corner,printed on PCB. All You need is simply read that number... http://forums.windrivers.com/cgi-bin/forum1/noncgi/cwmsmilies/cwm16.gif

[Silverman]

There is alot of PCCHIPS boards that use ALI IV Chipsets, The M575 and M560 both use it. The PCCHIPS boards M586 LM and LMR models use the same sound but different chipsets (all SiS) so do not flash BIOS with these versions.
ALIIV boards are known either as Topgun or TXpro. Best bet would be at this point to go to http://www.stud.fernuni-hagen.de/q3998142/pcchips/ and use the search function and find exactly which board you have. ------------------
DOS isn't dead it just smells funny

[This message has been edited by Silverman (edited October 10, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by Silverman (edited October 10, 2001).]

[moekel]

Maybe i'm a bit late, but i couldn't reach windrivers' server yesterday, because of maintanence. I do have a videocart and i don't use any onboard videoconnections, so that won't be the problem. Now i'm gonna check that board again for the serial number. (There are a lot of cables around there, so it's hard to read that number http://forums.windrivers.com/cgi-bin/forum1/noncgi/cwmsmilies/cwm16.gif

[moekel]

I've checked the complete motherboard and found out the following things:
- The only number of the motherboard i can find, is: MB 586 TXA1
It is located on a sticker wich is put somewhere in the middle of the board.
- The board has no pins for a modem or LAN riser
- The board has no AGP slot
- There is a sticker on the bios chip with the following information:
AMIBIOS (c)
586 (c) 1985-95
Megatrends
K474037
- Then there are two TX chips on the board:
TX Pro PCI Chipset
PC82c439TX
9751

and

TX Pro PCI Chipset
pc82c371
9752

Near the keyboard connector, there was no sticker and no motherboard specific text, except V1.1

That was all I could locate manually on the board.
If you now have an idea what kind of bios i have or if you want to know more, post it please!

[This message has been edited by moekel (edited October 10, 2001).]

[Silverman]

The BIOS is AMI. But like I said on my last post do not use the M586 /LM/LMR BIOS update as that is for an all SiS chipset, not ALI IV/IV+. Take a look at PCCHIPS lottery and do a search on: If you don't know your motherboard begin your journey here enter ALI IV/IV+ chipset and look at the mainboards listed. We don't want you to ruin an otherwise functional motherboard with the wrong bios. If you have onboard sound chip it narrows things down quite a bit.

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DOS isn't dead it just smells funny

[This message has been edited by Silverman (edited October 10, 2001).]

[moekel]

Reply on Silverman:
I do have onboard sound.

ps. I can't find the Aladin IV chipset on the PCCHIPS lottery site. Only the Alladin Pro and the Alladin Pro II. So what now ?

[This message has been edited by moekel (edited October 10, 2001).]

[Ruslan]

<font face="Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, Geneva" size="2">Originally posted by moekel:
- There is a sticker on the bios chip with the following information:
AMIBIOS (c)
586 (c) 1985-95
Megatrends
K474037
- Then there are two TX chips on the board:
TX Pro PCI Chipset
PC82c439TX
9751

and

TX Pro PCI Chipset
pc82c371
9752

</font>

So, choose TX Pro chipset: http://www.stud.fernuni-hagen.de/q3998142-bin/cgi-bin/pccout.sh

[moekel]

On the PCCHIPS lottery, i only found the MR and LMR version on their site, and they both have the SIS 540 chipset, not the Aladdin IV. (still thanks for Ruslan for giving me that link http://forums.windrivers.com/cgi-bin/forum1/noncgi/cwmsmilies/cwm16.gif ) Therefore, I'm quite sure that i have the plain 586.
Now it's either the LR or the plain version. If anyone knows if the LR version also is powered by the SIS chipset or a chipset wich is not the Aladdin IV, please tell it to me.
(Has the LR version also AGP graphics or onboard video ??? In that case, i would have a plain one!)

[Ruslan]

<font face="Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, Geneva" size="2">Originally posted by moekel:
This is what i got from Ctpci:



Searching PCI-Devices (CFG_Type 1)

Bus Nr. 00h

00 0 Vendor=Acer Labs (ALi) No PCI-INT
Device=ALi M1531 Aladdin IV 586-Chipset, Rev=B3h

02 0 Vendor=Acer Labs (ALi) No PCI-INT
Device=ALi M1543 Function 0: PCI to ISA Bridge , Rev=B4h

05 0 Vendor=Silicon Integrated Systems (SiS) No PCI-INT
Device=6326h -- new device ID, Rev=0Bh

0B 0 Vendor=Acer Labs (ALi) INT A=IRQ 15
Device=ALi M1543 PCI Enhanced IDE Controller, Sub-Device, Rev=20h


</font>

I cann't understand reasons,why You believe You have SIS540 chipset...
http://forums.windrivers.com/cgi-bin/forum1/noncgi/cwmsmilies/cwm1.gif
I tried to use that lottery (by the way,say "thanks" to Silverman for that link http://www.stud.fernuni-hagen.de/q3998142/pcchips/pccjs.html ,not me),and found only one motherboad,what has sound on-board and has Aladdin IV (TXPro)chipset.It's M575 motherboard... Take a look on picture of that motherboard and compare with what You have.
And,by the way,did You try hwinfo utility?

[Silverman]

You don't have a M586 plain or otherwise as stated earlier. With the information from CTPCI you have an ALI chipset not a SiS chipset.

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DOS isn't dead it just smells funny

[moekel]

I've looked for the picture of the M575 and YES! it is exactly like my motherboard.
Is this safe enough to download the bios update for the M575?

[Silverman]

It's the 1.

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DOS isn't dead it just smells funny

[Ruslan]

Downloading itself is safe http://forums.windrivers.com/cgi-bin/forum1/noncgi/biggrin.gif , reflashing BIOS with wrong BIOS image file is dangerous - You can finish with board won't post. Do not flash BIOS with ZIP-file! Follow instructions for reflashing BIOS,and do not forget to save old version of BIOS...
Good luck!

[Silverman]

<font face="Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, Geneva" size="2">Originally posted by Ruslan:
Downloading itself is safe http://forums.windrivers.com/cgi-bin/forum1/noncgi/biggrin.gif , reflashing BIOS with wrong BIOS image file is dangerous - You can finish with board won't post. Do not flash BIOS with ZIP-file! Follow instructions for reflashing BIOS,and do not forget to save old version of BIOS...
Good luck!</font>

Good point Ruslan. Also flash from a Pure DOS environment, not from a DOS window.


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DOS isn't dead it just smells funny

[moekel]

Okay, maybe you think i'm a bit stupid http://forums.windrivers.com/cgi-bin/forum1/noncgi/cwmsmilies/cwm44.gif , but how to handle that flash program (AMI)? I started it (in DOS, with a boot-disk etc.) like this:
aminf328 5750402s.ami /s[amiboot.rom]
Amin328=flashprogram
5750402.ami=new bios
amiboot.rom=has to be the old bios saved in a file

But when i do it like this, i get two error messages:
Error 1: File creation error
and
Error 9: Bios tag is incorrect, old bios tag is <001_10_> , new bios tag is <001_10_M575>

How can i get rid of these errors?

[This message has been edited by moekel (edited October 16, 2001).]

[Ruslan]

<font face="Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, Geneva" size="2">Originally posted by moekel:

But when i do it like this, i get two error messages:
Error 1: File creation error
and
Error 9: Bios tag is incorrect, old bios tag is <001_10_> , new bios tag is <001_10_M575>

How can i get rid of these errors?
</font>

1. Probably You either have write-protected floppy disk or You should point correct path for saving that file.
2. Not sure about last message, might be flash utility told to You, what original BIOS and new BIOS file have different (and thus,uncompatible) boot-blocks,or simply new BIOS string will be bit different from what You have now...
Be carefull! In last case, if You unable to reflash that boot block,you can finish with motherboard won't boot... I cann't bless You on that - You can do it only at Your own risk...

Unless You're familiar with hot-swap and BIOS recovery procedure,I'd not recommend You to do it... Especially if You don't know,how to return it back in case of bad flash... Read about BIOS recovery procedures first...

[Moekel]

Well, about that first error, how do you use a correct tag for making a save of your old bios?

Than something about the second error, I guess that Ruslan is right and that it will be a unimportant message, it must be the right bios, i've checked all things i could, and they all agree that i have the right bios.

Lets wait for another reply....