-----Original Message-----


Date:    Tue, 8 Aug 2006 18:45:42 -0500
From:    Russ Cox <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: BIOS question

I have a dead HP Pavillion 7955 computer.  It died when it hicupped
while I was flashing the BIOS so now won't boot anything.  Is it
possible I could scrounge a similar HP motherboard and swap the BIOS
with the one in the dead computer, then flash the BIOS with the flash
floppy I have?  Or is the BIOS really specific to the motherboard.  I
assume the "new" BIOS would at least boot to a floppy so it could be
flashed.


------------------------------

If the CMOS chip was fried or otherwise damaged during BIOS upgrade
(possible if it was interrupted during sequence), you could search for
another motherboard. According to HP, it's an ASUS P4B-LA. I was not able to
find that specific model on ASUS' website but according to the printed
motherboard specs on HPs website

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?lc=en&cc=us&lang=en&product=6274
0&dlc=en&docname=bph07293

It appears that there is a jumper to clear the CMOS. It's just to the right
of the southbridge chip, in between it and the board speaker (buzzer).
You could try resetting the CMOS to see if theres hope. Disconnect power and
peripherals, and press the power button to discharge stored up electricity
in any of the capacitors, remove cover, ground yourself to the case and
place jumper over the two pins. It's hard to see from the diagram, but the
jumper should probably be set on just one side of the two small pins. Let it
sit for 30 seconds, and then remove it. Replace cover, and try and boot up.
You could also remove and replace the battery additionally to try and reset
the board back to square one. Otherwise I suspect a new mobo would be needed
(unless you can find a reputable electronics repair place that could solder
on a new chip for you)

The prices I saw listed for a new motherboard were around $200, so you will
have to make that determination.
HTH

Chris Ryan

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