NOTE (2021): This topic has turned into a process that with help of others, has successfully modded (unlocked advanced options + updated a bunch of BIOS firmwares) the BIOS.
The final version that you can use for your own laptop has been uploaded HERE (https://www.dropbox.com/s/jf13hk5fnnnw0gu/Acer%20V3-571G-_2.21-Q5WV1221-UnlockUpdate_ModFinal.zip?dl=1

Another note: someone has confirmed that this modded BIOS doesn't work only on Acer V3-571G but also on models like these:

Acer Aspire E1-531 - G - E1- 571 - G - V3-571 - G - TM-P253-E - M - PB EN TE11HC - PB EN TV44HC - GWNE56R

.. See his post (klodfor) for more information and caution.
But basically, this is the case because they all use the same motherboard.
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Original post:

Hi,

I have been trying to mod the BIOS of my Acer V3-571G laptop (more specifically, v3-571g-73636G50Makk) and tried modifying both the .bin file that I BIOS-dumped using fptw / fptw64.exe, and the Q5WV1X64.fd that is the BIOS file shipped with the latest update from Acer's driver page for this laptop (which is universal to V3-571G and isn't tied to my hardware configuration, the more detailed model number, or hw serial/private info). I became stuck in the process of finding what to modify in order to unlock the advanced menu, as I'm a novice.

I would appreciate help by either;
1) Receiving the data segment name, or location, of the thing that needs to be patched in order to unlock the BIOS. I am currently trying to identify it with UEFITool.

This is the location I estimate it should be somewhere;


Any hints?

or 2) someone willing to just mod the BIOS for me. I prefer learning it with some help, though. I would share the final result publicly anyways.
The product page of Acer V3-571G is at https://www.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/support-product/4077 and the driver support tab for BIOS update redirects to https://global-download.acer.com/GDFiles/BIOS/BIOS/BIOS_Acer_2.21_A_A.zip?acerid=635264178355568077

This is BIOS rev 2.21 from release date 2014/01/27, the latest one, which I'm trying to mod. I really want to get the latest version modded rather than use existing BIOS mods.

NOTE: If you download the official BIOS update, you won't see Q5WV1X64.fd BIOS rom that it upgrades to, in the clear; Acer hides it from the tool files folder. To get it, you'd need to run InsydeFlash.exe, then (from Task manager > Insyde Flash process > Open File Location > to open where it caches itself in Windows Temp folder, there will be a duplicate of the tool folder but there will be additionally that .fd ROM file.

If you want to spare yourself the hassle, then here is the .fd file as I uploaded it: [removed as irrelevant & outdated, see "2021 Update" at beginning of topic]

Also, if needed, I don't care to provide my BIOS dump (yes, I understand the risks). Here it is: [removed as irrelevant & outdated, see "2021 Update" at beginning of topic]. Please note that this BIOS dump, unlike the basic BIOS update file, is specific to my hardware configuration (the v3-571g-73636G50Makk, a high-end variant of V3-571 with i7 processor and more powerful stuff). While preparing to dump it, I re-flashed the latest update, reset CMOS (settings and checksums), and proceeded to dump it within minutes, so it's the cleanest dump you can get.

I'd really appreciate getting help with this sooner than later, I purchased a few RAM sticks last week (DDR3L) that won't boot because of a memory voltage issue (1.35v versus 1.5v).
I expected to have a chance getting it to work by controlling the settings before inserting them, after BIOS unlocking, or at least experimenting before returning them to the seller.
And i just got a limited timeframe to return them..

Is it really that hard to identify where the lock is located in a BIOS structure? For me so far, yes it has been.

@DvL - 1.5v voltage applied to 1.35V memory wouldn't stop it from booting, it would just apply 1.5V to the memory and carry on. Either that memory is damaged, or is not compatible for some reason such as density or other random incompatibility problem

The main issue here may be flashing a mod BIOS, not unlocking it.
While yes the unlock is not easy for a novice to do, requires assembly edits at first to figure it out, and yes you have the correct module selected in above image, it's the flashing part that may not be easily possible (Never mind, I see recovery method works for this model).
Do you have a flash programmer, such as CH341A and a SOIC8 test clip cable? If not, order those now, it's too cheap not to own in case you need later ($2.50 + $3.50 on ebay)

Here is the unlock edits to make, extract that "DriverSampleDXE-SetupUtility PE32 "BODY" Edit body at two bytes as follows
8DE: 59 >> Change to >> 00
8E8: 4F >> Change to >> 00

In case you can't get it, here is unlocked general 5MB stock BIOS, cut from 6.64MB Q5WV1X64.fd (The one extracted from the EXE as you mentioned), this way it's not specific to your laptop it will work for all users later that find this thread
To cut 5MB BIOS from 6.44MB stock FD, go to 0x10C80 and select 500000 byte block (Or select 0x10C80 to 0x510C7F), cut and paste as new, save as BIOS file name. This is the actual stock BIOS file.
Don't program this in with programmer, it's only meant to be used by flasher or recover method, if you want to use programmer or FPT, modify your dumped backup instead and then use that as source instead of this stock edit
http://s000.tinyupload.com/index.php?fil...228902921394628

Recovery method has been tested and proven to work on this model, here is flash recovery/flash mod BIOS instruction for this model I found at BIOS-mods forum -

Prepare USB
1. Format a USB flash drive to use the FAT32
2. Copy modified Q5WV1X64.fd to root of the newly formatted USB drive

Performing the flash
1. Shutdown the netbook
2. Remove all peripheral devices
3. Remove AC power cord
4. Put the USB stick in the USB port
5. Hold FN + ESC
6. Now press the power button (whilst still holding FN + ESC), then release all keys
7. Wait until the fan will run, then release "Fn" + "Esc" keys - The fan will run for about 2-4 minutes and the USB drive activity LED will blink
8. I think the netbook rebooted automatically. If it doesn't, unplug the AC power cord once the fan has turned off
9. Your netbook should be updated BIOS, and boot as per normal

Zitat von Lost_N_BIOS im Beitrag #3

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While yes the unlock is not easy for a novice to do, requires assembly edits at first to figure it out

Here is the unlock edits to make, extract that "DriverSampleDXE-SetupUtility PE32 "BODY" Edit body at two bytes as follows
8DE: 59 >> Change to >> 00
8E8: 4F >> Change to >> 00

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Zitat von Lost_N_BIOS im Beitrag #3

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In case you can't get it, here is unlocked general 5MB stock BIOS, cut from 6.64MB Q5WV1X64.fd (The one extracted from the EXE as you mentioned), this way it's not specific to your laptop it will work for all users later that find this thread

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@DvL - You're welcome. I agree, even if you find out the ram isn't working or not compatible, having more BIOS options is always nice. That BIOS module is in all BIOS, it's the "Setup" module, some BIOS call is Setup, other BIOS it's DriverSampleDXE or SetupUtility etc.
So yes, all BIOS have this, and often with Insyde BIOS yes this is the module you need to edit to unlock, but it's never going to be those exact same bytes to edit. To find what you need to edit, there's several ways, some better/easier than others, and not all work on all BIOS even if it's still Insyde BIOS
Here is a general method to figure it out for many Insyde based BIOS - http://web.archive.org/web/2016111807325...power-tabs.html

Do you have flash programmer (hardware, like CH341A or other) + SOIC8 test clip cable? If yes, then we can easily update all that, if not then it may not be possible, at least not easily (mainly talking ME FW there)
Rest, yes I/we can update the other stuff easily if you want (except legacy vBIOS will be huge pain to update all of them because there's 12x orom in there, EFI vBIOS only two)
On ME FW, since you are using recovery method to flash in, it may go ahead and reflash the updated ME without issue, I'm not sure we'd have to test that and find out.

Zitat von Lost_N_BIOS im Beitrag #5

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Do you have flash programmer (hardware, like CH341A or other) + SOIC8 test clip cable? If yes, then we can easily update all that, if not then it may not be possible, at least not easily (mainly talking ME FW there)

Rest, yes I/we can update the other stuff easily if you want (except legacy vBIOS will be huge pain to update all of them because there's 12x orom in there, EFI vBIOS only two)
On ME FW, since you are using recovery method to flash in, it may go ahead and reflash the updated ME without issue, I'm not sure we'd have to test that and find out.

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They are so cheap $2.50 + $3.50 it's a crime to not own a set, they can really be a lifesaver later on because anytime you flash a BIOS (or even change a setting), then BIOS can corrupt or brick etc. So, since they are so cheap, I suggest everyone should have a set.

ME FW was the only one I thought might not update, easily, without a programmer, but since you're doing recovery it may also be writing the ME in too.
We'll know right away if it updates or not, you can check ME FW Version with HWINFO64 in the large window, expand motherboard section and then go to ME section.
Yes, I don't think there is tools specifically for Insyde, maybe UBU can do the microcodes but I'm not sure.

Did you test the unlocked BIOS yet? Once you do let me know, and I'll carry on editing with that if it's OK and unlocked.

Zitat von Lost_N_BIOS im Beitrag #7

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Did you test the unlocked BIOS yet? Once you do let me know, and I'll carry on editing with that if it's OK and unlocked.

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I apologize for the delay!

@Lost_N_BIOS now I flashed the modded ROM you provided me, and it works perfectly. The amount of advanced options is really insane! I never saw it like that, not even on highly customisable desktop gaming boards.

Note: the BIOS recovery flash method you provided is nearly accurate, but not completely; I had to also plug the AC cable back in while actively holding FN + ESC (after previously taking it out), and then power on while still holding these keys down. If you just take the cable out, hold FN + ESC and power on, then it will boot normally (not work). I found that detail elsewhere on the web. After that, the flash completed in under a minute, with the fan sounding.
I am just noting this as it may help others trying to do the same in future.

Zitat von Lost_N_BIOS im Beitrag #7

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Did you test the unlocked BIOS yet? Once you do let me know, and I'll carry on editing with that if it's OK and unlocked.

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@DvL - no worries about a delay, I'm behind badly right now too

Great to hear it's all unlocked now, perfect! Many BIOS have 100's of settings often hidden from users Usually a good chunk is shown, but not always, I'm surprised you've not seen a lot like that on some gaming systems (They hid a lot there too though)
So, no missing settings that you could see so far? If any still missing I can still make visible for you, but I need to know exactly what submenu or settings by name etc.
Here is a textual list of all possible settings, you'll have to scroll through and see if you see anything missing, or send me some images of all sections/submenus etc if you want (Put in zip or 7zip if you do, and please no 3-5MB per image )
http://s000.tinyupload.com/index.php?fil...213404355550562

And thank you for the added flash recovery method tip, I grabbed that off the web too and added a step or two from one post that another was missing, so your tip I probably would have seen in a third outline but I stopped looking since the two I found were nearly the same.
But yes, you are correct, it's good you add the info here because it will probably help someone in the future

I will look over BIOS again tonight, and update all I can for you. I'll do it all at once, it's quicker for me to just do it all at once while I'm in there.
Then you can check ME FW in windows and see if it's changed or not, if not and it's not corrupted currently, then you can still update it manually in windows using MW FW Update tool (I'll show you how)

* Edit - ME + Ucodes done, so all that's left is vBIOS.

If you want me to do vBIOS, and you are using onboard GFX, please get me the device ID from device manager. If you are not using onboard graphics we can skip this.
This BIOS has 7 different vBIOS roms for Nvidia, I don't think I can update those unless you know where NVidia vBIOS oroms are, then maybe I can look into that. But, I can update the Intel GOP and vBIOS modules (4 total) and don't need device ID on these as it's standard Intel

I could maybe do the Broadcom PXE LAN ROM, but that's only used if you use "boot from LAN"

Zitat von Lost_N_BIOS im Beitrag #10

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So, no missing settings that you could see so far? If any still missing I can still make visible for you, but I need to know exactly what submenu or settings by name etc.

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Zitat von Lost_N_BIOS im Beitrag #10

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I will look over BIOS again tonight, and update all I can for you. I'll do it all at once, it's quicker for me to just do it all at once while I'm in there.
Then you can check ME FW in windows and see if it's changed or not, if not and it's not corrupted currently, then you can still update it manually in windows using MW FW Update tool (I'll show you how)

* Edit - ME + Ucodes done, so all that's left is vBIOS.

If you want me to do vBIOS, and you are using onboard GFX, please get me the device ID from device manager. If you are not using onboard graphics we can skip this.
This BIOS has 7 different vBIOS roms for Nvidia, I don't think I can update those unless you know where NVidia vBIOS oroms are, then maybe I can look into that. But, I can update the Intel GOP and vBIOS modules (4 total) and don't need device ID on these as it's standard Intel

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Zitat von Lost_N_BIOS im Beitrag #10

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So, no missing settings that you could see so far? If any still missing I can still make visible for you, but I need to know exactly what submenu or settings by name etc.

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Zitat von Lost_N_BIOS im Beitrag #10

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This BIOS has 7 different vBIOS roms for Nvidia, I don't think I can update those unless you know where NVidia vBIOS oroms are, then maybe I can look into that.

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I assume they don't use the same vBIOS, that would be why there is so many in the same BIOS, for the various GPU options presented at sale model end point. So yes, your later assumption is correct
I will know your device ID from the vBIOS info you gave above, sorry I didn't think to check main page of BIOS.

Do not try to enable/disable certain graphic cards (Internal, dGPU, iGPU etc) until you have a flash programmer in your hands and a validated and verified backup of your BIOS made so you can recover if needed.
Often on many laptops, trying do this leaves you with a black screen and no way to recovery BIOS except blind reflash, Clear CMOS when it works, or flash programmer recovery.

I'll see what, if any, NVidia vBIOS oroms are posted here, there might be some I'm not sure.
I know where to find for regular desktop type cards, at techpowerup, but you need for laptop and taken from a BIOS, which is much more rarely posted around forums, but I'll try to find.
If I can't find, then I can only update the Intel stuff.

Zitat von Lost_N_BIOS im Beitrag #12

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but you need for laptop and taken from a BIOS, which is much more rarely posted around forums, but I'll try to find.

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Zitat

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IBM VGA Compatible 01/10/13 GF117 E1303 GL SKU VGA BIOS
Version 75.17.48.00.0C
Copyright (C) 1996-2012 NVIDIA Corp.
GF117 Board - 1303glpChip Rev

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versus

Zitat

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IBM VGA Compatible 10/02/13 GF117 E1303 GL SKU VGA BIOS
Version 75.17.62.00.09
Copyright (C) 1996-2013 NVIDIA Corp.
GF117 Board - 1303glpChip Rev

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Maybe they were just preparing for a next generation driver, reserving the newer BIOS (for what would be nVidia N14M-GL REV75.17.62.00.09) for the same 710M models.. I guess it's safe.
But still, let's start with the 0C update to be even safer :)

@DvL - good find, and great inspecting work!

I'll download the BIOS and extract myself (so I can extract as-is + Body) and compare all the vBIOS in that to your current and see if it looks compatible. So you do have the 710M, correct? If yes, and in case it matters, how many GB memory on it? Add GPU-z image too, thanks
You are correct, and I would assume the same >> REV75.17.48.00.0C Is update to >> REV75.17.48.00.0A ---- 75.17.62.00.09 may be update as well, but since both 09 and 0C in that BIOS, I assume these are for different model cards, either due to slight chipset variant, memory amount, or some other major spec difference
I'll have to look around and see if I can figure out in google, it not maybe I can with the vBIOS themselves.

For the PXE Broadcom - see this thread - Actual PCI ROM modules (not AHCI/RAID related)
I need to confirm your device ID is the 16xx shown there (Check in device manager), and then follow the two links in that info, especially the first one and confirm your LAN Chipset is one in that long list

Thanks for getting back to me!

Zitat von Lost_N_BIOS im Beitrag #14

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So you do have the 710M, correct? If yes, and in case it matters, how many GB memory on it? Add GPU-z image toot

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Zitat von Lost_N_BIOS im Beitrag #14

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For the PXE Broadcom - see this thread - Actual PCI ROM modules (not AHCI/RAID related)
I need to confirm your device ID is the 16xx shown there (Check in device manager), and then follow the two links in that info, especially the first one and confirm your LAN Chipset is one in that long list

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