Forum - RE: Reading BIOS chips (2 x MX25L6473E) with CH341A Programmer & Software

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#16 | RE: Reading BIOS chips (2 x MX25L6473E) with CH341A Programmer & Software datum

Thu May 28, 2020 5:17 pm (Last edited: Sat May 30, 2020 9:37 pm)

Zitat von Lost_N_BIOS im Beitrag #15
@macmac - First, you need to do things little differently, no matter what version you are using.
Erase, then blank check, then open BIOS file and write/verify. This is the steps to do to write to chip, you do not need to read or erase then read anything, you already have made backups so that is waste of time and maybe messing you up
You can however, go ahead and read once I guess, if you feel you need to be sure it's connected properly? If you do that, I'd close program and re-open once you're sure contents looked like it's connected and able to read chip.

Use - CH341A v1.31(1.4) (CH341AFree) - choose 8MB/64Mbit - Then erase, then blank check, then open BIOS file and write/verify - This version and your chip ID confirmed to be 100% working in other threads

Hi Lost_N_BIOS:
I getting nowhere with this program, I'm still getting the same sort of problem.

Zitat von Lost_N_BIOS im Beitrag #15
@macmac - ...Or ASProgrammer 1.41 has the exact ID also if you want to use that instead

This doesn't work either:
The ERASE-Icon has a red X over it, and the UnProtect-Icon has a LOCKED padlock.

If I click on ERASE-Icon:
It appears to erase, in the text box below, it says: erasing memory DONE
But above that, a red error message says:
Possible protection is enabled, Press Unprotect, and check data sheet

If I click on PROGRAM-Icon the barometer goes thru the motions of programming, but the same red error message is displayed.

----------

@Lost_N_BIOS
So what can I do to resolve this, any ideas?

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#17 | RE: Reading BIOS chips (2 x MX25L6473E) with CH341A Programmer & Software datum

Sat May 30, 2020 9:41 pm (Last edited: Sat May 30, 2020 9:43 pm)

@macmac - This means you are not connecting, or are loosing connection due to some reason. That could be movement during read/actions, cable stretched too tight thus loose/not connected fully, or you need to have power connected to the board and you didn't etc
I suspect a bad connection, or wore out clip etc, or you need to leave power connected (or not) if you never had power connected before then it should be OK since you dumped once, if you had it on before but not now put it back some boards require it)
In ASProgrammer, erase only has an X over it when there is no chip connected - Unprotect always has a lock icon, that's normal

Please don't send PM's for help on BIOS edits, I can't help with BIOS in PM's. Please make a thread and I will try to help as soon as I can - thanks!
If you appreciate my efforts and are willing to donate to help improve my hardware, gift cards work for me (Amazn, NuEgg, eBa) - send me a PM
I view the forum like this, please bump your thread 1x every 24-48 hours if no reply

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#18 | RE: Reading BIOS chips (2 x MX25L6473E) with CH341A Programmer & Software datum

Wed Jun 03, 2020 5:18 pm (Last edited: Wed Jun 03, 2020 5:19 pm)

Zitat von Lost_N_BIOS im Beitrag #17
@macmac - This means you are not connecting, or are loosing connection due to some reason. ...In ASProgrammer, erase only has an X over it when there is no chip connected - Unprotect always has a lock icon, that's normal

Hi
In my first post (when I found I was able to read the chip) I left the clip on the chip.
So I didn't remove it or disturb it.
Then eventually you received a usable copy of my bin file,
(using software: CH341A v1.31(1.4) (CH341AFree)
that you made the 'repaired' bin file from.

So I tried to erase my chips current contents, using the ASProgrammer, which wouldn't work, due to the X over the [erase] button & the lock on the [Unprotect] button.

Up to this point, I have not removed or disturbed the clip, and I was still able to Read the chips contents.

So I removed the clip and refitted it many times,
and tried again using the ASProgrammer, but I still got the X and the Lock.

So I tried: CH341A v1.31(1.4) (CH341AFree):
and eventually the display changed to FF's everywhere.

But now in: CH341A v1.31(1.4) (CH341AFree)
When I click its [Detect] button: I can no longer detect the chip.
I did briefly see 'Chip Info: C2201716' appear for a fraction of a second, but nothing since.

So Now: I don't know if the clip is making contact or not, or if the chip is damaged.

So I would appreciate any help or advice you (or anyone else) can give, because at this stage it looks like binning the mobo is the only option.

Has anyone else had this problem & found a solution?
Is there another (better) way of connecting to the chip?

BTW: This chip is VSOP, ie, the type with the 'feet' that are soldered directly to the mobo, so there's not much area for the clip to attache to.
The clip was new, when I first tried to connect this, but it took many attempts, before I could get the software to detect the chip.

Now: It seems in good order, except that I noticed that the tip of its plastic molding, where it grips the chip is starting to get a bit dog-eared.

Many thanks.

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#19 | RE: Reading BIOS chips (2 x MX25L6473E) with CH341A Programmer & Software datum

Mon Sep 28, 2020 9:56 pm (Last edited: Tue Sep 29, 2020 2:09 pm)

Zitat von Lost_N_BIOS im Beitrag #17
@macmac - This means you are not connecting, or are loosing connection due to some reason.

OK: I have purchased a new clip which seems to fit perfectly and snugly onto the chip, but it's still not detected.
But I can get it detected if I rock the clip slightly over to one edge, but the programming still fails.

So is there any other way that I can reprogram the BIOS without having to remove the chip?

Would the method used in this post: Flashing BIOS chip (MX25L3205D) with CH341A progammer - can't detect chip

...which seem to use a connector on the mobo, work on my mobo?
If so, can you explain what I would need to do?

Many thanks

reply

#20 | RE: Reading BIOS chips (2 x MX25L6473E) with CH341A Programmer & Software datum

Wed Sep 30, 2020 4:35 pm

Zitat von macmac im Beitrag #18
[quote=Lost_N_BIOS|p113549]@macmac - This means you are not connecting, or are loosing connection due to some reason.

Hi
So does anyone know of any other way that I can reprogram the BIOS without having to remove the chip?

Would the method used in this post:
Flashing BIOS chip (MX25L3205D) with CH341A progammer - can't detect chip
...which seem to use a connector on the mobo, work with my gigabyte GA-Z87-HD3 mobo?
If so, can you explain what I would need to do?

Many thanks.

reply

#21 | RE: Reading BIOS chips (2 x MX25L6473E) with CH341A Programmer & Software datum

Wed Sep 30, 2020 9:14 pm

@macmac - Sorry for the late reply! your comment on #19 makes me think you may have a bad clip or cable.
Chip does not need removed from the board? I assume you have and are using SOIC8 / SOP8 test clip with cable, from your comment at post #19, but maybe not?
You need one of these - https://www.ebay.com/itm/183425731977
Guide with images how to use - [GUIDE] Flash BIOS with CH341A programmer

Some boards need 24/8pin PSU connected, some need them removed, only way to know is lots of testing and once you figure out then you know.
Clip may need reclipped 10+ times before it's perfect, they are a pain sometimes, especially the cheap ones. Make sure you have both boards close together, so the cable is not stretched where it would easily move, then keep at it and you will get it.
All this is probably the issue you had with ASProgrammer and erase/unprotect too. Bad connection

The following contents have been linked to this post:

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#22 | RE: Reading BIOS chips (2 x MX25L6473E) with CH341A Programmer & Software datum

Thu Oct 01, 2020 4:54 pm (Last edited: Thu Oct 01, 2020 5:01 pm)

Zitat von Lost_N_BIOS im Beitrag #21
@macmac - Sorry for the late reply! your comment on #19 makes me think you may have a bad clip or cable.
Chip does not need removed from the board? I assume you have and are using SOIC8 / SOP8 test clip with cable, from your comment at post #19, but maybe not?
You need one of these - https://www.ebay.com/itm/183425731977
Guide with images how to use - [GUIDE] Flash BIOS with CH341A programmer

Some boards need 24/8pin PSU connected, some need them removed, only way to know is lots of testing and once you figure out then you know.
Clip may need reclipped 10+ times before it's perfect, they are a pain sometimes, especially the cheap ones. Make sure you have both boards close together, so the cable is not stretched where it would easily move, then keep at it and you will get it.
All this is probably the issue you had with ASProgrammer and erase/unprotect too. Bad connection

Lost-N-BIOS: Many thanks for your reply, it is greatly appreciated.

That's why I asked if there's a more reliable way to repair my bios, such as outlined in this post:
Flashing BIOS chip (MX25L3205D) with CH341A progammer - can't detect chip
...where, instead of the clip, he uses a connector on his mobo,
(and Flashrom ? What is Flashrom ? Is it hardware or software?)
So would this work on my gigabyte GA-Z87-HD3 mobo?

To answers the points that you have raised:

I am using the exact same clip, programmer, etc, etc, as shown in your guide, and which I have outlined in my original posts.
I have even purchased a second set, (eg: clip, programmer, etc, etc) and still get the same problems.

I have read your guide, and a great deal of other posts on this website & others.
I have tried all the previous advice.
I see that many people are struggling with the exact same problem.
Now I may be wrong, but I don't think it all boils down to a bad clip connection.

My posts 18 & 19 summarize my situation to-date:
My 2nd current clip seem to fit perfectly, but only seems to read the chip, when I purposely make it fit badly!

I've not connected the PC-PSU because:
a: I have studded the PSU-outputs;
And if the PSU was attached to the mobo & switched on (eg: in standby, fans not running) I cant see any way that this could supply 3v (or any volts) to the 2 BIOS chips, because the only voltage supplied in standby is the 5v that powers the soft-start-circuit.
Which makes sense, because the bios chips don't need any power until-after the soft-start-button as been pressed, and all of the power-rails are established.

So if connecting the PSU actually does make a difference, for some people, then it must be because of some other reason?
and ...

b: The original bios-file that I read and sent to you, which you repaired, was done without my PSU connected.
So logically, I should still be able to read the chip now, without my PSU connected.

So what do you think, I await your reply.
Many thanks,

reply

#23 | RE: Reading BIOS chips (2 x MX25L6473E) with CH341A Programmer & Software datum

Fri Oct 23, 2020 7:54 pm (Last edited: Wed Oct 28, 2020 3:22 pm)

Zitat von Lost_N_BIOS im Beitrag #21
@macmac - ...your comment on #19 makes me think you may have a bad clip or cable...

Using the first version of the BIOS file, that you repaired for me eg: M-BIOS_V1_31-MEVol3-M1.bin

I was able to detect, write, and verify the chip,
but only after connecting the PC PSU to the mobo,
and grounding its PS-On, and then switching on the PSU,
(eg: so that its fans are running)

Then I switched-off the PSU, removed its PS-On grounding, and removed the clip.

Next I inserted my 2 memory-sticks,
connected the case speaker,
connected the monitor, mouse & Keyboard.

Then I started the PC normally,
then a faint click, fans spin, fans stop,
which repeats, and repeats.

So I switched-off the PSU,
removed one of the memory-sticks.

Then I started the PC normally, and got one bleep.
The screen attempted to display something, then it when back to the same failed routine
(eg: faint click, fans spin, fans stop)

Basically I repeated this many times,
and eventually it displayed a BIOS message saying 'no drive was detected/ I needed to set a drive to boot from' etc

I connected a SDD, and the W10 OS on a stick in the USB socket, and rebooted.
Again it took several attempts, but eventually, it started to install W10 onto the SSD.

Windows installed OK without any problem,
even though, during the install, Windows had to stop and reboot the PC a few times.

After the install:
I closed down, and rebooted the PC a few times, without a problem.
Then, for a few hours, I left the PC on playing a looped video.
Then I shut down the PC, and switched-off the PSU.

The next day I switched-on the PSU, and powered ON the PC,
and I got the same failed routine as before,
(eg: faint click, fans spin, fans stop)
but eventually, it started OK & I reopened W10.

Basically what I've found:
It usually reboots OK: if the PSU main switch was left ON.
But the failed-routine returns: if the PSU main switch was switched-OFF, and then back ON.

Any ideas?

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#24 | RE: Reading BIOS chips (2 x MX25L6473E) with CH341A Programmer & Software datum

Sun Oct 25, 2020 9:00 pm

So does anyone have any ideas of how to solve my above problem?
Many thanks

reply

#25 | RE: Reading BIOS chips (2 x MX25L6473E) with CH341A Programmer & Software datum

Tue Oct 27, 2020 3:02 pm (Last edited: Tue Oct 27, 2020 3:18 pm)

Zitat von Lost_N_BIOS im Beitrag #21
@macmac - Post 23 - Using the first version of the BIOS file, that you repaired for me eg: M-BIOS_V1_31-MEVol3-M1.bin... I was able to detect, write, and verify the chip...

Can anyone help with these queries:

Q1: Should I now, renew the BackUp-BIOS?
Q2: If so, how do I renew the BackUp-BIOS?

Q3: Is it advisable to renew the BackUp-BIOS?
(...if my current problem is due to the main_BIOS still not being right)

Q4: As I can now get W10 to boot (with difficulty, see post 23)
should I use Q-Flash to re-update the BIOS with the original Gigabyte BIOS-File?

Q5: If so, which version should I update to?
NB: I believe the current BIOS is the last one available, eg: F8, so should I update the F8 or F7 etc?
Q6: ...Will Q-Flash let me update the F8 or F7 etc?

Q7: ...and should I renew the BackUp-BIOS first?

NB: According to the manual you can't flash the backup BIOS "manually".

Many thanks

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#26 | RE: Reading BIOS chips (2 x MX25L6473E) with CH341A Programmer & Software datum

Wed Oct 28, 2020 3:54 pm

Hi @Lost_N_BIOS

Since your last reply 28 days ago:
I have continued to follow all of your advice, but I'm still having problems that I have outlined in my 4 unanswered posts above.

I appreciate that you must be very busy:
But I would grateful for your reply, only if it's to say that you are not able or willing to help.

Many thanks.

reply

#27 | RE: Reading BIOS chips (2 x MX25L6473E) with CH341A Programmer & Software datum

Wed Oct 28, 2020 7:34 pm

@macmac - Sorry I've missing your post so long!! Sounds like you may have a dead or dying CMOS battery, or bad CMOS battery socket. When you switch off the PSU and wait 1 hour, when you turn it back on is the BIOS Clock 1 hour behind?

For Q1-Q2 - When system is in good known working and stable state, yes, go ahead and make backup match main BIOS using PS/2 keyboard and ALT+F10 hotkey at bootup (If you get boot menu instead, reboot and try again, you'll get it, it's tricky sometimes)
Q3 - Up to you, but yes, It's generally best to have backup matching main, once you know main is good and stable

Q4 yes, I would do this! Use latest BIOS, and yes, it will let you - Do this first, then fix the backup (ignore manual, you can update backup)

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