Chaintec VNF4/Ultra BIOS 5.0 Update Issue

[fr0thing]

I've recently updated the BIOS on my Chaintech VNF4/Ultra to version 4.0 (4/27/2005). However when I try to update the BIOS to version 5.0 the system hangs during the update process when trying to read the BIOS update file VN210603.BIN - the floppy drive starts reading the file but it never finishes and the update utility says "Please Wait" indefinitely. Note I am using the Award Flash update Utility AF859b.exe.

BIOS update protection is disabled, and as I mentioned before I successfully updated the BIOS to version 4.0 so I know how to do this. I've tried numerous troubleshooting methods including trying different RAM, reducing my memory speed, and disconnecting all internal and external devices but no luck. I am not overclcocking and all of my settings are set to Auto where applicable.

Will a newer version be available soon? Any assistance or tips to try are appreciated.

My Rig:
Chaintech VNF4/Ultra Revision 1.0
AMD Winchester 3200+
Asus X800XL Video
2x512MB PDP Patriot 3200 DDR
WD Raptor 74GB
BenQ 1625 DVD-RW

 

[Budman]

Why dont you use Winflah & update from windows.

That's the way I do it & I never have any problems.

here's a copy of it for you.

Winflash1.76

 

[GadgetBuilder]

The VNF4 4.0 BIOS seems to be the best for use with Winnies at present. Some users have run into problems with V5.0 (mainly for dual core) so it might be best to wait until things are sorted out, see:
http://forums.pcper.com/showthread.php?t=392726

Also, PCPER has a sticky describing how to use Winflash to update BIOS -- as Budman noted, it tends to be easier and more reliable than Award Flash.

However, it is reasonable to make a floppy containing the last BIOS which worked reliably for you along with Award Flash, just in case. Winflash can read your existing BIOS and write it to disk as a file to facilitate making this emergency floppy.

 

[fr0thing]

I'll stick with v4.0 for the moment and see if any fixes are added in future revisions. When the new version comes out I'll give Winflash a try.

Thanks!