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BIOS (Basic Input/Output
Operating System)
Q: How can I identify what version of the BIOS I have?
A: Upon boot-up, the 1st line appearing after the memory count is the BIOS version. It is usually is the format of:
-Newer model number, W5139MS V1.0 091096 where
1st digit refers to BIOS maker as A= AMI, W=AWARD. 2nd - 5th digit refers to the model number. 6th - 7th digit refers to the customer as MS=all standard customer. V1.0 refers to the BIOS version. 091096 refers to the date this BIOS was released.
Q: What type of BIOS does MSI use?
A: We usually release 2 brands of BIOS, AMI® and AWARD®. On cases where only 1 brand of BIOS is available, it usually means that the other brand of BIOS is still under the debugging or testing process. Both BIOSes are functional.
Q: Why are BIOSes updated and should I update my BIOS once a new version is released?
A: A new BIOS is released because: 1.New function is supported. 2.New BIOS source code. 3.Bugs are found. 4.Customer specifically requested. A "read-me" file is usually attached to new BIOSes stating the reason for the release. Refer to this note and decide for yourself whether it is necessary to update. However, MSI Technical Support recommends not updating the BIOS unless you are currently experiencing problems.
Q: How do I update the BIOS?
A: MSI is now using FLASH memory for all of our mainboards. Whereas before we needed to program a BIOSinto an EPROM. You can now use a FLASH programming utility to program the BIOS into a FLASH memory. This utility is available on our web site 24 hours a day. The file names are:
AMIFL634.COM for AMI BIOS
AWDFL535.EXE for AWARD BIOS
Once you've downloaded a BIOS from us, it is compressed as a self-extracting file. This file contains the following:
BIOS file
FLASH utility
FLASH programming notes
BIOS release notes
When upgrading the BIOS, read the FLASH.doc before programming. Do not update when memory managers like HIMEM>sys, EMM386.exe, QEMM, etc., is activated. We do not recommend updating unless it is necessary.
Q: What if I can't program the new BIOS?
A: This should not happen in normal cases. However, if this does happen, contact your local authorized dealer or MSI Technical Support.
General FAQs
Q. I bought a MS-5169 & an AGP video card but I cannot install video card driver on Windows95?
A:. To install video card device driver on your
MS-5169, you need to do the following:
1. Install usbsupp.exe (this file comes with Win95 which has an
USB supplement)
2. Install AGP driver that comes with the motherboard CD driver
3. Install AGP video card driver (i.e. Matrox)
Note: For Windows 98, the above procedure is not required
Q: Where can I find the model number of the motherboard?
A: You can find the motherboard's model number either between the PCI/ISA slots or at the back cover of the user manual.
Q: When loading Windows 95, the system finds an unknown PCI device, what is this device?
A: Windows 95 is a plug-n-play system that trys to identify all hardware devices on your system and motherboard. When Windows 95 does not recongnize a device, it will show a message of "Unknow Devices Found." Universal Serial Bus (USB) is one of these devices.
Q: If I forget my password, how will I be able to enter my system?
A: All MSI motherboards are equipped with a clear CMOS jumper (JB1). Look for this jumper and clear the CMOS according to the procedures stated in the User's Manual.
Q: I'm getting a "Memory Conflict with AGP Controller" error when I install an AGP VGA card under Win95 OSR2, what is the problem?
A: Under Win95 OSR2, there is a VgartD.VxD virtual device driver which is handling the traffic between local VGA RAM and system memory through the AGP bus, and it's producing some "side-effects." Microsoft has updated driver in Windows 98.
