First run! Bios setup. Need your skill and expretise.

[calmius]

Assembing was suprisingly easy, but BIOS setup seems very difficult. The first page of the BIOS section of the motherboard manual says this:

MANAGING AND UPDATING YOUR BIOS.
Upon first use of the computer system it is recommended that you save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS along with a Flash memory writer utility (AFLASH.EXE) to a bootable floppy disk in case you need to reinstall teyh bios later. AFLASH.exe is a flash memory writer utility that updates the bios by uploading a new bios file to the programmable flash rom on the motherboard. This file works only in DOS mode. To determine the BIOS version of your motherboard check the last four numbers of the code displayed on the upoper left hand corner of your screen during bootup. Larger numbers represent a newer bios file.

1. Type FORMAT A:/S at the dos prompt to create a bootable system floppy disk. DO NOT copy autexec.bat & config.sys to the disk.
2. Type COPY D:\AFLASH\AFLASH.EXE A:\ (assuming D is your CDROM drive) to copy aflash.exe to thye just created dik.
3. Reboot your computer from the floppy disk. Note: BIOS setup must specify "floppy" as teh first item in the boot sequence.
4. In dos type A:\AFLASH enter to run AFLASH



NOW WHAT THE HECK DOES THAT ALL MEAN? what is it for? Is it necessray to do? Help please.

[mc2phat]

That describes "flashing" your BIOS, which is reprogramming it. Don't do that if your machine is running well. A BIOS flash is only needed if there are severe bugs, new processor support, etc. Don't worry about it. Check the PCMech "Build Your Own" section for narratives on the BIOS.

HTH

[pcoopers]

Yeah, what he said.

And when you do figure out what that bootable floppy is for, don't count
on it. I made my bootable floppy, per directions, flashed my bios,
and the computer wouldn't boot up. If the bios won't boot, you can't
use your floppy. Anybody want a like new MOBO with a fried bios?

Don't think it was a total loss though, I bought a better MOBO, $100
wasn't to big a price for the lesson. Read instructions read instructions
read instructions read instructions.

[mc2phat]

Most reputable manufacturers will replace that CMOS chip for you. Soyo does it for $5 plus shipping if I'm not mistaken.