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HOW TO properly use the MSI Forum HQ USB Flashing Tool to update your BIOS
This user guide provides a step-by-step explanation for properly using the >>MSI Forum HQ USB Flashing Tool<< to prepare a USB Flash Drive for a safe BIOS-Flash in a pure DOS Environment. The tool itself will not perform the actual flashing operation. It will "only" help you to get your USB Stick set up for an automated DOS flashing procedure which requires final confirmation. (If you should run into any problems before you are prompted for final confirmation in DOS, no attempt to flash has been made yet and there is no danger of a bad flash.) Read the three notes that follow first before you move on:
1. Note: Before you even think about flashing a different BIOS, be sure that your system is stable. If it is not stable, make it stable first. (Read >>here<<.) 2. Note: Make sure your system meets the preconditions and system requirements mentioned below before you attempt to use the tool. 3. Note: Do know that flashing your BIOS, be it with the help of the tool or otherwise, is done at your own risk.
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system that needs the BIOS flash. The Tool is designed to work with MSI Retail Boards & Laptops only. Please note mainboards of other brands and OEM boards that are manufactured by MSI but sold by Medion, HP, NEC and others are not supported. If you have an OEM board that needs a BIOS update read this topic: >>OEM boards manufactured by MSI<<
Supported Operating Systems: All current Windows Versions (32bit & 64bit, any service pack (SP)): Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows 2003, Windows XP and Windows Vista.
The second requirement is that you have a fully functional USB Flash Drive that uses the FAT file system (FAT/FAT32). NTFS is not supported. If your USB Flash Drive is using the NTFS File System, reformat it to FAT or FAT32. As the tool also provides a Live Update Option ("SureHands"), you'll need a working internet connection if you want to choose this method. Not all boards are supported at this point.* * Check section 3.3 of this guide to see if your board is currently supported by the SureHands feature.
shortcut to start the tool. When you start the tool a DOS box should open up to provide you with status messages and prompts. Do not close that box unless you want to abort the preparation procedure! Please ensure that you connect the USB flash drive you wish to use before starting the Tool!
NOTE: If you do not connect your USB storage device before starting the tool, or the tool doesn't detect it. You can still insert the drive letter, as the tool will continue as normal. The tool will first check, if an MSI mainboard is installed in your system and show you its model name and PCB Version in a message box. Click >OK< to continue to choose the tool's preparation method that you want to use to prepare your USB Flash Drive.
K9N2 Neo-F (MS-7511, PCB 1.1) Intel based boards HydroGenX48C & X48C Platinum (MS-7353, PCB 3.0) X48 Platinum (MS-7353, PCB 1.0) X38 Diamond Plus X38 Diamond (MS-7353, PCB 1.0) X38 Platinum (MS-7353, PCB 1.0) EFINITY-FP (MS-7395(E), PCB 1.0) P35 Neo Combo-F (MS-7365, PCB 1.0) P35 Neo2 Series (MS-7345, PCB 1.1) P35 Platinum (MS-7345, PCB 1.1) P35 Neo-F (MS-7360, PCB 1.0) G33 Platinum (MS-7345, PCB 1.1 & PCB 1.2) P965 Platinum (MS-7238, PCB 1.1) 975X Platinum PowerUp Edition (MS-7246, PCB 2.1) 865PE Neo2-P Platinum Edition (MS-6728, PCB 2.0C) P7N SLI Platinum (MS-7380, PCB 1.0) P7N2 Diamond (MS-7523 PCB 1.0) P7N Diamond (MS-7510, PCB 1.0) P7N SLI Platinum (MS-7380, PCB 1.0) P6N Diamond (MS-7320, PCB 1.0) P6N SLI Platinum (MS-7350, PCB 1.0) P6N SLI-FI (MS-7350 PCB 2.0) P6N SLI V2 (MS-7346 PCB 1.0)
After selecting "SureHands" from the option box, the tool will automatically check for all available official BIOS-Versions for your mainboard. It will also look for the latest available BETA BIOS Version for you board and save that information in a TXT-File on your Desktop:
Note: The SureHands option will not provide you with the latest BETA BIOS, it will only provide the information.
When the tool is done scanning for official BIOS releases for your board, it will give you the possibility to manually choose the BIOS Version you want to flash. SureHands Live Update will not automatically select the latest version and use it for flashing, it will give you the chance of choosing between all available official BIOS releases that are available:
Note that the "May not exist" comment that appears behind some versions does not mean that the BIOS does not exist. If you know the latest BIOS for your board is e.g. v1.8, SureHands will retrieve it even though there may be such a comment. That message is part of a prediction feature that tries to determine future BIOS Releases. If a BIOS version that was predicted by the SureHands feature is not available yet, the tool will tell you if it cannot retrieve the files and ask you to select an earlier version.
Once the process is complete, run the tool again via method 1, 2 or 3, restart your computer and try booting from the USB storage device again. NOTE: This method will destroy ALL data on the USB storage device!
Note that certain drive letters are reserved and will therefore not be accepted by the tool (currently A:, B: and C:). If you are sure you have connected an USB Flash Drive to the system that works properly but it does not appear in the table that appears in the DOS box, enter the corresponding drive letter anyway and see if the tool accepts it. This can happen in rare cases, but it is usually no problem. The tool will check the selected drive and will provide you with status messages. If everything is okay, the message should look like this:
The tool will attempt to make the device bootable and automatically write all files that are needed for flashing to the drive to prepare it for flashing. If the procedure was successful, you will get the following message in the DOS box:
Another option you should check for is "Boot Sector Protection". If such an option is present in your BIOS, make sure it is disabled because it may make a BIOS Flash impossible. @all Overclockers: In case your system is currently overclocked, make sure you roll back to default clock and voltage settings before you attempt to start the flashing procedure. Otherwise you increase the risk of an unsuccesful flash, and you most probably don't want something like that to happen.
A: Try disabling "Quickboot" in BIOS. Your system might need more time to initialize your drive. If that doesn't help, your stick may be incompatible or defective. Retry with a different device. ->Q: My computer crashes during the current BIOS version backup. Why does this happen? A: The backup process is like a stability test while also backing up your BIOS. This means your machine isn't stable; do NOT attempt to flash again. Go back to the start of the guide and verify that your machine passes the requirements. ->Q: My computer locks up when the BIOS update has started and shows "Problem erasing flash0000000 (0%)" . Why does this happen? A: This means your machine isn't stable; do NOT attempt to flash again. Go back to the start of the guide and verify that your machine passes the requirements. ->Q: I pointed to BIOS archive file(or BIOS file), but I received the message "ERROR 654" or "ERROR 1220" ? A: Follow instructions on the screen, if problem remains place BIOS archive or BIOS file in C:\ then retry. Or use "Live Update Sure Hands" instead. ->Q: When I tell the system to boot from my USB Flash Drive nothing happens or I get an error message telling me there is no operating system. What can I do? A:If you are having problems getting your USB device to boot correctly, you may need to format it correctly as the geometry data may be incorrect. If you are Vista user, you can use Build in Tool Feature "Geometry adjustment" ("Fix My USB Key") and follow instructions once done re-run the MSI Forum HQ USB Flashing Tool and let's prepare your USB key. For non Vista users, reformat your USB Flash drive with >>this tool<< and re-run the MSI Forum HQ USB Flashing Tool. For future usage you can skip this step, it need to be done only once if your stick needs adjustment. ->Q: Can I use Tool in "Safe Mode"? A: Yes you can, Tool is fully functional in "Safe Mode". ->Q: When I use "Live Update Sure Hands" the Tool locks up while checking for latest bios version?
A: Some 3th party application is blocking your outgoing request and Tool is waiting for results and that causes the hang. Reboot computer and boot with "Safe Mode with Network Support" or "Directory Services Restore Mode" and then retry. ->Q: I've booted from the USB key then it said "BIOS update complete", but after reboot BIOS version remains unchanged? A: * Go to BIOS and ensure that "Boot Sector Protection" is Disabled, then boot from USB drive again. Read this topic to make sure you're correctly identifying your BIOS version. ->Q: During Tool preparation progress I receive a message "No matches found". What does mean? A: Ignore it, its a normal message when extra information is not present. ->Q: Can I prepare USB stick in another mainboard? A: * If you want to use method 3 it will not be possible, since Tool will detect different MSI board which uses a corresponding different BIOS. * If your other mainboard is retail MSI, yes you can. ->Q: During Tool preparation progress I've received "LogicalDisk not defined" and "WMIC is not recognized". What does mean? A: Ignore it, you are running XP Home Edition where WMIC is not present, Tool will detect that and will use alternative system automatically. ->Q: Can I use MP3 Player to flash my BIOS? A: Yes you can use whatever you have, however some devices are picky and they may not boot properly but depends on your BIOS as to how it will handle them too. But it is safe to have a try, Tool preserve data on the target drive. ->Q: When I start the Tool I receive "The system file is not suitable for running MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows applications. Choose 'Close' to terminate the application."? A: To resolve please follow the instructions here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/324767 ->Q: Can I use the Tool under "Virtual Machines"? A: No you can't, Tool doesn't work with Virtual Machines. You will receive wrong CRC notification and Tool will refuse to run.
7. Version History
1.13 - fixed bug where target device unable to boot property in specified conditions. - minor changes. 1.13a - added support/compatibility for any 64bit Microsoft OS 1.13b -fixed false possitive issue reported by "Avast!" which claimed that our Tool is a Win32:Trojan-gen. {Other} 1.13c: - fixed false positive wave which confusing most of AV software. (all AV do not report any problems anymore) - fixed 3 minor bugs: * after finished work the tool do not quit normal as expected and hang instead, that happend in x32bit OS only when used has been asked for reboot and answered with "No". e.g. in described specified case. * 4th mainboard filter report positive results in some Biostart mainboard and this cause tool to false ID some Biostar board as MSI one. * added missing drive letter as USB key choice ("I") 1.13d -fixed issue with Symantec AV false ID as "unknown virus". -cosmetic changes: one message appear early when asking for USB key drive letter to input and in same time user has been asked to locate BIOS file, and may confuse user. corrected. 1.14 - when user must choice the BIOS file archive, after that the Tool will investigate user choice and if its invalid(filename of path name) will notice user about it and to retry with newest selection, instead to terminate without notice. - adding a new way of USB Drive device parameters detection system which boost detection speed up to 500% on the large storage's or heavy fragmented volumes.The current way of detection will be used for backup option and will be activated only when the 1st detection got a failure. e.g. the current existing procedure just in case will be used as backup option, but will be activated only if the 1st one got a failure. also added a bar indicator of % completed task
-- adding Auto Detection system for USB Drives connected to the system, but the tool will not perform at his own based on the result. reason for that is that user may have more than one USB key connected in same time, or user may preffer to use some other storage with FAT or FAT32(not USB one, which is also supported by the Tool). The detection will be only as recommendation and to be more comfortable and easy when user need to choice the USB drive letter - adding feature about user to point directly to the BIOS file. it will be usefull when user flashing Beta BIOS or just got BIOS file only. The Tool will examine user choice and will auto determinate what kind of BIOS is it and will take care about it with corespond further actions. Also if user choice some other file which is not a BIOS file the Tool will know that and will notice the user that the file inserted is everythink else but not a valid BIOS file. - improved user interface with Gui Mode - improved user dialog in x64bit OS, and Vista. - improved compatibility when working in restricted accounts. 1.14a Minor changes 1.15a. * Added Build-In BIOS Live Update Feature, named as "SureHands". The Tool will ID the exactly user board and PCB version and will provide choice to user for do you want to use this feature. after is done the Tool will list all existing BIOS versions for his board, not only the latest one like LiveUpdate do. because users often should go back to the some older version to solve some problem.(the newest one is not always best). so user will have choice which one to pickup. depend of user choice the Tool will do everything automatically. Also the Tool will automatically check for latest Beta BIOS available for his board and will record the results in user desktop in file betabios.txt That is informative info only, the Tool will not provide any option to download any betas. only will check for latest Beta BIOS which exist for user's board. If user have interest to some betas he will be redirected to Contact to MSI Tech for more info about it. Here is the list of supported boards by SureHands for now(later in time can be added more...): 975X Platinum PowerUp Edition (MS-7246, PCB 2.1) K8N Diamond Plus( MS-7220, PCB 1.0) 865PE Neo2-P Platinum Edition (MS-6728, PCB 2.0C) K8N Neo4-F (MS-7125, PCB 3.0) K8NGM2-FID (MS-7207, PCB 2.0) P35 Neo Combo-F ((MS-7365, PCB 1.0))
P35 Neo2 Series ((MS-7345, PCB 1.1)) P35 Platinum ((MS-7345, PCB 1.1)) P35 Neo-F ((MS-7360, PCB 1.0)) P6N Diamond ((MS-7320, (PCB 1.0))) P6N SLI Platinum MS-7350 (PCB 1.0) P6N SLI-FI MS-7350 (PCB 2.0) P6N SLI V2 MS-7346, (PCB 1.0) P965 Platinum MS-7238, (PCB 1.1) K9A Platinum MS-7280, (PCB 1.0) K9N Neo-F (MS-7260, PCB 1.0 & 2.0 ) K9VGM-V (MS-7253, PCB1.0) K9N Platinum & K9N SLI Platinum(MS-7250, PCB1.0) K8N Neo3 (MS-7135, PCB 1.0 & 2.0) * Also the Tool has a prediction system which will be able to locate the BIOSes which has not been released yet when the Tool version is out. In that way it will remove the needs of Tool to be selfupdated to be actual. e.g. the Tool will be up to date at any time for desired board without needs program to be updated 1st. This feature will works even if MSI web is down for some reason(maintenance for example), and also it will provide all BIOS choices even if they are not available for manual download from MSI web page. In a fact the user just need to pickup desired BIOS version and that is.... everythink will be done automataically and prepared to the USB key.(the flash will remain in a same way e.g. via pure DOS, reboot PC and boot from the USB key) OS Compatible for SureHands: all kind of Microsoft OS 32 or 64 bit 1.15d: * Fixed cosmetic bug: SureHands LU wrong shows P965 Platinum as P6N SLI V2 * Few Minor cosmetic changes. * Fixed bug: SureHands LU in Vista ignore user choice, and auto pickup latest BIOS version for user board. * SureHands LU: BIOS range extended for K9A Platinum, P965 Platinum, P35 Platinum/Neo2 Series, P6N SLI V2, P35 Neo Combo. * Newest board supported by SureHands LU: K9A2 Platinum X38 Diamond Plus X38 Diamond X38 Platinum K9A2 CF-F * added support for RAR archives, Tool now can proceed RAR files along with ZIP. (downloaded from here ftp://duser:duser@66.232.110.239/ for example) 1.16:
* Fixed bug in section W22CR2L7, condition 14 may receive error message "Can't perform requested operation" in Vista x64 /* The issue is minor can come in the specified condition in very very rare case, only when target drive is "W" */ * Live Update Sure Hands: - BIOS range extended for P35 Neo-F - BIOS range extended for P6N SLI Platinum - BIOS range extended for P6N SLI-FI - Handle improved for P6N SLI Platinum and P6N SLI-FI - Added support for X48 Platinum - Handle improved for X38 Diamond Plus/Diamond/Platinum and X48 Platinum * Improved method for output redirection * Shows basic info at start-up with MSI mainboard model and PCB version to the user. * Better filter for flasher detection with new sections added for most precision operation * Improved compatibility with older flashers * Added prevention against BIOS refuse to save(keep) settings after BIOS update, which can happend in rare case (Note: That issue can occur with all kind of BIOS flashing methods: MSI Live Update, Afuwin, Recovery procedure, DOS flashing. It has nothing to do with the Tool, its not bug in a Tool or something. And to be resolved, second reflash is necessary. The Tool will prevent this issue to come) * Added verbose message that BIOS update is completed and notice user that he can reboot computer now * Added detection if MSI want to use specific flasher's switches for specific mainboard and BIOS, they will be applied automatically and override default tool mode. (That means improvement for notebook BIOS flash) [Installer only update] * Added user information instruction screen during setup installation [Installer only update] * Added forgotten shortcut to executable Tool file in a StartMenu Program folder "MSIHQ USB Bootable Tool and BIOS Helper" 1.17: * Method 3 Sure Hands { Added support for: * P7N Diamond (MS-7510, PCB 1.0) /* BIOS range 1.0 - 1.9 */ * P7N SLI Platinum (MS-7380, PCB 1.0) /* BIOS range 1.0 - 1.9 */ * P7N2 Diamond (MS-7523, PCB 1.0) BIOS Range 1.0 - 1.9 * EFINITY-FP (MS-7395(E), PCB 1.0) {Using EFI BIOS} /* BIOS range 1.0 - 1.9 */ * K9N2 Diamond (MS-7375, PCB 1.1) BIOS Range 2.0 - 2.9 * K9N2 SLI Platinum (MS-7374, PCB 1.0) BIOS Range 3.0 - 3.9 * K9N2 Zilent (MS-7374, PCB 1.0) BIOS Range 3.0 - 3.9 * G33 Platinum (MS-7345, PCB 1.1 & PCB 1.2) BIOS Range 1.4 - 1.9 * K9N Neo V2 / V3 (MS-7369, PCB 1.1) BIOS Range 2.0 - 2.9 * K9N2GM-F V2 (MS-7509, PCB 1.0) BIOS Range 1.0 - 1.9 * HydroGenX48C & X48C Platinum(MS-7353, PCB 3.0) BIOS Range 7.0 - 7.9 * Removed remark "(May not exist yet)" {Global}
} * Added support for EFI BIOS based boards for Methods 1,2,3 * Added support for 16Mbit BIOS for Method 2 * 2nd Flasher for Method 2 updated to meet the new requirements * Improved MSI OEM Mainboard detection * Added verification if the user is trying to use the wrong Tool mode. * Added detection for exFAT(Introduced and supported since SP1{March 2k8} for Vista) * Added restriction for non MSI Mainboard in 64 bit OS too. * Added USB key Geometry adjustment option. (Experimental feature for Vista only, NOTE: All data on the desired USB storage will be lost during operation. Use this option if you have troubles booting from USB Key) { - Checking for Vista. - Checking for Administrative rights. - Added strong verification for USB key geometry adjustment. - Forcing USB storage as HDD Emulation for compatibility purpose. } * Keyboard LEDs now blinking by specified way while work is in progress. * Instruction update, after BIOS update is finished procedure is halted with instruction to verify the screen for failure message. If such exist. There is instruction to do not reboot or shutdown PC and instruction to roll back to the old BIOS{Which Tool auto make backup before performing update} * Added support for Phoenix BIOS used in Server boards for regular condition. (When capture switches filter is inactive) * Beta BIOS query updated. * Added support for Memtest86+, to check memory for basic failures which can harm the BIOS update. Details: Tool will auto install Memtest86+ from http://www.memtest.org/ to the USB key when active Internet connection is available. After booting from the USB key, the user will meet a screen to choose between: 1. Run Memtest86+ 2. Proceed with BIOS update 1.17a: Fixed the false positive alert "Trojan-Proxy.Win32.Horst.ail" 1.17b: * Packer replaced to avoid future false positive AV alerts * Few Cosmetic changes.
1.17c: * Fixed bug in newest feature "Fix USB key", Path not defined * Added support for 32Mbit BIOS for Method 2 * Removed time counter after booting from USB key, waiting for user input instead Read this topic to download the Tool, and to post feedback and comments! http://forum.msi.com.tw/index.php?topic=108079.0