topic Re: PCG-C1F Bios update in PCs & Accessories

PCG-C1F Bios update

AndyH — Mon, 08 Nov 2004 19:31:48 GMT

Hi, I have a problem loading the bios update for win 2000.
I have downloaded the files and when I try to run them it comes up with : Open failed on Bios ROM image file, then it comes up with : Invalid command.com system haled!

Any ideas?

Re: PCG-C1F Bios update

kee-lo_ — Mon, 08 Nov 2004 19:33:39 GMT

Have a look under the VAIo if there's a pinhole which you can put a pen in to rest your CMOS.

Re: PCG-C1F Bios update

jammold — Mon, 08 Nov 2004 19:45:52 GMT

Normally if you get a Open failed on BIOS Image message then the original file may be corrupted and so to prevent destroying your flash area of the BIOS, the flashing tool will terminate.

What flash tool are you using?

WinPhlash for VAIO is the only officially supported Sony update utility provided by VAIO-Link for my K-series VAIO.

Can you still boot into Windows?

Re: PCG-C1F Bios update

kee-lo_ — Mon, 08 Nov 2004 19:48:06 GMT

Either that or use a floppy, the only safe way to do it.

Re: PCG-C1F Bios update

AndyH — Mon, 08 Nov 2004 20:57:05 GMT

There are a couple of pin holes - When do I press it? With machine off, on or what?

The flash updater is PHlash2 downloaded from Vaio site for this model, but no instructions!!!

I haven't got a floppy drive either, so thats buggered!!!

Will try the pin hole when someone tells me how!

Re: PCG-C1F Bios update

kee-lo_ — Mon, 08 Nov 2004 21:00:16 GMT

Not sure, check your manual, DEFINATELY do it when it is OFF.

Try redownloading both files again too.

Re: PCG-C1F Bios update

jammold — Mon, 08 Nov 2004 21:06:24 GMT

Try redownloading both files again too.

It definately seems like the WPH seed file is corrupt - mine was processed without a hitch. The WPH file should be 524,428 Bytes. You should check the PHLASH.LOG file for clues. Also note that Phoenix will not provide support for your BIOS - this is Sony's responsibility (god help us).

Try the reset hole first then get the BIOS files again.

Re: PCG-C1F Bios update

kee-lo_ — Mon, 08 Nov 2004 21:12:40 GMT

Why do they not publish hash keys to check the file is complete?

Re: PCG-C1F Bios update

jammold — Tue, 09 Nov 2004 01:34:58 GMT

 Why do they not publish hash keys to check the file is complete?

Hash keys are a little like CRC's - they ensure that the file is intact and more importantly presented to the end user the way the original manufacturer intended.

In the case of Phoenix Technologies LTD, they wrote guide on this and the link is provided below.

Basically a dead BIOS is something every user will want to avoid, the section of interest in the PDF file is part E "Phoenix BootBlock 002".

Phoenix Technologies LTD: PhoenixBIOS 4.0 Release 6.1 (R0110X1)

Re: PCG-C1F Bios update

William — Tue, 09 Nov 2004 11:44:01 GMT

I would think that the phlash2.exe file is intended to be run from a floppy drive.

Normally if it is intended for windows use the file is called "winphlash"

You will need the genuine Sony floppy drive listed as an accessory for your model. A generic one will not act as a boot device.

William

Re: PCG-C1F Bios update

jammold — Tue, 09 Nov 2004 12:42:21 GMT

You will need the genuine Sony floppy drive listed as an accessory for your model. A generic one will not act as a boot device.

I think that this is pretty bad, the customer has no choice but to use a Sony drive (which will be more expensive).

Re: PCG-C1F Bios update

kee-lo_ — Tue, 09 Nov 2004 15:47:17 GMT

Yeah it sucks major.
Hopefully people can get them cheap on eBay and put sony out of pocket

Re: PCG-C1F Bios update

jammold — Tue, 09 Nov 2004 16:14:30 GMT

Like DT said earlier, it makes you wonder how Sony can maintain their business...

Re: PCG-C1F Bios update

kee-lo_ — Tue, 09 Nov 2004 16:46:24 GMT

I know it sucks!