Pc crashed mid bios update - won't boot

Swandog09 · Jul 13, 2017

Hi all. For a while my pc was randomly rebooting to the bios screen but then would start working fine for a bit then do the same thing again so I looked into updating the bios.

I noticed the bios version was 2013 so tried installing the latest using an Asus tool. Halfway through the pc switched to a blue screen saying error and the pc turned off.

Now when I turn it back on I get the bios error saying plug in hdd with z87a.cap file in or put support CD in.

I tried support CD but nothing happens and it just says no connection on monitor.

Obviously something has messed up but is this fixable? If not is the pc buggered or can I reinstall Windows using the windows CD? Luckily most of my files are on hdd not ssd which was used for Windows so work case I reinstall and still have files available.

Any help appreciated.

Motherboard is an Asus Z87-A.

CountMike · Jul 13, 2017

If BIOS is buggered you will not be able to install OS. Speaking of which you should never update BIOS thru windows, do it from BIOS itself. That specially if you are having troubles with OS or HW. Now you'll have to take it somewhere where they can reprogram it.

Swandog09 · Jul 13, 2017

CountMike :

Well actually, when I downloaded the BIOS as well as the .CAP file there was another folder with an update.exe for 'BIOS Updater for new 4th Gen Core Intel Processors' which is what I ran then it asked to select the BIOS location which I selected from the USB. This is what crashed mid run. Not sure if this make any difference or not.

https://www.asus.com/microsite/2014/MB/New_4th_gen_Intel_processor_compatibility/

CountMike · Jul 13, 2017

Well, give it a try, have nothing to loose, just follow instructions.

Swandog09 · Jul 13, 2017

Looks like it could be bricked as nothing is happening when I restart with the usb in.

Will buying a new bios chip fix everything?

CountMike · Jul 13, 2017

Most probably it's soldered on. A proper shop should have BIOS writer with a probe that matches contacts on the chip and can write BIOS in without de-soldering it. It finishes in few seconds like that.

Swandog09 · Jul 13, 2017

CountMike :

I just had a look at the chip and it pops out. If I purchase a new one as previously mentioned. Would it just be a case of swapping over?

CountMike · Jul 13, 2017

You'll have to get it from MB's manufacturer. I don't know if they come already programmed though. Write them and see.

Swandog09 · Jul 14, 2017

CountMike :

Further update. Tried flashing all ports which didn't work. Then I did what it said on the screen (should have tried it from the start) to put the Z87A.CAP file in the USB, so I renamed the file to this and BOOM!! fixed. I think someone recommended not to rename but it was a last resort.

Don't know how happy I am

CountMike · Jul 14, 2017

I thought you already did that, it says right in the instructions. There's already a aprogram from Asus that does that automatically, BRenamerl.exe
Good thing you succeeded

Swandog09 · Jul 14, 2017

CountMike :

I mentioned renaming it on an earlier post but someone said not to so I didn't try. Anyway it's done now.

Appreciate your help. Will use this forum for all my issues from now on.

Search

Pc crashed mid bios update - won't boot

Swandog09

Prominent

CountMike

CountMike

Titan

Swandog09

Prominent

CountMike

Titan

Swandog09

Prominent

CountMike

Titan

Swandog09

Prominent

CountMike

Titan

Swandog09

Prominent

CountMike

Titan

Swandog09

Prominent

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page