Why can't I update my BIOS? "Model of BIOS Image doesn't match to the one of BIOS ROM"

Factual Questions
1

I’ve been trying for way too long to put in some new SATA2 hard drives in my SATA1 computer. I’m almost sure they won’t work because I need to update my BIOS, which I can’t seem to do.

When I use the AWARD Flash utility I get the message “The program file’s BIOS-Lock string does not match with your system”

When I use this ASUSUpdate program I get the message “Model of BIOS Image does not match to the one of BIOS ROM.”

I have checked that I have the right file over and over.

I am out of options. Where do I start?

I’m using WindowsXP. ASUS 87n8x deluxe mobo. AthlonXP 2600 cpu.

Any suggestions?

2

Use this free diagnostic utility to get readout on what your actual BIOS revision is. Does it match with what you expected?

3

Fun tool, thanks.

The BIOS is what I expected. ASUS A7n8x2.0 deluxe ACPI Rev 1008. I’m trying to update to Rev 1009(select WinXP from OS dropdown menu, then click the + next to BIOS(19)), since it has a SATA ROM update, which I am almost certain is causing the SATA backward compatibility issue.

I downloaded it from the website to which I linked, saved it to a 3.5 floppy disk, restarted computer, diverted to AWARD flash utility, entered file name of new BIOS(AN8D1009.bin) and got the error message.

4

Try the software version of Awdflash available at that site.

Coincidentally, I recently upgraded the BIOS on a A7N8X-E Deluxe to allow for larger SATA drives.

It wasn’t easy.
In the end I had to download a new BIOS sub-module from hereand home brew my own BIOS.

5

Did you buy your mobo OEM or was it part of a pre-made branded PC like a Gateway, Compaq, Dell, etc.?

Because the mobo’s on pre-made branded systems often have proprietary BIOS chips that are not compatible with the same mobo’s standard BIOS.

If that’s the case, short of some complicated and sometimes risky trickery, the only way to update the BIOS is sourcing it from the PC manufacturer.