Acer Laptop with Phoenix BIOS: BIOS MOD Request

I have Acer Aspire 3820TG-3022 with Phoenix BIOS v1.19. I would like some custom brightness control functionality (I will make edits to DSDT), fix flickering brightness problem and then update DSDT table in the BIOS. Is it possible to replace DSDT table with a custom one in that BIOS file? I tried to do it myself with Phoenix BIOS Editor (PBE) 2.2.1.3, but opening the BIOS file gives an error "Invalid ROM Length".

Here are some files you might find useful:
Acer 3820TG BIOS v1.19
RWEverything SMBIOS & ACPI Tables
Original DSDT table

It would be especially great if you could write a small guide on how to replace DSDT table as I couldn't find any information anywhere.


Thanks!

 

@prikolchik,

Currently Aspire 3820TG's BIOS is not supported by PBE. The best way to unlock hidden options is by using this method. However, this is only useful if the hidden options already in BIOS Setup Menu (correctly linked to other BIOS menu, for example Information, Main, etc) but hidden.

You can decompress Phoenix BIOS using Phoenix SLIC MOD tool. You can re-build the BIOS image with this tool too but this tool have limitation. Unlike PBE which can re-arrange the BIOS modules when re-building BIOS image, Phoenix SLIC MOD tool can't. When we made any changes to BIOS modules (TEMPLAT00.ROM, ACPI.AML, etc), we will use some extra bytes. When re-building modified BIOS image, the modified modules no longer fit in it's original offsets. Only PBE have the ability to re-arrange BIOS modules to new offsets. If it just involving modified TEMPLAT00.ROM (BIOS setup menu module), we can remove unimportant BIOS options - by replacing it with 00 00 (using HEX editor). Basically, when we add one menu/options, we will use two bytes (by using the extra space - 00 00 in the TEMPLAT00.ROM file). So, if we're using two bytes, we need to removed one to two options - this way when Phoenix SLIC MOD tool re-build the BIOS image, when it compressed the TEMPLAT00.ROM file, the module size after compressed is the same or smaller compared to original one. This way Phoenix SLIC MOD tool can put the modified TEMPLAT00.ROM module in it's original offset. However, it will be difficult when it involving modified DSDT (ACPI0.AML). Except other modules, ACPI.* modules size can change since this modules can be decompiled to readable form. When we modified the codes in DSDT (for example add custom brightness control), it use a lot of bytes. So, Phoenix SLIC MOD tool is not useful to you.

Fortunately, there is a way to "override" DSDT in windows. You can load the modified DSDT to registry using Microsoft's ASL compiler:-

Code:

asl.exe /loadtable DSDT.AML

It is much safer this way. Worst case scenario, you only need to re-install windows. Please refer to this website as an example. I recommend to use Intel's IASL compiler to compile/decompile DSDT. Only use Microsoft's ASL compiler to load modified DSDT to registry.

 

Hello,

I have an Acer TravelMate 7720G laptop with a Phoenix V1.35 BIOS (Build Time: 07/03/08 11:32:02) :: http://global-download.acer.com/GDFiles/BIOS/BIOS/BIOS_v1.35.zip?acerid=633643258014043866 . I use Windows Vista Home Premium 32 bit.

I would like my laptop to "auto power ON after power failure/loss" (Power Lost Recovery). The default BIOS version doesn't show Power Management settings. Is there a BIOS MOD version compatible with my Acer TravelMate 7720G that includes Power Management settings to enable auto power ON upon plugging power supply cable?

Thanks for advance,

Moises

 

Hi Kizwan, first of all thanks for all your hard and great job modding those bioses.

I have an Aspire 7720G under v1.45 BIOS and I would like to know if there is already a modded bios file for this model, it would be great to have more options.

Kind Regards and thanks in advance!

 

I found out that BIOS for TravelMate 7720G & Extensa 5620G are identical. This is the screenshot of the comparison between two BIOS files:-

Modified BIOS image is available at post #1084.

The "auto power ON after power failure/loss" (Power Lost Recovery) is not supported by original BIOS. There is no such option. I doubt this functionality is available on notebook computer.

 

Aspire 7720G's BIOS is Insyde BIOS. Sorry, Insyde BIOS is not supported here.

 

Thanks kizwan.

=======================

Hello Rockstar59,

Does the Extensa 5620G BIOSv1.35 MOD.rar [post #1084] allow you to access to the Power Management settings? I want to "auto power ON after power failure/loss" my Acer TravelMate 7720G and kizwan said that BIOS for TravelMate 7720G & Extensa 5620G are identical.

Thanks for advance,

Moisès

 

Such option/feature is not available in BIOS.

 

Ok, thanks kizwan.

 

Thanks anyway kizwan!!!

 

Hello kizwan! Now I have Core 2 Duo T5270 in my Extensa 5620g. With your Extensa 5620G BIOSv1.35 EIST MOD.rar I can to turn on dual IDA mode! Great! Thanks for all!

 

Hi kizwan - I have a Toshiba T135 with a Phoenix BIOS. I'm trying to use the mini-PCI Express slots available in the notebook for some upgrades - an Intel 6300 WiFi and Broadcom Crystal HD but can't get the cards to detect - only an Atheros and Realtek card are detected.

Is there a BIOS mod that would let me bypass any type of check / so any mini PCI Express device is detected? The system boots with no error messages, just the devices aren't detected.

Toshiba T135 2.70 BIOS

Thanks in advanced.

 

NM, I figured it out As much as I'd love to get access to hidden options, its not necessary .

 

Hello there while i was reading your interesting forum I gathered (as I suspected) that my "Workstation portable" Acer 9810-6829 has a "not proper bios" (actually never had it since it is in common with 9800 Model). So I downloaded Phoenix Editor Pro and apart error messages throwing (J, Q, etc) I had a peek and I guess I would need a kind help on your side.

The problem is the Bios in existence are Winxp 1.21 No Raid, Winxp 1.21 raid, and Vista 2.14 (Raid) all on old raid post 5.7 rom. Wishing to run XP properly in AHCI mode (not bothered by RAID) there is no menu in the bios and after looking at "disassembled" bios (as much I could understand) there are many settings not shown/selectable: Short I would appreciate a working winphlash bios mod where It can be selected RAID/NO RAID and mainly IDE/AHCI.
Other useful options that could be selectable are welcome.
My take is that even last bios finds workarounds to set SATA by hooking the first drive to SCSI Boot Device. Shouldn't it be possible to OS independent boot from any? I have upgraded disks to Hitachi 500Gb 7500rpm and a nicer speed than 1.5 would be appreciated.

Since the system came with crappy Vista Ultimate (all OS I had to rebuy bymyself anyway) I guess it has a SLIC 2.0
so I do not know if I should request a kind 2.1 update

I laso have a 2920 and noticed many crosslinked files to gather that they mounted a 4600rpm drive. On changing for a banal Samsung 500Gb 5400rpm (and having the AHCI option in bios) now it goes AHCI 3Gb with a simple reg tweak. Thing not possible with 9810 (9800 actually for the bios) since that option is not there

I will fax Acer after a long chat since officially there is no 9810 bios (its 9800)
and letting them know funny strings in it such as "not for resale" or "Alpha status" on several devices.

Link to the bios in existence:
Download (Acer Aspire 9810) where it differentiate the Xp no raid, XP raid and Vista Raid.

The board codenamed Cheela made me
find in a corner of ftp://ftp.work.acer-euro.com/notebook/

 

...Follows from previous post... a model exist with only lots of Vista x64 drivers (for users who might benefit) and at 9920 model ftp://ftp.work.acer-euro.com/notebook/aspire_9920/bios/ a "Cheela" (codename for 9810 too) 2.0 version. Sorry for the long post: The request is for a 9810-6829 Bios Mod to replace the crappy 2.14 Vista/RAID 570 rom one that I am forced to use to reinstall at least in a tentative proper manner, with a more modular approach /switches at least for RAID/NO RAID and Compatible-IDE/SATA/AHCI. Other useful options at will as SLIC 2 but most of all more features that be directly set possibly to enhance SATA speed.
Sorry for the long post after a long read. But I am sure (after reading a lot) that you got to be more competent than at Acer.
I tried to use the Winxp no raid bios but it would "screw" all enumeration etc.
Am I asking too much? I read at least 50 pages of this thread but I couldn't find refers to my problem. Merry Xmas and Thanx in advance

My 2920 Bios (pls notiice, both US machines) seems fine unless you see something

 

PS: I plan to replace the wireless abg to 4965abgn. I have doubts about the CPU since I read somewhere that that class of CPU (not urgent) could be replaced up to 3.0 Ghz model... Does it fit with your knowledge? I opened the case but could not guess (probably under the vent the CPU location)
Sorry for the long post

 

PS II: I see that Acer is not a nice buy but while preparing a fax to them I got some answers about CPU that can be (not worth) upgraded up to 2.6Ghz for socket reasons.
But I discovered It supports 64 and virtualization. Can switches about these be added to the (long) above described request which i hope constructive also for others? Regards

 

To summarize, you want:-
- AHCI option
- RAID option
- Update RAID controller's ROM with ROM file from Aspire 9920's BIOS
- Virtualization option

Is this correct? About the SLIC; SLIC 2.0 is for Vista while SLIC2.1 is for Windows 7. If you want to add SLIC 2.1, you'll need to give me RW-Everything report (Please refer to the first post).

 

Hi Kizwan.

Great thread and instructions. I followed the guide on the first page to the letter and add VT to the options in my BIOS! Great.
The pdf guide didn't say how to unlock the type of submenus that start with
11 0C though.

Can anyone drop me a link if there is there an updated guide or post about how to do that? Sorry if I missed it in this thread.

Cheers

 

Ok. Just took a walk back through all the posts and found one about using SYMCMOS.EXE to unlock hidden intel menus.

Can someone help me locate the tokens/addresses I need to change to 0001 to unlock all the hidden goodies in my BIOS?

I currently have a PHOENIX BIOS R0032J8.WPH for a Sony VAIO.

Here's a link to the one I modded to open VT: link
and in case unlocking it will get in the way of SYMCMOS here's the BIOS I modded (that was modded on another forum to add SLIC 2.1): link

Thanks again.

 

Hi apocamix,

If you want to unlock menu & submenu that start with " 11 0C", it almost similar as you unlock single option (" 00 XX") except you'll need to use four bytes instead of two bytes. The first two bytes is the location/offset of the 11 0C's menu, let say "Workaround Control Sub-Menu". The last two bytes is the location/offset of the sub-menu - let say "CPU Control Sub-Menu" (it can be an option/menu start with 00 XX or 11 0C). Take this as an example:-

Code:

(strings)
504F: Loc of text "CPU Control Sub-Menu"
053A: Loc of text 4F 50

(templat0)
0991: MENU Loc - contains locations & values text 3A 05 38 05
--> 00000991 11 0C 3A 05 38 05 2C 27 37 27 42 27
Usually "CPU Control Sub-Menu" is one of the advanced sub-menus
036A: Backtrace - loc where this menu is linked to - 91 09
This is a group of advanced sub-menus (VT, SpeedStep, etc)
--> 0000035E 00 00 00 00 19 15 00 00 91 15 00 00 91 09 8A 03
--> 0000036E A5 0D BE 03 07 1C 0A 04 E5 0A 42 04 59 09 1E 05
--> 0000037E 91 15 00 00 13 1C 00 00 00 00
Found ? (19 15) menu is the first menu in this group
[COLOR=Purple][B][U]0362[/U][/B][/COLOR]: [COLOR=Purple][B][U]Loc first menu of advanced sub-menus[/U][/B][/COLOR]

Identify what is the first menu:-
Jump to 1519
--> 00001519 00 14 C0 03 C2 03 8F 54 9A 54 A5 54 B0 54 C2 01
--> 00001529 00 06 02 06

(strings)
Jump to 03C0
--> 000003C0 58 38
Jump to 3858
--> 00003858 4C 65 67 61 63 79 20 4F 53 20 42 6F 6F 74 3A : Legacy OS Boot:

CPU Control Sub-Menu:-
(templat0)
0000036A 91 09 8A 03
91 09 (CPU Control Sub-Menu) linked to 8A 03
Jump to 038A
--> 0000038A 91 15 00 00 9D 0F 00 00 75 0F 00 00 89 0F 00 00
--> 0000039A 39 0F 00 00 4D 0F 00 00 61 0F 00 00 7F 13 00 00
--> 000003AA B1 0F 00 00 A9 09 00 00 25 0A 00 00 91 15 00 00

----------------------------------------------------------------

(strings)
5265: Loc of text "Workaround Control Sub-Menu"
0552: Loc of text 65 52

(templat0)
0FD9: MENU Loc - contains locations & values text 52 05 50 05
--> 00000FD9 11 0C 52 05 50 05 85 3C 90 3C 9B 3C
11 Information
This is the parent menu for "CPU Control Sub-Menu" menu
[COLOR=Red][B][U]0FD9[/U][/B][/COLOR]: [COLOR=Red][B][U]Loc parent menu[/U][/B][/COLOR]

----------------------------------------------------------------

To enable Workaround Control Sub-Menu menu:-
([COLOR=Red][B][U]Loc parent menu[/U][/B][/COLOR]) linked to ([COLOR=Purple][B][U]Loc first menu of advanced sub-menus[/U][/B][/COLOR])
[COLOR=Red][B][U]D9 0F[/U][/B][/COLOR] [COLOR=Purple][B][U]62 03[/U][/B][/COLOR]: Workaround Control Sub-Menu

----------------------------------------------------------------

(strings)
2F1B: Loc of text "Intel(R) Virtualization Technology"
0366: Loc of text 1B 2F

(templat0)
13E3: MENU Loc - contains locations & values text 66 03 68 03
--> 000013E3 00 14 66 03 68 03 C1 4F B6 4F A0 4F AB 4F 66 03
--> 000013F3 00 06 02 06
00 Pick field
14 Length
66 03 - Offset in strings
68 03 - Offset in strings
TOKEN ID 0366
00 06 - Offset in strings
02 06 - Offset in strings

----------------------------------------------------------------

(strings)
56AC: Loc of text "Main"
05AE: Loc of text AC 56

(templat0)
11AF: Loc of text 10 0A AE 05 00 00 AA 45 B5 45
      2nd bytes, 0A is the total length from 1st bytes, 10.
      "1st table"="AE 05" (item), "2nd Table"="00 00" (description), "3rd Table"="AA 45" (1st function), "4th Table"="B5 45" (2nd function)
0232: Loc of Main menu (AF 11)
--> 0000022A 00 00 00 00 A5 11 [COLOR=DarkGreen][B][U]4A 02[/U][/B][/COLOR] AF 11 [COLOR=DarkGreen][B][U]82 02[/U][/B][/COLOR] B9 11 [COLOR=DarkGreen][B][U]7E 05[/U][/B][/COLOR]
--> 0000023A B9 10 [COLOR=DarkGreen][B][U]62 03[/U][/B][/COLOR] A3 19 [COLOR=DarkGreen][B][U]0C 08[/U][/B][/COLOR] F9 15 [COLOR=DarkGreen][B][U]1C 06[/U][/B][/COLOR] 00 00 00 00
11A5 Information
11AF Main
11B9 Security
10B9 Intel
19A3 Boot
15F9 Exit
AF 11 (Main) linked to [COLOR=DarkGreen][B][U]82 02[/U][/B][/COLOR]
Jump to 0282
--> 00000282 97 16 00 00 9B 15 00 00 91 15 00 00 E9 12 00 00
--> 00000292 91 15 00 00 85 11 00 00 91 15 00 00 1F 14 00 00
--> 000002A2 85 12 00 00 15 12 00 00 91 11 00 00 95 0B 00 00
--> 000002B2 [COLOR=Blue][B][U]91 15 00 00[/U][/B][/COLOR] 00 00 00 00 97 16 00 00 9B 15
Jump to 1697
--> 00001697 21 0A BA 07 8E 03 2F 5D 3A 5D
Type = 21 (Time), Length = 0A, 1st offset in strings = 07BA, 2nd offset in strings = 038E
5D2F & 5D3A are fillers

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Enable Workaround Control Sub-Menu menu:-
Unused function: 91 15
Patch loc 02B2 ([COLOR=Blue][B][U]91 15 00 00[/U][/B][/COLOR]) with ([COLOR=Red][B][U]D9 0F[/U][/B][/COLOR] [COLOR=Purple][B][U]62 03[/U][/B][/COLOR])
--> 00000282 97 16 00 00 9B 15 00 00 91 15 00 00 E9 12 00 00
--> 00000292 91 15 00 00 85 11 00 00 91 15 00 00 1F 14 00 00
--> 000002A2 85 12 00 00 15 12 00 00 91 11 00 00 95 0B 00 00
--> 000002B2 [COLOR=Red][B][U]D9 0F[/U][/B][/COLOR] [COLOR=Purple][B][U]62 03[/U][/B][/COLOR] 00 00 00 00 97 16 00 00 9B 15

Enable "Intel(R) Virtualization Technology" in "CPU Control Sub-Menu":-
Unused function: 91 15
Patch loc 038A (91 15) with (E3 13)
--> 0000038A E3 13 00 00 9D 0F 00 00 75 0F 00 00 89 0F 00 00
--> 0000039A 39 0F 00 00 4D 0F 00 00 61 0F 00 00 7F 13 00 00
--> 000003AA B1 0F 00 00 A9 09 00 00 25 0A 00 00 91 15 00 00

Hope this helps.

 

Thanks for the quick reply kizwan.

This method sounds pretty intense and I'm not sure I fully understand it. Am I able to open these menus using SYMCMOS.EXE? Changing a few values from 00 00 to 00 01 sounds a lot easier for someone of my ability

edit: just read it a fourth time and I think it's clicking in my head
I'll give it a whirl and see how I go. just hope there is room in templat00.rom for everything I want.
If you have a chance I'd still like to know if SYMCMOS is an option. Looking through PBE and the strings I see Intel and the CPU control submenu just below it. Any tips on how to search for the string to modify with SYMCMOS to unlock it?

Thanks.

 

Just take your time. If you can follow the guide in the PDF file, you can understand it. Whenever I mod BIOS, I write similar notes. Unlocking this menu is similar with unlocking single option. So, combination of the guide & the example notes, you should be able to understand it.

SYMCMOS.EXE have it own limitation. It useful to toggle the value from 0 (false/disabled) to 1 (true/enabled) (also 1 to 0) - binary. I usually use it in two occasions:-
- for example to enable or disable VT.
- to make a hidden section in BIOS menu, visible (for example hidden "Intel" section in Aspire 3820TG's BIOS - post #721 & #1148). However, this only useful if the hidden option/menu/section already in the BIOS menu (properly linked). If not, you'll need to mod BIOS just like you did when you unlocked the VT option in BIOS.
BTW, the value set using SYMCMOS.EXE will reset to default in the event of BIOS reset (" Load System Defaults") or the CMOS/RTC battery died.

How to read the assembly code at post #721:-

Code:

seg000:3219                 push    bp
seg000:321A                 mov     bp, sp
seg000:321C                 call    sub_3221
seg000:321F                 pop     bp
seg000:3220                 retf

- Only one opcode (operation code) is useful to us which is "call sub_3221". This basically called sub_3221:-

Code:

seg000:3221 sub_3221        proc near               ; CODE XREF: seg000:321Cp
seg000:3221                 push    dx
seg000:3222                 mov     ax, 141h
seg000:3225                 call    sub_5808
seg000:3228                 pop     dx
seg000:3229                 cmp     al, 1
seg000:322B                 jz      short loc_322F
seg000:322D                 jmp     short loc_323F

- Offsets 0x3222 & 0x3225 are where the token/register 0x141 is read.
- Offset 0x3229 & 0x322B are where token's/register's (0x141) value is compared with 1 (if equal to 1, it means true else false). If it is true, it will jump to offset 0x322F.
- Offset 0x322D means jump to offset 0x323F. This will be executed when comparing the token's/register's (0x141) value to 1, the result is false.

This is what happen when opcode "cmp al, 1" is executed (true or false)
If true, jump to offset 0x322F:-

Code:

seg000:322F loc_322F:                               ; CODE XREF: sub_3221+Aj
seg000:322F                 xor     ax, ax
seg000:3231                 call    far ptr 0F000h:4412h
seg000:3236                 test    al, 4
seg000:3238                 jnz     short loc_323F
seg000:323A                 mov     ax, 0
seg000:323D                 jmp     short locret_3242

- One opcode is useful to us which is "mov ax, 0" - copy value 0 into ax register. This basically will make the Intel section visible in BIOS setup menu.
- Offset 0x323D means jump to offset 0x3242:-

Code:

seg000:3242 locret_3242:                            ; CODE XREF: sub_3221+1Cj
seg000:3242                 retn
seg000:3242 sub_3221        endp

- retn = Return from near procedure

If false, jump to offset 0x323F:-

Code:

seg000:323F loc_323F:                               ; CODE XREF: sub_3221+Cj
seg000:323F                                         ; sub_3221+17j
seg000:323F                 mov     ax, 13h
seg000:3242
seg000:3242 locret_3242:                            ; CODE XREF: sub_3221+1Cj
seg000:3242                 retn
seg000:3242 sub_3221        endp

- Opcode "mov ax, 13h" - copy value 0x13 into ax register. This basically will make the Intel section not visible in BIOS setup menu.

--> That is why we need to set token/register 0x141 to 1 using SYMCMOS.EXE

 

Ok. I guess I won't be able to use SYMCMOS but that's no problem. I found the workaround control submenu.
Time to get cooking.

Thanks.

 

Thanx for your reponse and sorry for my long preamble
What I would like (if possible) is a 9810 proper OS independent BIOS to be honest:
In a few words I would appreciate
- AHCI option (Compatible/AHCI)
- RAID option (RAID rom/No RAID) (It can be enabled by Intel Matrix 10:00)
- Virtualization
- Onboard Lan Enable/Disable
- Optional granular controls on CPU speed etc if available/any you reckon advisable
ABout updating controller ROM I do not know if 9920 is a great idea since I do not know the machine. I tend to use Intel Matrix 10.01 WIn setup
With this Bios, and old Raid enabled, with tweaks I can achieve Intel storage matrix to report a SATA Mode 1 enabled (not 3 Gz speed and I do not know if it is a limit of the chipset) FYI

The bios loaded at the moment is Vista 2.14 (old RAID rom option enabled)
and I guess it has a SLIC 2.0. I do not know if it can be made "universal" such as having included all SLICS from XP to 7 (I will stick to XP for a while since the poor experience with VISTA. Or just SLIC free ?

The NORAID/RAID versions of the Bios (1.21/2.14) do only hook, as a difference, switch the first bay HD to a IDE device or PCI SCSI (that remains empty in NO RAID bios case). As an effect I can not choose by F12 or menu option i.e to boot from second bay hard drive. So I guess it is a workaround but not allowing true multiboot at Bios/choice/F12 menu level.

Hope I have not been boring but the feeling is the Bios is seriously screwed and adapted to 9810 from 9800 including various "ALPHA" and "Not for resale" drivers etc strings:

Here are the dumps requested/ACIP and memory (if I manage to load attachments: (just discovered IE6 does not work, only Firefox)
I have attached the following files:
A) Zipped RW-Everything ACPI table capture
B) Multizip Bun capture of memory in split zip mode since it was 600+ size
Note: to allow the board accept the files (rar not allowed) I had to rename the multispan zip *.z01 by adding it a further *.zip extension otherwise It would be type allowed. So the file has a *.z01 ending and not a zip. Hope it make sense

PS To better explain the RAID option (if feasible) the Option would nice the choice NO RAID/RAID and in case of choice of RAID a further option appearing "enable RAID ROM at boot". As far as I know the RAID has come to 10.0 and I do not know from where the rom could be taken (or just a more recent one).
Thanx for your brilliant work

PSII I noticed that something was wrong because according to Intel directions for XP install the f6floppy with drivers would not work (nor supllied by acer).
AHCI/SATA would be enabled only post install ( at the moment I installed 10.01 despite the rom says 5.7) and it gives a SICH7MDH controller but I am not sure is the correct one since this Bios Mess up. FYI

 

Hi to all!!!!

I need some explanation....

I have an Aspire 7738g.

The latest bios from Acer site is the 1.13.

Here i find that there is a modded one based on 2.12.

Now... which is the latest version and the best modded one?

I need one with unlocked multipliers for a QX9300 cpu.

Thanks in advance!!

 

I'll look into this. It will be available next year - as soon as possible. For the meantime, make sure your notebook can recover corrupted BIOS with CRISIS disk. I think the BIOS recovery procedure is similar with my Aspire 9420. Please check first post for more information.

 

Kizwan I was not able to get hyper v to load as it does not switch the VT on with this modded bios. Where you able to look at it again since August for the TM8210 please?

Thank you.

 

The original BIOS image was given to me by the person who request BIOS mod for Aspire 7738G. Based on the folder name, it is BIOS for Aspire 7738G. Please read this post.

I asked for CMOS Symbolic dump long time ago. May I know what is the CPU model? VT option is correctly unlocked. The only explanation is the CPU doesn't support 64-bit OS.

 

I thank you in advance for looking into the matter: Do you know where I can download crisis disk? (I'll check on first post).

FYI: In the meantime I dug a bit more with Everest Corporate and it came up that the "real" chip is ICH7M so there should be a way to enable AHCI even though if in RAID mode (or toggling) reported as ICH7MDH.

Everest let discover there is Audio onboard disabled by ADI and several functions where fast back to back is supported but disabled..

I am sorry to be a pain but while I wish I will be able to slap Acer in the face as you can see there was never supplied a proper bios...

I go to get crisis disk and order a quicker wifi while I am forced to take Holidays time to start reinstall anyway... A "bug" Thanx

 

I asked for CMOS Symbolic dump long time ago. May I know what is the CPU model? VT option is correctly unlocked. The only explanation is the CPU doesn't support 64-bit OS.[/QUOTE]

Here is the symcmos report with literal option, the symbolic option only returns some codes with -S
Return Code = FFFF, ModuleID=5300, Module Address=60D7A58

Here is the symcmos report with literal option, the symbolic option only returns some codes with -S
Return Code = FFFF, ModuleID=5300, Module Address=60D7A58[/QUOTE]

Sorry forgot to say the CPU is T7200.

thanks Kizwan.

 

Just to confirm I downloaded crisis disk and procedure. Forgive for all comments above but I thought that since you inject some strings about devices all info could be relevant especially for a (dynamic?) swap when in Raid mode or non raid mode because in such case (or both) ahci can be enabled stating ICH7m instead of iCH7m-DH (that is capable anyway)

Regards

 

ref 9810: With a google PCI/VEN about the ide driver here is what it comes: all about 9810...
pci\ven_8086&DEV_27DF&SUBSYS_006C1025&REV_02 - Google Search

Just a comment

 

According to CMOS Symbolic dump, VT does enabled (value for token ID/register 0x01E0 is 0001). Did you tried installed other 64-bit OS, for example Vista 64-bit or Windows 7 64-bit on VMware? I'll need to disassembled the BIOS modules in case there is a lock somewhere - but I doubt there is.

You did told me the CPU model long time ago.

Just wait an update from me.

 

Thanks kizwan, i have downloaded your latest version: Aspire 7738G BIOSv2.12 VT MOD_R2

Can i run it from windows??

Thanks again.

 

I do not inject any strings. The strings must already exist in the BIOS module. This is the rule for unlocking hidden options.

Don't worry whether your notebook does support AHCI or not. Just wait for news from me.

 

@Kizwan
Hi Kizwan! I have a little trouble with the Crisis disk here. I have an Acer Aspire 7741G. I was trying to upgrade the bios under windows x64-got a bit lazy right there-and winflash gave me a failed flash error after a likely bios-clearing process, and now the machine is bricked.
I tried to create a crisis disk with the v1.18 bios from acer following your instructions on the first page, but the usb drive only blinked for about 1/2 of a second after powering up and didn't have any reaction afterwards. I attempted the process multiple times using both compressed and non compressed bin file and held Fn+Esc combo key before powering up and all the way for about 30 seconds for multiple times, but the machine is just hanging there forever. Did I miss anything? I am pretty sure that I have followed the steps correctly, or maybe it's just that the 7741 can not use the crisis disk at all? Please help

Thank you very much in advance!

 

You'll need to flash it in DOS mode using DOS bootable USB flash drive. Please go to first post for more information.

 

You're right Kizwan, missed to check! Sorry....

But I have a question...

v.2.12 was on my laptop when i bought it... and was dowloadable from Acer support.

Now instead of that version there is v.1.13 that is apparently newer that 2.12

2.12 --> 18/09/2009
1.13 --> 10/11/2009

(based on original archive modification date)

If it's newer can you modify this one as well?

You can find original v.1.13 here:
http://www.webrevolver.it/BIOS_Acer_1.13_Windows_7738G.rar

...& original v.2.12 here:
http://www.webrevolver.it/BIOS_ACER_2.12_Windows_AS7738G.rar

They are only repacked with rar.

Thanks in advance!!

 

30 seconds is too short. Please let it run for 15 minutes, just in case. Make sure battery & AC adapter are plugged in to notebook. Only release the Fn+Esc keys after you see USB drive's indicator blinked. Do not interrupt the process (by pressing any key).

Sorry, this will be low priority since I already mod BIOS for Aspire 7738G. I certainly will mod it but it will take time.

 

When you can Kizwan!

There is no problem.

I'll wait!

Thanks again!

 

Thank you for the response Kizwan! I tried for another 7+ times but now the flash drive does not blink at all. I am certain that the power is on in the USB port but the computer does not seem to be reading the flash drive at all. I held Fn+Esc for more than 1min and the flash drive gave no response, so I powered it off again. Have I possibly damaged some parts by powering on and off often? I can't really tell what the problem is now.

 

Please let it run for 15 minutes. Release the Fn+Esc key after 10 second you turn ON the computer. Then, let it run for 15 minutes.

 

Thank you Kizwan! I let the computer run for around 20min but still nothing happened. I'm using a 1g flash drive formatted as FAT, didn't use compress option, created using the AS8942G crisis disk kit.

Here is my process:
1. Computer off, with both AC and DC plugged in.
2. Plugged the flash drive in the USB port.
3. hold fn+esc
4. pressed the power button
5. held fn+esc for 15-20 seconds continuously (flash drive did not blink at all during this process)
6. released fn+esc
7. after about 1min since power on, the fan starts to rotate at a high speed
8. and nothing happens for 15min

[update]
just tried the recovery flash drive on another laptop with ami bios, booted straight into the flash utility, and the LED light on the USB blinked while reading the disk.

I have the harddrive removed as well.

Please help! Thank you very much for your time!

 

@thomasriddle,
Re-do the same procedure except after releasing Fn+Esc key, push the trackpad/touchpad's right button one time & let it run for 15 minutes.

 

Happy New Year to all and thanx for your response. Forgive me for some stupid questions sometimes but since dinamically some devices become IDE or SCSI according to BIOS or if you plugged something USB it can be bootable (USB Asus P5) and appear on menu or not I thought it would rely on strings.

Take your time. Just finished (for what worth) my formal registered complaint 10 page Fax including some silly chat transcripts with their chat support (one even gave sponstaneoulsy me his badge number...when I mentioned some internal fax numbers and web references of Ferrari they sponsor) to Acer HQ TW, US, EMEA CEO & Press, Msoft Redmond, Winstron Corp ( www.wistron.com) since they do the bioses and own AOPEN (Acer just launched some AOHAPPY netbook.. and guess what: you can find in the various model support pages updated download drivers for Winxp in all flavours and Win7, some skipping Vista - I wonder why - and with the Intel procedure F6 for installing drivers (never managed on 9810)but useful for updating other full fledged notebooks. I found a Bluetooth Broadcom for XP that is fabulous - version 550.7500 and 550.8000 skip all the others with apparent higher number -. Up to 10 bios updates for small netbooks and 9810 was forgotten since 2008 with a crappy one....).
and cc EU and US Consumer bodies.
I do not expect much response but challenged them on facts and some Corporate brochures. No refer to any board or anything. Just mentioned some strings contained in the bios itself ("not for resale", disabled sound card, alpha driver support and lack of Acer Apps - mainly for Tv and Bluetooth phone - etc) and expecting action or feeling free to blog. FYI and (driver wise) to users. It''s not nice to waste time and use volunteer resources to straighten what should have been there since the beginning. They use Customer as apyiong Alpha (not even Beta) testers... I am no programmer just a user since VIC20 times when you had to type for hours to play a small game with no save function.. As they say even ants get angry

With respect to Winstron Corp at least users can email what are their thought in a..open way. I won't post the bios coder ref that at least on 2920 did a decent job. The Press Office is the leverage for anyone "a tad upset". If Acer sponsors Ferrari and football ....it's not nice to buy one and be left on three wheels... I could forward a copy of the fax to the "Red car" HQ which happens to be very close and am sure they would start wonder on their laptops.... Some of the Group staff asks me when get messed up with their laptops or computer but it never occurred me to get bribed with wonder hardware and non existant software support - let alone Bios... Sorry to have bored all but I saw many frustrated users in the same situation that.... Cheers

 

Thanks! I just did this but nothing seems to be working though. The usb light was not lit, the computer did not turn off automatically after 15min, and when turned back on, the problem is not solved.

Do you think it's a good idea to send the laptop to Acer's repair center in TX since it's still on warranty?

 

I spent 3 hours trying different USB sticks, phlash16.exe versions, BIOS versions, USB ports, hotkeys.. I even took it apart to remove CMOS battery. All didn't help. What did help me was frustration when I slammed the laptop lid and it went into Standby. When I opened the lid and turned it on, it was as good as new!

Here is a quote from my Acer Aspire TimelineX 3820T/3820TG BIOS recovery guide.

Only after I did the Standby trick it actually worked. I used Kingston 1GB USB stick, CRISIS DISK - Phlash16_v1.7.0.18_DiffSize.rar from page1 and the oldest BIOS version (one laptop shipped with).

 

I didn't reply to your post right away as I was trying out all the things you mentioned. Now that I am done, I can reply.

Thanks! It worked great and now I can easily turn off internal HDD when I don't want Linux to see it (booting from SDHC).

Awesome! I have read about some mysterious "tool" on SLIC forums, but I couldn't find it. It is exactly what I was looking for!

Oh no, no. It was VERY useful. Even though my ASL skills are practically nonexistant, I still managed to significantly optimize the code and gained about 600 "free" compiled bytes. This was more than enough for all my modifications. In fact, after all the mods and DSDT error/warning fixes I ended up with about 100 "free" bytes, which I then used to add Debug output.

I have already used this exact method before on other laptops, however for this laptop it didn't work. I think it is because of switchable graphics and whenever a different card is used DSDT is updated with different memory locations (this is just a guess).

Overall, thanks to you, I am currently running my own modded BIOS with custom backlight levels and 100% IASL compiler error-free. Awesome! It works great on Windows, but for some reason backlight control didn't change on Linux. I did some investigation and it seems like it is because the actual backlight is controlled by drivers in Linux, which somehow manages to ignore my changes. Need to investigate further here.

I will also try it on my Acer Aspire 1410 as Insyde BIOS is compatible with Phoenix SLIC MOD tool and repacks the BIOS just fine even when DSDT.aml size is different.

Thanks again!

 

I was reading with interest the sundance you must do for boot block crisis bios recovery/load.
I have a question you can disregard but I searched and couldn't find a more appropriate thread:
One of the best laptops I owned was nr 3 in production of IPC Porta P5E-486DX100-DSTN (later branded also Austin etc) and it worked perfectly until I flashed it with a not suitable Bios (difference in Video Card). so it would not boot anymore. Phoenix Bios at times of It used Phoenix bios with utilities as PhoenixMiser (to create special recovery standby recovery) and PHdisk to create it.
I wonder if you are aware of a resource where I could find a suitable bios for that machine but most of all if you are aware of any boot block to reflash it.
No urge but wondering since I learned a lot here, before selling it to a museum.. a Hell of a Laptop at the time with desktop CPU...
Cheers