Acer Laptop with Phoenix BIOS: Enable Virtualization (Test Machine: Acer Aspire 9420)

Since 2 years ago, I owned an Acer Aspire 9420. It is a 17" laptop with Intel CPU (Intel C2D T5600). According to Intel website, T5600 processor have Intel Virtualization Technology. However, for unknown reason, there is no option to turn ON Virtualization in the BIOS. Even Acer doesn't provide BIOS update that support this feature. My works involved VMware simulation & this prevent me from running 64 bit guest OS. Since buying another laptop seems not worth at all & Acer Aspire 9420 is a strong laptop to do heavy job, I'm determine, what ever it takes, I will enable Virtualization on this laptop.

For the past 2 years, I have working hard to achieve my objective. I has search & search in the internet and I found a couple of article about hacking the BIOS to enable Virtualization. This is a few forum's threads & articles I found:-

Code:

http://www.wimsbios.com/forum/topic9326.html?sid=09ee7f7a1528286dc11f34dd5eebd255
http://marcansoft.com/blog/2009/06/enabling-intel-vt-on-the-aspire-8930g/
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=189228
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=5190101#post5190101

Honestly, it is not an easy subject to understand. I know I need to look in BIOS NVRAM, particularly in "MSR 0x3A" (mov ecx,0x3a) but the real question is which address I need to set the value from 0000 to 0001 (to enable virtualization). Until I found this post (posted by bughunter2):-

Code:

http://www.wimsbios.com/forum/topic9326-75.html?sid=09ee7f7a1528286dc11f34dd5eebd255#p52949

In the post, bughunter2 wrote this:-

This statement "narrow down" to which address I need to alter the value.

Firstly, I need to locate "mov ecx,0x3a" in BIOSCOD6.ROM. To obtain the file, I use Phoenix BIOS Editor Pro v2.2 to extract the ROM file. The BIOS for my laptop (version must be the same as current system BIOS) is downloaded from Acer support website. In my case, once I extracted the package, I will get a ROM file called MA2-124.ROM. I open the ROM file using Phoenix BIOS Editor. Once I do this, all of the contents will be extracted in to this folder:-

Code:

C:\Program Files\Phoenix Technologies Ltd\BIOS Editor\TEMP

Since the required file, BIOSCOD6.rom, is a binary file, I will need to disassemble it first. To do so, I copied BIOSCOD6.rom file to my MacBook. On MacBook, I use "binary file disassembler" utility called "ndisasm". This also can be done in Linux. This command will translate the BIOSCOD6.rom file to a readable file (ASCII text):

Code:

ndisasm -a -p intel -b 16 BIOSCOD6.rom > BIOSCOD6.dasm

In the BIOSCOD6.dasm file, this is what I'm looking for:-

According to the information I gathered from posts & articles I read, I narrow down to 3 possible address ( bold) and only one I need to set the value to 0001.

To further narrow down the possible address, I need to dump "CMOS Symbolic" from NVRAM using SYMCMOS.EXE utility. Please refer to this post:-

Code:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=189228

I need to create bootable DOS USB flash drive & put SYMCMOS.EXE file in it. By booting my laptop with bootable DOS USB flash drive, I will be able to dump CMOS Symbolic from NVRAM:-

Code:

symcmos -v2 -lDefault.txt

Once I have dump CMOS Symbolic to a text file, I cross-reference all of the address ( 0285, 0288 and 02a6) with it. I found only address 0288 is in CMOS Symbolic list. So I change the value from 0000 to 0001 to enable Virtualization. I save it to different name, NEWNV.txt.

Finally, the new CMOS Symbolic need to be save to NVRAM. This step is very crucial because I might brick my laptop, rendering it unusable except as paperweight. To save the new CMOS Symbolic to NVRAM, I need to boot my laptop with bootable DOS USB flash drive I created earlier. This is how I save the new CMOS Symbolic to NVRAM:-

Code:

symcmos -v2 -uNEWNV.txt

Once it completed, my laptop is turned OFF (manually) as I see it as a proper thing to do. After a while, I turned ON my laptop and by able to see the POST message, it only means one thing, the process is successful (at least I didn't bricked my laptop).

To test whether Virtualization is successfully turned ON or not, download & execute an utility called "SecurAble". If Virtualization is turned ON, "SecurAble" should report it.

Since the value was set in NVRAM, there is high possibility that it will reset back to default (Virtualization turned OFF) in the event BIOS reset or just by simply saving settings in BIOS. If this happen, what I need to do is just repeat the process, at least I just need to reload the NVRAM again using the new CMOS Symbolic file I saved earlier.

kizwan

 

Hi guys,

I'm successfully enabled Virtualization menu in BIOS on Acer Aspire 9420. I found this thread & it help me enable the Virtualization menu.
Decode Edit NVRAM Phoenix plus Setup Menu

This is the modified BIOS for Acer Aspire 9420:-
http://www.mediafire.com/?gwzjttn4mxg

This is 2nd release of the modified BIOS for Acer Aspire 9420 - add Splash Screen (ACER logo):-

http://www.mediafire.com/?5qu3jt1htem

DSDT table in this BIOS has been patched by me (fix CPU alias, RTC, HPET, HDEF, VGA and bluetooth auto-turned ON when OS loading). I tried to add display dim when idle but failed. The menu (Adjust screen brightness) appear at battery icon (at taskbar) and you can set brightness level when on battery or power adapter (it detects when power adapter attached or detached) but screen brightness didn't change.

Tested with Windows 7 Ultimate OEM. So far so good.

I will not responsible for any failed flash. Please flash BIOS in DOS not in windows (with USB DOS bootable disk). I already included "phlash16.exe"; phoenix BIOS flash utility for DOS.

EDIT: This recovery process can be applied to other model of laptop with Phoenix BIOS too. The only thing you need to do is change the BIOS.WPH file with the BIOS file for that model. The step "Hold Fn+Esc" can be changed to Fn+B or Win+B if the former is not triggering the Crisis Recovery Mode. Older Acer like mine require USB floppy drive (using floppy disk) to recover the corrupted BIOS. Newer one with BIOS file larger than 1.44MB, you will require only USB flash drive. CORRECTION: The Crisis Recovery Disk maker I included already support both floppy disk & USB flash drive. For further reading, please go to this website: http://web.telia.com/~u43311424/crisis-recovery-disk/

How to recover bad BIOS or failed BIOS update on Acer Aspire 9420
1) Download Crisis Disk maker for Acer Aspire 9420 below.
2) Create Crisis Disk using WINCRIS (need to be floppy disk using USB floppy disk drive).
3) Take the battery and the power cord out of the laptop.
4) Hold in Fn+Esc, take in the power cord and then press the power button (without releasing Fn+Esc key).
5) The USB floppy drive light will flash as it reads the BIOS file from the disk. You can release Fn+Esc key.
6) While in recovery process, display will always blank. If not, you're not in recovery process. If so, restart the procedure again.
7) Recovery process will take a while (a minute or two). Laptop will automatically restart when recovery process success. You should see POST after restart.

Crisis Disk (WINCRIS):-
http://www.mediafire.com/?uye1z2d4mtd

kizwan

 

EDIT (28/03/2010): New BIOS image with Splash Screen (ACER logo) - post #2

I forgot to mention one thing. There is no Acer logo (splash screen) in the BIOS image I posted above. I was trying to change it with a JPEG picture (a sketch of an acer laptop) but in the end it failed to show up, just black splash screen. I think it is much better than the original "ugly" logo. Don't worry, the BIOS image is properly build & tested by me. :GEEK:

kizwan

 

Hello kizwan,

can you tell/explain me what and how did you fixed/modified the DSDT table?

RTC = Real-Time-Clock
what is HPET, HDEF?


One more thing:
to enable "Virtualization Menu" you only changed/add the value (Jump) at offset 0x0270 (in TEMPLAT0.ROM) from 0x0000 to 0x1309. Im right?

 

This fixes actually useful if you decided to install Mac OS X on your laptop. I change it to make it more Mac OS X friendly. I use fassl's tools (at insanelymac forum) to apply most of the fix. As for HDEF, its for injecting information about sound card, ALC883, so that it will properly detected in Mac OS X. I'm also injecting information about graphic card, nVidia Go 7300, for the same reason.

HPET:

I think you can find a more precise explanation in the net about RTC & HPET. So far none of these fixes have side effect with windows (running with Windows 7 now).

Yes, that is correct. Actually it is in endian format; 13 09. If you wrote 0x1309, convert it to endian format it will be 09 13, which is incorrect. Basically we're using "unused" offset to "add" virtualization menu. To be precise, we're replacing (not add) 00 00 with 13 09. If we add, it will change the size of the file & the result can be disaster. I haven't tried it though, just a couple of post I read mention about it. You can put it wherever you want, e.g. Main or Advanced menu.

kizwan

 

Can this be done on a 5920g as well?

 

Yes, it can be done. I already take a look in 5920G BIOS. It is Acer Aspire 5920G with Intel Core2 Duo T7300 right?

In case you're going to ask this question:-

My answer will be:-

kizwan

 

Hi guys,

Please check post #2 how to recover bad BIOS or failed BIOS flash. Hope you will not have to go through this experience.

As usual, I will not responsible if anything happen to your laptop.

kizwan

 

yeah sry that was wrong word "add", I mean replace (eg. STRG+B in WinHex)

I have successfully modded my Bios v3.60 for Acer Aspire 5610.
- fixed alot wrong BIOS informations
- Bios SLIC to v2.1
- updated VGA Bios (7300Go, 7600Go, Intel 82945GM)
- updated PXE
- added Intel VT-x menu and some other options
- changed Bios version to v3.66

I have create my own menu (AHCI mode) and I know the TOKEN
So now I would like to link them together. Any suggestions?

And could you perhaps explain what are this "Fillers bytes" for?

source: http://forums.mydigitallife.info/threads/12850-Decode-Edit-NVRAM-Phoenix-plus-Setup-Menu

Edit: ok this "Filler bytes" in TEMPLAT00.ROM is an offset-jump table.

 

I have modified 5920G Bios file for you, if you wanna give a try?!?!

Updated: Download Link on page 6
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=6131976#post6131976

 

Hi bob12x,

Good job!

I see, you missing "fillers" offsets for your AHCI menu. Sorry, I don't know what its for too. I tried to look in BIOSCODX.ROM file too, but it didn't lead to anywhere. My suggestion is try to compare VT menu "fillers" with other menu in STRINGS.ROM file. I'll let you know if I found something.

EDIT: I see you already figure it out.

kizwan

 

Hello bob12x. Top-level job!

I have tried. Intel VT perfectly works.
Programs in Windows XP Mode work much faster, without brakes. A huge thank!
P.S. few wrong BIOS informations - which, few wrong BIOS informations - which? Have changed name Recovery mode?
P.S.S. updated VGA Bios - it is very interesting! Could prompt, how it did?

 

Hi,

for this BIOS I have only changed few descriptions/dialogs and some help information, plus enabled VT-x.
I have not updated/changed anything else!

But I can try to optimize/mod/update this Aspire 5920G BIOS if you like.


Maybe we should open new thread for that?!?!

 

I'm interested on this topic too. There are not many resources about modifying BIOS, especially DSDT table.

kizwan

 

Whether correctly I have understood - change DSDT of the table for addition of a new video card only for MAC OS works?

Then it is sad.

I have Win 7 also have videocard GF9600M GS. I wished it to install in the Acer 5920g.
Has installed - power up, but it is not started.
There is example http://acerfans.ru/forum/topic_516/93#post-1843#post-1843#post-1843 when such replacement is possible also the laptop perfectly works, but chip - G96-600-A1, 65нм process
And at me - G96-600-C1, 55нм process. Bios - in attach
I tried to add videobios with Phoenix_BIOS_Editor_Pro as a file OPROM2.rom in the firmware.
No change, has installed - power up, but it is not started.
With an old videocard(GF8600M GT) - works.

On this model of the laptop does not work and GF9600M GT, 65нм.

Possibly blocking. How to remove - knows nobody.

If you have helped, it would be wonderful!)))

 

I'm not really good familiar with Acer 5920G, but you don't need to add any VGA BIOS for swappable graphic cards!!

Btw. please check this links, they might help you!

http://www.mxm-upgrade.com/Table.html
http://www.theacerguy.com/2008/12/morris-aspire-5920-gpu-swapupgrade/
http://www.notebookcheck.net/Upgrade-Replace-a-Notebook-Video-Card.3236.0.html
http://forums.laptopvideo2go.com/topic/22453-upgrade-acer-6920g-9500m-gs-to-9600m-gt/

 

Yep only laptops with soldered on Graphics have VGA ROM embbeded as OPROM.

 

Thank you

How?

 

Hi Guys! Great work!

I was wondering if one of you guys could point me in the right direction in how to add a menu to the "Advanced Setup" of my vaio. I have PBE2.2 and I do see the menu's but all I can do is change the names. I have no clue where to go from here.

Or could one of you guys add the VT menu for me?
All I know is that the VT setting is in NVRAM adress 02D0 I have no idea how to link it to a menu.
This is my rom: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=PV61ODZ6

Thanks in advance!

 

To clear one thing, I do some BIOS research/modding just for fun in my free time.
I'm amateur...so if somebody is a pro...well....

Good, I try to explain.

This all Acer Laptops use the same multi-level BIOS (HBL50/HBL51), latest BIOS version is 3.60.

Model Name "Series":
Aspire 3690
Aspire 5610
Aspire 5610Z
Aspire 5630
Aspire 5650
Aspire 5680
Extensa 5510
Extensa 5510Z
TravelMate 2490
TravelMate 4200
TravelMate 4230
TravelMate 4260
TravelMate 4280


So, my Acer Laptop is Aspire 5610 with embedded 7300Go GPU, reference BIOS v3.60


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
List of very usefull tools, download all. Also you can find new builds here or here
- Phoenix BIOS Editor Pro (v2.2.1.3)
- BIOS Backup ToolKit (v2.0)
- SLIC ToolKit (v3.2)
- Phoenix BIOS SLIC Tool (v1.27)
- AMI BIOS Tools + SLIC (v1.51)
- Award BIOS Tools + SLIC (v1.34)
- Insyde EzH2O (v2.1.0.13)
- RW Everything (v1.4)
- NiBiTor (v5.4)
- WinHex (v14.9)
- Microsoft ASL Compiler (v4.0.0)
- ACPI (DSDT) Patcher (v0.2 Beta5) for updates go here
- WinPhlash (v1.7.4.0)
- Phlash16 (v1.7.0.18)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Now, if you open the BIOS with a "Phoenix BIOS Editor Pro" and you goes to the TEMP folder
"C:\Program Files\Phoenix Technologies Ltd\BIOS Editor\TEMP"
you will see the OPROM0x.ROM files

In my Bios we see six OPROMs:
OPROM00.ROM --> Broadcom 440X Fast Ethernet Boot Agent v2.0.6 - UNDI PXE-2.1
OPROM01.ROM --> Broadcom NetXtreme Ethernet Boot Agent v8.2.6 - UNDI PXE-2.1 - Remote Program Loader v8.2.6
OPROM02.ROM --> Broadcom NetXtreme Ethernet Boot Agent v9.0.12 - UNDI PXE-2.1
OPROM03.ROM --> Intel 82945GM VGA BIOS - v1377
OPROM04.ROM --> GeForce Go 7300 VGA BIOS - v5.72.22.58.30
... and so on ...


The next part I call detective work!

Use HexEditor (like WinHex) and open for example OPROM04.ROM
google for strings found in the OPROM04.ROM like
- "G72 Board - e463h0v"
- "GeForce Go 7300 VGA BIOS"
- "5.72.22.58."

or open different Bios files and check every single OPROM0x.ROM file.

Attention! Do not use/try any VGA Bios from DestopPC graphic cards they will not work in Laptops.


My search led me to this link/forum.
We see ASUS Laptop Modell F9J - "NVIDIA GeForce Go 7400 VGA BIOS" 5.72.22.58.41
Notice: 7300Go and 7400Go are mostly same, in some case they have only 50MHz Memory clockrate difference.

now go to ASUS homepage and download the latest BIOS.
It's an AMI BIOS so use MMTOOL.EXE and extract the right "PCI Option ROM".

Optional: At this point you can edit the nVidia VGA Bios with NiBiTor

In my case I "have to" edit/adjust:
1) Memory clockrate
2) Sub Vendor ID
3) Boot Settings - OEM Signon

If you think you found the correct VGA BIOS or/and finished editing, rename file to your *.ROM name you want to update.
Copy and replace the file in TEMP folder.

Go back to "Phoenix BIOS Editor Pro", change something in String or SetupTable, undo your change.
Now its possible to build the BIOS with our updated/modified OPROM0x.ROM
Check the log file for 0 Errors/0 Warnings.


Important Note: especially for (HBL50/HBL51), the bios is not completely build, so you have do this few steps before flashing.

1. open both, original and modified Bios files with HexEditor
2. copy the first 80KB (offset 0x00 till 0x14000) from original bios
3. goto modified bios and replace (STRG+B in WinHex) the first 80KB, startoffset 0x00
4. save the file
5. flash the bios using WinPhlash or PHLASH16
command for PHLASH16: phlash16.exe bios.wph /x /s /c /mfg /mode=3

If your display is black and system still booting, make bootable USB device with autoexec.bat + PHLASH16.exe + BIOS.WPH.
Otherwise use the Acer Recovery Mode "Fn+Esc", see post 2 from kizwan or read this BIOS Recovery procedures.


Ok this is more or less HowTo update all OPROMs, I hope I could give some an idea.
Other HowTo's will follow and ModBIOS for HBL50/HBL51 too.

 

Here you go!

modified Sony VAIO FZ31Z R2110J7 Bios file, if you wanna give a try?!?!
- added Intel VT-x menu
- added SATA AHCI menu
- added Keyboard stuff menu
- fixed some wrong BIOS informations
- changed few descriptions/dialogs and some help information
- ....
- ....

Updated: Download Link on page 6
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=6131976#post6131976

As usual no responsible for any failed flash!

 

How do you actually enable the extra menu?
I tried but can't make head and tails out of the complex instructions.

 

Thanks, very interesting story.
And the remarkable collection of utilities. Has especially pleased fresh PBE.
I can add to the list the editor bios InsideH2O. EzH2O 2.1.0.13
And to add support of a replaced video card (for example type MXM-2) it is possible only editing ASPI Module in bios (as table DSDT for MacOS)?

 

no prob, I will try to write small HowTo, give me few days.

You are welcome!
ok thx, I have added InsideH2O v2.1.0.13 to the collection.

sry, I don't understand. You wish 5920G Bios with patched DSDT table, right?

 

Yes, if you know how))

You have laptop with embedded graphics.
Therefore BIOS card is in the BIOS as a file OPROM0x.ROM.
The same is said and weinter, post # 17.
To change the settings of your video card you can edit file OPROM0x.ROM.

In my laptop graphics card can be changed and bios of the video card does not lie in a separate file OPROM0x.ROM in the BIOS.
I bought 9600m gs rev.C1
It has appeared that with 9600m gs rev.A1 my laptop works, but with my 9600m gs rev.C1 - no.
I thought that if you explicitly specify in the table DSDT (the same ASPI Module in Phoenix bios)
parameters 9600m gs, rev.C1, the laptop will work.

Maybe I think incorrectly))?

 

@reylby,

You need to check in BIOS ROM file if it have blacklist entry which only allow certain graphic card can be installed. There is similar issue with HP laptop & third-party wireless adapter. I don't think by modifying DSDT will make the graphic card works. Other factor that can causing it to not working maybe because it didn't get enough power supply to the card. If it only because BIOS blacklist, you can make it works. Please search/look how HP owner modified their BIOS to bypass the blacklist. If I found anything, I'll let you know.

kizwan

 

@reylby & kizwan

yeah, both cards are MXM-II capable, so I also think its black listed or better to say the ID is not in white list (allow list).

Other possibility is maybe to change the "Sub Vendor ID"
can you send me both original BIOS files from 9600M GS Rev.C1 and 8600M GT ???

btw: I have found nothing special in the DSDT table regarding to 8600M/9600M

 

You may want to check if the white list is in the OPROMS.

 

I recently upgraded an Aspire 5570z from a T2060 to T7200, and have VT locked out by the BIOS with no option to toggle.

Any chances you might be able to fix that? The 5570z uses the same BIOS as the 5570 and can be found here:

http://global-download.acer.com/GDF...tep3=Aspire 5570&OS=V10&LC=en&BC=Acer&SC=PA_7

I'd probably look into it myself but I'm lazy/scared

Thanks!

 

9600m gs rev.A1 Voltages - 0,89V-1V
9600m gs rev.C1 Voltages - 0,90V-1V

9600m gs rev.C1 - Sub Vendor ID - 10DE - "Nvidia"
9600m gs rev.A1 - Sub Vendor ID - ?
8600M GT - Sub Vendor ID - 1025 - "Acer"
But 9600mgs - from the Acer Aspire 6930g.
Or maybe blocking "Nvidia" in bios Aspire 5920g?!

 

Modified Acer Aspire 5570/5570z v3508 Bios file, need volunteers for tests, hehe
- added Intel VT-x menu
- updated VGA Bios 7300Go (v5.72.22.46.57 --> v5.72.22.58.44)
- updated VGA Bios Intel 82945GM (v1313 --> v1585) - *changed*
- patched DSDT table (only CPU Core fix, RTC, HPET)
- fixed a lot wrong BIOS information
- changed a lot descriptions/dialogs and some help information
- ....
- ....


Updated: Download Link on page 6
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=6131976#post6131976

No responsible for any bad flash!

 

I think the updated VGA BIOS is not working - My 5570z has a i943 chipset and not an i945. It starts up and instead of the Phoenix boot screen it's black with very faint grey horizontal lines. In Vista the right 3/4 of the screen is black and the final quarter is green.

While I dig around to find the right recovery method for this, would you be able to either roll back to the 1313 vgabios or use the latest i943 vgabios?

Thanks!

Edit: Since the BIOS flash wasn't a total wash I was able to use Method 1 from this thread on a 2GB flash drive, but I didn't need to use Fn+ESC, I just let the operation complete on its own. After the automatic reboot everything looked just dandy.

FYI - here's an image of what Vista looked like. http://yfrog.com/0gdsc000931yj

 

thx for your support.

here is new BIOS Version with old/original VGA rom v1313.

Updated: Download Link on page 6
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=6131976#post6131976

 

And thanks for your hacking! Since the display was the only messed up thing I've got high confidence in this working. I'll let you know in 5 minutes if it worked, and 15 minutes if it didn't

Update: Here's the skinny:

VT shows as 'LOCKED ON' now from SecurAble, so that's a go! Two bugs though from some quick tests of features I'd normally use:

Bug 1: BIOS Hang upon selecting the final save menu. Can still use F10 to save and exit, but selecting from boot to exit by pressing right arrow, or by pressing left arrow from the Information screen, no further input is accepted. Eventually capslock light will come on, but nothing is recognized by the system and it will eventually beep at key input.

Bug 2: F12 boot menu doesn't appear even if enabled. Text apears on graphical logo screen stating press F12 but it is not accepted.

There's a legacy issue that occurred in the Acer BIOS where +/- wouldn't shift boot device order up/down, not a priority to me since I'd use F12 if I need to (or in the case where I had to recover and couldn't see anything, I physically removed the HDD for the USB drive boot). But if its an easy fix and you like the challenge/experience

Thanks again!

 

THANKS MAN! YOU ROCK! It works.

 

Did you build the altered BIOS for that laptop model?
Would you make the amiability of sharing? Please, don't take me in a wrong way, I'm just trying to save some time and not bricking my computer [and yep I'm lazy]

 

I don't know if it just me or not, Acer Aspire 5570/5570z v3508 original BIOS file looks strange. I "lost" when trying to locate "Main" setup table but no problem with "Advanced" setup table.

Code:

(strings)
25CB: Loc Intel Virtualization Technology
02D8: Loc text CB 25

(templat0)
0A2D: MENU Loc - contains locations & values text D8 02 DA 02
--> 00000A2D 00 14 D8 02 DA 02 E4 29 D9 29 C3 29 CE 29 DD 01
--> 00000A3D 5E 05 66 05 00 50
00 Pick field
14 Length
D8 02 - Offset in strings
DA 02 - Offset in strings
TOKEN ID 01DD
5E 05 - Offset in strings
66 05 - Offset in strings

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

Advanced Menu
(strings)
1AB6: Loc Advanced string
0204: Loc text B6 1A

(templat0)
08C1: Loc text 10 0A 04 02 00 00
      2nd bytes, 0A is the total length from 1st bytes, 10.
      "1st table"="04 02" (item), "2nd Table"="00 00" (description)
016C: Loc Advanced menu
--> 00000168 5B 0E BC 01 C1 08 08 02 8D 0E 0A 04 F5 11 98 06 F9 0D A8 04 00 00 00 00
0E5B Main
08C1 Advanced
0E8D Security
11F5 Boot
0DF9 Exit
C1 08 (Advanced) linked to 08 02
--> 00000200 A5 0A 00 00 00 00 00 00 61 08 00 00 D5 1D 00 00
--> 00000210 ED 1D 00 00 91 0D 00 00 79 08 00 00 91 08 00 00
--> 00000220 41 1E 00 00 6D 1E 00 00 85 1E 00 00 59 1E 00 00
--> 00000230 91 0D 00 00 A9 08 00 00 01 1E 00 00 19 1E 00 00
--> 00000240 2D 1E 00 00 91 0D 00 00 00 00 00 00 13 14 00 00
Jump to 0861
--> 00000861 00 18 B4 02 B6 02 DF 20 25 21
Type = 00 (Pick field), Length = 18, 1st offset in strings = 02B4, 2nd offset in strings = 02B6
20DF & 2125 are fillers

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

Unlock VT menu:
Patch Loc 0248 (00 00) with (2D 0A)
--> 00000200 A5 0A 00 00 00 00 00 00 61 08 00 00 D5 1D 00 00
--> 00000210 ED 1D 00 00 91 0D 00 00 79 08 00 00 91 08 00 00
--> 00000220 41 1E 00 00 6D 1E 00 00 85 1E 00 00 59 1E 00 00
--> 00000230 91 0D 00 00 A9 08 00 00 01 1E 00 00 19 1E 00 00
--> 00000240 2D 1E 00 00 91 0D 00 00 2D 0A 00 00 13 14 00 00

Before & after modification:-


VT menu in Main setup table:-

Code:

(strings)
25CB: Loc Intel Virtualization Technology
02D8: Loc text CB 25

(templat0)
0A2D: MENU Loc - contains locations & values text D8 02 DA 02
--> 00000A2D 00 14 D8 02 DA 02 E4 29 D9 29 C3 29 CE 29 DD 01
--> 00000A3D 5E 05 66 05 00 50
00 Pick field
14 Length
D8 02 - Offset in strings
DA 02 - Offset in strings
TOKEN ID 01DD
5E 05 - Offset in strings
66 05 - Offset in strings

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

Advanced Menu
(strings)
1AB6: Loc Advanced string
0204: Loc text B6 1A

(templat0)
08C1: Loc text 10 0A 04 02 00 00
      2nd bytes, 0A is the total length from 1st bytes, 10.
      "1st table"="04 02" (item), "2nd Table"="00 00" (description)
016C: Loc Advanced menu
--> 00000168 5B 0E BC 01 C1 08 08 02 8D 0E 0A 04 F5 11 98 06 F9 0D A8 04 00 00 00 00
0E5B Main
08C1 Advanced
0E8D Security
11F5 Boot
0DF9 Exit
// Putting VT menu in Main section
// C1 08 (Advanced) linked to 08 02
5B 0E (Main) linked to BC 01
// --> 00000200 A5 0A 00 00 00 00 00 00 61 08 00 00 D5 1D 00 00
// --> 00000210 ED 1D 00 00 91 0D 00 00 79 08 00 00 91 08 00 00
// --> 00000220 41 1E 00 00 6D 1E 00 00 85 1E 00 00 59 1E 00 00
// --> 00000230 91 0D 00 00 A9 08 00 00 01 1E 00 00 19 1E 00 00
// --> 00000240 2D 1E 00 00 91 0D 00 00 00 00 00 00 13 14 00 00
--> 000001B0 51 09 00 00 21 09 00 00 00 00 00 00 AF 0E 00 00
--> 000001C0 9B 0D 00 00 91 0D 00 00 A3 0E 00 00 03 0E 00 00
--> 000001D0 B1 09 00 00 49 08 00 00 91 0D 00 00 69 09 00 00
--> 000001E0 7D 09 00 00 BD 09 00 00 9D 09 00 00 D1 09 00 00
--> 000001F0 00 00 00 00 DD 0A 00 00
// Jump to 0861
Jump to 0EAF
// --> 00000861 00 18 B4 02 B6 02 DF 20 25 21
--> 00000EAF 21 0A DA 06 EE 02 A8 38 B3 38 10 0A 00 00
// Type = 00 (Pick field), Length = 18, 1st offset in strings = 02B4, 2nd offset in strings = 02B6
Type = 21 (Time), Length = 0A, 1st offset in strings = 06DA, 2nd offset in strings = 02EE
// 20DF & 2125 are fillers
38A8 & 38B3 are fillers

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

Unlock VT menu:
// Patch Loc 0248 (00 00) with (2D 0A)
Patch Loc 01F0 (00 00) with (2D 0A)
// --> 00000200 A5 0A 00 00 00 00 00 00 61 08 00 00 D5 1D 00 00
// --> 00000210 ED 1D 00 00 91 0D 00 00 79 08 00 00 91 08 00 00
// --> 00000220 41 1E 00 00 6D 1E 00 00 85 1E 00 00 59 1E 00 00
// --> 00000230 91 0D 00 00 A9 08 00 00 01 1E 00 00 19 1E 00 00
// --> 00000240 2D 1E 00 00 91 0D 00 00 2D 0A 00 00 13 14 00 00
--> 000001B0 51 09 00 00 21 09 00 00 00 00 00 00 AF 0E 00 00
--> 000001C0 9B 0D 00 00 91 0D 00 00 A3 0E 00 00 03 0E 00 00
--> 000001D0 B1 09 00 00 49 08 00 00 91 0D 00 00 69 09 00 00
--> 000001E0 7D 09 00 00 BD 09 00 00 9D 09 00 00 D1 09 00 00
--> 000001F0 2D 0A 00 00 DD 0A 00 00

Before & after modification:-


kizwan

 

Ok this is how I locate/analyse the setup-tables.
I assume that you can handle with HexEditors (I prefer WinHex)
Reference BIOS: Acer Aspire 5570/5570z v3508


One advice, beginn always with first editable description, e.g. 'CPU Type:' (not the root descriptions, like 'Information')


01) open STRINGS00.ROM file with WinHex, select the first 28 Bytes (0x1C) and delete them (Entf key).




02) use "Find Test" function (STRG+F), type the string you would like to find. We search for 'CPU Type:'

03) click with the cursor on the first letter of the string 'C' (sometimes it could be a space) and notice the Offset 0x1D94




04) go/scroll to the top of the file, offset 0x00 and use function "Find Hex Values" (STRG+Alt+X), type/search 941D

remember the endian format, so 0x1D94 --> 941D

05) now you are somewhere in the string-jump-table and you see our 941D value

06) notice the new offset 0x0230, convert to format 3002




07) open the nodes file (TEMPLAT00.ROM) and use function "Find Hex Values" (STRG+Alt+X), type/search 3002




08) go 2 bytes back/left and notice the offset 0x11E9, convert to format E911

09) go/scroll to the top of the file, offset 0x00 and use function "Find Hex Values" (STRG+Alt+X), type/search E911

10) you should land on the top of the "Information" jump-table






I have prepared graphic example, you know, pictures say more than a thousand words!

1) install/start WinHex and download this package
2) open 'TEMPLAT0.ROM' with WinHex from the package
3) goto "Position Manager" or press (STRG+M)
4) right click on white area, select "Load position file"
5) open/select 'WinHexPos_for_Acer5570_TEMPLAT0.pos' from the package
Optional: If you wish that WinHex load this pos file every time, rename the file to 'WinHex.pos' and copy to 'C:\Program Files\WinHex' folder
6) press (STRG+M) to hide "Position Manager"


Now you see a lot marked bytes which corresponding to Setup Table in Phoenix Bios Editor, but it should be now self-explanatory.







Small Summary:
You see the major-offset-jump-table [StringOffset 'black' + SetupTableOffset 'orange']

From here you jump to different setup tables [Information 'blue', Main 'green', Advanced 'purple', ...]

So in that setup tables you see again true offset-jump-table, each is linked to code chain [Mode;Length;Stings;Fillers;Token;Strings]
It goes further deeper and deeper --> Token and Filler Bytes ("Filler bytes" are again offset-jump-tables)
But right now that is not our target.

You also see termination command [0x0000 'red'], it terminate the node menu.

The [Generic Text 'brown'] are very useful, they are out of function,
so we can replace them with our code/call (e.g. to add VT-x menu) if we have no other possibilities.

You might see in that Bios we have a lot [free/unused 'yellow'] space, good for us.





Hope you enjoyed my amateur approach, hehe

Feedback, Comments, Suggestions, Criticism, .... I welcome it all !!!

 

Yes will release soon (tomorrow ?!?!)

what series do you have?

 

Hi again, AWESOME Tutorails!

I had a problem with my onboard lan not showing up in my device manager for a while now (I think it's dead). So I added the onboard lan feature to my advanced setup (replaced Numlock in jump list thingy).

And it's grayed out, does this conclude that the onboad lan is really dead or did I do something wrong?

Thanks Again!

 

Did you have this problem in the past, or since you flashed patched bios?

Did you read this? (help information)
Controls power to the on-board device.
NOTE: Re-enabling the LAN after it has been disabled requires platform power cycling.
Manageability Feature must be set to NONE before setting this option.

 

No its not the bios file. Its been dead for two or three months now, I was hoping it was disabled in the bios but it seems as it is fried.

 

Series? Do you mean the: "Aspire 5634WLMi" ?

By the way, do you have heating problems with the laptop? I need to undervolt it so it survives in Windows... The CPU easily goes over 100ºC... (warranty is over )

 

Excellent Guide!

 

I have found nothing special about (10DE - "Nvidia") in your Bios.
You can try to change the SubVendorID and flash the VGA Bios to your 9600M GS card.
I can help if you don't know how.

The VGA bios file you send was from 9600M GS rev.C1, right?

Did you checked your LAN-Port?
Can you use any Live-CDs (like ubuntu) and check your onBoard LAN? Maybe you need to reinstall your windows.

yeah, need to know the correct model name (series).

wow! did you ever changed the thermal paste? I think you have to blow the dust off.

my Laptop (Aspire 5611AWLMi) has same hardware as yours and it is very silent and cool.

hehe thanks

 

I've tried Ubuntu 6.01, Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7. It's not working in none of them. Even the Boot from LAN option isn't working. And when connected to a router while booting up no lights on the router flicker.

I'll open open it to see if there's a ic that could be replaced.
Thanks for the help!

 

For reference, I have a 5570z and I've replaced the T2060 with a T7200 and the cores show around 50c with Speedfan. The fan only comes on occasinally and is very quiet. Onboard Intel though so I can't account for any video chipset heat.

Like bob said, cleaning the dust out will do wonders. It is also possible that the dust has gunked up the fan and you might need to get a replacement fan. If you ever changed the thermal paste it could be that it didn't cover enough or had too much and isn't cooling as well.

Easiest bet would be getting compressed air and blowing it into the side vent and bottom vent. If it still overheats then taking it apart and cleaning it would help a lot, look around for a disassembly guide and keep track of all the screws - for my 5570z there are 18 just to take the bottom assembly off, not including all the others it takes to get to that point! Be careful about the keyboard and touchpad wires, be gentle and lift the guide up. The only thing that took actual force for me is the guard above the keyboard and oddly enough the keyboard itself.

While you're in there spin the fan; if it spins easily and doesn't offer a lot of resistance it should still be good. If it is hard to spin or stops very quickly and feels gunked up you'll need a replacement.

Good luck!

 

I figured I'd also add that bob12x has been working with me on testing updates for the 5570/5570z BIOS. The bugs that I mentioned in V2 are now fixed; we're working on getting a VGABios later than 1313 functioning. I'm sure once everything is confirmed fully functional bob12x will be posting it or updating his original post.

Reference system is a 5570z/i943 with onboard Intel with some modification (T7200/2GB/Bluetooth added/7800mAh battery). Once the BIOS testing is over I'm throwing in a 320GB 7200rpm drive and installing Win7. Then...I shall rest. Mainly because I don't think there's anyway to upgrade this further aside from an LCD bezel swap to have an orbicam and it would be cheaper just to buy a USB webcam anyway!

 

Thanks, I'll try that...

 

Oh, don't take apart the cooling assembly (copper heatsinks) unless you've got rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) and some fresh themal paste to replace it. Once you break that seal you'll need to replace it to make sure the thermal transfer is optimal.