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

    Discussion in 'Acer' started by kizwan, Mar 8, 2010.

  1. Frat

    Frat Notebook Enthusiast

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    Yeah XD, I was talking about the "checking the fans" part :p
     
  2. reylby

    reylby Notebook Enthusiast

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    Excellent instruction, just a guide to action! Thanks.

    I can not change the the SubVendorID, even though I know how to do it.
    Laptop with this 9600M GS rev.C1 does not load Windows, and I have not the EEPROM burner.

    Besides, earlier I did flash my GF 8600M GT from firmware GF 9500M GS. When firmware, where SubVendorID - Acer, laptop worked fine, but when firmware, where SubVendorID - Nvidia, no load.

    Imho, easier somehow
    IF (SubVendorID =1025) TO (work on) ELSE (stop)
     
  3. bob12x

    bob12x Notebook Enthusiast

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    Here are some final modified BIOS files, so who wanna give a try??


    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Aspire 3680/5570/5570z/5580
    TravelMate 2480/3260/3270
    Extensa 4210/4610
    (Board Model ZR1, based on BIOS v1.3508)

    - 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 --> v1377)
    - patched DSDT table (only CPU Core fix, RTC, HPET)
    - updated SLIC v2.1
    - fixed a lot wrong BIOS information
    - changed a lot descriptions/dialogs and some help information
    - changed/increased Bios version to v1.3588

    Thanks goes to OMGSnarf for testing!!!


    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Aspire 5920/5920G
    (Board Model ZD1, based on BIOS v1.3813)

    - added Intel VT-x menu
    - updated PXE Broadcom NetXtreme Ethernet Boot Agent (v9.4.5 --> v10.0.9)
    - updated SLIC v2.1
    - patched DSDT table (only CPU Core fix, RTC, HPET)
    - fixed a lot wrong BIOS information
    - changed a lot descriptions/dialogs and some help information
    - changed/increased Bios version to v1.3833

    Thanks a lot for the test reylby!!


    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Aspire 3690/5610/5610Z/5630/5650/5680
    TravelMate 2490/4200/4230/4260/4280
    Extensa 5510/5510Z
    (Board Model HBL50/HBL51, based on BIOS v3.60)

    - added Intel VT-x menu
    - updated VGA Bios Intel 82945GM (v1313 --> v1585) *untested*
    - updated VGA Bios 7300Go (v5.72.22.58.30 --> v5.72.22.58.44) G72M
    - updated VGA Bios 7600Go (v5.73.22.55.03 --> v5.73.22.22.33) G73M
    - updated VGA Bios 7600Go (v5.73.22.47.17 --> v5.73.22.47.77) G73M B1
    - updated PXE Broadcom 440X Fast Ethernet Boot Agent (v2.0.6 --> v2.0.9)
    - updated PXE Broadcom NetXtreme Ethernet Boot Agent (v9.0.12 --> v10.0.9)
    - updated SLIC v2.1
    - patched DSDT table (only CPU Core fix, RTC, HPET)
    - fixed a lot wrong BIOS information
    - changed a lot descriptions/dialogs and some help information
    - changed/increased Bios version to v3.66

    Tested by Frat, Thanks!!!


    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Sony VAIO VGN-FZ31Z
    (Board Model SANTA ROSA, based on BIOS R2110J7)

    - added Intel VT-x menu
    - added SATA AHCI menu
    - added Keyboard stuff menu
    - added onBoard LAN menu
    - updated SLIC v2.1
    - fixed a lot wrong BIOS information
    - changed a lot descriptions/dialogs and some help information
    - changed/increased Bios version to R2110JJ
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 8, 2015
  4. bob12x

    bob12x Notebook Enthusiast

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    You mean your Laptop has black screen and you can't see Windows booting but you can hear it, right?
    If so, then I can write small howto and you can flash new firmware.
     
  5. reylby

    reylby Notebook Enthusiast

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    After power on with 9600m gs rev.C1 my laptop has black screen and I can't see Windows booting and I don't hear sounds booting. Simply is shone the button of "Power" and touch keys on the right, and also the fan works.
    Thanks, I know command (nvflash -4 -5 -6 my.rom) for flashing blindly, but system don't booting
     
  6. Frat

    Frat Notebook Enthusiast

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    Are these complete builds, or it requires to do those steps you told?

     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 8, 2015
  7. bob12x

    bob12x Notebook Enthusiast

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    ach too bad
    can you get compatible Laptop to flash the 9600M GS card??


    of course they are complete builds!
     
  8. Frat

    Frat Notebook Enthusiast

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    Can I update it in a Win7@64bit session? I tried using a 64bit WinPHlash but it returned error code: -103
     
  9. reylby

    reylby Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks! Nice work.
    Only the keys +, -, f, r, x in Setup Boot does not work. They work keys F5, F6.
    But it is not important))).
    Laptop works fine

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 8, 2015
  10. reylby

    reylby Notebook Enthusiast

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    Unfortunately, no. I have bought it on Ebay. It from Acer Aspire 6930g.
    But a video card the worker. If the video card is dead - the laptop loads system, and the screen is slightly-slightly illuminated.

    From REL_NOTE by bios v.1.3813
    And a couple of lines from ASPI, associated, imho, with the video card
    Code:
    Device(PEGP) {
            Name(_ADR,0x00010000)
            Method(_STA,0,NotSerialized) {
              If(\_SB.PCI0.MCHC.PEGA) {
                Return(0x0F)
              } Else {
                Return(0x00)
              }
            }
    ...
    Device(GFX0) {
            Name(_ADR,0x00020000)
            Method(_STA,0,NotSerialized) {
              If(\_SB.PCI0.MCHC.PEGA) {
                Return(0x00)
              } Else {
                Return(0x0F)
              }
            }
    ...
     
  11. reylby

    reylby Notebook Enthusiast

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    P.S. Slightly changed the performance evaluation Win 7
    Graphics 4,6 -> 4,5
    Graphics for games 5,7 -> 5,8
    But points of 3DMark06 remained the same 3801->3805
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 8, 2015
  12. weinter

    weinter /dev/null

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    How do you patch RTC and HPET?
     
  13. bob12x

    bob12x Notebook Enthusiast

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    try this WinPhlash_v1.7.4.0


    strange, does it works with original Bios?


    I have not changed anything related to GPU.
    but such small changes are possible.


    I used 'ACPI (DSDT) Patcher (v0.2 Beta5)' - thx kizwan for info

    - load your Bios file with PBE
    - in TEMP folder you will find 'ACPI00.AML'
    - apply your patches
    - rebuild the bios
     
  14. reylby

    reylby Notebook Enthusiast

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    With original bios does it works F5 and F6

    I think that these changes in the performance of graphics related to the patch HPET(High_Precision_Event_Timer)
     
  15. Frat

    Frat Notebook Enthusiast

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    still nothing... WinPhlash just quits when I press the Patch button, and no action is taken. Even the backup isn't made. I guess I'll need to install XP on a small partition :/
     
  16. kizwan

    kizwan Lord Pringles

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    Yeah, it does make sense.

    Patching DSDT is to fix DSDT so that it will follow ACPI standard (please refer to ACPI documentation). Most manufacturer build computer that only windows-compatible. When trying to install/use linux for example, you may get a lot of problem. Patching the DSDT may fix this kind of problem. In most cases (99.99%) it will improve the computer performances.

    EDIT: This explanation is based on my understanding. Please refer to other resources for better understanding.

    kizwan
     
  17. weinter

    weinter /dev/null

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    Ok I get it, it is a patch to make it OS X ACPI compatible.
    Actually OS X is not really ACPI compliant.
    A lot of DSDT actually meets ACPI 3.0 Standards.
    Rip it off RW-Everything
    Decompile and recompile and you should find very little errors.
    I did debug my Acer Aspire 4530 DSDT it was actually mostly error free with bit of warnings.
     
  18. kizwan

    kizwan Lord Pringles

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  19. Frat

    Frat Notebook Enthusiast

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    Well, it WORKS!!! Thank you... Basically I put Hiren's Boot on a pen drive, booted the portable WinXP and from there updated the bios...
    Intel-VT enabled on Aspire 5630 ;)
     
  20. Naamloos

    Naamloos Newbie

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    Ill try this as soon as I close my vaio. Thanks
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 8, 2015
  21. tidus-x

    tidus-x Newbie

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    Hi guys, i'm new here ^^, i want to know if my Acer's 9120 bios can be modified too to enable VT :)
    thanks in advance
     
  22. kizwan

    kizwan Lord Pringles

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    It depend on the CPU. You can check in Intel website to know if the CPU have Intel Virtualization Technology capability or not. I'm unable to find Acer Aspire 9120 specification anywhere. If it support VT, I will build the BIOS for you.

    kizwan
     
  23. tidus-x

    tidus-x Newbie

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    Yes KIZWAN my CPU support VT but I cannot enable it in the bios settings :
    i've dowloaded an intel tools and i have an Intel® Core™2 Duo CPU T5500 @ 1.66GHz. thanks in advance :)
     

    Attached Files:

  24. kizwan

    kizwan Lord Pringles

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    That is odd. I see different specification at Intel website:-
    http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=27253

    However, I will modify your BIOS & post it here.

    kizwan
     
  25. kizwan

    kizwan Lord Pringles

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    This is modified BIOS with VT menu unlocked for Aspire 9120. Based on BIOS v2.60.
    http://www.mediafire.com/?dyzmemhh1uy
    [​IMG]

    I will not responsible for any failed flash. Good luck.

    kizwan
     
  26. tidus-x

    tidus-x Newbie

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    Thanks a lot man ^^ .
    but i want to know if the bios flash crashes.....will i never be able to power on my computer ??? :confused:
     
  27. kizwan

    kizwan Lord Pringles

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    "failed flash" means the update process not finish or half way because of a couple of factor, not because of the BIOS file. One of the factor is power loss during update process.

    In the event of BIOS corruption, it is possible to recover from it.
    "The Crisis Recovery procedure described in this guide depends on a special emergency feature called the boot-block, which is built into most Phoenix BIOS chips since around 2001. The boot-block is a tiny part of the BIOS that holds some special code. This code allows the computer to boot in Crisis Recovery Mode (CRM), in case the rest of the BIOS becomes corrupted. The boot-block area does not normally get overwritten when a BIOS update (flash) is performed. That said, it is possible to overwrite the boot-block code if you try hard enough, so you want to make sure it is still functional before moving on."
    http://web.telia.com/~u43311424/crisis-recovery-disk/

    So far, I was able to recover my dell laptop twice. Also successfully testing the recovery process on my acer.

    If you're afraid to flash your BIOS, don't do it.

    kizwan
     
  28. kizwan

    kizwan Lord Pringles

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    Hi guys,

    I have updated post #2. For users who don't know, the BIOS recovery process explain at post #2 in this thread, the Crisis Recovery Mode, can be applied to other computer model that have Phoenix BIOS too.

    kizwan
     
  29. phloren_84

    phloren_84 Notebook Enthusiast

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    kizwan or bob12x could you please help me enable AHCI on my Packard Bell Easynote SJ82 (It has a phoenix bios)? My sata controller is MCP67 and is running in IDE mode (it's very sloooow :( )with no option in bios to enable AHCI (even though the controller if fully capable off).

    A very big THANKS for your work and tutorials you provide us :cheers:
     

    Attached Files:

  30. bob12x

    bob12x Notebook Enthusiast

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    here you go!

    ModBios for PackardBell Easynote SJ82 v1.0A
    - unhidden AMD-V menu
    - unhidden SATA AHCI menu
     
  31. DavyGT

    DavyGT Overclocker

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    Besides adding the VT-x feature of the CPUs is it possible to enable some overclocking support? Even just a FSB clock option would be useful as my notebook is completely locked down- PLL doesn't support clock changing and no BSEL mods are possible.
     
  32. phloren_84

    phloren_84 Notebook Enthusiast

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    bob12x THANK YOU for the bios provided, but I'm a n00b I forgot to mention that my CPU is AMD Turion x2 TL60, so no need for Intel VT-x (virtualization is enabled , I checked it with Securable). Could you please redo the bios without Intel VT-x (I'm concerned that it might brick my laptop)? tnx
     
  33. kizwan

    kizwan Lord Pringles

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    It is possible if such strings/text exist in BIOS file, specifically in STRINGS0.ROM file. The process is the same just like unlocked/unhidden/enable the VT menu.

    Sorry for my amateur question, what is the PLL & BSEL? I'm not good with acronyms.

    kizwan
     
  34. kizwan

    kizwan Lord Pringles

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    I don't think it will causing problem. It just a name (Intel VT-x) & machine don't understand it. It just set token ID for VT to 0000 or 0001 to disable or enable VT regardless CPU type. I know such menu is not required for AMD processor because VT enabled by default but I can't think of any reason it will caused problem.

    kizwan
     
  35. DavyGT

    DavyGT Overclocker

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    BSEL is pin modding CPU/sockets to run at a higher default FSB. Only Intel sockets get the FSB pinmod so far and it doesn't work on Intel chipsets from 945GM onwards, except for CULV notebooks AFAIK. This effectively overclocks the CPU.
    PLL uses software to change the FSB, also overclocking the CPU.
    EDIT: Anyway, here is the BIOS. I dunno if overclocking options are hidden or not in BIOS. Thanks anyway.
     
  36. phloren_84

    phloren_84 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Still, I don't want to activate a token that I don't know what it does. It's to risky, I'll have the patience to wait a new version of bios from bob12x. :cheers:
     
  37. bob12x

    bob12x Notebook Enthusiast

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    Ach sorry I meant the AMD-Virtualization not Intel VT-x.

    I have edit my previous post!!

    btw: no need to redo the changes, becouse it was only hiden and enabled by default.
     
  38. kizwan

    kizwan Lord Pringles

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    Sorry. I has go through your BIOS file (STRINGS0.ROM) & there is no string such as FSB, voltage or any other strings that reflect overclocking.

    I believe you already tried RMClock, right?

    kizwan
     
  39. phloren_84

    phloren_84 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I tried to flash the bios modded by bob12x (command: phlash16.exe mod.rom) and it fails:

    "Pheonix Phlash16 Error

    File open failed on BIOS ROM file

    Press any key to exit"

    How I did it: booted into DOS (no EMM386, with NTFS 4 DOS) from Hiren Boot CD, changed to the right folder and executing command "phlash16.exe mod.rom". Any ideas?

    I tried with Winphlash 1.6.7.7 also and I have the following error (see attachment please).

    Which is the correct way to flash a Phoenix bios? (with AMI and Award seems to be much simplier)
     

    Attached Files:

  40. kizwan

    kizwan Lord Pringles

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    @phloren_84, try rename the modified BIOS file to BIOS.WPH. Boot into DOS & run phlash16.exe only.

    kizwan
     
  41. DavyGT

    DavyGT Overclocker

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    I expected that. I now believe nothing short of swapping the (non existent) PLL clock crystal or writing a new BIOS will allow overclocking. HP/Compaq locked down the V2000 series real good.

    RMClock is used for undervolting. I have undervolted the CPU already. Thanks or the help anyway.
     
  42. phloren_84

    phloren_84 Notebook Enthusiast

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    kizwan I'm getting the same error as before. Could the bios image be the cause (I'm asking this because when I try to open it wih PBE 2.2.1.3 it returns 3 error messanges within the loading process)
     

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    • tlu.png
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  43. reylby

    reylby Notebook Enthusiast

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    To all returns such error messanges. Press "Yes" :)
     
  44. kizwan

    kizwan Lord Pringles

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    Such message (Unsupported module) can be safely ignored. Looks like the BIOS image is properly built. Normally, phlash16 & winplash will check the integrity of the BIOS image but the error messages you post doesn't seems relate to it.

    If you have not try phlash16.exe which I posted at post #2, please download & try it again. I'll try to see if there is another version of phlash16.exe that works with your laptop.

    EDIT: Try this parameter: phlash16.exe /c /v /x BIOS.wph

    kizwan
     
  45. phloren_84

    phloren_84 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I used phlash16.exe from your post, I'll give it a try with phlash16.exe /c /v /x BIOS.wph

    LE: the same error with phlash16.exe /c /v /x BIOS.wph :(
     
  46. kizwan

    kizwan Lord Pringles

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    Looks like for Packard Bell Easynote SJ82 series laptop, if you update your BIOS using original package, you will require one CD-RW. I'm looking in the package & will let you know what I found.

    kizwan
     
  47. PsychoUsagi

    PsychoUsagi Notebook Consultant

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    Hey kizwan. You posted a response to me in the biosmods forums saying you could mod my phoenix bios for me. Hopefully it's not too late to take you up on that offer. The model we'd like unlocked is a gateway and overclocking options are in the Strings0.ROM file just not in the setup table so this should be suitable right?

    Here is a screenshot of the strings.

    [​IMG]

    And this is what it should look like in the setup table in PBE (from the BIOS of a previous model of our computer which isn't supported by the chipset)

    [​IMG]

    Here is an upload of the BIOS.

    http://www.mediafire.com/?zhcm4mdjy3e

    If you'd like I can also upload the BIOS of the previous model which already contains these strings in the setup table as well.
     
  48. kizwan

    kizwan Lord Pringles

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    Hi PsychoUsagi. I'll look into your BIOS image & will post here the modified one when it ready.

    kizwan
     
  49. PsychoUsagi

    PsychoUsagi Notebook Consultant

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    Alright, thanks a ton. A good amount of people will be really happy if you can do this, including myself. =]
     
  50. kizwan

    kizwan Lord Pringles

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    Which version of Phoenix BIOS Editor did you use to open the BIOS image? I use version 2.2 & I get "No BCPs found" error when trying to open the BIOS image.

    EDIT: I found PBE version 2.2.1.3 which can open the BIOS image.

    kizwan
     
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