Big Bios Upgrade Problem

Hi there,

I have a big problem with an Acer 5720. I tried updating the bios to v1.21, using the windows flash method in the software that came with the bios download. I downloaded the bios upgrade from the Acer website.

I got an error message and the laptop hanged. I had to unplug the battery and remove the power to reboot. Now the laptop won't even turn on and the green light around the power button just flashes, mocking me.

I the program has corrupted the bios. Does anyone know what I need to do to fix it...

 

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Yes I used the correct bios. The error was something like "ERROR VIOLATION" or something like that. I can't remember exactly.

There were two options, one for dos update and one for windows update. I used the windows update, it just started to "erase and program" the bios when i got the error and it froze.

 

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Apparently Acer said it was chargable up to £100 + VAT. I'm devestated. It was my dads laptop too. I did a bios update no problem on my 5920. Can't believe this can happen.

 

Was there a particular reason you decided to flash the BIOS? (Especially on your dads Laptop?).

A BIOS update really should only be done when there is a specific fix mentioned in the release notes that applies to you.
While things generally go well, there is always a risk of something going wrong when doing a BIOS update.

I noticed you said it 'hung' so you had to remove all power to reboot...maybe you had no choice, but once you lose power during a BIOS flash, you're pretty much in trouble. (There may have still been an option available during the error message).

Anyway, sorry to hear the news, but if nothing else, this will bump your thread up and there may be other ideas. (Not sure if there is a way to recover the old BIOS...I know it supposedly makes a backup, but I've never needed to use it).

I know on some desktop motherboards, there is a replaceable ROM chip you can sometimes order from the manufacturer.

Not sure about a Laptop, but my guess is that it's not so user friendly.
I'm afraid Acer may be the only option at this point.

Good luck.

 

thanks thenut. The reason I was updating the bios was because the cursor kept moving about while typing and I read that updating the bios might fix it.

Before I attempted the upgrade I read in the readme that came with the bios that one of the fixes mentioned something similar to what my problem with the typing was, so i decided to go for it.

Unfortunately there wasn't any option when the error message came up, only an OK button that I couldn't press because the keyboard or mouse or anything didn't work.

I'll tell my dad to just ring Acer and not to mention anything about updating the Bios.

 

hello there,
i had the same cursor problem and soundcard problems too.i read that a BIOS update is needed in order to overcome these problems and i had the same message right after i started the operation.im going to send my computer to acer

 

Hello,
sorry to hear..
You might try this.. acer crisis recovery??
http://forums11.itrc.hp.com/service...447626+1204029345165+28353475&threadId=974719

 

to test if boot block recovery is still working, plugin a usb or usb floppy, press and hold FN + ESC then power button, if it reads the flash drive or usb then you can use a crisis disk

 

The way to fix the cursor jumping about whilst typing is to go into the Touchpad software and tick the box which diables the touchpad for a time you define whilst you are typing.

 

I don't know if you solve your problem but I'm writing it on all forums where I was looking for the solution for the same issue.
For all Acer Aspire 5720ZG-1A1G12 users: it has insyde bios so it's pretty simple to repair it after damaging bios. Just download bios zip file from acer website http://support.acer-euro.com/drivers/notebook/as_5720.html extract file: "CL50142A.fd" rename it to "ICL50HW.fd" and burn it on cd or dvd then like Mudhi said
"1. Insert CDRom, remove battery and power cord.
2. Hold down ESC + FN key, insert power cord, then press power button.
3. Then wait for the recovery to be done, be patient, maybe 5 or 10 minutes, then it power down by itself.
4. Unplug the power cord, wait another 5 minutes, then insert battery and plug the power cord and boot it normally."