Bad vga bios flash on G73SW help needed!

Hey guys,

I tried flashing my GTX 460m bios with one that obviously wasn't meant for it on Dell's website for what seemed to be my card. Any way, when I turn on the computer there no longer is any thing displayed on the screen. I tried connecting an external monitor via the d-sub port but I still cant seem to get an image. Is there any way to flash it back to the original bios?
I hope I don't end up having a very expensive paperweight .

Thanks!

 

1. Get a copy of the original VBIOS or just use your own copy if one was made.
2. You will then need to do a Blind flash from a USB stick. Easiest way is to create a .bat file with the command(s) needed to flash and of course the VBIOS file from step one.

 

This might help: http://forum.notebookreview.com/asu...lp-i-bricked-my-g73-vbios-16.html#post6647309

 

I have a copy of the original bios so that shouldn't be a problem. I have no idea how to do step 2, so you will have to guide me on that one.

 

I was following IceDragon7's tutorial but then realized that his G73 has an ati card otherwise why would he use atiflash? What to do?!

 

Right, it's the tutorial part you needed. nvflash is what you use for nvidia cards.

 

I am now confused. How am I supposed to follow a tutorial for an ati card when mine is a nvidia? I mean what steps should I change, what files should I modify. I am lost.

 

NEVER flash a bios from ANY other system unless you have VERY good reason to.

 

I think I learned my lesson thanks

 

The tutorial shows you how to create a bootable flash drive and make a batch script... isn't that what you were confused about?

 

I've created a bootable usb drive but what to put on it now? How to create an automated bat file etc...

 

I've been following the tutorial here: "http://www.notebookforums.com/t/181387/blind-flashing-and-you" but so far haven't been able to get anything displayed on my screen. How do I know if some hardware is fried? I just don't want to keep trying to fix it not knowing that something is toast and there is no way to fix it. The laptop is 2 years old so it is obviously out of warranty right? should I take it back to the shop I bought it from?

 

Blind flash is not a 100% sure method to fix the computer. Were you having any issue such as over heating shutdowns, blue screens or "garbled" display? And Yes unless you have an extended warranty you are correct.
If you want to list the contents of the bat file I am sure someone can verify if it looks good.
Excellent find on that tutorial! I just changed my boot priority to USB first just in case I run into issues!

 

I've re-pasted the gpu and cpu in the past twice. First time because my gpu would overheat and shutdown the computer and the second time to maintain cool temperatures and clean the fans. The computer was excellent prior to the bad flash. On the tutorial, i read that the keyboard flashes and to keep and eye on the numpad. There were no beeps or flashes indicating that the original bios has been flashed so i am left with nothing really. Should I just give up and take it back to the place I bought it or is there something else I can do to fix this nightmare?

 

Sry for Your troubles.
If you want to find if rest of laptop is ok then you can remove gpu but connect both fans and assemble Laptop. If everything is ok Laptop should boot With fans on max. and you should even hear Windows sound after it loads in presuming startup is not broken last time you powered down Laptop.

I would flashed your video bios for free but you would to pay shipping both ways and I am living in Norway so it might be expensive.

 

Check your local recovery services as there is a service in the UK that can do it all for you if you send the card and email the bios.

 

Thanks. I will be removing the GPU from the laptop now to see if it boots. will plugging an external monitor to the d-sub port of the laptop help or is that gpu dependent?

 

It wont change anything as there is no gpu to show picture on either output. It will help you find out if rest of system is working properly though.

 

Alright so I followed your instructions and can confirm that the computer turns on with both fans running at maximum speed. I have cleared the CMOS to restore things back to default in hope that it would help out somehow. I cannot seem to get windows to start though since my keyboard doesn't light up when I try to change the brightness. Also, I hear no booting sound or see any HDD activity light blinking. Now that the GPU is out, what do you suggest I do?

 

That is probably becouse Windows was not shutted Down properly last time so now sitts on this screen View attachment 96259

If you try and press enter and see hdd light lighting up then your laptop is ok.

 

What about clearing the cmos by removing the battery? Doesn't that change the default boot order? I played around with the laptop and the hdd light is active. Unfortunately, I did a fresh install of windows on it before this happened so there are no drivers to control the sound or keyboard lighting with the function buttons and the fn key. The caps and num lock lights turn on and off when pressed. Pressing the power button once shuts down the computer as it should with a 10 second delay (closing applications and shutting down). Is this enough to say that the system is still fully functional? What's the next step?

 

Then motherboard is good. Find solution for your gpu and you are good to go.
And next time be more careful when playing with stuff like bios/vbios flashing..

 

You said that If I send you the card you can fix it for me? could you give me more details on that? I would definitely consider it as an option since it would be impossibly difficult to find someone who could re-program the bios chip on the gpu locally. It is either that or get a new gpu or even upgrade to a faster one if possible of course.

 

Yes. I have programmer and skills to desolder vbios chip for reprogramming and soldering it back afterwards. Or you could try itself but then you need programmer which is not expensive. Mine was around 20usd from ebay. And second but not least soldering skills to remove chip and solder it back after reprogramming.

As for Your trust in me its up to you. I am just trying to help you. As long as vbios is problem then I guaranty I can fix problem.

Btw where are you from?
Or you could do as me and Upgrade your g73sw to gtx 680m

 

I am from Lebanon and living there too. I didn't know upgrading to a gtx 680m was possible on this laptop. How did you do it? Do you have a guide or something? Anyway, this laptop is 2 years old already so I should be getting a new one within a year when the hasswell processors and the new gpus come out. Send me a pm so we can discuss shipping/return etc...

 

I just managed to get it working was not easy at all. And I believe it is first sucessful Upgrade as I seen other posts about it but neither was completed. Still in testing fase now. Must further modify heatsink from g73jh that was good fit for core and memory but not covers all Components on 680m so I modifying further to get all covered. When I get finished With that then maybe I will post guide on how to do it. As there are many steps that can easily screw upgrading process.
You might want to check first on internet how much shipping with return cost to Norway as it easily can be more expensive then buying new card of ebay.?

 

You must really be a professional/enthusiast to attempt such a feat! I got a quick online quote of 31$ to send it to norway via express mail international (2-3 days max). However, the online price is always lower than the one you actually get quoted when you visit the post office for some reason but I can know exactly how much it would cost to send it by tomorrow. Could you please find out how much it would cost to send it back to me? I need 2-3 days shipping since I am travelling in 2 weeks and will be taking my laptop with me (hopefully).

 

I just replied to your PM. Yes you have to be even crasier then that.
You would like to know what not I have tried to get damn thing working. Even desoldered this screen Connector from motherboard and soldered it on other place just to get picture to show on internal screen.
And only With soldering iron. View attachment 96265

 

Yeesh, what technique did you use for that?

 

Only steady hand and very small nidle. Lifting pin by pin with slodering tip melting solder at same time.

 

EEVblog #186 - Soldering Tutorial Part 3 - Surface Mount - YouTube

I found this interesting with the drag technique, I really need to get hold of a decent soldering iron!

 

Soldering is easy. Difficult thing is to remove components that are small and not damaging them or messing other components around.

 

Well I guess that's part of the soldering SMCs

 

Off topic question for you Maeker what screen you would recommend for g73sw as I damaged my matte auo v5 screen and now every second line is either black or blue depending from how it boots. I would like to switch to glossy this time as I use Laptop always indoors.

 

AUO B173HW01 V.4 Is the equivalent to the 95% glossy 15.6" display I believe.

 

What about Chi Mei (CMO1726) I hear it has even better colors reproduction?

 

Either one should suit you fine.

 

Any Place that has them in Stock (cmo 1726) and not ships replacements ?

 

Best off contacting shops directly to see if you can get an exact match.