G74SX 202 BIOS Now Available

ftp://ftp.asus.com.tw/pub/ASUS/nb/G74SX/G74SxAS202.zip

My driver page also has a mirror if needed.

This BIOS addresses keyboard lag/miskey issues, plus remaps the NumPad keys to standard "Numpad" versions, so that games can map them accordingly.

 

Yes, it works and can be applied with the ASUS windows BIOS flash utility. Sad to see it appears to lock the numlock mode on. I have a Logitech external keypad that allowed me to remap one of the external keypad "extra" keys to the standard numlock code (ascii 57413) and that would toggle the unmarked numlock indicator light (on the upper left of the keyboard next to the caps lock indicator light). It doesn't work now. The numlock indicator is always on. Guess it's better than it was. Is there any documentation on what the 202 bios actually changes?

Shame is you could use the un-numlocked keypad as directional (arrow controls keys) on a standard keypad. The numlock key on the G74sx still brings up the calculator....sigh...really need that calculater. How about letting us remap that key?

Not sure I'll buy another ASUS but I'm pretty happy with this one. Very fast, quiet, and great price. IEEE 1394 port, a true USB 3 port, a higher res LCD screen, BT, and a standard keyboard, would have made this a GREAT box.

KronosArgh

 

What's the best way to install this? Asus BIOS Flash Utility? Where would we get this?...

Ugh, incompetence.

 

So, can this be used for the same issues on the X5QS as well, or is that a bad idea?

 

Wouldn't think so. This was a G74SX model only BIOS. Not a good idea. The Winflash utility seemed to check whether it was a valid BIOS upgrade for the model.

This was the URL I found the Winflash Utility.

http://support.asus.com/Download.aspx?SLanguage=en&m=G74Sx&p=3&s=336"]http://support.asus.com/Download.aspx?SLanguage=en&m=G74Sx&p=3&s=336

 

Okay, thanks.

Chastity, will an update for the X5QSF be released as well?

 

Thank you Chastity. The new bios updated without any problems.

Do you have a change list for the new bios?

 

How do I get the download to work? Everytime I download it from you my winrar doesn't allow me to set it up. It keeps saying windows cannot open this file. Then it says what you want to you to do? Select a program from a list of installed programs or use the web to search for the program?

 

Thanks, Chastity!! My first BIOS flash. Hope I won't fry anything.

 

This does work pretty well. The only remaining key press issue is the spacebar. Seems like the "springs" are physically too far away from the edge and/or the bar is too bendy. I will just have to train myself to hit somewhere near the middle.

 

Hmm, dunno what you're doing there... I didn't use winrar to unzip the zip file... just Win7's regular/automatic unzipper.

I really think that might be a hardware issue with some batches. Again, looks like quality control gone awry... The one I got from Tigerdirect seems fine, while the one I initially got (from Amazon) had spacebar issues. They were slightly different models. The same exact model from Tigerdirect could still have the spacebar issues, or it might not. Roll of the die....

 

Hey guys,
I have the same problem that overberger, I updated my bios to version 202, I use my laptop as a desktop, I've connected an external keyboard and num pad is permanently enabled on the external keyboard, with the previous bios did not do this, hopefully they can fix this later.

Where I can download the previous bios that came factory on the download page is not listed, thanks

The problem of CPU Throttling to 798mhz not been repaired with this BIOS revision.

 

I am curious what are those bios revision numbers 3 and 4 for other than the keyboard layout?

 

If anyone installs the update and then looses their keyboard lights, go http://www.asusrog.com/forums/showthread.php?1150-G73-Series-Driver-and-Application-Reference and about 1/3 the way down is a link to a file for the specific problem of loosing the lights after a BIOS update.

Now just comes the question of how do I use that file?

 

Can someone tell me, step by step, on how to do this?
I have WinRAR and I clicked the link that Chastity posted and once the "Bios" was in WinRAR I couldn't use it as an application, it's just a 202 file.
What do I have to do?

 

This thread should help you update your Bios.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/asus/174395-bios-update-guide-asus-notebooks.html

 

http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/nb/Apps/WinFlash/WinFlash_Win7_32_Win7_64_Z2311.zip

Download the WinFlash Utility and upgrade the BIOS from that.

 

Thank you, Chastity!

 

Chastity, how do we use the fix for the keyboard light not working after a BIOS update? I get the impression that those files are used to make a boot image but I don't have a clue how to do it (and what to run) since it didn't have any instructions.

 

@above, my led's are working but I don't know if the right half of the spacebar was working before the bios update, because it's not on.

Also, how do you change the computer name from "Owner" to something else. i.e. C:\User\Owner\...

 

Also, how do you change the computer name from "Owner" to something else. i.e. C:\User\Owner\

control panel - user accounts - change your account name

 

It doesn't change your file names from Owner to "your wanted name". Task manager's "USER tab" doesn't change either.

 

Hmm, I've read a few threads that WinFlash is not the preferred program when updating the Bios. Can you give some specific reasons on why WinFlash over EasyFlash, which is already in the Bios?
I will be updating mine shortly, and was going to use EasyFlash since I hear its the safest.

 

I just did the WinFlash, it was easy and simple.

 

From what I have read , ASUS udated that utility (winflash), but I too will comtinue to use EF from BIOS until I have an issue with it. As long as you use a fat32 formated flash drive, turn off KB lights, and run on AC power when doing it you should be fine.

 

Did you try FN+F4 first? Update ATK first too.

 

Is it possible to downgrade bios from 202 to 201?
If yes does anyone have 201 bios? Never backed up mine..

 

See your PM

 

Ah, durrrr. Thank you, that fixed it right up! (I never realized it was adjustable lol)

 

On Asus Driver & Utility disc,root, there is a BIN file named G74Sx.bin, same date as 201 bios. Can someone confirm this is 201 BIOS so i dont brick my G74Sx..

 

Chastity; If for some reason this bios update failed half way and bricked someones g74sx would it void the warranty? I was thinking of updating my bios but I'm somewhat hesitant if it's really worth it; In my case I don't use the numpad 99% of the time though on the other hand having a fully functional computer wouldn't be a bad thing either.

 

bad BIOS flashes do not void the warranty

 

I think I've just bricked the BIOS in an update to the 202 BIOS. Followed all the directions, used EZ Flash because it was meant to be the safest, FAT32 formatted flash drive, everything. Loaded the new bios, EZ Flash supposedly verifies it, timed restart. Drives spin, lights on, but blank screen and won't boot. Tried leading through the same series of steps on a blank screen, but that doesn't produce the restart that would follow a flash. I called ASUS, they want to RMA it, which is fine, but it's a lot of hassle I would sooner avoid if possible.

 

Wow, so many bricks lately trying to update the bios. Not sure which program to use anymore since they both have issues. I'll wait for v203 bios since I have no real complaints about my keyboard.

op, I think the only option is to RMA. I wonder if removing the battery from the MB will help?

 

CMOS may need to be cleared... unplug, take off battery, and press power button for like 10-20 secs... reconnect power and try it again

 

No dice. Anything else to try?

 

I think it's time to RMA it.

1-888-678-3688

 

Can someone please go into the bios and go to hard drive configuration page and see what options there are other than AHCI?? PLEASE.. thanks

 

AHCI and IDE

 

Does somebody know when the new BIOS 203 have to come out ? I Heard that it could fix the numlock problem on calc button with fn+calc push?
Excuse my poor english.
Thank you for your answers

 

I posted 203 on my Driver page... and it doesn't have a Numlock toggle AFAIK. I'm checking with R&D.

 

Does it improve anything else than 1.Fix the bug that 2D/3D switch function should be implemented on power on button (M key) instead of hotkey Fn + C
2.Optimize Aflash2 tool ????

 

Need 201 bios. It seems after recent bios update, (tried both 202 203), my numpad keys register differently such that they dont seem to work in Black Ops. For e.g. the 0 numpad key, registers as 0 in config options, but doesnt work in the game. The normal 0 key works. I think they screwed something else trying to fix numpad thing.

Although, they did seem to fix 5 keys - / * - + Enter on numpad to register differently, but the number keys seem to be messed up.

Anyways, I want my original behavior back and would really appreciate if someone (read chastity ) has 201 bios for G74sx.

 

Never mind, winflash says the one with Drivers CDs is 201, Will trust it.

 

All you need to do is remap the keys in the game

 

But if I want the classically working numpad in desktop for work with programs like MS excel etc... there is no posibility, how to remap keys, or something ?
Thank for answer, because gaming isn't only thing that I want to do on this "perfect" laptop

 

In the desktop, the numpad is set to Numlock On. If you need it in Off, then you'd need to wait for the upcoming update. I am told it's on the boiler.

 

Ok, thank you very much

 

First I wanted to thank you for your posts all over the place C.
I just got the G74SX as a gift and was thrilled, spent hours getting everything transfered and setup...only to find out I had no num pad really, I was so just... I really dont have words.

Needless to say your posts sent me in the right direction and I downloaded Bios 203 and have everything "working" to the best it can.

Anyway I was wondering if you have any update about that fix you were speaking of. As haven to hold down shift to get the "un-numlocked" version just does not cut it. Any updates would be great =)

 

BIOS 203 changes the behavior of the "Number pad" as real number pad keys instead of the original behavior as alphanumeric number keys (where by pressing Shift numberpad 4 used to send the "$" sign). But unfortunately forces the NumLock to be ON at all times having no Number Lock key in the keyboard to toggle the "Number pad" keys to directional keys.

Even worst, if you have an external keyboard plugged in, the number pad is locked ON. And I mean really locked ON, as even if you press the external keyboard number lock key (as many times as you want), the number lock toggle comes back ON. Particularly annoying if you want to use the number pad keys as directional keys, or if you have (as in my case) a comfortable narrow mechanical-switch external keyboard with an embedded numeric keypad – meaning that when the NumLock is on some letters become the numeric pad so writing "Hello" becomes "He336".

After upgrading the BIOS from 201 to 203, and after having the above 5ss4es (issues), I was forced to go back to BIOS 201 which is better for me, anyone with a keyboard with embedded numeric keypad, and anyone with an external keyboard that requires the number pad to have directional keys. (Side note on how to downgrade: the BIOS that come with the original CD "G74Sx.BIN" is version 201. You cannot use WinFlash as this is older than 203, so use the BIOS flash utility having such file stored in a USB stick in the root directory).

The real solution is to change the BIOS (204?) and change the [Calculator] key into a real [NumberLock] key. [Fn]+[NumberLock] can become the calculator key. And allow the user to have the number lock on or off (default to ON as this benefits the majority) in the BIOS settings when booting the computer.