BIOS update failed on DP35DP, can't recover

[vdrob]

Hey all!

I know that this mobo is outdated but I ought to use it on my little home filesharing server. All was fine except strange poweroff effect. I have Arch Linux installed and when I try to power down my server programmatically or via power button computer does not power off completely - fans are still spinning.

I've googled a lot and find out that this is related to the outdated BIOS version. So I've downloaded 0572 version (ISO file) and flashed my BIOS. This step was successful but the problem with poweroff was still presented. Also I've noticed random hangs when in CMOS settings screen.

So then I've found that 0497 version is good enough and solves the problem. I've downloaded BIO file and burnt it to my CD (CD-ROM was set as SATA RAID mode). Then I've removed jumper and started my PC. Screen backlight was working but no characters on the screen were present. I waited about 10 minutes and then tried to reboot PC via keyboard but with no luck. Then I powered down the chassis completely via power button. After that I've plug the jumper back and tried to boot PC. I can see that backlight ups and offs but no characters are on the screen. I cant ever get into CMOS config screen. Setting jumper to the 2-3 position didn't solve the problem. But one strange thing: if I only connect two hard drives and try to boot up i can see grub welcome screen, Arch starts to boot but fails as it can't mount some drives. I thought that the problem is related to the VGA card and removed it but no POST messages were heard. So, guys, I have semi-dead chipset and wonder if there any way to restore BIOS.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

[n_scott_pearson]

Unplug the system from the wall and remove the CR2032 battery from the board. After one hour, replace the battery, move the BIOS Configuration jumper to the 2-3 position, plug the system into the wall and press the power button. This will hopefully allow you to get into BIOS Setup...

...S

[vdrob]

Unfortunately, it didn't help. I can see backlight changes but no characters on the screen. Does this mean that my MB is dead?

[Miguel_C_Intel1]

Hi freesky776,

Did you try with the BIOS recovery? Unplug the hard drives.

Recovery with CD-ROM

http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/boards-and-kits/000005630.html Recovery BIOS Update Instructions for Boards and Kits

Intel® Desktop Board DP35DP

https://downloadcenter.intel.com/product/50380/Intel-Desktop-Board-DP35DP Drivers & Software

Regards,

Mike C

[vdrob]

I've already tried all of this recovery modes. Now my MB doesn't even start properly - it permanently reboots...

Is there any ways to manually programm CMOS chip? I have some device to do that...

[n_scott_pearson]

No, there are not. First of all, CMOS is not used for either BIOS or configuration storage (give or take the odd place where the BIOS still clings to CMOS (the result of BIOS bugs, IMHO), witnessed by the fact that removing the CMOS battery can make a difference). The BIOS, Onboard Video OpROM and ME Firmware, as well as the BIOS configuration, are all stored in a flash IC. Secondly, the flash can only be updated using the normal and recovery BIOS update processes; it is secured against all other methods.

I can only suggest that you retry the recovery process. In the absence of any output, wait at least a half hour (killing power after 10 minutes may have been the thing that corrupted your flash).

Sorry I couldn't be more helpful...

...S