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Questions about GIGABYTE products => Motherboards with AMD processors => Topic started by: Ryantoast on January 13, 2012, 11:15:10 pm

Title: Main BIOS Checksum Error!
Post by: Ryantoast on January 13, 2012, 11:15:10 pm
Hello, I've bought a gaming computer online that contains a GA-970A-D3 Gigabyte motherboard.
I've been using it for about 2-3 months now without any problems. I did not update my BIOS or anything because I expected the website I bought this computer from (cyberpowerpc) to have already taken care of that. One night I shut off my computer, and the next day I turn on my computer, it boots as it normally would: the computer gives one beep, and I receive the logo message. But then, I receive this message:

Code: [Select]
Warning: MAIN BIOS CHECKSUM ERROR!
Retrieving recovery source from HPA..HPA BIOS not available!!
Retreiving recovery source from Back BIOS.... Done!
Writing BIOS Image..... _____K OK

The part where I added the "_______" contains a number that increases
all the way to 4080K, and then the computer reboots and completely restarts this process.

Some extra information:
1)My PSU is not the issue as it's a 700W Corsair Brand PSU.

2)I've already cleared my CMOS by both using the jumper, and removing the battery for 30 seconds with no success.

3)I don't believe it is a wiring issue because it worked untouched for the 2-3 months that I have been using it.

4)When I first received my computer, I replaced the power supply before its first boot (I'll note again, it has been working untouched for the past 2-3 months, so I don't believe that the PSU replacement was the risk factor)

5)The cursor is under "OK" when I am given this error message, but pressing ENTER or any other keys will not do anything.

6)I am still able to enter the BIOS menu from the logo screen.

7) I have flashed the BIOS from F6 to F7 and the problem still persists. I really don't understand the problem.

The only thing that I haven't tried is replacing the battery, which I am planning on going over to CVS and buying one tomorrow, but I really don't think the battery is the issue since I've only had this computer for 2-3 months.

I've tried to be as detailed as I can in order for someone on the forums to help me, but if there is any other information that you need, please reply and let me know. I have spending a very long time attempting many things to get this to work, and I'd really appreciate any help.  ;)

Title: Re: Main BIOS Checksum Error!
Post by: absic on January 14, 2012, 08:33:08 am
Hi there,

from your description it would seem that the main BIOS has become corrupted and it is reverting to the back-up BIOS.

First off how did you update the BIOS did you use @BIOS or QFlash?

Whichever method you used I would recommend doing an extended clear of CMOS first. Remove the power supply cable to the PC and remove the CMOS battery for at least one hour.

If the problem persists then re-flash BIOS with F7 using the QFlash utility. Make sure that you disable the "Keep DMI Data" option on the QFlash homescreen before you actually run the update.

Hopefully one of these steps will cure the problem.
Title: Re: Main BIOS Checksum Error!
Post by: Dark Mantis on January 14, 2012, 10:39:48 am
Hi

A little more information on your sytem wouldn't go amiss for a starters.

Try removing al the RAM apart from a single stick in the first slot.
Title: Re: Main BIOS Checksum Error!
Post by: Ryantoast on January 14, 2012, 05:20:49 pm
Hi there,

from your description it would seem that the main BIOS has become corrupted and it is reverting to the back-up BIOS.

First off how did you update the BIOS did you use @BIOS or QFlash?

Whichever method you used I would recommend doing an extended clear of CMOS first. Remove the power supply cable to the PC and remove the CMOS battery for at least one hour.

If the problem persists then re-flash BIOS with F7 using the QFlash utility. Make sure that you disable the "Keep DMI Data" option on the QFlash homescreen before you actually run the update.

Hopefully one of these steps will cure the problem.

I removed the CMOS battery overnight, the and the problem still persists. Yes, I did use the QFlash utility with a USB drive, but I did not disable Keep DMI Data. I recently reflashed with it disabled, but the issue remains :(. Could my current battery be an issue? I'm planning on going out and buying a new battery since they are very cheap, and try and see if it will work.

Hi

A little more information on your sytem wouldn't go amiss for a starters.

Try removing al the RAM apart from a single stick in the first slot.

I've already tried removing the RAM and inserting one stick in the first slot, no success.
My system specs are:
CPU: AMD FX-4100 (Water Cooler system as well)
HDD: 1TB SATA III 7200 RPM Hard Drive
RAM: Corsair 4GB (x2) 1600 XMS Memory with Heat Spreader
MOBO: Gigabyte GA-970A-D3 Corssfire USB 3.0 SATA 3
VIDEOCARD: AMD Radeon HD6850 1GB DDR5 PCIE
PSU: Corsair Gaming Series GS700 700W
Title: Re: Main BIOS Checksum Error!
Post by: Dark Mantis on January 15, 2012, 04:53:13 pm
I think that it might have been a bad flash and so would get the system to boot from the Backup BIOS and see if that helps. Follow these steps and post back afterwards. It might take a few attempts to get working.

You can kick in the backup BIOS by shutting down the PSU from the wall, then hold down your case power button in and then turn on the power supply button, a few seconds later the board will start, shut off the power supply then.   Then you can turn on the power supply again and power up the board normally and DualBIOS will kick in.

Title: Re: Main BIOS Checksum Error!
Post by: mnlcomputers on November 14, 2012, 04:09:14 pm
same problem.

i even flash the BIOS from USB.

still same problem.

how come a motherboard with dual BIOS can these kind of problem!!!!

WAITING FOR A FIX FROM GIGABYTE.
Title: Re: Main BIOS Checksum Error!
Post by: Kent on November 27, 2012, 03:29:56 pm
Hi,

Has this issue been resolved? I have the 990FXA-UD5 and also have a similar issue where the BIOS keeps looping. I have this board for about 5 months and hardly use the machine. Only been using it on weekends mostly.
Title: Re: Main BIOS Checksum Error! (Possible SOLUTION!)
Post by: Kent on November 27, 2012, 06:52:10 pm
Hey all,

I managed to sort it out. To start > I unplugged the power from the PSU > turned off the power switch on the PSU > took out the CMOS battery and all unnecessary peripherals (Take out anything your PC doesn't need to boot. This includes card readers etc.) > unplugged all my HDD's > took out all of my RAM barring 1 module > took out all input devices except the keyboard.

Waited a bit for the CMOS to reset, then put the battery back in. Booted the machine up, then went into BIOS settings, ran Q-FLASH F8 (dependent on your version of BIOS).

From there I updated the BIOS to the latest version for my MOBO that I downloaded on to my flash drive. I then disabled "Load CMOS Default" then restarted. That seemed to solve the issue. It then stopped looping and gave me the screen that said it picked up that there is no OS disk to boot from.

I then put all my peripherals and parts back in and it booted again. Hope this helps!  :)