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Replacing the BIOS
Chips... and salsa!
This BIOS hack isn't really a hack at all, but more of a procedure that may need to be done
if you are unable to get to the BIOS. If you can get to the BIOS, then you can skip this step.
I have heard reports that people are having problems with the original IO BIOS and Windows 9x and
certain USB Devices. If this is the case, then you might think about investing the $20 and get the
new BIOS anyway.
I get my BIOSes from BadFlash for $20 a chip. If you
are the patient kind, you can pull out your BIOS chip and mail it to him, and he will ship it back
with the new firmware on it for a savings of $5. I believe that if you provide him a chip to flash
that is adequate, then he will do the same but you are better off asking him.
To install the new BIOS chip:
0: REMOVE ALL POWER FROM THE IOPENER!!!
1: Remove the cover, monitor bracket and the metal housing from the IO.
2: Gently pry with two common (-) jeweler's screwdrivers on the opposite corners of the chip
until the chip pops out.
3: Align the small round dot on the beveled edge of the chip to the parallel port
4: Push evenly and gently down and the chip will slide into the socket with a pop.
5: Reassemble and boot. You will see an Award Modular BIOS screen similar to what is on most PCs
If it comes up then you can proceed to add a hard drive or other fun things. :) If not, check that
the BIOS chip didn't pop out.
NOTE: There is a technique called 'hotflashing' where you get a BIOS chip that allows
you to boot and run a flash program, then hotswap the BIOS chip in order to flash it. THIS IS SERIOUSLY
DANGEROUS AND WILL RESULT IN YOUR IO GETTING TRASHED UNRECOVERABLY!