Abit IP35 Pro Cannot Enter BIOS

[akashi]

Hello everyone, I have this problem and would really appreciate any help that is given.

I have been running the Abit IP35 Pro with an Intel E8400 (default speed) on BIOS version 17 "M629B_17.BIN" for over a year now without any problems.

I recently upgraded the BIOS to version 18 "M629B_18.BIN" to take advantage of the E0 support.

Ever since this upgrade, everything works fine except I cannot RE-ENTER the BIOS once SATA AHCI is selected!

Only way to RE-ENTER BIOS is to reset CMOS with the switch located at the back. This is becoming really annoying as I need to boot from CD/DVD and USB to use Linux. Since Abit does not offer a boot menu, I need to go into the BIOS and change boot priority!

I have re-flashed the BIOS many times with version 17, but the problem remains even on version 17 and this version did not have this problem before the upgrade.

After each flash, I disconnected the power cable from the PC, enabled switch to reset CMOS data for 5 minutes. Then I disabled CMOS switch, plug power cable back in and enter BIOS to set everything up. After it reboots, I cannot enter BIOS! But everything else works perfectly and Windows 7 loads fine.

Also I am not 100% sure but I think once inside BIOS it used to display at the bottom right corner: "P35-W627DHG-6A79OA1BC-17" now it displays "P35-W627DHG-6A79oA1BC-17 B05" Not sure if this is significant.

I have also noticed the BIOS profiles that I saved are always available (I do not use them) despite my numerous re-flashes! Perhaps these are stored elsewhere on the motherboard?

I have tried version 16 "M629B_16.BIN" and this works completely, but I prefer version 17/18 for better 45nm support.

I am really hoping to get this fixed or it's time for a new motherboard

Thanks in advance.

[malfunction]

I've read you need to set the IDE delay to 2 or 4 seconds to slow down the POST process and make sure it picks up a USB keyboard.

[BUFF]

try posting over at TheRaptorPit abit forum for this - there is a fix for the kb problem with AHCI but as I never ran AHCI I can't remember it but somebody like chuck probably will.

[akashi]

Thank you both for your replies.

I have posted at TheRaptorPit.

Anyone still using the Abit IP35 Pro can confirm once inside the BIOS it displays ""P35-W627DHG-6A79OA1BC-XX B05" I am concerned about the B05 as I think this is was not there before the problem started.

Many thanks.

[BUFF]

B05 would indicate a beta but sometimes betas became release versions & they forgot to change the identifier string. I can't remember if 17 for the IP35 Pro is 1 of those.

[clocka]

wrong thread.