SN85G4 cannot boot Windows install CD after BIOS update

Hi All,

I have a SN85G4 with Athlon 64 3200+ and I have successfully
installed Gentoo Linux (64bits) and Windows XP (32bits) before.
However, I updated the BIOS to the latest version (FN85S03D)
then the problem arises. I can no longer install Windows XP in
it. Everything I boot up the system with Windows XP install CD
it hangs with complete black screen after the message:

"Setup is inspecting your system configuration".

So I don't even have a chance to press 'F6' to install my SATA
driver from floppy disk.

I play around with BIOS setting a bit then I realise if I disable
SATA ROM option then I can get the installer to started but the
problem is that it won't show any harddrive at drive list (of
course because I disabled it). I felt like its a SATA ROM problem
but I cannot flash the BIOS to an eariler version because the
'awd737.exe' utility always gives me this message"

"Disk not ready, -try again y or n"

Anyone has similar problem as I do? By the way, Linux installs
and runs fine so I'm pretty sure my hardware is not dead.

Oscdar

I had this issue and after flashing to another BIOS it worked a treat first time.

I did find a way round it mind with the other BIOS that was giving me problems.
What I had to do was boot as far as you can, switch the computer off, reset CMOS, boot and then it would load.

Yah, this definitely sounds like a bunky BIOS problem. I'd suggest clearing your CMOS and starting from scratch, if the problem recurs, then find a different BIOS. Its supposed to be an improvement, but sometimes the techs that put it together don't always keep that concept central.

Thanks guys I'll give it a try

It turns out I just have to format the HDD before booting from XP CD
its all up and running now, weird problem... :heckle: