SN95G5 getting Flash ROM write protected

[CPT.Carnage]

Hello:
Can anybody help me out there. here is my problem.

My system was not posting when I replaced the CPU with an athlon64 X2 4400.
Replaced the old CPU back and rebooted in DOS because I do not have windows loaded. Run awdflash with bin file sn95s3xa.bin downloaded from the Shuttle site. The awdflash went on saving my old file and then erasing the flash memory. but when it came back to writing the new file int the Flash I got the following message:

Flash ROM is write protected.

when I rebooted again the system booted on the Boot Block Bios.
I tried to reflash but I still get the same error msg Flash ROM is write-protected.
please help.....thank

[iwakefie]

You need to go into the BIOS and disabled the "Write Protect BIOS" setting.

[CPT.Carnage]

I am unable to go and disable the write protect. I can not go into the BIOS menu.
There are no jumpers for disabling the write protect. I think, I am royally screwed.
talked to shuttle tech support and they advised that the BIOS needs to be re-program or replaced...

[iwakefie]

If you can't get into the BIOS, how are you managing to even boot up into DOS to run the AWDFLASH program.

Switch the Shuttle on, holding down the DEL key, and it should eventually come up. The BIOS Write Protect is actually a setting in one of the BIOS menus.

[CPT.Carnage]

when I rebooted again the system booted on the Boot Block Bios. This allows me to boot from the floppy drive only. I can not access the harddrive or anything else.
I did try to boot up and pressing the DEL key constantly and then try again by tapping the DEL key several times. It only boots up on the Boot Block Bios and I am back to square one.

[wpbios]

Had the same problem on a Shuttle FN85V3 system. This motherboard uses the SST49LF004 flash memory device for storing its BIOS. It appears that the awdflash program can erroneously set the 'Write Lock' bit. This will prevent any further writes to the flash memory.

There is a hardware override for this bit. Installing a jumper between pin 7 (which is the WP# signal) and pin 32 (which is VDD) will override the software write protect bit and enable awdflash to write to the device.

To locate the pins. Looking from the top of the device, pin 1 is adjacent to the dot on top of the package (middle lead of the top row of pins). Count counter clockwise around the package for other signals.

<DISCLAIMER>
DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK... I TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY. There are high voltages in the case (esp. at the power supply). Don't even think about doing this if you're not sure about what you're doing!
</DISCLAIMER>

Remove the SST chip from its socket, strip two ends of a small gauge wire, insert one end at pin 7 and the other at pin 32. Replace the chip, wedging the wires inplace. Boot with floppy and proceed as normal with awdflash.

Once complete, power off and remove the wires. Power on and your system is now back to life.

[CPT.Carnage]

Bingo ! I removed the SST chip from its socket, strip the two ends of a small gauge wire, insert one end at pin 7 and the other at pin 32. Replace the chip, wedging the wires inplace. Booted with floppy and I was able to proceed with awdflash and reconfigure my BIOS. Thank you!!!!!!!!

[mini]

good knowledge!!!

[adapted.cat]

[82802AB]

Saved my motherboard with this information, thanks for the knowledge!
NB: This isn't a shuttle board!!

Intel 815E Chipset

32pin PLCC N82802AB8

pin 7 is WP#
pin 32 is Vcc.

Shorting these two pins with some wire disabled the FWH write protect and enabled me to reflash with correct awdflash version.

Hope this helps someone else.