[Unlocked] M4A78LT-M(cm1630)--Unlocked retail ROM for OEM ASUS Essentio CM1630

[svthomas]

**Update**
SLIC has been updated on this retail BIOS to appear as OEM so that the OEM ASUS Windows 7 version stays activated.
**

Mobo: M4A78LT-M(CM1630)--Essentio CM1630 Desktop

Attached is a modified ROM, originally intended for the retail M4A78LT-M mobo, which has been modified so that its ROM ID and Model match that used on the OEM release, allowing it to be flashed to the OEM mobo. This modified bios will enable features that were stripped from the OEM Bios on the M4A78LT-M(CM1630) mobo. The modified bios is version M4A78LT-M-ASUS-0802.

This ROM will enable the following options in the Bios, previously stripped from the OEM version: JumperFree Configuration, CPU Configuration (core unlocker/unleash), NorthBridge Configuration, Memory Configuration, ECC Configuration, APM Configuration, HW Monitor Configuration, and ASUS O.C. Profile.

Flash at your own risk.

[svthomas]

Also, if one wishes to fully convert the OEM mobo so that it shows as being retail, the engineer version of AFUDOS will flash the M4A78LT-M retail ROM without issue and the mobo will then show as M4A78LT-M instead of M4A78LT-M(CM1630). From there, the ASUS Update utility will allow flashing and updating the mobo with the retail version instead of the OEM releases--all features seem to be enabled and working via the retail BIOS.

[PK1]

Ok I bought an asus from *thatonebigstore* and it has this motherboard in it... LOCKED unforunately. This is it:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+Essen...8282102450&skuId=1700116

I'm great with computers and following instructions but messin' with my bios is new to me and I have a question:

Is this the guide i should follow to replace my locked bios with the modded one attached to this topic?
http://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread-Ho...-DOS-Guide[/url]

Thanks in advance

EDIT: I'm guessing it has to be sorry if I'm being overthorough I would hate flushing all the $ I've spent down the toilet or setting myself back days trying to correct something I've messed up.

[svthomas]

To answer your question: if you used the modified ROM (attached in the first post of this thread) you don't even need to reboot into a DOS environment. Just use the ASUSUpdate utility to flash.

Start >> All Programs >> ASUS >> ASUSUpdate >> ASUSUpdate

From there: 'Update Bios from File'

Then select the file and flash.

Ok I bought an asus from *thatonebigstore* and it has this motherboard in it... LOCKED unforunately. This is it:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+Essen...8282102450&skuId=1700116

I'm great with computers and following instructions but messin' with my bios is new to me and I have a question:

Is this the guide i should follow to replace my locked bios with the modded one attached to this topic?
http://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread-Ho...-DOS-Guide[/url]

Thanks in advance

EDIT: I'm guessing it has to be sorry if I'm being overthorough I would hate flushing all the $ I've spent down the toilet or setting myself back days trying to correct something I've messed up.

---

[Sirge]

Just a confirmation that your BIOS mod works (and a big THANKS!). Just recently purchased the Asus Essentio CM1630. I used your modded BIOS with the Asus Update utility and it worked without issue.
I am also assuming I can use all the updated drivers for this mainboard now. Downloading as I write. Any issues, I will post. Thank you again for sharing.
Scott

[PK1]

Yes, I can confirm this worked for me as well on my Asus Essentio CM1630. Thanks, svthomas for your quick replies and instructions.

[Sirge]

Yes, I can confirm this worked for me as well on my Asus Essentio CM1630. Thanks, svthomas for your quick replies and instructions.

I just noticed one notso minor issue. My Windows7 has just given me three days to validate my version of windows. It say my current version is invalid....DOH!

[PK1]

@Sirge

I dunno if i should be posting, sharing, or spreading this but you said you just bought your machine and I know you have a license for your copy.

If this is against the terms of this site I apologize.

http://www.geekblogger.org/2010/03/dont-...y-wat.html

---

I guess I should have asked you to clarify a bit... Is it telling you that your copy of windows is NOT genuine?

[svthomas]

What seems to have happened is that when you changed your BIOS it caused Windows 7 to believe that it has been put on new hardware, and therefore, it believes it has been installed on a computer other than what it "thinks" it is licensed for...

You can either downgrade back to the oem bios, which will fix the activation problem--just install your bios backup, or if you do not have one, get an oem one for you mobo from the asus site and flash to that. Or, you can fix it another way: call M$ (microsoft) and reactivate your copy of Windows over the phone, since you do have a license for your piece of oem hardware, and all you did was change the firmware.

I have yet to try the above, posted method, but I will post back if it is successful or not. It seems that I too am having this activation issue and just didn't realize it. Although, if it comes down to it, I will 'fix' the activation issue, by any means necessary, rather than put handicapped firmware back on my hardware...

[PK1]

@svthomas

You are the man. I was gonna come back and post about the hardware issue and windows not recognizing it but you nailed it right on the head. That is exactly what is going on here.

Although, if it comes down to it, I will 'fix' the activation issue, by any means necessary, rather than put handicapped firmware back on my hardware...

hahahaha @ that I do concur sir! Everything about this is making me upset at BestBuy for having sold me a machine with a mobo that is locked. I guess that's how it comes from a major retailer: SPOONFED to you so they don't have to deal with you calling them about technical problems.



I do like this bios in the fact that right off the bat it tries to unlock any cores in your cpu that aren't already unlocked. It supports up to 6 cores so if i wanna get crazy I can sell this 4 and get a 6 (after i use it overclocked for awhile anyways ha).

I have yet to try the above, posted method, but I will post back if it is successful or not.

It works. I've tested it numerous times... Everytime I feel like wiping windows as a matter of fact. I've bought my fair share of windows 7 copies so if I have to use this tool I know that I can legitimately prove to M$ that I have a license for a particular machine.