12-18-2016, 09:13 PM (This post was last modified: 12-18-2016, 09:25 PM by GTAVLover.)
Hi guys,
I own an old Samsung Server computer called "ZSS108-N-SMB1" and it came with a generic mixed brand motherboard "Zeus - 60 R 1.07 G (Rev. MP 1.2)".
I tried to flash my modified version (with Virtualization Feature) of its BIOS using Phlash16, but suddenly my UPS battery caused a power short and system suddenly powered off.
Then it isn't booting and keeps showing "Please Wait....." in BIOS screen.
This motherboard hasn't official BIOS Updates from System Manufacturer - SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO.,LTD because this isn't produced as a separate motherboard and came with an old server desktop model of theirs.
However, as I am lucky, I kept a backup of the worked BIOS version using Universal BIOS Backup Toolkit 2.0, to use for re-flashing in case of a BIOS Corruption like this.
Worked and factory flashed BIOS for this motherboard is 0ABX.5156.20070124.HJU which they flashed on 1/24/2007.
I need this BIOS to be modified to show the hidden Intel Virtualization Technology Feature [Enabled / Disabled] option. BIOS Screenshots
This motherboard has this feature, but it is hidden by default, I say because strings related to it can be seen in "STRINGS00.ROM" file.
In this BIOS, offset for “Intel® Virtualization Technology” menu is "39 13"(1339 in endian format). [Checked and 100% Sure]. It is a Pick Field Menu.
Now, I lost my modified version of BIOS because of the power cut happened, and my USB Drive is also dead suddenly.
When I trying to flash original BIOS (Backed up by me) with Phlash16, it keeps giving error "File Open failed on BIOS ROM file" and Motherboard Buzzer outputs beeps like "An acute long beep, three short beeps".
But, actually my BIOS file named "BIOS.ROM" exists in my bootable DOS USB Stick.
Please tell me what is causing this Phlash16 Error and also add Intel Virtualization Technology Feature [Enabled / Disabled] option into the "CPU Control" sub section in Advanced section in this BIOS.
Thanks in advance.
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01-06-2017, 03:49 PM (This post was last modified: 01-11-2017, 12:06 AM by Sml6397.)
Hello GTAVLover,
Thank you for including your own observations/research in your request!
The Phlash16 error results from the fact that a crucial section of data is missing from the BIOS backup. When a BIOS backup is made, the platform data at the end of the BIOS image is not backed up. This data instructs the flashing program on how to flash the particular BIOS image. Only factory BIOS images can be flashed, as only they contain this essential data.
A BIOS dump can be made flashable by taking platform data from similar BIOS images for similar motherboard models (same chipset, etc.) and applying it to said backup. Unfortunately, finding a compatible BIOS image from a similar motherboard model can be difficult. Furthermore, upon looking at your BIOS image, I noticed that the primary language used in the STRINGS module was not English or was some combination of English and another language that cannot be rendered by the hex editor, which complicates things for me.
There is another method to unlock VT-x that does not involve modifying the BIOS, however. This is the NVRAM register method. The CMOS NVRAM stores your BIOS settings in registers. Modifying these registers changes BIOS settings, even if they do not appear in the BIOS menus. In order to determine the proper register to modify, I will inspect your BIOS image. I will need you to upload a copy of your NVRAM token table. Please follow the following instructions:
Instructions:
1.) Create a bootable DOS flashdrive using these instructions. Afterwards, extract this archive onto the flashdrive. This archive contains the symcmos program that will be used to read from and write to your CMOS NVRAM.
2.) Boot into your DOS flashdrive and type the read command below. If it does not work (Ex. It says that something could not be found), type "C:\" first. The read command will dump your computer's NVRAM Token Table onto the flashdrive.
3.) Upload your NVRAM Token Table text file (obtained in Step #2) here.
4.) I will make the necessary modifications to the NVRAM token table and upload it back here. Download it and put it on your flashdrive, replacing the original file. Boot into the DOS flashdrive and use the write command specified below. Be sure to replace "Modified.txt" in the command below with the name of your own Token Table text file.
5.) Press and hold the power button until the computer turns off. This is necessary with settings that require a power cycle (such as VT-x).
Reading/Writing the CMOS NVRAM:
Code:
Reading:
symcmos -v2 -LDefault.txt ; "Default.txt" is an example file name
Writing:
symcmos -v2 -UModified.txt ; "Modified.txt" is an example file name
~Steven
!!!!!PLEASE READ!!!!!! Our Ukrainian friends are undergoing atrocities right now and need support. There are two things you can do for starters:
1.) Donate to one of various organizations offering medical, military, and psychological support to those impacted: Support Organizations
2.) Combat misinformation on social media.
Also, please feel free to PM me if I have not replied again about your BIOS mod request after 5 days.
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Below is the VT-x (virtualization) register. I also included the AHCI register in case you are interested. Make the below changes to the token table text file and continue the NVRAM modification instructions above to enable VT-x and/or AHCI.
Hello Sml6397,
Your solution worked fine.......Now Intel VT-X has been enabled........
I will donate you as soon as I become an employer.(Still a student )
Thank You Very Much......
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03-19-2018, 01:37 AM (This post was last modified: 03-19-2018, 01:40 AM by marskie7.)
Good Morning SML6397,
Just a question would will the instruction you posted will work for my pre-owned computer to activate VT-x?
I have the same bios information (BIOS Version/Date SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO.,LTD 0ABX.5156.20070124.HJU, 1/24/2007)
Thank you and more blessings
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(03-19-2018, 01:37 AM)marskie7 Wrote: Good Morning SML6397,
Just a question would will the instruction you posted will work for my pre-owned computer to activate VT-x?
I have the same bios information (BIOS Version/Date SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO.,LTD 0ABX.5156.20070124.HJU, 1/24/2007)
Thank you and more blessings
Hello marskie7,
Yes. As long as the BIOS version is the same the NVRAM registers should be the same as well.
~Steven
!!!!!PLEASE READ!!!!!! Our Ukrainian friends are undergoing atrocities right now and need support. There are two things you can do for starters:
1.) Donate to one of various organizations offering medical, military, and psychological support to those impacted: Support Organizations
2.) Combat misinformation on social media.
Also, please feel free to PM me if I have not replied again about your BIOS mod request after 5 days.
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03-19-2018, 10:05 PM (This post was last modified: 03-19-2018, 10:13 PM by marskie7.)
(03-19-2018, 02:04 AM)Sml6397 Wrote:
(03-19-2018, 01:37 AM)marskie7 Wrote: Good Morning SML6397,
Just a question would will the instruction you posted will work for my pre-owned computer to activate VT-x?
I have the same bios information (BIOS Version/Date SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO.,LTD 0ABX.5156.20070124.HJU, 1/24/2007)
Thank you and more blessings
Hello marskie7,
Yes. As long as the BIOS version is the same the NVRAM registers should be the same as well.
~Steven
Hello sml6397,
attached is my nvram. I tried to update it and check it online still saying disable https://ibb.co/hhYk2x
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03-20-2018, 09:23 AM (This post was last modified: 03-20-2018, 09:39 AM by GTAVLover.)
Hello Sml6397, nice to see you again.....
This motherboard ( Samsung Zeus-60 R1.07G ) supports 65 nm Conroe 1066 MHz FSB Core 2 Duo Processors. This is my backup motherboard. I also did a CPU upgrade. ( Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor E6300 -> E6600 ). Performance was improved significantly.
This motherboard's CPU_FAN Header stopped working long ago ( even before I ask this thread ) because I mistakenly tried to upgrade to a E8400 Processor, which this doesn't support.
Hello marskie7, If your motherboard is same and has the same BIOS version as mine, NVRAM Registers should be same. Anyway Good Luck to you too.