You can enter the key on install if you want. It is really up to you. All it does is remove one command you have to type, and start install of the version the serial is for. Choice is yours, either way will work..
Thank you medic but should I update my bios with the true updated version of it before flashing the bios with the modded version?
That is up to you. Zort will say yes, and I say it doesn't matter. Maybe he is more right, but I have had few problems in quite a few mods...I say it is only important in beta bios and newer ones, only to be sure the bios is sound.. I say the fewer flashes the better. Each one is a chance for failure.. Be sure to clear cmos and load defaults regardless which you do.
Ok, now you presented another obstacle for me. Should I clear CMOS before flashing the bios. And I have no idea of how to clear CMOS.....
Sorry to confuse you...After the flash. You can either do it with jumpers on the board (consult your manual), or take the battery out for 15 minutes or so. Either way you need to unplug the machine first...
Will do, thanks I am hoping to have the PC here by monday, so Ill test and let you know. Ps - One thing I was a little hesitant about is the bios chip on this boardr is not like any others I have seen. its not a socketed QFPP package like I am used to seeing, and that can be hot swapped incase of emergency. Infact I am not even really sure what chip on the board contans the actual BIOS. From what I can tell reading the manual, etc.. the 8mb flash eeprom is on the 8pin dip socket ic, and then there is more setup info on other ic's on the board. If anyone else has a similar BIOS I would be interested in knowing what are the real recovery options incase of disaster? The fact that there is the ASUS crash free bios recovery built in is my best comfort, because if something is wrong then it is supposed to automatically start and search for a new bios to flash. well any how I am determined to add slp and slic into this bios so ill post results when i can try it. and thanks
Medic: So, let me make sure that I understand the procedure. 1. Flash the Bios and then enter bios and set default values. 2. Next, do not enter into your desktop but shut down the computer and pull the power cord. Then remove the CMOS battery for about 2 minutes and replace it. This will clear CMOS, but what does it clear? Does it clear out my bios that I just flashed? I am sorry for asking these dumb questions. 3. Next, is to plug in the battery and power cord and boot the machine to the desktop. 4. Or, do I boot back into the BIOS Setup and set default values once again.... Please, I need clarification on these steps before I attempt any flashing of the bios. Thanks in advance for the advice.
Flash the Bios (enter bios and set default values - no need) shut down PC, unplug power cord (very important), take out battery, wait..... 5-15min put battery back, plug power cord, boot PC, enter BIOS setup. edit BIOS settings, eg time, day, yr, HD, boot sequence.....etc
Thank you and I greatly appreciate the help....I am getting there but I am gathering all the information of which I can gather to make sure that I do this correctly....thanks again for the help. I love this forum and how friendly and helpful everyone appears to be.