System BIOS for Dell XPS motherboard (Intel Triton)

MR BIOS (r) V097B51G Version 3.30
Copyright (c) 1996, Microid Research, Inc.

MR BIOS is a registered trademark of Microid Research, Inc.
MR CHIPS is a registered trademark of Microid Research, Inc.
Instant! Boot is a trademark of Microid Research, Inc.
Patents Pending.
All Rights Reserved.

Other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

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-------------------
NOTICE & DISCLAIMER
-------------------

RE: Failsafe-Recovery failure
    Dell bios Ver 0.05.01.BX0 - Beta 1.05

The Dell XPS motherboard tested here at Microid Research Inc.
contained a bios which identified itself as "BIOS Version A02"
on the powerup screen and in its Setup Utility.  Internally, it
also contained the string "BIOS Version 0.05.01.BX0  - Beta 1.05"
at offset FCA0 (within the write-protected recovery "boot-block").

Problem: The failsafe recovery procedure in the 8K write-protected
"boot-block" would hang (fail) if the main flash area is modified.
In simple terms, this means that after loading MR BIOS (r) into the
flash, there will be NO FAILSAFE RECOVERY possible.

If you follow instructions here and generate a backup file of the
original Dell bios, the MR Flash Loader utility "Restore" option
is designed to restore the original Dell bios PROVIDED THE SYSTEM
IS BOOTABLE.  But if the system is unbootable, there will be no
means available for you to reprogram the flash.  Note further that
the flash component is soldered to the system board.  It cannot
be removed and replaced.  If the system becomes unbootable, you
will need to have the entire computer serviced.  This will no doubt
be inconvenient, and possibly costly.

It is unclear why a "beta" bios exists in this Dell motherboard,
which appears to be a production-run unit.  Given their position
as an industry leader with a reputation of high quality standards,
we can only conclude this particular board does not represent their
general production run.  We assume, but have NOT verified, that
functional Recovery provisions exist in the production run of this
motherboard.  Obviously though, Microid Research Inc. has no control
over what Dell manufactures and ships, and therefore this following
disclaimer must be emphasized:

DISCLAIMER
----------
Microid Research Inc. is providing this documentation, flash loader and
bios AS IS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR
STATUTORY, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTY WITH RESPECT TO
MERCHANTIBILITY OR ITS FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  MICROID
RESEARCH INC. DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE FUNCTIONS CONTAINED IN THE
SOFTWARE WILL MEET ANY REQUIREMENTS OR THAT THE OPERATION OF THE
SOFTWARE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR-FREE.  MICROID RESEARCH INC.
SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
OF ANY KIND.  Your use of the product serves as explicit acceptance
of these terms.  So evaluate the risk carefully and, should you choose
to use this software, take your time and please be careful!

Throughout the remainder of the text below, it is assumed that the
Failsafe Recovery provision actually exists and operates correctly.
Please consult with Dell for verification.

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ShareWare Version:  "Please copy this program in its entirety, without
modification, and pass it on to others.  If you like it, please pay for
each copy you install.  If you don't pay for it, please uninstall it.
Remember, your purchase is a vote."

License Fee:  USD $15.00 per installed copy

Microid Research, Inc.
2336-D Walsh Ave.
Santa Clara, CA, 95051
USA

email: mrbios@mrbios.com
web-site: http://www.mrbios.com

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MR BIOS (r)  Copyright (c) 1996  Microid Research, Inc.

Patents Pending

Advanced buzzword features include:

 (1) Plug 'n Play card support.
       1a) Auto resource steering
       1b) Win95 compatible
 (2) PCI and Bridge support.
       2a) Auto resource steering
       2b) DEC PCI-PCI bridges
 (3) Energy Star power management.
       3a) APM for Windows and DOS
       3b) VESA DPMS video mgmt
       3c) SMI and STPCLK
       3d) Timewarp correction
 (4) Fast-ATA support.
       4a) ATA Mode 4/5 (to 20 MB/S)
       4b) Built-in CMD-640, OPTi-621 drivers
 (5) Enhanced IDE support.
       5a) LBA and CHS translations
       5b) EDPT Table support
       5c) IBM/Microsoft INT13 extensions
       5c) 8 discs max, each to 137 GByte
       5d) Drive remapping
       5e) Boot SCSI (ahead of IDE)
 (6) Atapi and Removable IDE.
       6a) CD-ROM recognition
       6b) SyQuest and Ejectable Media
 (7) Enhanced Floppy support.
       7a) 4 floppy/tape-drives max
       7b) Drive remapping
 (8) Enhanced Parallel Port.
       8a) SPP, Bidir, EPP, ECP modes
 (9) Anti-Virus protection.
(10) Password Security.
(11) PS/2 Mouse support.
(12) Pentium and 6x86 CPU support.
(13) Instant! Boot (tm).

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---------------------------------------------
MR_DELL System BIOS and Flash Upload Utility
---------------------------------------------

Four files are included in this distribution kit.

MR_DELL.BIO  - MR BIOS (r) System BIOS
MR_DELL.EXE  - Flash Loader Utility
MR_DELL.TXT  - This file you're reading
AUTOEXEC.BAT - For Flash-Recovery disk

The System BIOS file contains the Microid Research BIOS ("MR BIOS (r)"),
customized for your Dell XPS motherboard.  It is designed to supercede
the Dell distribution (or AMI 1992 core) BIOS that is currently running
your computer.  The 1995 MR BIOS (r) core provides the latest state-
of-the-art BIOS technologies that automate most of your computer's
setup and deliver unmatched performance and utility.

Unlike most programs that you are familiar with, the System BIOS does
not execute from disk.  Instead, it is stored in a Flash-ROM component
that resides on the motherboard and begins executing immediately upon
powerup.  This Flash-ROM can be reprogrammed by means of a Flash Upload
Utility.  In order to install MR BIOS (r) in your computer, you'll need
to reprogram its Flash-ROM through use of the MR_DELL.EXE Flash Loader.

The Flash Loader Utility is simple to use, and performs its job very
quickly.  Select option "3. Install" to initiate the Flash upload
procedure.  After it completes the Flash upload, it will direct you to
reset the computer or re-cycle its power.  Upon doing so, you will be
greeted with an alarming message that the "CMOS Memory is Corrupt",
and the BIOS Setup Utility will be activated.  Don't be alarmed.  The
Flash Loader Utility intentionally clears the CMOS to simulate a
factory-new condition and provoke a Setup session.

Upon arriving in the Setup Utility, you will need to reset the time
and date, and manually input the type(s) of Floppy drive(s) in your
computer.  Beyond that, everything else will already be set for optimal
performance and you can simply exit by pressing <F10>.  Or, you might
browse around and tailor some options like Password Security or Power
Management per your preference.  After this Setup session, your computer
will reboot thereafter without any hysterical messages.

Be advised that there is an element of risk in reprogramming the
computer's Flash System BIOS.  If the Flash Load procedure does not
complete for some reason (eg, if the power is shut off in the middle
of things), or if the image being uploaded into the Flash-ROM is not
appropriate, then the computer will simply not operate correctly (or
at all) anymore.  For this reason, your Dell XPS motherboard implements
a failsafe "Recovery" mode that can reload the original BIOS image
from floppy diskette, even when the existing System BIOS is faulty.
Please be sure to read the following section "Failsafe Recovery
Preparation" before uploading the MR BIOS (r) System BIOS.

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-----------------------------
Failsafe Recovery Preparation
-----------------------------

NOTE: See "Notice & Disclaimer" section at the top of this file.


The Dell XPS motherboard's Flash-ROM contains a protected "Boot-Block"
that cannot be erased.  Its purpose is to provide failsafe recovery
code that reloads the Flash-ROM in the event it somehow becomes
corrupted.  Under normal conditions, there should never be occasion
to activate the failsafe recovery mode (and you shouldn't play with
it).  However, you should be aware of this facility, and prepare the
necessary things in advance.  "Just in case".

Jumper "G" located among the jumper-block on the left side of the
motherboard is used to activate the Boot-Block Recovery mode.  When
plugged in position "2" (the way it is now), Normal operation is
selected.  When plugged in position "1", the Recovery mode is selected.

When activated by plugging Jumper "G" to position "1", the Boot-Block
code performs a minimal system boot, barely sufficient to load DOS from
drive A:.  The recovery floppy in drive A: needs to be bootable (formatted
"/S" with DOS), and contain

   -  DOS and COMMAND.COM
   -  AUTOEXEC.BAT, specially prepared
   -  MR_DELL.EXE, the Flash Loader Utility
   -  DELL.BAK, the original BIOS backup image

Before uploading MRBIOS (r) into the Flash-ROM, be sure to prepare
a Failsafe Recovery diskette per these instructions:

Step 1
------
Format a floppy "/S" (with DOS and COMMAND.COM).

Step 2
------
Copy the contents of this distribution kit onto the floppy.  At minimum,
the files AUTOEXEC.BAT and MR_DELL.EXE need to be transferred onto it.

Step 3
------
Generate DELL.BAK backup image file:

Run the MR_DELL Flash Loader program directly from floppy in drive A:.

Select option "1. Backup" upon entering the utility.  This will copy the
content of your computer's Flash-BIOS into the file DELL.BAK.

Select option "5. Exit" to exit the program.  Type DIR A: and confirm
that DELL.BAK was generated on the floppy in drive A:.  (If not, you
probably ran the program from drive C:, right?  In this case, COPY the
DELL.BAK file onto the floppy).

Step 4
------
With this floppy in drive A:, reboot your computer via <Ctrl Alt Del>.
If the floppy is prepared correctly, its AUTOEXEC.BAT file should put
you directly into the MR_DELL Flash Loader program.

Select option "2. Verify".  This compares the Flash-BIOS in your computer
with the backup file DELL.BAK and reports the results.

Select option "5. Exit" to exit the program.

Step 5
------
Assuming Step 4 verification is successful, the floppy is now fully
prepared.  Set the Write-Protect notch, label it, and put it away
for safekeeping.

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-------------------------------------
MR BIOS (r) Installation Instructions
-------------------------------------

Step 1
------
Prepare a Failsafe Recovery diskette according to instructions above.

Step 2
------
Invoke MR_DELL.EXE Flash Loader, and select option "3. Install".

This loads the MR_DELL.BIO file into Flash.  Wait briefly for a message
that indicates the procedure is completed.  Then press the reset button
or recycle your computer's power.

Be sure to wait for the completion message before resetting the computer.

Step 3
------
The first bootup after loading the new BIOS, you will be directed into
the BIOS Setup Utility.  Configure floppy drive(s) and other options.
Exit by pressing <F10>.

Step 4
------
Win95 Users:  In a few installations, Windows 95 has been reported to
"remember" certain properties of the BIOS that has been replaced by
MR BIOS.  This can lead to some bewildering behavior.  The best rule
of thumb is to unconditionally run Win95's "Hardware Wizard" once after
installing MR BIOS.  If weirdness persists, use the sledge-hammer
approach and run Win95's "Setup".

Step 5
------
Enjoy!

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----------------------------------------
Failsafe Recovery - Corrupted Flash BIOS
----------------------------------------

NOTE: See "Notice & Disclaimer" section at the top of this file.


In the unlikely event that your Dell XPS motherboard's Flash BIOS
somehow becomes corrupted and the computer will no longer boot, you
will need to reload its Flash from the Failsafe Recovery diskette.

First step: relax.  When the Flash BIOS is crashed, your computer will
be *real* unhappy with it.  It'll try to distress and panic you.  It'll
do anything (or nothing) within its power to get you to upload a new
BIOS image.  So, relax.  Then, when you've recovered, let's proceed to
recovering the Flash.

Begin by turning off all power, opening the computer case, and locating
the 3-pin Jumper "G" on the left edge of the motherboard.  Carefully
using a small needle nose pliers, unplug Jumper "G" from position "2"
and install it in position "1".

Turn the power back on, and insert the Failsafe Recovery diskette in
drive A:.  The floppy drive's activity LED will become illuminated
and stay that way for a minute or so, then it will turn back off.

When drive A: LED turns back off, the Failsafe Recovery procedure is
completed and the Flash BIOS is restored.  Shut off the computer's
power and replace Jumper "G" to its original position "2".

Notes:
------
(1) If you turn on your computer one morning and discover it won't
boot, the problem may have nothing to do with its Flash-BIOS.  The
computer might simply be unplugged or broken or etc.

(2) The Failsafe Recovery procedure reloads the Flash BIOS from the
file DELL.BAK on the diskette.  If it was prepared per instructions
above, the original Dell/AMI BIOS will be restored.  (Recall that
step "1. Backup" copied the original Dell/AMI Flash image into the
DELL.BAK backup file).  You can also make a Failsafe Recovery diskette
that reloads MR BIOS (r) instead, simply by COPYing or RENaming the
MR_DELL.BIO file to DELL.BAK on the diskette.  If you want to do
this, don't do it to the original (Dell/AMI) Failsafe Recovery disk.
Prepare a second floppy.  This way, you'll always be able to recover
things to the very original factory condition.  "Just in case".

(3) You might have noticed that the AUTOEXEC.BAT file on the Recovery
diskette contains the single line "MR_DELL".  Therefore, when this
diskette is booted, the MR_DELL.EXE Flash Loader is invoked.  Upon
being invoked, it checks the status of the recovery Jumper "G" and
automatically executes the "4. Restore" option when it is plugged
in the "1" Recovery position.  (If it is in the Normal "2" position,
the menu is presented instead and MR_DELL waits for your manual input).

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----------------
Revision History
----------------

Microid Research Inc. is grateful for your suggestions, criticisms,
and bug reports.  We're proud to share with you evidence of continued
progress and improvements, much to your credit.  Thank you!

Ver 3.30 - Display MR BIOS logo on powerup screen.
           Show PnP serial and parallel ports in setup utility.
           Longer IDE spindown timer values (2,5,10 --> 5,10,20 min).
Ver 3.29 - EV2,ATX,Atlantis: Fix for Crystal Audio + Win95.
           UMC/ITE 8669F Super I/O chip:  Fix PnP support.
Ver 3.28 - Update: Deleting on-board COM/LPT ports in "Ports" setup
           utility now fully disables them.
           Fix: 6x86 cacheable range for non-binary memory sizes.
Ver 3.27 - Workaround: PnP issues with Crystal soundblaster.
           Workaround: COM4 port usage by ATI video.
           Update: Aggressive CMOS-default memory settings.
           Update: Roundup CPU MHz display (cosmetic).
           Update: Display dram config in Chipset setup screen.
           Update: Performance tweaks for 6x86 CPU.
Ver 3.26 - Workaround: Aha2940 PCI I/O alignment for Chinese OS/2 (TWarp).
           Reduced binary bios image to 92K.  Changed flash loader, now
           does not clear cmos century byte (ref: NDD95).
Ver 3.25 - Fix: Timing problem with certain 512K pipeline cache modules.
           Fix: Incompatibility with WD 719X SCSI controllers.
Ver 3.24 - Workaround: Disable CPU Pipelining during POST.
           Upgrade: Higher performance for Mode4 IDE drives.
Ver 3.23 - Workaround: Apply v3.22 fix to *all* Adaptec PCI devices.
           LPT modes: SPP,Bidir,EPP,ECP options for Winbond Super I/O too.
           Upgrade: Add "CPU-Pipeline" on/off option (for debug purposes).
           Upgrade: RAID-0 disk striping option, interleave 2-8 IDE drives.
Ver 3.22 - Workaround: Fix for Adaptec 2940 bios Ver 1.21 warm-boot bug.
           Workaround: Fix for nVidia/SGS VGA, replicated PCI ROM register.
           Workaround: Fix for Holtek asic 8042 bug.
           Workaround: Move Pnp-Data-Read port to avoid gameport decode bug.
Ver 3.21 - Upgrade: Add aggressive "55nS" memory-type option.
           Bugfix: Obscure bug in "manual" PCI-Int Setup affects mapping over
                   bridge of Ints B,C,D (not A) for a few non-Zappa's.
Ver 3.20 - Upgrade: Add CMD 646 EIDE built-in driver.
           Upgrade: Longer IDE spindown timer values (1,2,5 --> 2,5,10 min).
           Upgrade: Provide setup field to disable soundblaster totally.
           Workaround: De-enhance disk seeks to eliminate Norton8 complaint.
           Workaround: Fix for Adaptec 2940 bios Ver 1.20 bug.
           Workaround: Fix for S3 '968 32MB pageframe decode bug.
           Workaround: Fix for Supra PnP Modem bug (drop Adaptec 1542CP fix).
Ver 3.19 - LPT modes: SPP,Bidir,EPP,ECP now user options. (SMC & NSC chips).
Ver 3.18 - Update for production Cyrix 6x86.
Ver 3.17 - Limit ATA-disc "auto" to Mode 3.  Mode 4 only avail via "manual".
Ver 3.16 - Asymmetric 2M dram support (16M/bank, single-sided).
Ver 3.15 - n/a
Ver 3.14 - Force bidirectional parallel-port for Nat'l Semi Super-I/O.
Ver 3.13 - n/a
Ver 3.12 - Bugfix: PnP core overlapped "manual" setup of PCI interrupts.
Ver 3.11 - n/a
Ver 3.10 - Original Zappa ED,ZP ShareWare release; with new PnP core.

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