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Messages - mtothaj

16
Hardware projects / Re: Z420 BIOS mod
December 17, 2016, 02:19:58 pm
PS for your information this is the programmer I am using:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-Programmer-CH341A-Series-Burner-Chip-24-EEPROM-BIOS-Writer-25-SPI-Flash-NEW-/191674211030?hash=item2ca0ac5ad6:g:p8wAAOSw3ydVkT51

With regard to the software you want to use version 1.18. This one correctly identifies / reads / programs the W25Q128BV bios chip which is in the Z420.
The link for the drivers download is available in the description of this YT video (which I also recommend watching): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NYe21nFSDI

If you have AMT enabled it is also worth upgrading the Management Engine firmware to the newest version 8.xxxx since the latest bios editions contain some annoying check where even if you have the 2013 boot block date but the older version 7.xxxxx ME firmware the system will fail to boot. An alternative approach to avoid dealing with this is to just download the latest bios from HP, open it in hex editor and in line offset 00001000 put in your mac address (00 - 05). This will give you latest bios, ME firmware and  bootblock, and the bios will have your MAC address hardcoded.

If you require more info let me know.
17
Hardware projects / Re: Z420 BIOS mod
December 04, 2016, 01:00:11 am
For the time being to upgrade the Z420 to the newer 2013 boot block you will have to use an external SPI programmer.
Basically, update to the latest bios version using the official HP method (as of now v3.91) , read your bios chip contents with the programmer and replace the bootblock section (FF0000-FFFFFF) with that from the latest bios on the HP website, since the boot block does not get updated during normal flashing using the HP tool, and then flash the modified bios back to the chip.

IMHO, the safest way to approach this is to i) socket the bios chip (SOK-SPI-16W socket, best to use a mobile phone / computer repair place for the desoldering / soldering) ii) buy 1 or 2 new W25q128BVFG chips iii) read contents of the original bios with e.g. a CH341A programmer, replace boot block contents (FF0000-FFFFFF) with that from newer bios revision and write that onto one of your new bios chips.

Total cost of parts = 15 - 20 USD + desoldering / soldering unless you can do this yourself. Still works out a lot cheaper than a new board and you can always put your old bios chip in if anything goes wrong while flashing one of your new chips.