Asus Q302L BIOS update problems

Hopefully anyone else that gets bricked eventually finds there way here for help!!
I’d hate to see people tossing out laptops thinking no way to fix, or paying huge fee to Asus for RMA on out of warranty system just for a simple BIOS flash.

Hi world!
Me 2 bricked my q302l after updating to 205 awhile ago. My cmos battery was dead during the BIOS upgrade process.
I then bought a CH341A and found it couldn’t read the BIOS chip(even when it is out of the board).
I recently received new w25q64fv chips and the reader have no problem reading and writing to the new ones so I am calling the old one died.

Now I need a known good version 203 bios for my q302l.
I tried putting sidmodi_q302la_203_upME_upCPU_08022020.bin in and got fan spin but no boot. Hopefully a good bios fixes it.
@Lost_N_BIOS Any help would be appreciated

@edwardlui531 - CH341A can read the chip while soldered to board, everyone here did it without issue. Maybe you just didn’t have good connection, or correct software version?

Did you remove your chip from the board now? If yes, what is the chip ID? That way I can tell you what software/version to use to dump it, then you can send me dump so I can fix you new BIOS.
Additionally, sounds like you have a bad write process so far too, so probably wrong software or version for your new chip as well.
All BIOS here are personal to each user, so you shouldn’t use or you will have their info in your board, but they all should boot fine (so that is why I said failed write)

For your new chip, you need to use software 1.30 or 1.34 and W25Q64BV ID, otherwise all writes will fail. Here is package with both
http://s000.tinyupload.com/index.php?fil…695330485827902

I use that ID to dump too, but I have not checked if it dumps OK with original FV ID
If your original chip is this same ID, please put it in your CH341A and dump it using W25Q64BV ID and send to me.

Whenever I use 1.30 or 1.34 program, the way that it was telling me to put the chip in will cause the usb to disconnect(I am guessing there is a short)
With 1.18, I was able to detect/read/write to the new chip. But not the original.
1.34/30 show this diagram: https://imgur.com/gZXGzxS
1.18 show this diagram: https://imgur.com/Pea7tVR
The original chip is 25Q64FVSIG 1415
The replacement chip I got is 25Q64FVSIG 1606

I was able to program the new chip with the 1.18 wiring on 1.34 software. Still only fan spin
CH341A that I bought: https://tinyurl.com/wxo7osb

Judging by how my old chip died, I am guess there is something more wron with mine that others on the forum.
Gonna give up for now.

@edwardlui531 - Yes, pay no attention to the way “It” is telling you to put in BIOS chip, that is not a directional thing, rather a generic BIOS chip logo/image they shouldn’t have used
See guide, second spoiler, chip goes in like this (same as cable) - [GUIDE] Flash BIOS with CH341A programmer

25Q64FV = 25Q64FV same/same, what I said above applied, tested and confirmed myself directly, many times with the exact programmer you have.
It’s possible you damaged the pads or ripped one out when you removed old BIOS chip, or have not soldered in the new chip properly/fully etc? Dump your original bricked chip and send me contents, I will make you new BIOS.

Hello,
recently I upgraded my notebook ASUS Q302LA BIOS to version 205. Unfortunately it stopped working after that. Then I have found this topic. I bought CH341A Programmer to reflash my bios. But here i made a mistake. I downloaded one of the bios files i found here and programmed it without making a backup of my old bricked BIOS. Notebook works, but the serial number in my bios is not the same as on my notebook sticker. My Windows 8.1 is unable to activate. What should I do?
Here is a link to a bios i’m running right now (I read it directly from BIOS chip): http://gofile.me/3hdhg/7mQdUQieK

@Tomkoon - which BIOS from what post # did you use?? So I can locate that incorrect info and fix what we can

I used BIOS from post number #48. I send you a PM with all the details and links to current state BIOS.

I’m writing on my Asus Q302LA that as of a few hours ago was “bricked”. I thought it was a permanent doorstop after an attempt to update bios to 305 failed. Then I learned about something called a ch341a programmer by reading this forum. I ordered one off ebay and learned how to clip the connector onto the bios and use the programmer to load a working bios. This forum provided a working bios dump that I used, after much trial and error, to program the bios back to the working 302 state. I can’t believe I was able to do all that without anyone needing to hold my hand and give step by step directions. I did follow these directions: [GUIDE] The Beginners Guide to Using a CH341A SPI Programmer/Flasher (With Pictures!) from this site (thank you _haru for providing this) which I would recommend to anyone trying this. Also searching this site and finding solutions for my specific computer. Again, thank you!

@Tomkoon - Sorry for the delayed reply, stuff gets buried on me quick here

I see in a folder for you, I have your info you sent me, and some fixed BIOS, but not sure if I ever sent to you or not. If I did already, great! If not, let me know, it looks like I already fixed BIOS for you but did not post here (maybe sent in PM, not sure?)

@markie161 - Do you mind if I merge your post into the main Q302LA thread here - Asus Q302L BIOS update problems (5)
Great you were able to fix your system yourself, great job! If you need serial or MAC ID etc fixed let me know.

Merge is fine. I’m not sure if I need serial or MAC ID fixed as I don’t currently have any thermal paste and only turned the computer on long enough to see that it works(!) also, will be running Linux.

@markie161 - Serial is really only needed for RMA, if the checked BIOS instead of sticker, or if windows doesn’t activate due to it missing or other than your own (or UUID, or in BIOS windows keys missing etc).
LAN MAC ID may be stored in chip, not in BIOS, I can’t remember for this model so you’d have to check and see if Ethernet LAN working or not.
Merging now, thanks

Hello!

I had the same issue as the people here… I did dump my bios prior (if it even worked correctly) and was wondering if you would assist with merging my data into a working 203 bios? I actually already used one of the others you posted and it fixed it! but it would be nice to have the info tossed back in.

Looking forward to a reply! Thank you :smiley:

Here is the link if you find the time: err guess I cant post external links?