I actually have since resolved this. For anyone experiencing similar…
Turns out, the reason it wasn’t reading / writing on chip properly was that i wasn’t using 1.8v adapter with the ch341a.
This time when i read from chip, it took a lot longer (5 mins) to read and came back with all FF’s (empty). This is because i managed to erase the chip in my last attempt.
Nevertheless, i proceeded with the file in the following way…
(1) downloaded file from Asus support (not the windows type, the exflash type).
(2) it had a funny naming convention like FA706II Asus.313. I simply renamed this to BiosNew.cap
(3) Downloaded a program called UEFI tool opened the BiosNew.cat in the program, right click AMI Aptio capsule → extract body → save as BiosNew.rom. This file was around 16,000kb also.
(4) Programmed the chip once again using AsProgrammer with the file BiosNew.rom. To my surprise this worked and PC booted up.
The only thing is i’m unsure of the consequences of not having the system serial number, MAC address etc inside the BIOS. Nevertheless, it’s running without issue!
I also wondering what may happen if running a Bios without your serials, tag asset…etc
And most important how these can be extracted from corrupted Bios and changed/replaced on the file that follows to be written … maybe someone could make a tutorial for this as is quite a big deal
Hello all,
I’m trying to flash a IC Macronix MX25L6406E with a USB CH341A mini programmer black,
The chip is new but has program on it and is detected fine with the CH341A
but I can’t erase it?
Verify memory…
Verification error on address: 00000000
Execution time: 00:00:00.148
Current programmer: CH341
11:46:18
Possible protection is enabled. Press “Unprotect” and check datasheet
How could I Unprotect so I can erase, make it blank and flash again?
Thanks a lot.
Pascal
Hello Pasmod1,
maybe this website can help you. https://khandishnetwork.com/2021/01/28/c…error-solution/
https://khandishnetwork.com/2021/01/28/ch341a-flash-erasing-error-solution/
Hi guys, first-time poster newbie here I hope everyone is good.
I’ve been following the thread from the beginning referencing some important tutorial links on youtube and other great extensive shared ideas on here which are really helpful. Thanks to the creator of this forum and all contributors bringing really good stuff to share and learn.
HELP needed I’ve got a Lenovo T460s 20FA model CHIP WINBOND 25Q128JVSQ and want to unlock the BIOS password. I recently bought the Dealikee SOIC8 SOP8 Test Clip EEPROM Flash BIOS USB +1.8V Adapter + Soic8 Adapter Programmer Module Kit Set for EEPROM 93CXX / 25CXX / 24CXX + CH341A 24 25 Series
I have already moded the CH341A downgrading voltage from 5v to 3v.
Is it possible to use that croc clip on a chip and save the original BIOS, Flash and replace the current BIOS with the generated patch file and send it back to the chip again without desoldering the chip from the motherboard?
Do I need to remove or unplug the CMOS battery during the process or it’s just the 2 main batteries?
Of the 3 programming software, NeoProgrammer, Colibri, and AsProgrammer which would you recommend using?
Also, do I need to plug in a 1.8v adapter into the CH321A together with the clip or 3.3v from CH321A is good enough for the process without needing the 1.8v adapter?
Thanks in advance.
Hello,
I am trying to recover the BIOS of a Lenovo IdeaPad 320-17IKB. But the size of the BIOS.FD file (9.457kB, 9,2MB), the BIOS ROM, is larger than my 8MB (64MBits) GIGADEVICE GD25Q64 BIOS chip. I think it also contains things like the EC ROM. Could someone please help me? I can just write and erase the chip. Now the device just turns on and off repeatedly.
BIOS.zip (5.1 MB)
Has anyone had problems with the 1.8 V adapter? I cannot get it to work. I’m measuring the input 3.3 V clock with an oscilloscope and can see that it’s toggling, but the 1.8 V output clock is not.
However, having a closer look at the level shifter IC I wouldn’t expect the adapter to work either. The IC is a TI SN74ALVC164245 and the datasheet describes the IC as a “16-Bit 2.5-V to 3.3-V or 3.3-V to 5-V Level-Shifting Transceiver”. It doesn’t support 1.8 V!!
I’m confused. I suppose it’s working for most people? I’ve seen pictures of the adapter populated with an NXP version of the ALVC164245 IC. This version seems to support a wider voltage range, all the way down to 1.5 V.
So, I’m guessing that someone put the TI version as a second source, but never checked that it was fully compatible.
/F
Hello, am trying to flash a winbond W39L040P-90B is the external flasher compatible with this chip bios?
Thanks
This is a 32 PLCC package, needs the right adapter or pcb holder and a compatible app with the IC model on his database.
Hello MeatWar, the bios chip is soldered on motherboard.
Am searching compatible external bios flasher to reflash the bios.
Thanks
…whats the surprise here, that the IC is soldered???
You now have the info of the package and specs, do your job and start looking for something that fit your needs using your time not others task on their spare time, this is NOT a “regular” IC that usually you see users asking help on how to work with it.
hi @Pasmod1 ,
if your MX25L6406E is a 16pin IC,
make sure pin1 ( HOLD#) of IC goes into input 7 of CH341A.
make sure pin 2( VCC) of IC goest into input 8 of CH341A.
make sure pin 7 (CS#) of IC goes into input 1 of CH341A.
make sure pin 8 ( SO/SIO1) of IC goes into input 2 of CH341A.
make sure pin 9 ( WP#) of IC goes into input 3 of CH341A.
make sure pin 10 ( GND) of IC goes into input 4 of CH341A.
make sure pin 15 ( SI/SI0O0) of IC goes into input 5 of CH341A.
make sure pin 16 ( SCLK) of IC goes into input 6 of CH341A.
initially , i have got the same error about “unprotect” while attempt to erase, when i had my pin translation wrong . After reading this thread and understanding how a 16pin translate to a 8pin label/naming convention, i was able to erase the flash chip.
Hi,
Having trouble getting my CH341A working. Tried like every version of ch341a programmer software and ASProgrammer and the device is not recognized never mind reading the chip. Using a test spare winbond chip to figure this out. First not sure which driver do I install SER or PAR version? And not sure if this is a Windows 11 issue because I know how Windows 11 disables drivers. Can anyone advise please?
Thank you
I instructed you on the other thread, driver is PAR v2.5
ASProgrammer, COLIBRI or NEOProgammer
EDIT: Sir… i didn’t shared no package on the other thread, i linked the source of the drivers, scroll the list and you’ll find it as EXE or ZIP.
I missed it sorry.
Finally got the CH341A recognized. Seems like Windows 11 likes 2.5 PAR driver. Anyhow was using the wrong size soc connector I think. At least its recognized except Windows will disconnect the device if it has a bad a connection. Hope I didn’t fry my CH341A device. Wish it was boxed in plastic or in a case to protect it. Will have to look for the right size connector and try again. Thanks.
Is it the common design with a black PCB? Is the red LED on when you plug it in?
Does it appear in Device Manager? I used some version of NeoProgrammer and installed the driver that came with it. It worked like a charm.
Where are you getting this information from? I can check the version numbers for you if you want? But I’m on Windows 10. As I have only used NeoProgrammer, and I had good experience with the setup, I can only recommend that.
Depending on batch or version, these SOC adapters are sometimes labeled, and sometimes not. Mine are not labeled, except for one I think. So it depends on what you get in the package. Check before you connect. Do you plan to use it out-of-circuit? With chip off the board?
I know what you mean. I used mine for in-circuit programming, and I had the programmer lay on top of the PCB of the tablet that I wanted to read the chip from. What I did is I put a small plastic zip bag between the tablet PCB and programmer PCB for isolation. I would suggest you do the same.
Also, the programmer weighs almost nothing. So I had the USB cable looped through the loop of my hot air station (it was off) and to the side of my keyboard to avoid pulling or sliding the USB cable and the programmer moving around.
Yes. It is the common design with black pcb and the LED is red when I plug it in to the usb port. Light goes out when the test clip is in use. Also the bridge board that plugs in to the grid is blue.
Since PAR ver 2.5 it does appear in device manager now but fades out in device manager when connected to a test chip. Think was because was using wrong size test clip.
I wasn’t using Neo Programmer but just found a copy on my hard drive coincidentally so will try it out.
Was planning to use it with chip connected to board on an HP Prodesk SFF 600 (talking about it on other thread). Tried to connect yesterday but failed. Thank god it still works. For testing I have an old spare Winbond chip but that chip is bigger than the one on the HP.
I also am curious weather or not I can reflash an old Pioneer Bluray drive. to a previous version using the programmer. Think that one has a 16 pin bios chip. Will have to take it apart and see.
I also own a flash Cat Usb programmer but that one requires pin to pin direct connection which I once did but I am sure there is an adapter somewhere I am not aware of that allows direct soc clip connections. Anyhow when not lazy I use an old antistatic bag but lately just winging it…
Thanks